The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has announced a Steel Target Grant Program to provide support for shooting ranges that plan to begin or expand Ruger Rimfire Challenge target-shooting events. A total of 26 steel target grant packages worth $30,000 are available, with targets suitable for both indoor and outdoor target shooting ranges.
The Ruger Rimfire Challenge focuses on introducing people of all ages to the shooting sports in a safe, supportive and fun environment. The .22 caliber firearms and ammunition used in this friendly competition format are inexpensive and result in light recoil, making the program suitable for practically everyone. Participants in this popular nationwide program must use static steel targets.
“We recognize these targets can be expensive,” said Zach Snow, NSSF’s manager of shooting promotions. “Our goal in providing steel-target sets is to help both ranges and the program by growing the number of participants in the Ruger Rimfire Challenge.”
Snow points out that ranges can use the steel targets for other matches, such as centerfire pistol competitions sanctioned by the U.S. Practical Shooting Association and Steel Challenge Association, or any other competitions the range wants to create for which the targets are suitable.
The NSSF Steel Target Grant Program is open to any public or private shooting range that hosts public Ruger Rimfire Challenge events. Ranges requesting steel target grants must focus on NSSF’s goals of growing the Ruger Rimfire Challenge program and at least one of the following: the recruitment of new shooters, reactivating lapsed shooters, hosting an NSSF First Shots Second Round Clinic, encouraging active target shooters to discover a new activity, and bringing families together for a safe, fun day of shooting competition.
The Steel Target Grant Program is a cooperative effort between NSSF and two target manufacturers–Action Target and MGM Targets–that are providing steel targets to NSSF at a discounted rate. Snow pointed out that both Action Target and MGM Targets will extend generous discounts to ranges wanting additional target sets or that are not awarded targets through a grant. To qualify for special pricing, ranges must be NSSF members in good standing, and they must host public Ruger Rimfire Challenge events.
“We believe in supporting shooting sports, and this grant program is a great way for us to do that,” said Action Target’s portable target specialist Chad Burdette. “We’ll continue to support the Ruger Rimfire Challenge any way we can.”
Mike Gibson, president of MGM Targets, said, “We are very proud to be part of this tremendous program sponsored by the NSSF. We hope that clubs across the nation will look to us for support for their Rimfire Challenge matches.”
For information on the NSSF Steel Target Grant Program packages being offered and for grant application guidelines and information, see the Steel Target Grant Program website.
Learn more about the Ruger Rimfire Challenge.
