NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Indiana proved a popular and successful event. There were over 600 exhibitors showcasing a huge variety of firearms, optics, hunting gear, and other products.
NRA member attendance was excellent, with large crowds in the Exhibit Halls, and long lines to attend the major speaking events, which included an address by former President Donald Trump at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum.
Forum members who attended said the “vibe” at the event was very positive, with strong attendance. That’s a good sign for the future. The 2024 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be held in Dallas, Texas. That should prove a very popular venue.
There were many new guns and optics on display. The GunsAmerica Digest team has reports on multiple new (or recently introduced) products. You can see a dozen videos from the 2023 NRA Show on the GunsAmerica YouTube Channel. GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce was impressed with a new semi-auto rifle from IWI, which has some real advantages over AR-platform rifles. The new IWI Carmel Rifle has an adaptable chassis, and can switch between normal and suppressor modes.
“This new semiautomatic rifle [from IWI] features a short-stroke gas piston system and a locking, rotating bolt system for maximum safety…. The Carmel rifle is fully ambidextrous, making it easily customizable with MLOK rails at the 3, 6, and 9 positions for compatibility with various accessories. It also has a 2-position gas regulator, allowing the user to switch between regular and suppressor mode. The rifle’s cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, free-floating barrel enhances accuracy and prolongs the life cycle of the weapon.” — GunsAmerica Digest, by S.H. Blannelberry.
GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce also visited the CZ booth to check out the brand new Scorpion 3+, which is available in three versions. Micro with 4.2″; Pistol with 7.8″ barrel, and Carbine with 16.3″ barrel.
New Pistols and Colt Rifle on Display at NRA Show
The NRA’s American Rifleman magazine has also featured five new guns on display at the NRA Exhibit Hall: Colt CBX TacHunter rifle; FN America Reflex compact pistol; EAA Girsan MC 14T .380 ACP pistol; Henry Big Boy revolver; and Kimber KDS9 Double-Stack pistol.
Here is the new Colt CBX TacHunter rifle, the first rifle offering from Colt in many years. Price at $999 MSRP, the Colt CBX has some notable features:
“A flat-bottom receiver is designed to reduce flexing, which helps to aid precision shooting. The gun’s action features a short, 60-degree bolt throw for fast follow-up shots while also providing clearance for mounted optics. Users will also find an ambidextrous magazine-release latch, three sling-swivel studs, angled pistol-grip stock and textured gripping surfaces. The TacHunter is available in .308 Win.”– American Rifleman
Silencer Central Takes ATF eForm Applications at NRA Show The Silencer Central booth was swamped, and one staff member reported they expect to process the paperwork for anywhere from 500 to 700 suppressors. Photo by P. Erhardt.
Paul Erhardt of the Outdoor Wire Digital Network* was impressed by the turn-out of members at the NRA Meetings: “What many people don’t realize about the NRA Show is that it is actually not just a consumer expo but a real selling show. Obviously not for firearms or ammunition, but just about everything else that isn’t regulated or restricted is being sold, and most often at show special pricing. Several exhibitors that had retail operations in their booths were slammed with customers during the opening hours of the show.
But perhaps nothing compared to the frenzy at the Silencer Central booth where they were helping customers prepare and submit their ATF eForms for suppressor purchases. Customers were backed up into the booth as they waited their turn at the two banks of laptops and digital fingerprint scanners used to process paperwork which is now taking on average 270 days for the ATF to process.”
CLICK HERE for Full Shooting Wire NRA Show Report with 10 Show Photos and more products.
* The Shooting Wire is a free email newsletter that is published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Shooting Wire is part of the Outdoor Wire Digital Network which is comprised of 10 individual wires, as well as a Spanish language edition of The Outdoor Wire.
Registration Is Now OPEN for the 2023 NRA F-Class National Championships
The 2023 F-Class National Championships commence Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) in Phoenix. For 2023, the Nationals combine both Mid-Range and Long-Range competitions in one extended mega-match. The Mid-Range U.S. F-Class Nationals start on Sunday, October 29, 2023 and run through Wednesday, November 1, 2023. All shooting will be at 600-yard targets.
