(GunReports.com) — The 2013 U.S. Army Junior Air Rifle Championship, conducted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, is underway. The USAMU is keeping with its long-standing tradition of supporting America’s youth by sponsoring the event for the sixth time after a one-year hiatus.
The championship fosters junior participation in prestigious state and national rifle competitions, promotes firearms safety and connects the youngsters with the expertise and professionalism of the USAMU. The competition is conducted in two phases: a state championship postal phase and the national championships. State Championship matches enable sporter- and precision-class position juniors of all marksmanship levels an opportunity to test their talent against other junior shooters in their homestates.
The top ten teams and top ten individuals in each division will then be invited to compete for the national title Feb. 25-28 at Pool Range Complex, site of the upcoming 2013 International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup and 2013 U.S. National Rifle championships as well as the 2012 Olympic Trials.
The nationals will commence with a one-day clinic conducted by members of the USAMU’s International Rifle team, including Olympians, world and national champions. It will be followed by two days of competition until winners are crowned at an awards banquet the final evening.
The USAMU has partnered with Orion scoring systems to score the matches across the country. Teams and individuals from Texas, Hawaii, Florida, Massachusetts, Oregon and Utah have shot matches already. There is no limit to the amount of teams who would like to compete for their state championship and vie for a spot at Fort Benning. Matches will be scored and counted until Dec. 15 when the state winners are announced.
Shooters are still eligible to register for the 2013 U.S. Army Junior Air Rifle Championship by going to a sponsored club already taking part, getting their club involved in the match, or contacting Mr. Mike Behnke, USAMU Chief of Competitions, at (706) 545-7841.
