ATF Rule was overturned by U.S. District Court, but DOJ appealed that ruling.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners are challenging the “Final Rule” issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) redefining frames and receivers as firearms. A U.S. District Judge in Texas initially ruled against the BATFE, but the Bureau appealed that ruling. SAF has filed an appellate brief in the case, known as VanDerStok v. Garland. Joining SAF in the legal challenge are Defense Distributed, and JSD Supply.
SAF’s brief explains how ATF redefined the term “firearm” without any Congressional action. Last year, the agency announced a Rule expanding the definition of firearm to include unfinished firearm components and kits used in the process of manufacturing a firearm. SAF and its partners are asserting ATF violated the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). A federal District Court judge agreed and concluded that ATF had acted in excess of its statutory authority, and granted summary judgment.
SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb promised the organization will pursue this case vigorously as it winds through the court system: “This case challenges the authority of the ATF to change rules and definitions of firearms without Congressional authority,” Gottlieb said. “We simply cannot allow any federal agency to make up its own rules as it goes along, without Congressional approval.”
Judge O’Connor’s ruling in VanDerStok v. Garland vacated the controversial ATF Final Rule that effectively changed the definition of a firearm under Federal law. However the BATFE has challenged that ruling.
SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut said the foundation expects to prevail on the portions of the Final Rule that we challenged: “The district court entered a judgment deeming the Rule illegal and vacating it,” Kraut said, “and we are asking the Fifth Circuit to affirm the district court’s decision to issue relief based on the APA. By promulgating the Rule, ATF has appropriated authority reserved for Congress. Such a usurpation of power is antithetical to our system of government and must be stopped.”
CMP Announces Western Fall Classic Event for October 2023
If you missed this year’s Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Western Games and Highpower Matches in March 2023, here’s your second chance to attend. The CMP will be returning to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility October 10-15, 2023, for the Western Fall Classic – a condensed version of the Western CMP Games, CMP Pistol & CMP Highpower (HP) Rifle Matches. Despite the shorter schedule, the event will still offer a wide variety of events for rifle and pistol competitors. Adults and juniors of all experience levels are welcome to attend.
The CMP Western Fall Classic in Arizona will feature three days of popular CMP Games rifle competitions including: Garand/Springfield/Vintage & Modern Military Matches, a Carbine Match, a Rimfire Sporter Match, and the Vintage Sniper Match. In addition, handgun shooters can compete in CMP Match Pistol 2700, EIC Service Pistol, EIC Service Revolver, EIC .22 Rimfire Pistol, Military & Police Service Pistol, and As-Issued Pistol matches.
The Highpower Rifle portion of the Western Fall Classic will include a 2-Man Team Match, two days of CMP 800 Aggregate Matches, a CMP Service Rifle EIC Match and a Mid-Range 3×600 event. For educational purposes, a Rifle & Pistol Marksmanship 101 Classes with introductory EIC Matches are also part of the October lineup.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.
Precision Reloading just announced a big promotion for Hornady products. Along with 12% off ALL in-stock Hornady tools and reloading components, you can save 15% off Hornady A-Tip Bullets, which are a great choice for PRS/NRL competition. A-Tips have been used by recent PRS Champs. If you shoot ELR, Precision Reloading also has the modern 7mm PRC and 300 PRC ELD Match ammunition on sale. These cartridge types deliver impressive velocities with high-BC tipped bullets.
And hand-loaders can now save a full $100 on a full reloading combo kit including Hornady’s strong, open-front L-N-L Iron press. This unique, pyramid-shaped press offers great front access, plus tool storage on top. We’ve used this press extensively for full-length sizing chores and it performed very well. The combo kit includes an electronic scale, deluxe powder measure, digital calipers, die bushings, comparators, priming system and much more. This is a very complete kit.
In addition, the excellent Hornady Auto-Charge Pro electronic powder dispenser is discounted $77. This unit is quite accurate, and with its overhead control panel, it occupies less space on a reloading bench.
You are looking at a true game-changer — a full-size spotting scope with a digital screen, not a conventional rear glass eyepiece. On the new Omnis Digital Spotting Scope, the large front objective gathers light effectively as does a normal spotter, but you view the image on a digital screen. This has many advantages — multiple persons can view the screen at the same time. You don’t have to get extremely close to the screen as you would with a conventional eyepiece. This is great for a spotter or coach, who can also maintain a broader view downrange in his field of vision.
