NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is pleased to announce that Winchester has donated an additional 40,000 rounds of rimfire ammunition in support of NSSF’s First Shots® program. This year’s support brings Winchester’s total donation to more than 160,000 rounds of rimfire ammunition to the First Shots program over the past three years.

“We are hugely grateful to Winchester for its ongoing support of NSSF’s First Shots program,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Member Development. “As with Winchester’s past donations of rimfire ammunition, this year’s will allow first-time and novice target shooters to gain experience in handling and using firearms safely. Americans in growing numbers are eager to learn about firearm ownership, and First Shots has been designed to assist them by providing education in the classroom and experience on the firing line.

Winchester is one of the premier manufacturers of ammunition in America and is a longtime supporter of First Shots and other NSSF programs such as National Shooting Sports Month® and Project ChildSafe®.

NSSF’s First Shots is an introductory and refresher program made available through host target-shooting ranges across the country. By providing educational experiences that are safe, fun and memorable, host ranges are having great success in attracting first-timers, further engaging new gun owners and in reactivating lapsed participants. Surveys show that more than 43 percent of First Shots participants are converted to target-shooting enthusiasts who individually spend on average more than $600 annually on their shooting sports endeavors.

“Growing the number of shooting sports participants and providing positive experiences are extremely important, and the NSSF First Shots program continues to engage new participants,” said Jason Gilbertson, Director of Marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “As an industry leader, Winchester is committed to the mission of the program and its success.”

NSSF provides host ranges with all the program materials and promotional resources to help offset overall event expenses. Shooting ranges and firearm instructors can learn how to become a First Shots host here or by contacting Ann Gamauf at 203-426-1320 ext. 247.

If you’re interested to learn about firearm safety, range etiquette and the basic firearm fundamentals to get you on target, find a First Shots seminar near you!

For more information, visit nssf.org.