Junior Shooting Sports Program

The Junior Shooting Sports Program is a gun safety education and marksmanship initiative run by The American Legion Department of Utah. This is a structured, competitive shooting program designed to teach young athletes firearm safety, proper technique, and sportsmanship—all centered around .177 caliber air rifle competition.

Both male and female shooters participate through local Legion post sponsorship. The program specifically welcomes disabled youth, as competitive air rifle shooting creates an equal playing field regardless of physical ability. Participants start with postal matches that determine state and regional champions, who then advance to qualification rounds for the national championship.

The annual 3-Position Junior Air Rifle National Championship is the culmination event. Top qualifiers earn expense-paid trips to compete shoulder-to-shoulder at the USA Shooting range facilities at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs each July. The competition uses standardized .177 air rifles, focusing on three shooting positions: prone, standing, and kneeling.

Young shooters don't need existing experience. The program teaches the fundamentals of safety, proper stance, sight alignment, and trigger control. Participants connect through their local American Legion post, Sons of The American Legion squadron, or Auxiliary unit. Posts can affiliate as clubs or individuals can join as competitors.

Air rifle shooting is low-cost compared to centerfire rifle competition, requires no hearing protection, creates minimal noise, and works in controlled indoor environments. The sport builds discipline, focus, and competitive spirit while maintaining safety as the foundation of every match.

Location: Salt Lake City, UT (American Legion Department of Utah headquarters)