The Long Range U.S. F-Class National Championships then run Thursday, November 2, 2023 through Sunday, November 5, 2023. All Long Range matches are at 1000 yards. The competitions will have two different divisions: F-Open and F-TR (Target Rifle). Registration LINKs for both Mid-Range and Long-Range Championships are below. An official program for the event will be coming soon.
2023 U.S. NRA Long Range F-Class Nationals
Thursday, November 2 through Sunday, November 5
Located on 1,650 acres in north Phoenix, Ben Avery is one of the nation’s largest publicly-operated shooting facilities. A City of Phoenix “Point of Pride,” the facility has received a five-star rating from the National Association of Shooting Ranges. A camping area is available for competitors. Contact Ben Avery Shooting Range Camping to reserve a camping spot.
Firing line at 2015 F-Class Nationals at Ben Avery Shooting Facility.
You’ll see some serious hardware on the firing line at Ben Avery. Here’s a modern F-Open rig with a handsome maple stock. The gun, belonging to David Mann of Texas, shoots as good as it looks.
RULES: Current NRA F-Class Rules shall apply. TARGETS: MR-1FC at 600 yards and LRFC at 1000 yards. TARGET SERVICE: Competitors will pull their own targets. SCORING: Competitors will score. Any competitor failing to perform his scoring duties may be disqualified. CLASSIFICATION: NRA F-Class Classifications will be used. Those competitors unclassified or without proof of a lower classification, will be required to compete in the Master class. Please indicate classification on the registration and entry form. EMPTY CHAMBER INDICATOR (ECI): Approved NRA empty chamber indicators are required to be used at all times except during the preparation period time and firing.
Today’s the day folks — the first full day of the 2023 NRA Convention. The 2023 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will take place at the Indiana Convention Center on April 14-16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Exhibit Hall is open all three days and will showcase over 14 acres of guns and gear from over 600 manufacturers and retailers.
There are over 600 exhibitors at the large Convention Center. Leading companies including Berger Bullets, Lapua, Vihtavuori Powder, Hornady, Sierra, Kimber, Remington, Smith & Wesson, and countless more.
Organized events include the NRA-ILA Banquet and Auction, the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum, plus multiple seminars. There will be appearances from notable celebrities, and a major Saturday concert with leading musical artists. The NRA Foundation dinner and auction was held last night. Here are the major events set for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 14-16, 2023:
Need a high-quality reloading scale, but can’t afford an $800 A&D force restoration scale? Then you’re in luck. Starting at 12:00 pm Central Time on Thursday, April 13th, 2023, you can get the excellent Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 scale for $249.95. The deal — a whopping $100 savings off the regular $349.95 price — works for the first 249 customers. Don’t delay — this is a limited $100 Off Sale.
NOTE: This $100 OFF Sale is Good for the First 249 buyers ONLY!
The Sale commences at 12:00 noon Central on Thursday, April 13, 2023
About the Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Scale
The Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 scales are produced in an ISO9001:2008 approved facility and utilize laboratory-grade electronics, including carefully-tuned and optimized strain gages. The TRX-925 also includes an anodized static-free powder pan, 925 Grain maximum capacity, and a modular draft shield.
The TRX-925 measures powder weights in GRAINS not grams. The vast majority of scales on the market utilize grams as their native unit of measure and simply convert the measured weight from grams to grains by using a formula. Unfortunately, this method of behind-the-scenes conversion can cause rounding errors that affect the reported weight. This TRX-925 scale offers true +/-.01 grain resolution for superior weighing accuracy.
To ensure that the TRX-925 maintains the level of precision that serious reloaders demand, each Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 comes standard with three F-1 class calibration weights (2g, 10g 50g) each with its own protective storage case.
Suppressor Processing at NRA Convention Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, will allow NRA Convention attendees to submit their ATF eForm 4 application onsite with purchase. This special program will be available at the Silencer Central booth (#7963) at the NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, April 14-16, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
To streamline the process of obtaining a suppressor, attendees will be able to purchase a silencer at the Silencer Central booth (#7963), have their photo and fingerprints taken, generate their free NFA Gun Trust, setup a no-fees, no-interest payment plan for just $199 down, receive assistance registering for their ATF.gov account, and get submitted to the ATF all at the event.
