June 4th, 2023Adaptive Shooting Programs — For Competition and HuntingOne of the great thing about shooting is that marksmanship is one of the few sports where physically-challenged persons can compete at the highest level — with some provisions for wheelchair access and mobility. Matt Schwartzkopf, for example, is one of the top competitors in the F-Class division. Matt, who is a rangemaster in Arizona at Ben Avery, is a double-amputee (below knee). He hasn’t let his challenge stop him. He has placed in the Top 10 at major F Class matches and was selected to shoot with FTR Team USA. FTR Team USA member Matt Schwartzkopf, who had his lower legs amputated due to a congenital defect, is a double-amputee below knee. It hasn’t stopped him. Matt is a great inspiration to all of us. He said: “This condition is not holding me back from anything.” He joked, “I don’t have a ‘leg to stand on,’ but that doesn’t stop me from shooting 10s and Xs.” Matt is proof that competitive shooting can be enjoyed by all – young and old, physically able and not. Matt is not only a talented shooter, he also runs the range operations at Ben Avery Range in Arizona. New USA Nationwide Adventure Database For Adaptive SportsmenHere’s a new opportunity for sportsmen and shooters with physical limitations. The NRA created a database of hunting and fishin adventures for people with disabilities. There are 45+ organizations that offer programs across the country, including Buckmasters Freedom Hunters Hope Outdoors Hunting with Heroes Safari Club International. “Venturing outdoors is a proven way to heal the body and the soul”, said NRA National Adaptive Shooting Programmes Manager Dr. Joe Logar. These benefits can be more profound for those who are suffering from an illness, injury or disability. The NRA’s Hunter Services and Adaptive Shooting Programs maintain a list of organizations that offer outdoor opportunities to people with disabilities. Now that the database is searchable, adaptive shooters can choose from adventures like guided whitetail hunting, chartered fishing trips and accessible hiking trails across the country. For more information on a specific program, please visit the NRA Adaptive Shooting Program’s Hunting/Fishing Trip Database.The NRA Adaptive Shooting Program provides information to organizations planning events that include people with disabilities. Veterans’ groups, rehabilitation centers, and gun clubs can organize events. For more information visit AdaptiveShooting.NRA.org.Adaptive Shooting Programs in the United KingdomAcross the pond, the National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom (NRAUK) also has adaptive shooting programs. The NRA.ORG.UK site has a wealth information for disabled shooters. Some are easily accessible to people with disabilities, while others are not. Some shooting clubs and facilities only offer a single discipline, while larger complexes are able to accommodate many. Bisley Camp, in Surrey, is the only place where you can try out almost all disciplines. The outdoor ranges are becoming more accessible, but not all. If the disciplines you are interested in are not available or not suitable for your disability, don’t give up! Target shooting is a very similar skill for all disciplines. You could start with another but similar discipline, learn the key skills and then move on to your first choice once it becomes available. “Making Ranges Appropriate for Disabled Shotters
The Summer 2019 issue NRA Club Connections magazine includes a feature on Adaptive shooting. This article explains to range owners how they can make their firing lines more accessible by adding a simple mat.
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