Newsroom

2017 News

2018 Federal Premium Shotshell Program

Youth Shooting Sports Leaders,

The Spring Youth Shotshell Program is currently active and will remain open through April 30th. Our Customer Service Team will be processing orders as they receive them and shipping immediately after being processed. In order to expedite the ordering process please do not call in to provide the information unless requested to do so by a Federal Premium representative.

This is for ammo to be used in youth programs exclusively, and is not for resale.

Order Forms, available products and ordering details are attached both Microsoft Word and as a .PDF file for your convenience. Please do not alter the order forms in any way, we must receive them completed and signed in order to process the order;

Reminders:

  • Don’t forget to check our Federal Premium’s online store for some great Christmas Gift ideas for any last minute shoppers out there! There are some great closeout deals going on right now.
  • If you selected to pay via credit card our Customer Service Department will contact you to acquire the needed information to process your order. Please allow them to contact you for payment when they are ready to process the order. Calling in early to give your information will only delay your order from being processed.
  • Please do not post this program information publically, it is exclusive to qualified youth programs only. Contact me with any questions in regards to posting or sharing the program for others.
  • Register your local program with the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) and submit the directory listing with your order.
  • With the introduction of California’s Proposition 63, we are no longer able to offer this exclusive youth ammunition program to California programs. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
  • Please keep your Account Number and/or Invoice Number associated with your order. We may request this information on future orders to help with tracking your orders.
  • Please share with education@vistaoutdoor.com any stories and/or photos from your programs.

Additional Programs:

  • Spring Rimfire Program – The program will be open March 1st – 22nd 2018 for ordering. I will send out our order forms for the rimfire program at that time.
  • Savage Arms Program – The Savage Arms Youth Program is still active. Please email me for more information.
  • STEEL Shot Program – Please contact me for details if your youth program needs to order steel shot target loads. We have a program available.

YSSA Extends 2018 Grant Proposal Deadline

Omaha, NE – The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is extending its final grant proposal deadline for 2018 youth shooting programs to accommodate the multitude of requests. Grants are now due no later than December 15, 2017.

"Thanks to generous support from the shooting sports industry, the YSSA has additional equipment available for loan for youth events and programs," according to Cyndi Flannigan, executive director of the YSSA. "Because of the additional equipment, we will try to fulfill as many requests as possible for 2018."

Grants are approved contingent on the program length, size and product availability.

Please make sure your program is registered on the programs section of the website: www.youthshootingsa.com. By registering your program on this website, you will become eligible for discounts from certain suppliers when items from YSSA are not available. A list of the products available are listed in the grant application.

Current grant application approvals will be finalized no later than December 20, 2017. Please remember that all firearms and archery products are available for loan only and returned per the contract agreement, however some accessory items will be donated.

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance was founded in 2007, an offshoot of the National 4-H Youth Shooting Sports program. To date, the YSSA has loaned more than $1.5 million in equipment to youth programs across the country, benefitting more than 85,000 youth.

For more information about the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, contact Cyndi Flannigan at: executivedirector@youthssa.com.


YSSA Names Flannigan Executive Director

Omaha, NE – The board of directors of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is pleased to announce the selection of Cyndi Flannigan as its newest Executive Director.

Flannigan, a veteran of the shooting sports industry and youth shooting programs for nearly four decades, will provide strong leadership and vision for the YSSA, according to Dick Placzek, YSSA board president.

In addition to her most recent stint as Vice President for Walther Arms, Inc., Flannigan has held positions at Hornady Manufacturing and Leupold & Stevens. She is also involved in several boards that represent hunting and shooting sports interests including the Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund, secretary of the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation and a seat on the board of the YSSA.

"To say Cyndi is passionate about the shooting sports is an understatement," Placzek said. "Her entire adult life has been devoted to hunting and shooting, and she is committed to helping youth achieve the same joy and lifelong experiences she has had. We're fortunate to have someone with Cyndi's abilities lead this association."

The YSSA is noted as being the only organization in the country that provides new and used firearms, archery equipment and BB guns to youth programs on a loan basis, free of charge.

"It's absolutely critical for the future of the shooting sports that new generations of kids are indoctrinated to shooting through youth programs," said Flannigan. "And providing quality equipment to these programs is essential if they're going to have a safe and positive experience while having fun.

"A serious lack of quality firearms and equipment is actually a deterrent when trying to expand the shooting programs," she noted. "This is a great opportunity to enhance programs which, in turn, will lead to more youth involvement."

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance was founded in 2007, an offshoot of the National 4-H Youth Shooting Sports program. To date, the YSSA has loaned more than $1.5 million in equipment to youth programs across the country, benefitting more than 85,000 youth.

For more information about the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, contact Cyndi Flannigan at: executivedirector@youthssa.com.


YSSA ANNOUNCES 2017 GRANT PROGRAM

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is conducting its ninth National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment this fall to identify youth shooting sports programs that are being limited in growth by their need for additional equipment and supplies. Youth program leaders are welcomed and encouraged to submit an application for YSSA support. Click here to complete the screen-fillable application.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

2016 News

YSSA ANNOUNCES 2016 GRANT PROGRAM

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is conducting its ninth National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment this fall to identify youth shooting sports programs that are being limited in growth by their need for additional equipment and supplies. Youth program leaders are welcomed and encouraged to submit an application for YSSA support by September 23, 2015. Click here to complete the screen-fillable application.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

A panel of select members of the shooting sports industry will review proposals submitted in response to this assessment and select the priority programs that best contribute to the future market goals of the industry. The proposals will be judged in the following categories:

  1. Current and projected participation level
  2. Diversity of shooting disciplines accommodated
  3. Uniqueness of program
  4. Probability of obtaining equipment needed to fulfill the request
  5. Efficiency of use of donated product
  6. Visibility and public relations value

The priority proposals identified by this panel will be announced in late October, 2015.