Silencer Central CEO Brandon Maddox stated: “This new process helps us deliver on that commitment by allowing our customers to purchase, certify, and submit right on the spot.” This can save suppressor buyers many days or even weeks in processing time.
“We make buying silencers simple,” said Maddox. “While others might say they share that claim, we continue to lead the pack with our investment in innovation and technology while approaching our customer experience with a lens for continuous improvement.”
Silencer Central delivers silencers directly to customers in the 42 states where silencers are legal. Silencer Central’s process has revolutionized the way suppressors are sold and reduced unnecessary hurdles to silencer ownership. For more information, call 888-781-8778 or visit SilencerCentral.com.
The CMP Offers Pistol Marksmanship 101 courses, with handguns and ammunition provided.
Those wanting to enhance their pistol skills now have a great opportunity thanks to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The CMP will offer Pistol Marksmanship 101 Courses at the 2023 CMP Eastern Games Matches and the CMP’s Talladega Quarterly Matches. These hands-on pistol courses are designed for seasoned pistoleros as well as those completely new to bullseye pistol shooting. Notably, pistols and ammo will be provided by the CMP.
The CMP Eastern Matches will be held April 28 to May 7, 2023 at the Camp Butner National Guard Training Facility in North Carolina, with the Marksmanship 101 Course set on the opening day. In addition, Pistol Marksmanship 101 courses will be conducted during the CMP’s Talladega Quarterly Matches, held at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama, on May 13 and August 26, 2023.
The CMP’s Marksmanship 101 Courses, taught by highly skilled instructors, train individuals on firearm essentials and competition basics in a closely monitored setting. Participants learn safety, positioning, how to load/clear a pistol and more through classroom work and active training on the range. At the close of the course, students will shoot an Excellence-In-Competition match. NOTE: Hearing and eye protection are required during live firing. Juniors must be at least 14 years old to participate.
About the CMP Travel Games:
The Travel Games are regional competitions held throughout the year, featuring CMP’s own rifle and pistol outdoor events. A common part of the CMP schedule for the last decade, the Games are centered around recreation-oriented competition and educational activities that are designed to accommodate experienced marksmen as well as those hoping to learn more about the sport. See CMP’s full lineup of Travel Games at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-travel-games.
Over the past 12 months we have seen noteworthy innovations in riflescopes. Some very impressive scopes were showcased at SHOT Show 2023, including the impressive ZEISS LRP S3 FFP optics, and a stunning $5790.00 10-60X Schmidt & Bender. Advanced technology is also being integrated into modern riflescopes, as witnessed by a new Burris optic with a digital display linked to a Ballistic App via Bluetooth.
Gun blogger Jonathan Ocab, a very skilled shooter with both rifles and cameras, visited the booths of numerous optics makers at SHOT Show 2023. In this Sunday Showcase, Jonathan reviews some of the most notable riflescopes seen at SHOT Show. This article features seven optics brands: ZEISS, Sightron, Schmidt & Bender, Leupold, Tangent Theta, Burris, and Bushnell.
ZEISS LRP S3 Scopes — Class-Leading Elevation and Good Value
I stopped by the ZEISS booth to check out the ZEISS LRP S3 scopes that were released in the latter half of 2022. The ZEISS LRP S3 is available in two core models: 4-25x50mm and 6-36x56mm. Both scopes have 34mm main tubes and the minimum parallax distances are 16.4 yards and 10.9 yards for the 4-25X and 6-36X scopes, respectively.
The ZEISS LRP S3 scopes earned attention because the 4-25x50mm version has 46.5 MRAD/160 MOA of elevation travel while the 6-36x56mm has 32 MIL/110 MOA elevation travel. The 32 MIL elevation range of the 6-36X is exceptionally good while the 46.5 MIL elevation travel of the 4-25x50mm is best in class. Nothing else out there really rivals this. The Zeiss LRP S3 turrets and knobs are smooth, with the elevation and windage turrets having tactile clicks with no springy play from click to click.
Optically, they looked very good and in discussions with people who have LRP S3 scopes, they all indicated the LRP S3 was their favorite scope before stepping into the realm of Kahles, Zero Compromise Optic, and the other very pricey optics.