In addition, digital screen graphics can potentially provide range and ballistics information (via software). Another major advantage is that the screen output can recorded and later replayed for analysis or review. That’s great for training programs or when reviewing match stages — you basically can record a movie of your shooting sessions. And, the system works well at night and in low light, so it is great for hunters. Wouldn’t it be cool if your current spotting scope could be used at night?
GunsAmerica Hunt 365 Omnis Video Review and Field Test
To learn more about the Accufire Omnis Digital Spotting Scope, check out the extensive review on The Firearm Blog. That 1300-word review explains the primary advantages of a spotting scope with an electronic screen. The TFB review also covers reticle options, day/night mode, recording capabilities, and accessory mounting. Some 28 photos illustrate the scope’s controls, on-screen features, and mounting options. If you are considering getting an Omnis Spotter, definitely READ the TFB Review.
Accufire Technology, maker of the Omnis Digital Spotting Scope, explains its advantage over conventional non-electronic optics: “Anyone who has spent more than a few minutes with their face behind a traditional spotting scope knows that eye fatigue is a real problem. Add to that the difficulty of [explaining to] another person … what you are looking at and it is a wonder why people still use traditional spotting scopes.”
Omnis Digital Spotting Scope Notable Features
The Omnis Digital Spotting scope has a 30X-120X digital zoom range displayed on a 2.95 inch OLED Screen. This eliminates eye fatigue and allows multiple users to view the frame at the same time. The Accufire “walk-through” video below explains the key features of the Omnis Digital Spotting Scope:
Software App Allows Video streaming from Omnis Spotting Scope
With the Accufire App, the user can connect to the Omnis’s onboard WiFi network and stream to any compatible Apple or Android device. On top of all that the Omnis can record audio and video to its internal memory on an SD card. This can also be accessed via a USB-C port.
Rechargeable Batteries Plus External Power Capability
The Omnis spotting scope is powered by four (4) rechargeable CR123a batteries that give it a 4-hour continuous run time. The Omnis can also be connected to an external battery via the USB-C port for even longer run-time. External battery packs are inexpensive.
Accufire Omnis Spotting Scope Features:
Magnification: 30X – 120X
Video Out Resolution: 1440×1880
2.95 inch OLED screen
Day and Night Capable (using IR light at night, not included)
This photo is one of Nightforce’s series of picturesque “Gunscapes”. SEE MORE HERE.
August is National Shooting Sports Month. So be sure to get to the range sometime soon, preferrably outdoors.
We should remember the real reasons many of us enjoy the shooting hobby. Many of us like shooting because it gets us outdoors, away from work pressures. Shooting gives us a chance both to enjoy solitude as well as have fun with friends and family in the outdoors. For this Editor, a solo trip to the range in mid-week was often the perfect antidote to job stress. Going to a scenic venue and sending a few shots downrange was satisfying. And getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city did indeed calm the soul.
Talented 3-position shooter (and trick-shot artist) Kirsten Joy Weiss says that any day at the range is “always a good day”. Here is her photo to prove it. If that shot doesn’t motivate you to spend a day outdoor with rifles, we’re not sure what will. Here’s hoping you’ll have a chance to get in many fun days of shooting and/or hunting this summer and fall. That can be with air rifles, rimfire guns, or centerfire guns — they are all fun to shoot.
The 38th annual Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC), co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, will be held September 22-24, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference is FREE to attend, if you pre-register in advance. CLICK HERE to register online.
The theme of this year’s event, which will be held at the Marriott Phoenix Airport Hotel, is “Road to Liberty!”. GRPC Registration is available online at the SAF website. If you are near Phoenix that weekend, you may definitely want to attend. For those unable to attend, the conference will be featured on multiple platforms including YouTube and Facebook.
As in the past, this year’s conference and all materials are FREE!
This year’s conference will be attended by more than 600 gun rights advocates and activists and will feature a veritable “Who’s Who” of leaders in the Second Amendment movement. More than 80 speakers will offer presentations on a variety of subjects, including legislation, the upcoming campaigns for the 2024 elections, firearms litigation, and more.