The YSSA has provided product support for over 350 priority youth shooting sports programs to date and has distributed over $1.1 million worth of equipment and supplies to address limitations to growth of these programs.

2015 News

YSSA ANNOUNCES 2015 GRANT PROGRAM

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is conducting its ninth National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment this fall to identify youth shooting sports programs that are being limited in growth by their need for additional equipment and supplies. Youth program leaders are welcomed and encouraged to submit an application for YSSA support by September 23, 2015. Click here to complete the screen-fillable application.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

A panel of select members of the shooting sports industry will review proposals submitted in response to this assessment and select the priority programs that best contribute to the future market goals of the industry. The proposals will be judged in the following categories:

  1. Current and projected participation level
  2. Diversity of shooting disciplines accommodated
  3. Uniqueness of program
  4. Probability of obtaining equipment needed to fulfill the request
  5. Efficiency of use of donated product
  6. Visibility and public relations value

The priority proposals identified by this panel will be announced in late October, 2015.

The YSSA has provided product support for over 350 priority youth shooting sports programs to date and has distributed over $1.1 million worth of equipment and supplies to address limitations to growth of these programs.


FNH USA, LLC DONATES FIREARMS TO YSSA

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that FNH USA, LLC continued their support of efforts to recruit and retain youth in the shooting sports with a generous donation to the YSSA of rifles, handguns and shotguns.

Included among the donated firearms are FNAR™ Heavy, FN TSR™ XP and FN SPR™ A5M rifles; FN Five-seveN® and FNX™-9 handguns; an FN SC1™ Over/Under shotgun and an FN SCAR® 16S carbine. These firearms will be sold on GunBroker.com – the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction – to generate the funds needed to purchase equipment and supplies in support of YSSA selected priority youth shooting sports programs.

"We have been impressed with the accomplishments of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance," said Ken Pfau, Senior Vice President for Law Enforcement and Commercial Sales at FNH USA, LLC. "We share their passion for assisting in the recruitment and retention of new shooters and hunters and are proud to continue our support."

FN America, LLC, is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high quality, reliable firearms for military, law enforcement and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, VA with manufacturing operations in Columbia, SC, FN America is passionately committed to providing its customers with a portfolio of products, training and support services under the FNH USA brand name that enhance their performance and safeguard their lives. For more information, visit them at www.fnhusa.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


RUGER AUCTIONS RAISE $28,200 FOR YSSA

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. presented a check for $28,200 to the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) to help promote the safe and responsible use of firearms. The donation represents the proceeds generated by Ruger firearms auctions held between September 24, 2014 and February 4, 2015 to support the YSSA mission.

Ruger initiated the auction program in 2010 to provide an opportunity for collectors and shooting sports enthusiasts to bid on and acquire rare, unusual, discontinued, or one-of-a-kind Ruger firearms and accessories. "We decided to clean out the attic and utilize these collectibles to bring additional traffic to our website” said Michael Fifer, CEO of Ruger. "We also decided to direct the proceeds from our auctions to advance the efforts of organizations like YSSA that work to preserve our American hunting and shooting heritage."

"The Ruger Auctions were exceptionally popular because of the uniqueness of the firearms up for bid" said Steve Miller, Executive Director of YSSA. "We never knew what was coming up next as the auction series progressed through the late fall and early winter months."

For more information on Ruger Auctions and Ruger products, visit their website at http://www.ruger.com/links/auction.html.


RSR GROUP, INC. SUPPORTS YOUTH SHOOTING SPORTS

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced the receipt of a $10,000 donation from RSR Group, Inc. – the fourth such donation in the past four years.

"The contributions and support received from RSR Group, Inc. enables the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance to overcome many of the limiting factors to the growth of youth shooting sports programs nationwide that are attributable to equipment and supplies." said Steve Miller, YSSA Executive Director.

JoAnn Weisenford, President and CEO of RSR Group, Inc. states "It is a pleasure to continue our partnership with the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance in assisting youth programs to recruit and retain new hunters and shooters to enjoy America’s treasured shooting sports heritage."

As a national distributor of shooting sports merchandise, RSR Group, Inc. offers a diverse selection of products from some of the most renowned manufacturers in the industry. RSR Group, Inc. now makes it easier than ever for you to find what you need and order it quickly through their online catalog.

For more information on RSR Group, Inc., please visit their website at www.rsrgroup.com.


ELLETT BROTHERS HOSTS SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT YSSA

Continuing in its endeavors to cultivate and raise awareness in youth shooting sports, Ellett Brothers hosted their annual silent auction to benefit the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) at their 2015 Dealer Show in Columbia, SC. A number of firearms and other sporting accessories were offered in the auction that generated $ 25,000.

Thanks to the generous vendor donations and dealer participation, Ellett Brothers has raised over $196,000 since 2009 for the YSSA.

