Fear & Loading: August is National Shooting Sports Month

by
posted on August 2, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
nssm18_lead_horiz_2.jpg

Do you remember the first time a family member or close friend put you behind a trigger and shared the pleasure of shooting? I was well off the mark on those first shots—as is the case with most beginners—but that contagious fun, flavored with liberal doses of safety, concentration and discipline, has been on target ever since.

There’s no way to repay that special person who invested the time to introduce us to firearms. During National Shooting Sports Month—which is in August—we can, however, pass on the tradition to someone new. It’s no coincidence the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) launched this effort last year to coincide with the month-long celebrations of family fun and picnics. Smiles, laughter and sandwiches are routine at ranges across the nation, regardless of season.

Hundreds of facilities have signed up to host special events this month, more than likely quite a few are near you. A complete listing is available on the website, and it’s sortable by state.

As added incentive, NSSF is also holding a free “Let’s Go Shooting” sweepstakes, with weekly prizes given away throughout August. Three grand prize winners will also claim a Remington and Nightforce long-range package, a Camp Chef pellet grill and accessories, a nICE Cooler with Bass Pro gift card and much more. For obvious reasons, participants must meet certain requirements and all federal, state and local regulations apply. The rules [PDF] are simple, though, and there’s no cost to enter. While you’re surfing the web, don’t forget to sign up for the National Shooting Sports Month Gearbox sweepstakes.

Everyone who tickles a trigger for the first time this month comes away a winner, though. Quality time with friends and family is always on target—even back in my day, when wandering rogue velociraptors often forced the range to go cold.

Latest

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.