The ZEISS LRP S3 has an MSRP of $2199.99 and $2499.99 USD for the 5-25x50mm and 6-36x56mm versions, respectively. Given the features and capabilities of the LRP S3 series, I am surprised more people are not using them for NRL22/NRL22X and PRS Rimfire competitions. [Editor: The word is getting out and, and yes, more ZEISS LRP S3s are being used now at NRL22 and PRS rimfire matches.]
Sightron SVIII 5-40×56mm ED FFP
While not new, I needed to check out the Sightron SVIII 5-40x56mm ED FFP which has been out for nearly a year. Sightron’s current flagship scope, the SVIII 4-40x56mm, has a 40mm tube main tube which facilitates the 40 MIL elevation and 20 MIL windage adjustments. The SVIII offers the choice between a traditional crosshair reticle with hashes (LRM reticle) or a tree-style reticle (MH-6).
The extra-low dispersion glass in combination with their MC-777 Fully multi-coated optics provides top tier image quality in a package that carries an MSRP of $2899.
Schmidt & Bender 10-60×56mm Scope
Schmidt & Bender showed off its new 10-60x56mm scope. This 10-60x56mm uses a 34mm main tube and I am going to guess that this impacted the elevation travel as the specifications indicate it has only 25 MRAD available. Note that I say ‘only’ because 30 MRAD of elevation travel is becoming a common benchmark in the industry for long range precision rifle scopes.
The S&B 10-60x56mm is oriented towards competitive rifle shooters including F-Class, benchrest, and (extreme) long range shooters. This is reflected in the M1FL reticle that is used for the 10-60x56mm.
Note that the M1FL lacks a tree-style reticle and keeps the field of view clear with a basic crosshair reticle with MIL graduations. It is also important to note that the 10-60x56mm will be available in a Second Focal Plane (SFP) MOA scope with adjustment values of 1/4 or 1/8 MOA.
Schmidt & Bender is supporting either standard 0.1 MIL adjustment turrets or 0.05 MIL using their Multi Turn II turrets. The scope displayed had Mil turrets and was First Focal Plane (FFP). But S&B has posted: “MOA shooters take note: Soon, the 10-60x56mm will be offered with a Second Focal Plane MOA-based reticle and corresponding turret configurations with click values of ¼ or ⅛ MOA. So stay tuned.”
The 10-60x56mm also has the illumination and parallax adjustment on the same turret. While this is not new to scopes in general as many manufacturers do this, many previous S&B scopes have a separate reticle illumination knob which would affect what scope mounts could be used.
Given the reticle choice and the ability to go very fine on the turret adjustments, I feel that this scope will be sought after by F-Class and Benchrest shooters. Not to mention the 60X maximum magnification will turn the rifle scope into a spotting scope as needed (e.g., seeing hit locations when shooting on paper as opposed to electronic targets). The S&B 10-60x56mm is not a scope meant for the NRL/PRS type shooter.
Scopelist.com shows a starting price of $5790.00 for the the Schmidt & Bender 10-60x56mm. There is also a version priced at $5940.00, making this one of the most expensive optics on the market.
Leupold’s New Mark 5HD 2-10×30mm
I went to the Leupold booth to discover a new Mark 5HD iteration in the form of the 2-10x30mm optic. It is quite apparent, based on the magnification range, that new Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm is meant to compete in the Low Power Variable Optic (LVPO) arena. However, unlike other LVPOs, the Mark 5HD 2-10×30 has adjustable parallax from 40 yards to infinity — thank you Leupold!
The new Mark 5HD has the typical features found on prior Mark 5HD scopes including a 35mm main tube, locked elevation turret, capped windage turret, and the mini-throw lever on the magnification ring.
The Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm will be available in MOA with the PR1 reticle and in MIL with the TMR reticle (either illuminated or non-illuminated), and all are First Focal Plane. The MSRP is $1999.99 for the non-illuminated reticle versions and $2499.99 for the illuminated version.
Tangent Theta TT735P 7-35x56mm
Those who prefer top-tier scopes will be enamored with the new Tangent Theta TT735P scope. Tangent Theta, a Canadian company, produces very exacting scopes that are renowned for their high degree of quality including optics, functional performance, and construction and durability.