"The contributions and support received from the Ellett Brothers family has enabled the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance to overcome many of the limiting factors to the growth of youth shooting sports programs nationwide that are attributable to equipment and supplies. It's an absolute pleasure to partner with such a prestigious company that shares our passion for recruiting and retaining new shooters and hunters" said Steve Miller, YSSA Executive Director.

United Sporting Companies (USC) is a leading nationwide distributor of hunting, outdoor and marine products. The company operates through two subsidiaries, Ellett Brothers and Jerry's Sport Center which were founded in 1933 and 1949, respectively. USC distributes to all 50 states through facilities in Chapin, SC, Newberry, SC, Pittston, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Newington, CT, Dayton, OH, Spring Hill, KS, and Reno, NV. With the largest sales force in the industry, USC serves over 30,000 independent retail customers and maintains the largest product selection in the industry with over 85,000 SKUs.


2014 News

YSSA ANNOUNCES 2015 GRANT CYCLE SELECTIONS

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) has announced the priority youth shooting sports programs selected for the 2015 grant cycle. The 112 youth shooting sports programs approved to be supported with equipment and supplies to address their respective limiting factors to growth can be viewed by clicking here.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

The YSSA utilizes an annual National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment to aid in identifying limitations to program growth attributed to the need for shooting sports equipment and supplies. Invitations to participate in this year’s Assessment were sent to National 4-H Shooting Sports State Coordinators; Boy Scout Councils; and other youth organizations that requested to be added to the invitation list for this year’s assessment

The YSSA reviewed proposals submitted in response to the invitation in the context of their contribution to the future market goals of the industry. These proposals were judged in the following categories:

Current and projected participation level
Diversity of shooting disciplines accommodated
Uniqueness of program
Probability of obtaining equipment needed to fulfill the request
Efficiency of use of donated product
Visibility and public relations value


YSSA ANNOUNCES 2015 GRANT PROGRAM

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is conducting its eighth National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment this fall to identify youth shooting sports programs that are being limited in growth by their need for additional equipment and supplies. Youth program leaders are welcomed and encouraged to submit an application for YSSA support by September 24, 2014. Click here to complete the screen-fillable application.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

A panel of select members of the shooting sports industry will review proposals submitted in response to this assessment and select the priority programs that best contribute to the future market goals of the industry. The proposals will be judged in the following categories:

  1. Current and projected participation level
  2. Diversity of shooting disciplines accommodated
  3. Uniqueness of program
  4. Probability of obtaining equipment needed to fulfill the request
  5. Efficiency of use of donated product
  6. Visibility and public relations value

The priority proposals identified by this panel will be announced in late October, 2014.

The YSSA has provided product support for over 350 priority youth shooting sports programs to date and has distributed over $1.1 million worth of equipment and supplies to address limitations to growth of these programs.


ELLETT BROTHERS DONATES A GATLING GUN TO YSSA

Ellett Brothers added a lot of firepower to their silent auction at their 2014 Shooting Dealer Show in Columbia, SC - a Colt Classic Remake 1877 Bulldog Gatling Gun Carriage Model. Continuing in its endeavors to cultivate and raise awareness in youth shooting sports, Ellett Brothers proudly hosts their annual silent auction to benefit the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA). The Gatling Gun and a number of firearms and other sporting accessories also offered in the auction generated $ 67,640.

Thanks to the generous vendor donations and dealer participation, Ellett Brothers has raised over $170,000 since 2009 for the YSSA.

“The contributions and support received from the Ellett Brothers family has enabled the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance to overcome many of the limiting factors to the growth of youth shooting sports programs nationwide that are attributable to equipment and supplies. It's an absolute pleasure to partner with such a prestigious company that shares our passion for recruiting and retaining new shooters and hunters” said Steve Miller, YSSA Executive Director.

This museum quality remake of the 1877 Bulldog Gatling Gun is fully operational and fires up to 800 rounds of .45-70 Government caliber cartridges per minute. The Gatling Gun is built to original size and features five fully brass encased direct drive barrels.

United Sporting Companies (USC) is a leading nationwide distributor of hunting, outdoor and marine products. The company operates through two subsidiaries, Ellett Brothers and Jerry's Sport Center which were founded in 1933 and 1949, respectively. USC distributes to all 50 states through facilities in Chapin, SC, Newberry, SC, Pittston, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Newington, CT, Dayton, OH, Spring Hill, KS, and Reno, NV. With the largest sales force in the industry, USC serves over 30,000 independent retail customers and maintains the largest product selection in the industry with over 85,000 SKUs.

2013 News

YSSA ANNOUNCES 2014 GRANT CYCLE SELECTIONS

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) has announced the priority youth shooting sports programs selected for the 2014 grant cycle. The 122 youth shooting sports programs approved to be supported with equipment and supplies to address their respective limiting factors to growth can be viewed by clicking here.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

The YSSA utilizes an annual National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment to aid in identifying limitations to program growth attributed to the need for shooting sports equipment and supplies. Invitations to participate in this year’s Assessment were sent to National 4-H Shooting Sports State Coordinators; Boy Scout Councils; and other youth organizations that requested to be added to the invitation list for this year’s assessment.

The YSSA reviewed proposals submitted in response to the invitation in the context of their contribution to the future market goals of the industry. These proposals were judged in the following categories:

  1. Current and projected participation level
  2. Diversity of shooting disciplines accommodated
  3. Uniqueness of program
  4. Probability of obtaining equipment needed to fulfill the request
  5. Efficiency of use of donated product
  6. Visibility and public relations value

DOES YOUR SHOOTING TEAM NEED FUNDING? MIDWAYUSA FOUNDATION CAN HELP.

