Houston Welcomes NSSF First Shots’ Introduction-to-Shooting Program
National Shooting Sports Foundation 08.09.13
The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s First Shots Big City Tour rolled into Houston on August 2 for three days of seminars providing supervised, safe introductions to the sport of target shooting.
More than 200 people attended the seminars at four host ranges, reflecting the strong national trend of Americans wanting to know more about firearms ownership, personal and home protection, and the shooting sports.
As in all First Shots seminars conducted nationwide, certified firearm instructors introduced participants to the topics of safe firearms handling and storage, federal and state laws, and the responsibilities that accompany firearms ownership. Moving out of the classroom to the shooting range, First Shots participants took their “first shots” in a safe, controlled environment. Many then proudly posed for photographs with their targets.
The seminars were hosted at four shooting ranges in the Houston area: American Shooting Centers in Houston, High Noon Indoor Pistol Range in Crosby, Spring Guns and Ammo in Spring, and The Arms Room in League City.
“I was very nervous,” stated one participant, “but after firing the first shot, I realized it was not nearly as scary as I thought it would be. It was fun, and I will be back to do it again.”
Said Tisma Juett, manager of the First Shots program, “Many participants had the same reaction. It’s something we see across the country in our seminars: initial apprehension followed by a little success and then wanting to do more target shooting.”
First Shots surveys show that more than 43 percent of participants have returned to the host range an average of six times within six months of taking their first shots. Many when they return bring a friend or family member with them to share the experience.
Juett said that First Shots extends its thanks to the host ranges and to longtime program sponsors Remington for providing the ammunition and Birchwood-Casey for providing the Shoot ‘N See targets.
NSSF, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, developed First Shots because people across the country continue to express keen interest in learning more firearms and target shooting. A 2010 NSSF poll conducted by Harris Interactive found that 43 percent of respondents, which equates to nearly 98 million people, expressed some level of interest in participating in the shooting sports or hunting.
In addition to Houston, the First Shots Big City Tour has been to Chicago, Miami and Sacramento. The First Shots Big City Tour next rolls into Atlanta.
Learn more about First Shots at www.firstshots.org.