The new TT735P from Tangent Theta is a 7-35x56mm zoom scope with a 56mm objective. Unlike the other Tangent Theta models already in production which have a 34mm tube, the TT735P uses a 36mm tube. The TT735P has the same tool-less zeroing turrets which are highly regarded in existing Tangent Theta scopes.
10M Minimum Parallax Distance
The one huge feature in the TT735P is that it has a minimum parallax of 10 meters, which makes it viable for high-end rimfire platforms (e.g. NRL22/PRS). I really do not know how to convey the quality of the TT735P scope to anyone who has not handled a Tangent Theta before. The turrets are superb in tactile feel and the tool-less turret re-zeroing capability is a very exceptional (and useful) feature. This scope also offers a lockable diopter.
The new TT735P scope is one very pricey optic. The Tangent Theta 7-35×56mm is listed on the Armament.com website as ranging from USD $6,369.00 to USD $6,872.00 depending on reticle.
Gen 3 XR reticle is one of the reticle offerings for the TT735P (Source: ATI/TT)
Burris Optics 4-20x50mm Veracity PH with PEK
There is one quite notable new scope that I wanted to bring up that I saw during SHOT Show 2023 and that is the Burris Optics Veracity PH 4-20x50mm.
The Veracity PH is a 4-20x50mm riflescope with a 30mm main tube. It has a MOA reticle with 66 MOA and 37 MOA travel available on 1/4 MOA elevation and windage turrets, respectively. This sounds like a very hunter-oriented scope given the relatively short amount of elevation travel and the fact that it is in MOA. So, given the basic specifications, the Veracity PH is nothing spectacular to behold. That is until you learn more about the Programmable Elevation Knob (PEK) that is featured on the Veracity PH scope.
The PEK elevation knob does not have tactile clicks like a normal turret would and freely spins (albeit with tension). The reticle moves up and down mechanically with the erector as it normally should. However, the elevation turret is tied to the PEK system to control a digital display inside the scope’s sight picture. Note: Cant/bubble level is not visible in this photo.
The display shows a distance, the windage hold, and the rifle cant (level). The distance and windage hold values are based on the ballistic profile that will be synced with the scope via the Burris Connect phone App over Bluetooth. Note that you can elect to display the distance (that the elevation knob is set to given the ballistic profile) in yards or meters, or display the MOA dialed on the elevation turret.
The cant/bubble level in the digital display is probably the highlight feature for me as this gets a level reference in the same plane of vision as the sight picture. No changing focus to the scope rail, scope mount, or the physical scope where a bubble level may be attached. The shooter can stay on target with the sight picture and see the level of the scope (and rifle).
Furthermore, the Burris Optics representative indicated that you can set the zero of the level using the Burris Connect App. The Burris Optics Veracity PH 4-20x50mm has an MSRP of $1200.00.
Bushnell Optics Match Pro ED 5-30×56mm
Affordable Bushnell 5-30x56mm Match Pro
I made sure to visit Bushnell to see the new Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56mm scope. This scope came out in December 2022 and is getting positive buzz because of its good glass quality and feature set at a $699.99 price point.
The Match Pro ED is a 5-30X magnification scope with a 56mm objective and 34mm main tube. It has locking turrets with a zero-stop for the elevation turret, and 30 MRAD and 14.5 MRAD travel for the elevation and windage, respectively.
The elevation knob has 10 MRAD per revolution for clear, easy to read graduations. The minimum parallax is 15 yards making this suitable for rimfire matches like NRL22. It comes with the Deploy MIL 2reticle, a tree-style illuminated reticle.
SHOT Show exhibition lighting is bad, but the glass looks solid. The fact that this scope is sold out at Bushnell could indicate that consumers are already clamoring for this scope.
About the Reviewer — Jonathan Ocab
Jonathan Ocab publishes various shooting sports articles on his Ocabj.net Blog and shooting sports videos on his YouTube channel.
A former High Power Service Rifle competitor (Distinguished Rifleman), Jonathan is now primarily a recreational shooter in pistol, rifle, and rimfire, with a heavy emphasis on the latter as he is currently the NRL22 Match Director at his local range. See SoCalNRL22.org.