The MidwayUSA Foundation, a nonprofit charity founded by Larry & Brenda Potterfield, helps communities and organizations raise funds to support their shooting team. We are excited about our growth and the growth of this great industry. More teams are opening endowment accounts and those endowment accounts are growing.

Each year, a team can submit a grant request for up to 5% of their total account balance to purchase ammunition, targets, and uniforms, cover travel expenses, entry fees and more. In our latest grant cycle, we sent out almost a half a million dollars to shooting teams across the nation and we are hoping that number increases during our next grant cycle in December.

In addition, to assist teams in growing their account balance, we offer promotional opportunities at no cost. Our upcoming promotion offers teams a Browning Silver Sporting Shotgun with an adjustable comb and length of pull…great for youth shooters. You can also choose an option that pairs the shotgun with 96 Browning knives. Use these items to conduct a fundraiser in any way you choose.

Here are what some teams are saying...

"Working with the Foundation has been nothing short of spectacular!" - Joe Nester; Williams County Target Busters, Bryan, OH

"WOW!! Thanks for this great news!!! This additional money will really help us to give even more to our shooters next year to help offset their costs." - Kirsten Dale; Wilmot Trap, Twin Lakes, WI

"We truly appreciate what you have done for our team, and are proud to represent you at the matches/events we attend." - David Blosser, Director Practical Edge Shooting

"I am biased, but I believe the creation of this new program is largely due to the overwhelming popularity of our Shooting Sports Club. We have created a monster... all with the help of Midway USA Foundation." - Greg Bacon; Pratt Community College, Pratt, KS

Start your endowment account today, watch it grow, and help ensure YOUR shooting team has funding now and for years to come. Visit www.midwayusafoundation.org.


YSSA ANNOUNCES 2014 GRANT PROGRAM

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is conducting its seventh National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment this fall to identify youth shooting sports programs that are being limited in growth by their need for additional equipment and supplies. Youth program leaders are welcomed and encouraged to submit an application for YSSA support by October 11, 2013. Click here to complete the screen-fillable application.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

A panel of select members of the shooting sports industry will review proposals submitted in response to this assessment and select the priority programs that best contribute to the future market goals of the industry. The proposals will be judged in the following categories:

  1. Current and projected participation level
  2. Diversity of shooting disciplines accommodated
  3. Uniqueness of program
  4. Probability of obtaining equipment needed to fulfill the request
  5. Efficiency of use of donated product
  6. Visibility and public relations value

The priority proposals identified by this panel will be announced in early November, 2013.

The YSSA has provided product support for 259 priority youth shooting sports programs to date and has distributed over $850,000 worth of equipment and supplies to address limitations to growth of these programs.


LEGACY SPORTS INTERNATIONAL DONATES AIR RIFLES TO YSSA

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently received a generous donation of Webley spring air rifles from Legacy Sports International. The donated inventory of 144 air rifles consisted of Tomahawk, Longbow and Stingray models in .177 and .22 caliber. Legacy Sports International also donated four presentation cases.

Andy McCormick, President of Legacy Sports International, said, "We are proud to continue our support of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance. The organization’s focus on addressing limitations to youth shooting sports program growth, attributable to equipment and supplies, has resulted in a large number of kids being introduced to the joys and the responsibilities of the shooting sports. By supporting the YSSA, we are pleased to invest in the future of our nation’s sporting heritage."

Webley air rifles are spring operated, single shot, air rifles fitted with precision rifled barrels primarily suited to waisted lead pellets. The rifles share many special design features including:

  • An adjustable 2-stage trigger mechanism.
  • Adjustable forend jaws to ensure accurate barrel alignment is maintained.
  • A machine-cut dovetail for the optional fitting of a scope.
  • A mainspring damper which eliminates spring vibration.
  • Custom style ambidextrous stocks incorporating double cheek piece and rubber recoil pad.
  • TRU-GLO open sights with micro-click adjustable rear sights.
  • Fitted with automatic safety catches.

The YSSA offered the .177 cal. air rifles to 4-H Statewide Shooting Sports Programs while retaining the .22 cal. air rifles and presentation cases for use in generating funds through their cooperative auction program with GunBroker.com.

Gene Lumsden, CEO of Legacy Sports International states "Our company is proud to support the needs of 4-H and other youth programs that create measurable impacts on the introduction and retention of youth participation in the shooting sports."

John Borba, California State 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator, said "Nearly 4,500 youth members were enrolled last year in our shooting sports program. By far, the two largest disciplines are archery and rifle. These air rifles will be offered to county programs, specifically those with summer camps where more youth would be exposed to air rifle shooting."

Natalie Carroll, Indiana State 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator, states "Indiana had over 8,000 youth participate in the Indiana 4-H Shooting Sports Education Program last year and 26% of them were girls! We will be giving two air rifles to each of the 15 Indiana counties that had 25 or fewer youth participants. These smaller programs are usually the ones that have recently started and are in the greatest need of equipment."

John Whiteside, State Coordinator for Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports Education, said "We will use our air rifles for the training of adult leaders and to equip Arizona air rifle teams participating in the 4-H National Invitational. We focus primarily on the 3P portion of air rifle and these rifles would give us the opportunity to expand our silhouette program."