Notable scheduled speakers this year include Alan Gottlieb, Adam Kraut, Stephen Hallbrook, John Lott, Massad Ayoob, Mark Smith, AWR Hawkins, John Correia, Ryan and Tom Gresham, Mark Walters, Stephen Gutowski and representatives and staff from SAF, CCRKBA, FPC and GOA as well as leaders of state organizations. Learn more about the speakers on the GRPC Speaker Bio Page.
Gun Rights Policy Conference Schedule
Friday, September 22: The conference begins with registration and an evening reception, 7-9 pm.
Saturday, September 23: The conference gets fully underway with panel discussions, individual presentations, and the annual awards luncheon. It’s an all-day event running from 8 am to 6 pm.
Sunday, September 24: The conference has more panel discussions and reports from 9 am to 1 pm.
SAF founder and Executive V.P. Alan Gottlieb said this year’s GRPC event occurs at a critical time for the Second Amendment movement:
“Our rights have been under continuing and unrelenting attacks from the Biden administration. While we have seen several Second Amendment victories in the courts and the various state legislatures. We are witnessing continued growth in the number of legally-armed citizens, with more than half of the states now enjoying Constitutional/permitless carry.
“We’ve come a long way since the first GRPC was held in Seattle in 1986,” Gottlieb added. “We will be delighted to see old friends and make new ones, and we expect this year’s conference to be an awesome event for everyone.”
When shooting at long range, two heads (and two sets of eyes) can be better than one. Teaming up with a buddy who acts as a spotter can speed up your long-range learning process. You can focus 100% on the shot, while your buddy calls the wind and spots your hits and misses.
The NSSF has created a short video that shows how shooter and spotter can work as a team. In the video, the NSSF’s Dave Miles works with Rod Ryan, owner of Storm Mountain Training Center in Elk Garden, WV. As the video shows, team-work can pay off — both during target training sessions and when you’re attempting a long shot on a hunt. Working as a two-person team divides the responsibilities, allowing the shooter to concentrate fully on breaking the perfect shot.
The spotter’s job is to watch the conditions and inform the shooter of needed wind corrections. The shooter can dial windage into his scope, or hold off if he has a suitable reticle. As Rod Ryan explains: “The most important part is for the shooter to be relaxed and… pay attention to nothing more than the shot itself.” The spotter calls the wind, gives the information to the shooter, thus allowing the shooter to concentrate on proper aim, gun handling, and trigger squeeze. Rod says: “The concept is that the spotter does all the looking, seeing and the calculations for [the shooter].”
Spotter Can Call Corrections After Missed Shots
The spotter’s ability to see misses can be as important as his role as a wind-caller. Rod explains: “If you shoot and hit, that’s great. But if you shoot and miss, since the recoil pulse of the firearm is hitting your shoulder pretty good, you’re not going to be able to see where you missed the target. The spotter [can] see exactly where you missed, so I’ll have exactly an idea of how many [inches/mils it takes] to give you a quick secondary call so you can get [back on target].”
Recommended Premium Spotting Scopes
Looking for a truly superior spotting scope? Then check out the Kowa Prominar TSN-880 Series. These big spotters feature ultra-sharp Flourite glass, with huge 88mm front objectives. In comparison tests with other premium spotting scopes the TSN-883 (angled) and TSN-884 (straight) units always finish at or near the top. Right now you can get the TSN-883 (Angled) body at Amazon for $2450.00 or EuroOptic.com for the same price.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Midsouth — Rebate $25-$75 on RCBS Products
⏺ Major RCBS rebate program through 9/20/2023
RCBS recently announced a rebate program that applies to most RCBS products, including presses, powder dispensers, case-prep machines, priming tools, reloading dies and more. You can save up to $75 with this rebate promo. After qualifying purchases, you can submit your rebate request online or by regular mail. Products must be purchased between 8/10/2023 through 9/20/2023, while the deadline for mail-in or online submission is 10/20/2023. CLICK HERE for Rebate ENTRY FORM.
Buy RCBS product(s) totaling between $100 and $249.99 and get $25 back.
Buy RCBS products(s) totaling between $250.00 and $399.99 and get $40 back.
Buy RCBS products(s) totaling $400 or more and get $75 back.
2. Graf & Sons — Major Sale on Primers IN STOCK
⏺ Good selection of primers at very competitive prices
If you need primers, check out the current Primer Sale at Grafs.com. Graf’s has a wide selection of pistol, rifle, and shotshell primers IN STOCK from CCI, Federal, Fiocchi, Remington, and Winchester. But don’t hesitate — the most popular primer types could sell out quickly.
3. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Savage Axis Rifle Sale, $429.99
⏺ Great prices on scope-equipped Savage hunting rifles
Hunters shopping for a new, affordable rifle should consider the Savage Arms Axis XP with Scope now on sale at Sportsman’s Warehouse. For only $429.99 you get the rugged and reliable Savage Arms Axis XP complete with a mounted Bushnell 4-12x40mm scope. The Savage Axis XP features a 22″ button-rifled barrel, 4-round detachable magazine, and black synthetic stock. At the same $429.99 sale price you can get the Axis Compact with 20″ barrel and synthetic stock sized for smaller shooters. There is a wide choice of chamberings: .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, .308 Win, and .30-06 Springfield.
4. Midsouth — Frankford Arsenal X-10 Press, $999.99
⏺ Save $150 on great, new 10-station progressive press
Midsouth has the impressive new Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press with Case Feeder on sale for $999.99. Right now you can save $150 and get FREE Shipping. The new X-10 is a 10-station automatic indexing reloading press with strong steel construction, multiple ball bearings, and a proprietary 10-station, gear driven, shell plate. The X-10’s features include dual de-capping stations, in-line primer pocket swaging capability, and the ability to run powder check and case trimming dies. Compared to a Dillon XL750 (or even a $2240 RL1100), the X-10 offers notable additional capabilities and performance.
5. EuroOptic — Vortex Optics Closeouts, Save 47-54%
⏺ Very good deals on popular scopes
Vortex Optics makes excellent optics and Vortex has some of the best customer service in the industry with a rock-solid lifetime guarantee. If you’re looking for a new zoom scope check out the Vortex Optics Sale at EuroOptic.com. You can grab a 3-9x40mm Diamondback, a 4-24x50mm Strike Eagle, and/or 6-24x50mm Viper at 47-54% OFF.
6. Amazon — Highwild AR500 Dueling Tree Target Kit, $179.99
⏺ Fun, six-paddle reactive target at good price
Shooting reactive targets provides instant gratification with a hit. And reactive dueling tree type targets allow a challenging “One on One” competition with a buddy. The Highwild AR500 Dueling Tree Target is a great bargain right now at $179.99. This dueling tree features six reactive paddles made of high-quality, laser-cut AR500 1/4″ thick steel plate. The forward leaning steel post can automatically reset the steel paddles by gravity. That way you don’t need springs or pull-cords.
7. MidwayUSA — Major Ammunition Sale with up to 30% Savings
⏺ Major savings on name brand rifle and pistol ammunition
MidwayUSA is running a big Ammunition Sale right now with very attractive prices. You’ll find 145 types of pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammo for a huge range of cartridges. Among rifle hunting ammo there’s a wide range of bullet choices. Sale prices are up to 30% off. From hunting to target ammo — there’s something for everyone.
8. Amazon — Scope Turret Magnifying Glass with Level, $15.95
Making rapid, yet precise scope turret adjustments can be challenging, especially during fast, timed stages. Most scope turrets have small, thin markings that can be tough to see (particularly with older eyes). To see your elevation turret markings better, try the Monstrum Scope Turret Magnifying Glass with Level. This simple but effective tool places a magnifier on the shooter’s side of the turret allowing easy viewing. In addition, this handy unit includes a built-in bubble level to help the shooter avoid canting his rifle.
9. Amazon — Cordless Air Duster/Vacuum, $49.99 (after discount)
⏺ Very useful for reloading room — with $20 OFF special
Most reloaders use compressed air to clean spilt powder or debris off their work areas because it’s simple and easy. But cans of air are expensive and they loose effectiveness as you use them. A great solution is the iDOO Cordless Air Duster 2-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner. With a powerful brushless motor, the iDOO air duster can blow away dust. Switch the configuration and this dual-purpose unit works as a hand-held vacuum cleaner. NOTE: Amazon’s stated price is $69.99. But there is currently a $20 Off instant coupon. Click the “Apply $20 Coupon” button on the Amazon page to reduce the net price to $49.99.
⏺ Very useful, long-life product that protects your firearms investment
You may own a gunsafe to keep your firearms secure, but do you have a system to protect those firearms from rust and corrosion? Pick up the Hornady Reusable Dehumidifier Bag and you can easily help prevent moisture and rust from ruining your gun collection. This moisture-absorbing bag has a built-in indicator that will change from blue to pink when the pouch is saturated and ready to reactivate.
