Introduce Someone to Shooting — NSSF +ONE Mentor Program

Editor’s Comment: For the shooting sports to thrive, we need to add new participants — get new people involved in marksmanship and competitive shooting. Unless we add new shooters, we can expect more range closures, and more political attacks on our gun rights. The NSSF is starting a “Plus One” (+ONE) campaign to help build the ranks of shooters. The idea is basic — make a commitment to act as a MENTOR and encourage at least ONE new person to get involved. We think this is a worthwhile objective. As the NSSF says: If just one in three of America’s recreational shooters adds one new person to the shooting sports, we’ll secure a strong future for generations to come.”

The +ONE Movement — The Mission

In response to studies showing millions of people want to know more about hunting and target shooting, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has announced a new mentorship initiative called the +ONE Movement. “We all know that getting involved in hunting and the shooting sports can be a challenge for people who have never gone before,” said NSSF President Joe Bartozzi. “Having a mentor at your side makes it much easier for someone to get started. With the +ONE Movement, we’re challenging every hunter and target shooter in America to introduce at least one new person to the sports we love.”

A major barrier for people wanting to learn about hunting and target shooting is that basic knowledge of these pastimes is not passed down from adults to youth as commonly as it once was. That’s where mentoring programs can make a huge difference. Watch this video to learn how you can become a shooting sports mentor:

This Video Explains How to Get New Shooters Involved:

Learn more abou the NSSF’s +ONE Movement at LetsGoShooting.org and LetsGoHunting.org. Those sites offer how-to articles and videos, along with tips on getting folks involved in the shooting sports (and hunting). But honestly, the websites are only an invitation. For this program to succeed, each of us needs to make a commitment to mentoring a new shooter in 2019.

MENTORS — SHARE THESE TIPS WITH YOUR +ONE INVITEES
1. Always Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction:
Simply put: Never point a gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot—even when dry firing.

2. Keep Firearms Unloaded When Not in Use:
Never load a gun until you are ready to shoot. When not in use, store firearms and ammo separately.

3. Don’t Rely on a Gun’s Safety:
Treat every gun as though it can fire at any time. Safeties are mechanical devices that can become inoperable without your knowing.

4. Be Sure of Your Target and What’s Beyond It:
No target is so important that you can’t take the time before pulling the trigger to be certain of where your shot will stop.

5. Use the Correct Ammunition:
Using improper or incorrect ammunition can destroy a gun and cause serious personal injury. Always double-check your ammo.

6. If the Gun Fails to Fire, Handle with Care:
If nothing happens when you pull the trigger, keep the muzzle pointed downrange, unload the gun, and dispose of the faulty cartridge.

7. Always Wear Eye and Ear Protection:
Exposure to a firearm’s report can damage hearing; adequate vision protection is essential at all times while shooting.

8. Be Sure the Barrel is Clear of Obstructions:
Before loading a firearm, open the action, check that there’s no ammo in the chamber or magazine, and make sure the barrel is clear.

9. Don’t Alter or Modify a Gun, and Service Regularly:
Any alteration or change made to a firearm after manufacture can make the gun dangerous. Also, follow the manufacturer’s service recommendations.

10. Learn the Mechanical and Handling Characteristics of the Gun:
Every firearm is different. Never handle a gun without first familiarizing yourself with it and the way it works.

Many people who may not be interested in target shooting or competitive shooting may find hunting appealing. Bring new people into the ranks of hunters will also help protect our gun rights.