Donna Fox, 4-H Youth Development Extension Specialist for the University of Kentucky, adds "We will use our air rifles for youth hunter education day and overnight camps as well as our two coach’s certification workshops. With the shortage of .22 ammunition, we anticipate youth and clubs becoming more interested in air rifles than in the past. Using the donated air rifles will help our coaches be prepared for this increased interest and participation."

Legacy Sports International is an importer of firearms and shooting accessories. Bringing in high quality, reliable and affordable products for shooting and hunting enthusiasts is the mission of Legacy Sports’ business. With well-respected brands including Howa and Puma rifles, Escort shotguns, ISSC pistols and rifles and Citadel handguns and rifles, Legacy Sports is committed to offer today’s shooting sports enthusiast performance on the range and in the field. Legacy’s track record proves - without a doubt - that they have consistently provided accurate rifles and shotguns as well as award-winning optics for sportsmen on a budget. This is why Legacy Sports is known as "The Most Trusted Name in the Shooting Industry".

For more information on Legacy Sports International, visit their website at www.legacysports.com.


O.F. MOSSBERG & SONS, INC. CONTINUES SUPPORT OF YSSA

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. has continued their support of the YSSA with a generous donation of 42 new Mossberg shotguns.

Mossberg has been a leader in introducing important design breakthroughs to the firearm industry since 1919. Included among the donated firearms are a large diversity of Model 500®, 535® and 835® shotguns in various camo patterns. These new firearms will be sold on GunBroker.com – the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction – to generate the funds needed to purchase equipment and supplies in support of YSSA selected priority youth shooting sports programs.

Tom Taylor, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mossberg, states "We have enjoyed our relationship with the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance and share their passion for assisting in the recruitment and retention of new shooters and hunters.We are particularly proud of the selection of Mossberg shotguns by YSSA as a dominant segment of their Shooting Sports Equipment Loan Program firearm inventory which is used by youth programs nationwide."

About O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
Founded in 1919, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. is the oldest family-owned firearms manufacturer in America, and is the largest pump-action shotgun manufacturer in the world. Leading the way with over 100 design and utility patents to its credit, and standing as the first ISO 9001 Certified long-gun manufacturer, Mossberg is considered to be one of the most innovative firearms manufacturers in U.S. History. For more information on commercial, special purpose, law enforcement and military shotguns, rifles and accessories, please visit their website at www.mossberg.com.


SMITH & WESSON DONATES RIFLES TO YSSA

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) announced that Smith & Wesson® has generously donated 17 sparingly used .22 cal. rifles to the YSSA’s Donated Firearms Program.

"The YSSA’s Donated Firearms Program provides an opportunity for sportsmen and women to donate their used guns and help the YSSA build the next generation of shooters," said Joe Murfin, President of YSSA. Murfin added, "It may be just a used gun to you, but it can help sustain the sport of shooting while strengthening the core values of the next generation of shooters and hunters."

The firearms donated by Smith & Wesson will be placed on GunBroker.com – the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction – to generate funds needed to acquire equipment and supplies in support of YSSA priority youth shooting sports programs.

Mario Pasantes, Senior Vice President of Marketing and International Sales, said, "Smith & Wesson is proud to support the efforts of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance. The organization’s focus on developing successful and safe youth programs has resulted in introducing a large number of young people to the joys and the responsibilities of participating in the shooting sports. By supporting these programs, we are pleased to invest in the future of our nation’s sporting heritage."


ELLETT BROTHERS CONTRIBUTES TO YSSA

Chapin, S.C. - Continuing in its endeavors to cultivate and raise awareness in youth shooting sports, Ellett Brothers proudly selected the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) to receive $35,000 raised from the silent auction held in conjunction with the 2013 Annual Ellett Brothers Dealer Showcase in Columbia, South Carolina.

Thanks to the generous vendor donations and dealer participation, Ellett Brothers has raised over $103,000 since 2009 for the YSSA.

"The contributions and support received from the Ellett Brothers family has enabled the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance to overcome many of the limiting factors to the growth of youth shooting sports programs nationwide that are attributable to equipment and supplies. It's an absolute pleasure to partner with such a prestigious company that shares our passion for recruiting and retaining new shooters and hunters" said Steve Miller, YSSA Executive Director.

United Sporting Companies (USC) is a leading nationwide distributor of hunting, outdoor, marine and tackle products. The company operates through two subsidiaries, Ellett Brothers and Jerry's Sport Center which were founded in 1933 and 1949, respectively. USC distributes to all 50 states through facilities in Chapin, SC, Newberry, SC, Pittston, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Newington, CT, Dayton, OH, Spring Hill, KS, and Reno, NV. With the largest sales force in the industry, USC serves over 30,000 independent retail customers and maintains the largest product selection in the industry with over 85,000 SKUs.

2012 News

YSSA ANNOUNCES 2013 GRANT CYCLE SELECTIONS

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) has announced the priority youth shooting sports programs selected for the 2013 grant cycle. The 53 youth shooting sports programs approved to be supported with equipment and supplies to address their respective limiting factors to growth can be viewed by clicking here.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

The YSSA utilizes an annual National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment to aid in identifying limitations to program growth attributed to the need for shooting sports equipment and supplies. Invitations to participate in this year’s Assessment were sent to National 4-H Shooting Sports State Coordinators; the National Royal Rangers office; Boy Scout Councils; and other youth organizations that requested to be added to the invitation list for this year’s assessment.

