High School Rifle Clubs Soar In Popularity

posted on April 20, 2016
** 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. **

There’s video games, Snapchat and another interest taking high school students by storm—shooting sports. More teens are training and competing nationwide, causing a boom in gun club participation. As Thomas Ciarula, coach of Potomac High School’s Robinson Rifles, told LifeZette, “Shooting is a great sport because, unlike other sports, men and women compete equally. All are welcome as long as we have the space.” 

It was common for high schools across America to have shooting clubs until the late 1960s. But as debate over guns intensified, involvement dwindled. According to Bloomberg News, the Minnesota High School Clay Target Championship attracted only 30 shooters in 2009. The same challenge drew more than 5,000 last June, as well as 20,000 spectators.

Latest

The Armed Citizen
The Armed Citizen

The Armed Citizen® February 18, 2026

A man in his 70s was in his home in Jacksonville, Fla., shortly after lunchtime on Nov. 18, 2025, when an intruder broke in through a back window and demanded his keys and valuables.

The “L” in NRA-ILA Refers to Legislation, But Litigation is also Critically Important

Latest legislative news from inside the NRA Institute for Legislative Action

Video Interview: Buck Sexton Calls Gun Control a “Manufactured Delusion”

Buck Sexton, the radio host and author, has a new book out titled Manufacturing Delusion—How the Left Uses Brainwashing, Indoctrination, And Propaganda Against You. As Sexton is an ardent Second Amendment advocate and an NRA-certified firearms instructor, we decided to ask him if gun control is a manufactured delusion.

President’s Column | NRA 2.0 Transformations

As reported on Oct. 31, 2025, the NRA announced a major internal reorganization to modernize and increase efficiencies. This reorganization marked the first step in our effort to modernize and improve operations.

Standing Guard | The NRA Stands And Fights For Freedom

Every company, great or small, needs a realignment now and then. But, when a company has been around for nearly 155 glorious years, straightening the course can take a full reformation.

DOJ Civil Rights Division’s New Second Amendment Section Hits the Ground Running

Just over a year ago, a hostile federal executive branch had gun owners under siege on all fronts.

Interests



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.