This feature appears in the May ‘17 issue of NRA America’s 1st Freedom, one of the official journals of the National Rifle Association.
Taking a new shooter to the range and sharing your know-how about firearms will help the NRA grow and get stronger as we continue to pass on our heritage to the next generation to keep and bear arms.
Under the NRA Mentor Initiative—organized by NRA Publications and sponsored by EAA Corp., Winchester Ammunition, Taurus and Walker’s Game Ear—we’re encouraging all 5 million NRA members to take new or prospective shooters to the range, thereby turning potential apprehension into familiarity. Do this throughout the month of May, and also enter the NRA Mentor Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of more than 30 valuable prizes. This page explains what you need to know about the NRA Mentor Sweepstakes, including how to enter.
Think about your first experience handling a firearm. Were you unsure of what to do until someone explained how to safely handle it?
Over the past five years, record millions of Americans purchased their first firearms. While they enter into gun ownership with the best intentions, newcomers sometimes don’t know what to do next. That uncertainty causes some to put away their guns without ever firing them. As member mentors, you can help budding shooters—your neighbor across the street, a co-worker, a family member—understand firearm safety, handling and range protocol. We can also encourage them to enroll with local NRA-Certified Instructors for the expert training they need to become safe and skilled with their firearms and feel comfortable walking into a range for the first time.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of potential mentors if we all step up.
The Guide for New Shooters provides useful information about range rules, gun safety, gear, shooting tips, gun cleaning and storage. It was created for new shooters and is something mentors can use as a teaching aid.
Please identify new shooters and help them gain confidence. Take the time to talk to them about how NRA protects our rights and works to support shooting sports and train new shooters. You can encourage them to become NRA members by filling out the handy application form included with the guide.
NRA can be stronger as you reach out to family and friends who may have been curious but are daunted by shooting. Tens or hundreds of thousands—perhaps even a million—new members can learn in a safe and familiar environment with you on hand to help take the guesswork out of shooting.
The Mentor Initiative is a great way to show your community and the nation that the NRA cares, that our commitment to teaching firearm safety, supporting our Second Amendment heritage, and passing on shooting skills remains as strong as it was when the Association was founded for this very purpose in 1871. Don’t miss out! Devoting a few hours to helping new shooters and the NRA will stand as one of your best days ever at the range.
