Where to Start?

[Mike J]

A person on the job site that I have known for some time asked me a question today & I didn't know what to tell him. He knows I own guns, have hunted & like to shoot. He wanted to know what organization runs rifle shooting competitions. I was thinking either CMP or NRA but I honestly don't know what is out there. He has a daughter that he would be interested in getting into it. So where should he look or who should he contact to get started?

 

[Jim Watson]

Learn the basics. https://www.youthshootingsa.com/product/project-appleseed-georgia-2/
CMP Rimfire Sporter is great. https://thecmp.org/competitions/matches/rimfire-sporter-2/
Clubs I have been to in Georgia
https://www.rbgc.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=265856&module_id=473423
https://southrivergunclub.com/activities/high-power-rifle-matches/

 

[Soupy44]

Hop on targettalk.org and post a message about looking for a junior program. Lots of helpful folks there and they'll have the firsthand knowledge of programs down there. I know Griffin, GA has a great facility and program, not sure about the rest of the state.

 

[MrBorland]

If she doesn't already shoot, I'd recommend starting off with an Appleseed event. It's not a competition, per se, but teaches basic rifle marksmanship skill, and requires very little in terms of specialized equipment. There will undoubtedly be folks there who can discuss rifle competition options, or at least point her in some direction.

https://appleseedinfo.org/

 

[Tinker-S]

If your friend lives near/close by CMP Talladega, AL, it would be a good idea to attend one of the clinics held there every week to get familiar with firearms, but they must bring their own firearm and schedule their class. The CMP is THE BEST range near Atlanta, with very accommodating facilities, and family and friends will have a good time inside the club house if they do not want to walk to the ranges. I do not mind the 3 1/2 hour trip to go and use their facilities. Clean restrooms, and a very nice seating area with HVAC. No membership required and 50% off for kids. Patrons can use all/most ranges for a $30.00 fee per day. Totally different from any other facilities, and I like the fact that I do not have to walk to my target to score it. It is all electronic targets.

 

[Varminterror]

Most kids aren’t going to be enthralled by the pace and format of NRA 3-4 Position shooting. Any shooting is better than none, but it’s a pretty exacting environment and not terribly interactive.

Appleseed events seem to be ok if you have a good proctor running it, but some dudes seem to take the whole “revolution is a civic duty” a little too far. But a lot of folks enjoy it because it’s enough competition for a dad who thinks they know how to shoot to enjoy it, and enough instruction to help teach the dad and their kid a little of how to shoot.

Smallbore Silhouette would be a more interactive experience, albeit few and far between around the country.

NRL22/PRS-Rimfire would likely be the most entertaining and engaging, and even if a range doesn’t exist nearby, it’s pretty easy for shooters to set up their own stages based on the NRL22 Monthly Course of Fire and even start hosting their own matches.

 

[MrBorland]

Appleseed events seem to be ok if you have a good proctor running it, but some dudes seem to take the whole “revolution is a civic duty” a little too far. But a lot of folks enjoy it because it’s enough competition for a dad who thinks they know how to shoot to enjoy it, and enough instruction to help teach the dad and their kid a little of how to shoot.

Can't argue with any of that. I personally think it's best to have some basic proficiency before jumping into competition, though, and Appleseed does a decent job at that. It's not that much of a commitment, and likely worth just politely listening to the history lessons if they're not of interest or something you already know. OTOH, if the young lady already has basic skills, sure, go straight to something competitive & interactive.