The ammunition and reloading component producing divisions of Vista Outdoor will become a new separate company under the name “The Kenetic Group” with NYSE ticker symbol “HUNT”. The Kinetic Group enterprise will make and sell CCI, Federal, Remington (ammunition), Speer, and Hevi-Shot products. The establishment of The Kinetic Group will follow the planned spin-off of Vista Outdoor’s Outdoor Products operations. The Kinetic Group will continue Vista Outdoor’s Sporting Products sales and manufacturing.
Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), the parent company of 41 brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor lifestyle products worldwide, has announced its new name and identity that will be effective following the planned spinoff of Vista Outdoor’s Outdoor Products business.
“The Kinetic Group will be our name moving forward after the separation…” stated Sporting Products President and CEO Jason Vanderbrink. “To hunters and shooters, their favorite brand of ammunition will take center stage as it always has — they’ll look for CCI, Federal, HEVI-Shot, Remington, and Speer on the shelf, at events and online.”
Vista Outdoor will become The Kinetic Group, a name that represents the energy behind the company and its leading ammunition brands. The Kinetic Group will trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSO) under the stock ticker “HUNT”, and the brand will feature a North American ram logo. Sporting Products leaders unveiled The Kinetic Group’s branding this week at the CCI-Speer ammunition factory in Lewiston, Idaho.
“The performance of our products is so often measured in energy on target. Kinetic energy is the force behind our world-class brands and exhibits the spirit of the 4,500 American workers who represent our company,” said Vanderbrink, who will be a director on The Kinetic Group’s board of directors post-spin. Joining Vanderbrink on The Kinetic Group’s leadership team are Andy Keegan (CFO) and Jeff Ehrich (General Counsel and Corporate Secretary). Gary McArthur will continue as interim CEO of Vista Outdoor until the completion of the spinoff.
On the new TheKineticGroup.com website, the company explained its company mission:
“Energy is what propels us and inspires us. It defines our products, drives our purpose, and champions our freedoms. Our brands and products give us the ability to unlock freedom, harvest game, protect us, and unite us. Our thirst and our passion to capture and build upon this energy is never extinguished. We are America’s ammunition. We are The Kinetic Group.”
2023 Smallbore and Air Rifle Champion: Cecelia Ossi
Story based on article by CMP’s Sheri Trusty
At the 2023 National Matches at Camp Perry this summer, 21-year-old competitor Cecelia Ossi achieved a remarkable double-discipline victory. Ossi placed first in the new Three-position (3P) Smallbore and Air Rifle Aggregate combo event. She did this shooting both outdoors and indoors. This was a great “twin win” by a very talented young lady. A member of the rifle team at the University of Nebraska, Ossi recorded a historically great performance at Camp Perry this summer. Cecelia won the 3P Smallbore and Air Rifle Aggregate with a score of 2421-60X.
For 2023, the CMP created a Three-Position Smallbore and Air Rifle Aggregate Championship for those who competed in both disciplines. Earning the inaugural win in the match was the talented Cecelia Ossi, who shoots for the University of Nebraska rifle team. The CMP had modified the match schedule to allow shooters to compete in Smallbore matches on Camp Perry’s outdoor Petrarca Range as well as in Air Gun events at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center located just next door — all during the same day.
The 2023 National Matches marked the first time Ossi shot outdoors at Camp Perry. The unique environment gave her the opportunity to test her skills: “Shooting outdoors created a lot of challenges, which is why I loved Camp Perry. You have to figure out how the wind is affecting your shooting, and it’s very rewarding when you get it right.”
Ossi has one more year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and then she plans to join the Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) in Georgia. “I trained with [the USAMU] for a week this summer. I’m really excited about joining them in 2024″, she said. Ossi labels herself a perfectionist, and marksmanship provides a venue to be the best she can be (as the Army would say).
“Marksmanship gives me the opportunity to be a perfectionist. It’s very interesting and mentally challenging to figure out position and challenge myself to be perfect in everything I’m doing.” — Cecelia Ossi
A former gymnastics competitor, Ossi transitioned to marksmanship in her junior year of high school. She is now at the University of Nebraska, where she competes with the rifle team. Ossi is now heading into her senior year at Nebraska. “Marksmanship taught me a lot about the mental side of competing. I think I would have done better in gymnastics had I known all that. The mental side can outweigh the physical side. That’s something that’s overlooked in a lot of sports.”
