NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/marksmanship/graphics/shotgun.jpgInterested in trap, skeet, or sporting clays? Qualification shooting can help you develop the shotgun shooting skills that lead to success in any one (or all) of these activities. Two courses of fire are available to choose from: Trap or Skeet and Sporting Clays. The Trap or Skeet, as well as the Sporting Clays courses of fire focus shooters on the whole (complete game) from the very beginning. In this way, shooters can develop their skills at the same time they participate in club shoots, leagues, and practice sessions. Any qualifying score fired in a club shoot, league, or practice session can be applied to the qualification rating the shooter is currently working on. Whichever shotgun event you choose, you can improve your shotgun shooting skills with the proportioned and progressive challenges offered in the qualification shooting program.

  • Shotguns
    Any safe shotgun, 12 gauge or smaller, may be used. Different gauges and different guns can be used for any round or rating.

  • Ammunition
    Any shotgun ammunition, factory or reloads, may be used.

  • Round
    The term "round" refers to a single series of 25 targets.

  • Targets
    Standard clay targets are used.

  • Position
    Shooters have the option of mounting the shotgun on the shoulder before calling for the target.

  • Informal Field
    Any hand, manual or automatic trap may be used.

  • Rules
    Unless otherwise stated, Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) rules apply for trap, National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) Rules apply for skeet, and National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) rules apply for sporting clays. To obtain trap rules, call ATA at (937) 898-4638. To obtain skeet or sporting clays rules, call NSSA or NSCA at (800) 877-5338.

Trap Course of Fire

Rating

Scores

Repeat

Basic Practical

This rating is achieved by completing the practical exercise conducted during an NRA Basic Shotgun Course.

Pro-Marksman

11 or better out of 25 targets

2 times

Marksman

13 or better out of 25 targets

4 times

Marksman 1st Class

15 or better out of 25 targets

6 times

Sharpshooter

17 or better out of 25 targets

6 times

Expert

19 or better out of 25 targets

10 times

Distinguished Expert

22 or better out of 25 targets 10 times, or 84 or better out of 100 targets in 2 ATA or NSSA registered shoots.

 

Program Goals

From a young shooter's first BB gun to sophisticated air rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, pistols, and rifles, the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program offers family fun and enjoyment that can last a lifetime.

Qualification shooting is an informal, year-round recreational shooting activity that provides incentive awards for developing and improving marksmanship skills. It's a drill. We set the standards; you meet the challenge! Progression is self-paced and scores are challenging but attainable. Performance is measured against established par scores and any shooter who meets or exceeds those scores is entitled to the corresponding recognition awards for that rating. It's an honor system!

Shooters acquire the large discipline patch at the onset of the program and as each rating is earned, they are entitled to all of the corresponding awards for the rating. Each rating level has a skill rocker, medal, and certificate award that recognizes and highlights the achievement. The courses of fire in the qualification program are designed to take shooters from beginning skill levels (Pro-Marksman, Marksman) through intermediate levels (Marksman 1st Class, Sharpshooter, Expert) up to a nationally recognized skill level -- Distinguished Expert -- the pinnacle of the program. By the time a shooter completes the Distinguished Expert rating, he or she has attained a proficiency level paralleling that of a competitively classified Sharpshooter.

For more information, check the NRA website.