The Exhibit Hall is open all three days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and will showcase over 14 acres of guns and gear from hundreds of manufacturers and retailers. The Hall will host approximately 800 exhibitors, with receptions and demonstrations. Attendees can see the latest guns, knives, optics, ammo and accessories available on the market today.
For NRA members who did NOT pre-register, admission passes can be picked at the convention, at the Convention Center entrance area. Be sure to have ID and your NRA member number.
At the 2023 NRA convention, events include the NRA Foundation Banquet and Auction, the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum, plus multiple seminars. There will be appearances from notable celebrities, and a major Saturday concert. CLICK HERE for full Event Calendar.
The NRA Convention is just 7 days away. If you plan to attend the 152nd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits get your hotel booked right away. With the current policies coming from the White House, there has been no more important time to support the Second Amendment.
Team USA won Gold and Silver at the recent 2023 F-Class World Championships held in South Africa. With a strong, come-from-behind performance on the last day of the team match, The U.S.A. F-Open Team topped South Africa to win the F-Open Team Championship with a 3540-366V score (South Africa finished with 3535-374V — a “V” is like an “X” in the USA). Congratulations to the 2023 USA F-Open team, the new World Champions!
In the F-TR Division, Team USA took silver with a 3462-284V score, close behind winning Team South Africa which finished with 3518-307V. One of our Forum members noted that the South Africans won F-TR with a superb showing on Day 2: “I’m in awe of the performance of the South African F-TR team. Their 1762-162V on day 2 would be good enough for second place in F-Open. Only Team USA F-Open had a better score of all the teams for Day 2.”
The F-Class World Championships were held March 26 – April 1, 2023 at the Genl De Wet Shooting Range outside Bloemfontein, South Africa. The multi-day individual matches had some tough conditions with strong, twitchy winds and rain delays. And the winds were challenging for the team matches as well.
Both F-Open and F-TR team matches were shot at multiple metric distances: 700m, 800m, 900m. The high-scoring American F-Open shooter was B. Kolodziej with 448-50V. His team-mate Todd Hendricks (444-53V) had the most Vs with 53.
The high-scoring American F-Open shooter was B. Kolodziej with 448-50V. The F-Open Team USA (3540-366V) finished five points ahead of South Africa (3535-374V).
In the F-TR Division, Team USA took silver with a 3462-284V score, close behind winning Team South Africa Protea which finished with 3518-307V. Great Britain’s F-TR squad was third with 3376-222V. The top scoring American F-TR shooter was T. Hogg who finished with 438-40V. Among all F-TR shooters, the highest score achieved was 447-38V by H. Rolfes of winning Team South Africa Protea.
Scary weather — lightning and thunder — during individual competition.
There were some very tough weather conditions during the individual matches. Forum member C.J. Rowe reported: “World’s Individual Final Day: The day’s course of fire is two strings of 2+20 at 900m shot 3 to-the-mound, which will conclude the Individual portion of the World Championships. Huge rains and thunderstorms the evening prior left most of the roads on the range washed out, and much of the 900m ready area looked like a mud pit. But that didn’t deter any one or any thing, and after the daily prayer from the General, the match started promptly as always.
Both F-T/R matches turned out to be challenging. The first, while not easy, was in line with conditions we had seen throughout the past two weeks. The second match was an entirely different story all together! Winds switched over to full value (for the first time since we have been in South Africa, as the prevalent condition has been a fishtailing tail wind), with velocities unseen previously (anywhere from a low of 10 mph to highs approaching 20 mph), with very rapid let-offs and pickups, and the scores showed it.”
F-Open World Champions — Team USA
F-Open Team USA Member Shiraz Balolia posted this on Facebook: “I would like to thank SABU and the South African F-Class Team for putting up an amazing World Championship in Bloemfontein, South Africa. After a hard fought battle and a dramatic comeback from behind, Team USA F-Open won the Gold Medal and became the new World Champions. I am proud to have been a part of this team for many years, as this was my 4th and final World Championship. I was the last shooter on the line and after a long interval Trudie Fay coached my very last shot into being a pin-wheel V Bull (dead center bullseye) at 900 meters or almost 1000 yards. Thank you to my great teammates for an outstanding performance. Amazing memories!”