Ossi said her coaches played a big role in her early, rapid success: “I had phenomenal coaches that helped me progress quickly. They knew my goals and how to help me meet them. They were a huge part of this.” Ossi trained with coaches Tom Fister, Tab Rhode, and Bill Burkert in Pennsylvania and with Peter Fiori (Senior) in New Jersey. Mindy Miles is head coach and J.T. Schneiring is assistant coach at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Cecelia Competes with both Air Rifles and Smallbore (.22 LR) Rifles
Ossi shot the air rifle competitions with a Walther Monotec rifle, and she shot smallbore with a Walther KK500 equipped with custom modifications. “My parts are mostly custom built by Peter Fiori, Sr. He played a big part in my marksmanship”, Ossi explained. Both her rifles have very sophisticated stocks that allow precise adjustment of cheekpiece height and buttstock height/length/angle to suit the three different positions that she shoots: standing, kneeling, and prone.
Camp Perry — Shooting Outdoors with Electronic Targets
Camp Perry’s unique shooting environment drew Ossi to the 2023 National Matches. “Camp Perry is the only place I’ve had the chance to shoot team matches. I had never shot team smallbore before. That was very fun. It’s fun to bring the team aspect into shooting and work together”, she said. “Each person shot a different position, so it highlighted each person’s strengths. I was nominated to shoot standing, which is my strength, so that was fun.”
Camp Perry employed electronic targets for the National smallbore matches for the first time this year. Ossi enjoyed this modern technology: “The electronic targets were a big reason why I decided to shoot smallbore at the National Matches. The electronic targets brought a bigger crowd overall for the matches and made the whole experience really great. The staff did really well making the matches run smoothly.”
Path to Success — How Young Shooters Can Win a Spot on College Teams
Ossi’s rushed entrance into competitive marksmanship gives her a unique view into the challenges young college hopefuls face, and she is open to advising young recruits as they maneuver through the college process: “I talk to a lot of recruits and young rifle shooters. The biggest thing, when you’re looking to get into college, is putting yourself out there and introducing yourself. It says a lot about you, and the coaches remember that.”
Ossi said college recruiting rules limit the connections between college hopefuls and coaches, so she encourages young marksmen to talk to college athletes like herself: “Don’t hesitate to reach out to college shooters. I’m always open to answer questions. You can always talk to collegiate shooters when you can’t always talk to coaches.”
From Gymnastics to Competitive Shooting After years of training as a high-level gymnast in her early teens, Cecelia transitioned to marksmanship competition in her junior year of high school. She had little time to perfect the skills necessary to earn a spot on a collegiate team, but she applied the discipline she learned as a gymnast to her new sport and achieved success. Her high school rifle match performances earned Ossie an invitation to join the University of Nebraska-Lincoln rifle team.
“In my junior year of high school, I had to retire from gymnastics due to injuries, and I felt a little lost,” she said. “I had done a lot with 4-H shooting sports — muzzleloader, shotgun, you name it. I did a lot of different disciplines, so I had a little bit of shooting experience.”
When Ossi learned a friend’s sister was a member of a collegiate rifle team, it opened her mind to new possibilities: “I dove right in. The coaches were amazing, and it brought me to the college 1 ½ years later. It was a quick transition from gymnastics to shooting.”
Ossi applied her gymnastics training to marksmanship: “I think all that training as a high-level gymnast played a part. I knew how to train for long hours every day, and I knew how to set goals. Having physical discipline and mental discipline helped. It was just a different sport.”
CMP Online Resources for Junior Competitors and Parents
The CMP has good resources for junior competitors on the CMP Website. There you will find information on youth shooting programs, along with College Connect and Guide to College Recruiting. These are excellent resources for parents and juniors.
ATF Rule was overturned by U.S. District Court, but DOJ appealed that ruling.
After years of training as a high-level gymnast in her early teens, Cecelia transitioned to marksmanship competition in her junior year of high school. She had little time to perfect the skills necessary to earn a spot on a collegiate team, but she applied the discipline she learned as a gymnast to her new sport and achieved success. Her high school rifle match performances earned Ossie an invitation to join the University of Nebraska-Lincoln rifle team.