The YSSA reviewed proposals submitted in response to the invitation in the context of their contribution to the future market goals of the industry. These proposals were judged in the following categories:

  1. Current and projected participation level
  2. Diversity of shooting disciplines accommodated
  3. Uniqueness of program
  4. Probability of obtaining equipment needed to fulfill the request
  5. Efficiency of use of donated product
  6. Visibility and public relations value

YSSA Announces 2013 Grant Program

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is conducting its sixth National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment this fall to identify youth shooting sports programs that are being limited in growth by their need for additional equipment and supplies. Youth program leaders are welcomed and encouraged to submit an application for YSSA support by October 15, 2012. The screen-fillable application can be found by clicking here.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

A panel of select members of the shooting sports industry will review proposals submitted in response to this assessment and select the priority programs that best contribute to the future market goals of the industry. The proposals will be judged in the following categories:

  1. Current and projected participation level
  2. Diversity of shooting disciplines accommodated
  3. Uniqueness of program
  4. Probability of obtaining equipment needed to fulfill the request
  5. Efficiency of use of donated product
  6. Visibility and public relations value

The priority proposals identified by this panel will be announced in November, 2012.

The YSSA has provided product support for 215 priority youth shooting sports programs to date and has distributed nearly $700,000 worth of equipment and supplies to address limitations to growth of these programs.


YSSA HAS MOVED!

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) has relocated to another state. The new contact information is:

Steve Miller, Executive Director
Youth Shooting Sports Alliance
11265 Suffolk Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Office: (240) 347-4351
proud2hunt@aol.com


Ellett Brothers Contributes to YSSA

Chapin, S.C. - Continuing in its endeavors to cultivate and raise awareness in youth shooting sports, Ellett Brothers proudly selected the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) to receive $25,000 raised from the silent auction held in conjunction with the 2012 Annual Ellett Brothers Dealer Showcase in Columbia, South Carolina.

Thanks to the generous vendor donations and dealer participation, Ellett Brothers has raised over $68,000 since 2009 for the YSSA.

"The contributions and support received from the Ellett Brothers family has enabled the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance to overcome many of the limiting factors to the growth of youth shooting sports programs nationwide that are attributable to equipment and supplies. It's an absolute pleasure to partner with such a prestigious company that shares our passion for recruiting and retaining new shooters and hunters" said Steve Miller, YSSA Executive Director.

United Sporting Companies (USC) is a leading nationwide distributor of hunting, outdoor, marine and tackle products. The company operates through two subsidiaries, Ellett Brothers and Jerry's Sport Center which were founded in 1933 and 1949, respectively. USC distributes to all 50 states through facilities in Chapin, SC, Newberry, SC, Pittston, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Newington, CT, Dayton, OH, Spring Hill, KS, and Reno, NV. With the largest sales force in the industry, USC serves over 30,000 independent retail customers and maintains the largest product selection in the industry with over 85,000 SKUs.

2011 News

YSSA Announces 2012 Grant Program

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is conducting its fifth National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment this fall to identify youth shooting sports programs that are being limited in growth by their need for additional equipment and supplies. Youth program leaders are welcomed and encouraged to submit an application for YSSA support by October 14, 2011. The screen-fillable application can be downloaded here.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

A panel of select members of the shooting sports industry will review proposals submitted in response to this assessment and select the priority programs that best contribute to the future market goals of the industry. The proposals will be judged in the following categories:

  1. Current and projected participation level
  2. Diversity of shooting disciplines accommodated
  3. Uniqueness of program
  4. Probability of obtaining equipment needed to fulfill the request
  5. Efficiency of use of donated product
  6. Visibility and public relations value

The priority proposals identified by this panel will be announced in November, 2011.

The YSSA has provided product support for 160 priority youth shooting sports programs to date and has distributed $458,000 worth of equipment and supplies to address limitations to growth of these programs.

Click here to download the screen-fillable application.


Mule Deer Foundation Partners With Youth Shooting Sports Alliance

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) and the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) are teaming up to increase participation in the shooting sports, according to YSSA President Cyndi Flannigan. She and MDF CEO Miles Moretti signed an education initiative agreement at the SHOT Show to mutually support efforts of both organizations.

YSSA and MDF agreed to partner to efficiently and effectively increase the number of young people introduced and mentored in hunting and shooting which, in turn, contributes to the aggressive goals of the industry’s Task Force 20/20 to increase participation in the shooting sports by 20 percent in five years.

“Mule Deer Foundation chapters, members and supporters across North America, with generous support from Midway USA and the Potterfield Foundation, are looking forward to helping more young people pull the trigger, enjoy mentored hunts and learn about mule deer conservation,” said Moretti. “The supporting companies of YSSA and its board leaders are great partners.”

The actions that the YSSA has taken since its inception have helped inspire youngsters and their families to enjoy a lifelong passion for shooting. YSSA’s mission is to identify and support the needs of successful and safe youth programs and venues that create measurable improvements in youth participation. YSSA’s program readily contributes to the key efforts noted during National Shooting Sports Summits to recruit new shooters and hunters and retain them to ensure that our shooting traditions remain as a lasting heritage.

MDF has also demonstrated a noteworthy commitment to the recruitment of new shooters and hunters. Through its volunteer leadership, national headquarters staff and network of approximately 100 membership chapters nationwide, MDF has consistently hosted youth events and mentored hunts. In 2011, MDF is launching a major education initiative targeted at increasing the number of young people and adults who participate in hunting and the shooting sports. For MDF info, visit www.muledeer.org.

