We’re on the eve of the weirdest Shooting, Hunting and Outdoors Trade Show ever, but I’m more optimistic than ever about the show’s real benefit. Last year, thanks to COVID-19, the SHOT Show was canceled outright. Understandable, yet still shocking because this event is the premier gathering for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, law enforcement buyers, and […]
Features
An Adult Christmas Story?
In my case, the rapidly approaching classic status holiday movie, A Christmas Story, is more like a documentary. Way, way back, when station wagons roamed the earth, and long before the Pet Rock, I did get a Daisy Red Ryder for Christmas. It was the Christmas season during first grade, and while I didn’t share […]
Demerle Keeps Winning Streak Going at 2021 Gary Anderson Invitational
Katrina Demerle, 17, of Hamilton, Ohio, is unquestionably a legend of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Gary Anderson Invitational – having claimed overall wins in the junior air rifle event in 2018, 2019, 2020 and again, incredibly, in 2021. Over 340 athletes competed in the 2021 match, which is held annually within the 80-point electronic […]
‘Tis the Season
‘Tis the season where you can get away with pure, unabashed selfishness. Let’s agree that’s not exactly a virtue, nor is it anywhere close to the reason for the season, but if you’ve been stalling on some gear purchases out of spending guilt (the family probably does want to eat) perhaps this is your chance […]
How To Form a Marksmanship Team, From Someone Who’s Done It
As part of its mission, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has been dedicated to the development and longevity of youth shooting sports around the country. With several junior programs currently established in each state, aspiring young marksmen are fortunate to have a number of venues available to continue their growth – yet, there’s always room […]
Second Place Athletes Return to Win at the CMP’s 2021 Dixie Doubles
ANNISTON, Ala. – Motivated runners-up from last year’s Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Dixie Doubles air rifle and air pistol competition came back in 2021 to emerge victorious, reaching the top of the podium in both categories. The two-day Dixie Doubles air gun event was held Nov. 5-6, at the CMP’s South Competition Center in Anniston, […]
The Sound of Silence
Thwpphhth. I earn my living writing things down, but I have to admit I struggle with the idea of how to capture the sound of silence via the printed word. The nifty thing about small-caliber airguns is the relative level of quiet. In the fire and brimstone shooting world, even a .22 LR makes more […]
Coaches’ Corner – Using Orion to Test Pellets and Match Them to Your Airgun
This feature story is brought to you courtesy of Orion Scoring Systems. Competition Air Rifle Pellets are all the same and interchangeable….right? Not exactly! This sport’s equipment (Precision and Sporter class air rifle) share the use of the same common diameter of soft lead pellets, but even among the same model of rifle from the […]
Can You Really Shoot an Airgun in Your Backyard?
“Shoot right in your backyard” is one of those phrases we’ll toss about until the sun goes out. But is it true? Can you? Forget the iron-fisted rule of neighborhood associations, is it even legal according to the people who make local ordinances? Sure, I’ll bet you a trillion yen the neighborhood association would emit […]
Junior Emme Walrath Excels with Continued Growth on the National Stage in 2021
Emme Walrath, 15, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, has had an exciting year. A regular at the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Monthly Air Gun Matches, often shining in precision air rifle, she has progressed from local events to the national stage – maintaining outstanding scores and setting a reputation as a respectable contender in her stride. Last […]