PHOTO CREDITS: All images except top from Forum member C.J. Rowe. SEE Forum FCWC F-TR Thread. Top photo from Facebook, courtesy Erik Cortina and F-Class John.
This article Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction on any other site is authorized without permission and fees.
At its upcoming Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Indianapolis, Indiana, the National Rifle Association (NRA) will launch a new activities program for Millennials — young Americans in their 20s and early 30s. The new MRA (Millennial Rifle Activities) program will include a series of special events for Millennials held throughout the nation. These MRA “gatherings” will be unique among NRA competition disciplines. First, all participants in MRA events will receive a participation badge or trophy for showing up. Second, though shooting at targets will be encouraged, no actual gun-handling is required. Millennial participants can choose to watch instead. Finally, for those who do choose to shoot at MRA events, scoring will be optional. Actual scores will be kept confidential, and there will be no published rankings. “At MRA events”, promises an NRA news release, “all participants will be winners!”
The NRA’s new MRA activities program targets “Millennials” — the young Americans raised on video games and the internet. If you’re not familiar with the term “Millennials”, this refers to Americans born between 1980 and 2000. They represent “the first generation that grew up with the internet and the first to have truly incorporated technology into their daily lives.” READ More.
Scoring Optional at Millennials Matches
Creating a competition program for Millennials has been challenging. With short attention spans, Millennials are easily distracted and they lack motivation to prepare or practice. Very self-absorbed, Millennials were raised on “instant gratification” and see themselves as entitled. These personality traits seem to run contrary to the focus, self-discipline, and mindset required for serious competition. Accordingly, the NRA has taken a whole new approach to MRA matches — scores won’t count and the focus will be on participation. Said one member of the NRA Competition Committee: “These were the kids who got ‘participation trophies’ for playing soccer. We are offering the same kinds of rewards. At our Millennial Matches you’ll be acknowledged just for showing up. Scoring will be optional. The emphasis is not on winning, but on participating.”
An NRA spokesman told us: “We’ve done a lot of research into the Millennial group. This demographic is very different than older generations. They expect to be rewarded for participation and they don’t want to be judged by objective standards, such as numeric scores. We’ve also learned that they like to do activities on the spur of the moment and without preparation. That’s why actual shooting will be optional at MRA events. We expect that many participants will arrive completely unprepared — without a gun or ammo. But they can still participate, and be acknowledged… and that’s what it’s all about. We want to get more Millennials involved, whether they actually shoot or not.”
NRA Millennials Outreach Follows Success of NRA Programs for Women
The NRA’s outreach programs have enabled the organization to grow its membership base successfully. For example, in recent years the NRA has significantly expanded the ranks of female members. The NRA now offers a wide variety of programs expressly for women, including Women on Target instructional shooting clinics, and women’s wilderness retreats. The NRA also has a dedicated website for women, NRAWomen.com. This full-featured site promotes women’s activities and recognizes top lady shooters.
Millennials Create Unique Challenges for Match Directors
Dennis Santiago is a seasoned match director with decades of experience running NRA matches. He said that finding a formula for the new Millennials Match “gatherings” has been a challenge: “Designing a competitive course of fire for the new MRA Millennials discipline is not as easy as you would think. Millennials have short attention spans and it is difficult to draw them away from their digital devices. You have to come up with range commands that can attract their attention. We are thinking of sending commands via Twitter, or possibly streaming match instructions over TikTok.”
Dennis also noted that a shooting competition with “optional scoring” is something new and different for the NRA. “The concept of recording and reporting scores was hotly debated. Ultimately we decided to make scoring optional. We concluded that mandatory scoring would probably discourage participation by Millennials. To a generation that has been rewarded for simply showing up, we wanted to create a ‘safe space’ and a non-threatening environment for this new class of competitor.”
NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits
Suppressor Processing at NRA Convention
The new 
Affordable Bushnell 5-30x56mm Match Pro
The NRA’s new MRA activities program targets “Millennials” — the young Americans raised on video games and the internet. If you’re not familiar with the term “Millennials”, this refers to Americans born between 1980 and 2000. They represent “the first generation that grew up with the internet and the first to have truly incorporated technology into their daily lives.” 