2010 News

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Donates $25,000 to YSSA

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. presented a check for $25,000 to the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) at the recent NASGW Annual Meeting and Expo in Louisville, KY. The donation represented the collective proceeds generated during the year by the Ruger Auctions in support of the YSSA mission.

Ruger initiated the auction program in early 2010 to provide an opportunity for collectors and shooting sports enthusiasts to bid on and acquire rare, unusual, discontinued, or one-of-a-kind Ruger firearms and accessories. “We decided to clean out the attic and utilize these collectibles to bring additional traffic to our website” said Michael Fifer, President & CEO of Ruger. “We also decided to direct the proceeds from our auctions to advance the efforts of organizations like YSSA to address the challenges of recruiting and retaining new shooters and hunters.”

“The Ruger Auctions were exceptionally popular because of the uniqueness of the items up for bid” said Steve Miller, Executive Director of YSSA. “We benefitted from auctions of everything from copper ad plates to prototype firearms and custom engraved firearms in recognition of Bill Ruger’s legendary role in the industry. We never knew what was coming up next as the auction series progressed through the year.”

For more information on Ruger Auctions and Ruger products, visit their website at www.ruger.com.


Savage Sports Corporation Recognized for Support of Priority Youth Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently recognized the Savage Sports Corporation for their generous donation of rifles requested in support of designated priority youth shooting sports programs. BowTech, a subsidiary of Savage Sports Corp., also donated compound bows in support of a Navy JROTC unit in North Carolina.

Over the past three years, Savage Sports Corporation, the largest rifle manufacturer in the United States, donated five youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Mobile, AL; nine youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Narragansett Council, BSA, East Providence, RI; six youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Crater Lake Council, BSA, Central Point, OR; ten youth model .22’s to the Mid-America Council, BSA, Omaha, NE; four youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Great Trail Council, BSA, Akron, OH; four youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Montana 4-H Shooting Sports Program; seven youth model .22 caliber rifles to the South Carolina 4-H Shooting Sports Program; eight youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Sioux Council, BSA, Sioux Falls, SD; seven youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council, BSA, Pleasant Hill, CA; ten youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Virginia 4-H Shooting Education Council; ten youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Northeast Georgia Council, BSA, Pendergrass, GA; and ten youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Greater New York Councils, BSA, New York, NY. BowTech donated four compound bows in support of the Eugene Ashley High School NJROTC unit, Wilmington, NC.

These priority programs were among those selected by industry panels convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to the annual National Assessment of Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs conducted by YSSA. Savage also provided twelve .22 rifles for the Cheshire County Fish and Game Club in Keene N.H. to be used for their NRA Women on Target clinics and youth programs.

Ron Coburn, Chairman and CEO and a longtime supporter of youth programs, said “ It is extremely important that the individual regional shooting sports programs are properly equipped with current products that are safe, easy to handle and user friendly, so as to encourage youth to participate and enjoy the sport with the best technology available. Our industry has always been supportive of youth programs and we are particularly proud to be a part of YSSA and their proactive shooting initiatives.”

Savage Sports Corporation is a privately held company consisting of three divisions:

  • Savage Arms is a leading manufacturer of center-fire rifles, located in Westfield, MA.
  • Savage (Canada) manufactures rim-fire rifles in Lakefield, Ontario.
  • Savage Range Systems/Porta Target, also based in Westfield, MA, manufactures indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, target systems and shoot houses.

BowTech, the largest bow company in the world, manufactures and distributes the industry’s finest compound bows and archery equipment. BowTech’s corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located on the outskirts of Eugene, OR. BowTech divisions include BowTech and Diamond Archery, Stryker Crossbows and WaterDog Surface Technologies with a worldwide dealer and distributor network.

For more information on the full line of Savage firearms, visit their website at www.savagearms.com.

For information on BowTech products, visit their website at www.BowTechArchery.com or www.Diamondarchery.com.


YSSA Announces 2010/2011 Grant Program

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is conducting its fourth National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment this fall to identify youth shooting sports programs that are being limited in growth by their need for additional equipment and supplies. Youth program leaders are welcomed and encouraged to submit an application for YSSA support by October 8, 2010. Click here to complete the screen-fillable application.

The shooting sports industry receives numerous requests annually from youth and social organizations seeking financial and product support. As a service to the shooting sports industry, the YSSA provides guidance as to which of these programs should be considered as priority in having the greatest return on investment measured by projected program growth and participation.

A panel of select members of the shooting sports industry will review proposals submitted in response to this assessment and select the priority programs that best contribute to the future market goals of the industry. The proposals will be judged in the following categories:

Current and projected participation level
Diversity of shooting disciplines accommodated
Uniqueness of program
Probability of obtaining equipment needed to fulfill the request
Efficiency of use of donated product
Visibility and public relations value
The proposals will also be judged relative to their respective contribution to the Task Force 20/20 goals of recruiting new shooters.

The priority proposals identified by this panel will be announced in November, 2010.

The YSSA has provided product support for 110 priority youth shooting sports programs to date and has distributed $296,500 worth of equipment and supplies to address limitations to growth of these programs.

YSSA Shooting Sports Equipment Loan Program

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA), in cooperation with the Gander Mountain Company, is making selected shooting sports equipment items available on loan to qualified youth shooting sports programs.

