Warrenton Rifles Junior Shooters

Warrenton Rifles Junior Shooters is an American Legion-sponsored youth marksmanship and firearms safety program located in Warrenton, Virginia. Operating through American Legion Post 72 in partnership with Fauquier County 4-H, this program provides structured training in shooting sports for young competitors of all abilities.

The Warrenton Rifles program is built on the American Legion Junior Shooting Sports curriculum, which combines:

• •Basic Marksmanship Course – Foundational safety and shooting fundamentals
• •Qualification Awards – Progressive skill certification levels
• •Air Rifle Competition – Sanctioned competitions and team events

Participants use .177 caliber air rifles in a controlled, supervised environment. The program emphasizes:

• •Gun Safety Education – Comprehensive firearms safety training
• •Skill Development – Progressive marksmanship instruction
• •Competition – Regular competitions with national recognition opportunities

Both male and female youth are welcome to join. The program actively encourages disabled youth participation, as competitive shooting creates an equal playing field for all competitors regardless of physical ability.

The 2024-2025 season produced three shooters earning the NRA's Distinguished Expert certification—the highest air rifle credential—including Abram Baer, Sean Hardy, and Sam Oravec, each scoring 500+ points (out of 600 possible) across 10 competitions.

Practice sessions and firearms safety training occur Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:00–8:15 PM at the American Legion Post Main Hall (345 Legion Drive, Warrenton, VA 20187).

For information about joining as an individual youth or affiliating as a club, contact your local American Legion post, Sons of The American Legion squadron, or Auxiliary unit.