Sports & Recreation — Trap Shooting & Air Rifles

Target shooting is a highly competitive sport, fully sanctioned by Wheelchair Sports, USA. Shooting is done from one of three seated positions, defined by the position of the shooter's elbows. In the "standing" position, the arms do not rest on any support. In the "kneeling" position, one elbow may rest; "prone" means both elbows may be supported. (Quads are allowed to use a shooting rest for all three positions.)

Shooting is an expensive sport, with match-quality guns running from about $900 t $1,700. At regional events, WSUSA will often lend guns to beginners and the curious; call ahead to arrange a loaner.

If you're interested in learning to sharpshoot with an airgun or you want to learn to adapt your skills for use in a chair, contact long-time wheelchair shooting coach Dave Baskin, president of the National Wheelchair Shooting Federation. He has the scoop on gunmakers, clubs, training, and competitions.

Baskin also heads the National Rifle Association's Disabled Shooting Services, which hosts the NRA-Beeman Grand Prix Championship. The series of air gun competitions in 12 North American cities was developed "to display and reward the achievements of disabled marksmen," according to the NRA.

In Canada, all shooting clubs and regional and national competitions are fully integrated for nondisabled and disabled shooters.

RESOURCES & UPCOMING EVENTS

RESOURCES National Rifle Association Disabled Shooting Services Vanessa Warner 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax. VA 22030 Email www.nrahq.org Office: 703-267-1495 Mobile: 703-939-4024 UPCOMING EVENTS 2011 PVA National Trapshoot Circuit Schedule Download complete trapshoot schedule >> Tournament Dates Site Virginia Mid-Atlantic Chapter Veterans' Day Trapshoot Get details >> November 11-13, 2011 Manassas, VA The PVA Trapshoot Circuit closely follows Amateur Trapshooting Association rules and regulations. For more information and to register contact Andy MacDonald at 800-424-8200, ext. 620.