June 15, 2020
NEWTOWN, Conn. — NSSF®, the firearm industry trade association, is pleased to announce the launch of its all-new First Shots® Clay Targets program. Based on the highly successful First Shots introductory handgun events, the new First Shots Clay Targets program allows outdoor ranges to capitalize on growing interest in the clay target sports and engage those new to shotgun handling by delivering a safe, entertaining and personalized experience.
“We are thrilled that outdoor ranges now have an avenue that makes it easy for those interested in the clay target sports to get started,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Retail & Range Business Development. “Best of all, First Shots works to turn those first-time customers into repeat, loyal clients.”
“We specifically designed First Shots Clay Targets to reduce barriers to entry,” Snow explained. “Class cost is low, host ranges provide the rental firearms, ammunition and clay targets and NSSF provides eye and ear protection and classroom materials. All someone interested in learning how to break clays has to do is sign up and show up. More important, though, First Shots Clay Targets works to turn those first shots into next shots. These events are intended to be tremendously engaging experiences that, backed by NSSF incentives, have students returning to their home range for more.”
First Shots events, generally 90 to 120 minutes long, consist of a combination of classroom time and range time. The classroom covers firearm safety rules and the basics of handling shotguns and how their actions work. This important segment can also be done out in the field for ranges without classroom or clubhouse space. Participants and instructors then head to the range for hands-on, one-on-one training that has students quickly breaking clays before instructors hold a Q&A session.
