Industry Support Fuels First Shots Success

Seminar to Feature Safe Introduction to Handgun Shooting

NEWTOWN, Conn.-This year nearly 100 shooting ranges across the country will provide local residents with the opportunity to take their first shots with a handgun, rifle or shotgun through the National Shooting Sports Foundation's First Shots program.

And when these newcomers squeeze the trigger for the first time, they will have done so because of the support given to the program by many firearm industry companies and shooting sports organizations. Sponsors provide much-needed loaner firearms, training and safety literature, important information on how to get more involved in shooting or hunting, and fun promotional items. "I see First Shots as very important to building long-term growth for the industry," said Adam Wollander, vice president of sales and marketing with Crimson Trace, the maker of grip-integrated laser sighting systems.

Companies providing support to the program in 2008 include . . .

"All of these companies and organizations have stepped up to make sure that first-time shooters have a first-rate experience," said Cyndi Dalena, NSSF's First Shots manager. "Their assistance plays a key role in First Shots' success. The program's recent expansion to include rifle and shotgun means even more industry companies can be involved with this targeted effort to reach a new audience and build new customers."

First Shots®, a fast-growing program developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and hosted by independent shooting facilities, provides newcomers with a welcoming introduction to shooting at their local ranges. The seminars, often free, cover firearm safety, local ownership requirements, shooting fundamentals, hands-on instruction and information on how and where to continue with the sport.

First Shots is one of many NSSF programs working to increase awareness of and participation in the shooting sports. For more information, visit www.firstshots.org.

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