We are already well into the first week of August, and while it seems everyone and everything has its own month, why should shooting be any different. So with that, August marks National Shooting Sports Month, which yes, it is a registered trademark unlike National Ice Cream Month (you guessed it, July) and our friends at the NSSF organized the designation. It is now the eighth year National Shooting Sports Month has been observed with the purpose of inviting millions of Americans to experience the fun, safety and camaraderie of the shooting sports. This year, NSSF is thrilled to spotlight the return of the #RangeChallenge and the Shooting Sports, all coinciding with the Olympic Games where the shooting events concluded just yesterday.
8 Ways to Celebrate
- #RangeChallenge: Take the Challenge!
The #RangeChallenge is back and better than ever! This series of target-shooting games tests your marksmanship skills and offers exciting incentives. Request an official #RangeChallenge target from participating ranges or download one from the shootingsportsmonth.org website. Shoot your target, share your experience with the hashtag #RangeChallenge and enter to win weekly prizes, including $500 gift cards. Don’t miss out on the fun!
- Experience Olympic Shooting Sports
The shooting events at the Summer Olympics just concluded, but you can still celebrate in the action by watching all of the shooting action on NBC Olympics Shooting Hub. Watch elite athletes compete in events like rifle, pistol and shotgun shooting. Team USA won five medals in the games and athletes from around the world set new records.
- Mentoring with the +ONE® Movement
Share your passion for shooting by mentoring a newcomer. The +ONE Movement encourages experienced shooters to introduce novices to the sport. Take the +ONE pledge this August and help someone develop their firearm safety and shooting skills.
- Safety First
National Shooting Sports Month is an excellent time to refresh your knowledge of firearm safety. Find a First Shots class near you, to enhance your skills and ensure responsible gun handling. Remember, secure storage and handling of firearms are paramount. Or if you want to improve and deepen your mad skills for those experienced shooters, take an advanced class that applies tactical or competitive applications to your shooting. Everyone can always improve their skills for more fun, enjoyment and even readiness.
- Special Events and Promotions
Take advantage of special offers from retailers and ranges throughout August. Visit ShootingSportsmonth.org to find participating businesses near you and enjoy discounts on gear, training sessions and range time.
- Just Get Out and Shoot
Not the “participant” type, but want to celebrate your 2A freedoms, just get out there and shoot at targets at your own pace and of your own choosing. Whether hitting a local range is your jam or rolling out to a rural property you have access to where you can safely shoot as much and whatever firearms you own, get out there and do it. It’s that simple.
- Go to a Gun Show
Another great way to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow gun enthusiasts, share your love for firearms with friends, family or even someone new to shooting, see a lot of cool gear and guns and maybe even buy your next firearm is to go to a local gun show. Check with local gun groups or search online at places like Gun Shows – USA to find an event near you. They usually don’t cost much to attend and they are a great way to learn about firearms and accessories from the people who know them best, the dealers and manufacturers of the products.
- Share Your Experience
The theme of National Shooting Sports Month is #LetsGoShooting. Share your experiences on social media with the hashtags #LetsGoShooting. Inspire others to join in the fun and discover the joy of target shooting.
For regular updates and resources, follow the NSSF’s LetsGoShooting pages on Facebook, Instagram and X. NSSF reminds you that this month is about having fun, staying safe and sharing the excitement of target shooting with others. Make this National Shooting Sports Month the best one yet.
