JANUARY 2, 2010 ‘First Shots’ Event Offers Safe, Educational Introduction to Shooting

 

 When it comes to learning about shooting and firearms ownership, not knowing how or where to start can be an intimidating hurdle for newcomers.

 

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is partnering with SALEM GUN & ARCHERY CLUB to offer area residents a welcoming introduction to the safe, recreational use of handguns.  Through a program called First Shots, first-time novice shooters can attend a free half-day session composed of classroom and range time.

 

First Shots will be held JANUARY 2, 2010 in two sessions the first of which will be 9:00 am – Noon and the second from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at SALEM GUN & ARCHERY CLUB, located at 161 Belmore Farm Dr., Salem, SC 29676.  Pre-registration is required by contacting the range at: (864) 944-0425.   Or click HERE to enroll in the morning class…   or HERE to enroll in the afternoon class

 

 “First Shots is a great opportunity for the public to learn from professionals exactly what gun ownership and the shooting sports are all about.  It’s also a chance to give handgun shooting a try,” said Richard Belmore, owner of Salem Gun & Archery Club.

 

            First Shots events provide the public with a chance to learn the rules and requirements of handgun ownership along with comprehensive information on safety, shooting sports opportunities, individual and group training and range access.  It also answers new shooters’ questions regarding firearms and firearm ownership and provides an opportunity to give shooting a try.

 

FACTS:  HANDGUNS IN THE U.S.

 

·                     Of the estimated 192 million gun owners, 65 million are handgun owners.

 

·                     One in every four households has one or more handguns.

 

·                     Handgun types owned:  revolvers – 31 million; semi-automatic- 26 million, other- 8 million.

 

·                     Handgun sales rose 38 percent in 2009.

 

·                     Firearm crimes, suicides and accidents are trending downwards.

 

·                     There are 2.7 million active female handgun target shooters.

 

·                     Handgun target shooter demographics:

o        81% mail, 19% female;

o        Average income - $68,800;

o        Average age – 39

o        % with education beyond high school – 56%

 

·                     48 states allow some form of concealed-carry handguns for personal protection.

 

·                     Handguns are legal for hunting in 48 states.

 

 

            “For many individuals, especially in states with more restrictive handgun laws, an aura of mystery surrounds handgun ownership,” said Cyndi Dalena of NSSF, which developed the First Shots program.  “In partnership with local retailers, First Shots provides the public with a chance to try shooting in a safe environment with qualified instructors.”  First Shots is one of many NSSF programs working to increase awareness of and participation in the shooting sports.  For more information on First Shots, visit www.firstshots.org.

 

FACTS: HANDGUNS IN THE U.S. • Of the estimated 192 million gun owners, 65 million are handgun owners. • One in every four households has one or more handguns. • Handgun types owned: revolvers – 31 million; semi-automatic- 26 million, other- 8 million. • Handgun sales rose 38 percent in 2009. • Firearm crimes, suicides and accidents are trending downwards. • There are 2.7 million active female handgun target shooters. • Handgun target shooter demographics: o 81% mail, 19% female; o Average income - $68,800; o Average age – 39 o % with education beyond high school – 56% • 48 states allow some form of concealed-carry handguns for personal protection. • Handguns are legal for hunting in 48 states. NSSF, founded in 1961, is the trade association for the firearms and recreational shooting sports industry and promotes the safe ownership and responsible use of products its members make and sell.  For more information, visit www.nssf.org.