"The majority of the shooting sports equipment needed by the youth programs are for limited or seasonal use" said Steve Miller, Executive Director of YSSA. “Equipment may be intensively used during selected seasons and languish in storage for the remainder of the year. In that regard, the YSSA wanted to provide more efficient support of youth shooting sports programs by developing a practical plan to organize and administer a shooting sports equipment loan program for supporting youth programs."

The items available for loan during this inaugural phase of the program are as follows:

  • Savage Mark I-G .22LR rifles
  • Mossberg 510 Mini Super Bantam 20 ga. shotguns
  • BB Gun Units consisting of ten Daisy Model 840B Grizzly BB guns; ten Bob Allen 540T canvas gun sleeves; and ten pairs of Daisy shooting glasses.
  • Archery Units consisting of five Genesis bows; five soft padded bowcases; five dozen arrows; an archery repair kit; and five arrow totes.

The Gander Mountain Company offered to serve as the centralized repository for the firearms inventory acquired for this program. Under the guidelines of this partnership, the YSSA has the responsibility for overall coordination of the program including promotion; review and approval of youth program requests for loaned equipment; and coordination with Gander Mountain on the distribution and return of the loaned firearms. The Gander Mountain Company will refurbish and store the firearms between loan disbursements.

The YSSA will administer distribution of the BB Gun Units and Archery Units from its headquarters in Nags Head, NC.

The youth shooting sports program receiving this loaned equipment will be responsible for normal cleaning, storage and security while the equipment is in its possession.


O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. Continues Support of YSSA's Donated Firearms Program

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. has continued their support of YSSA’s Donated Firearms Program with a generous donation of sparingly used Mossberg Silver Reserve shotguns. Mossberg, the leader in introducing important design breakthroughs to the firearm industry since 1919, donated two Silver Reserve Sporting 12 ga. shotguns; eight Silver Reserve 20 ga. shotguns; five Silver Reserve 28 ga. shotguns; and five .410 Silver Reserve shotguns to the program.

Tom Taylor, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mossberg, states “We have enjoyed our partnership with the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance and we count on the recommendations of the YSSA regarding the youth shooting sports programs that promise the greatest potential for growth and participation levels. With their guidance, we are confident that our support will help elevate local shooting sports from ‘good’ to ‘excellent.’”

Mossberg’s products are built to world-class levels of manufacturing standards. For more information on Mossberg products, visit their website at www.mossberg.com.


Ruger Conducts Third Auction to Benefit YSSA

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is offering another opportunity to bid on and acquire rare, unusual, discontinued, or one-of-a-kind Ruger firearms to benefit the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance.

Up for auction, in cooperation with GunBroker.com - the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction, is a very rare Ruger XGI rifle, serial number 800-01329, chambered in .308 Winchester. It was rollmarked on December 12, 1984 and has a 5-round magazine. The rifle has never been fired beyond normal testing during manufacture. Less than 100 were fully assembled. Announced in 1984, Ruger never commercially sold any XGI rifles.

Bill Ruger put the project on hold indefinitely in 1985 when he decided not to expend additional engineering efforts to improve the rifle’s accuracy. The Ruger XGI was an autoloading centerfire rifle based on the design of the Ruger Mini-14 rifle, scaled up for larger cartridges. While the Mini-14 was chambered for the .223 Remington cartridge, the XGI was designed for both the .308 Winchester and .243 Winchester cartridges.

The XGI was slightly longer and heavier than the Mini-14, but retained the essentials of both the Ruger Mini-14 and the proven M1 Garand/M-14 designs used by the military. Its red recoil pad was to be standard, and like the Mini-14 Ranch Rifles, it had Ruger scope bases machined integrally into the receiver, side ejection, a fold-down auxiliary adjustable aperture sight, and a blade front sight. This rifle will be shipped with a Ruger XGI instruction manual, and in its original Ruger shipping box.

The rifle is a part of the Ruger factory collection in Southport, Connecticut, and a Certificate of Authenticity will be mailed to the winner of the auction. Note: the winner of this auction will be responsible for paying the Federal Excise Tax. This rare XGI rifle would make a wonderful addition to your Ruger firearm collection!


Ruger Conducts Second Auction to Benefit YSSA

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is offering another opportunity to bid on and acquire rare, unusual, discontinued, or one-of-a-kind Ruger firearms to benefit the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance.

Ruger is auctioning one of six pairs of Service-Six Military Model double-action revolvers in cooperation with GunBroker.com - the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction.

The revolvers are consecutively serial-numbered 153-55971 and 153-55972 and the test fire date for both was`April 6, 1978.

The revolvers have never been fired beyond normal testing during manufacture and were packaged in a special preservative foil wrap for over thirty years. There is some pitting on the revolvers, and the grip panels show some wear, which may have been caused by the foil wrap.

Enter your bid at: www.rugerauction.com

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. produced these.38 Special revolvers for the U.S. Army Armament Material Development and Readiness Command and are marked “U.S.” at the right front of the frame. The Service-Six revolvers were first introduced in 1971 and were in production through 1987.

The revolvers are made of chrome-molybdenum steel with a blue finish, 4” barrel, fixed sights, square butt, and lanyard loop. Another feature of these revolvers is the absence of the manual warning normally found on the left side of the barrel.

Original Technical Manuals for the Service-Six Military Model revolvers are included with this auction. The winning bidder of this auction is responsible for paying the Federal Excise Tax.

GunBroker.com is an informative, detailed, secure and safe way to buy and sell firearms and hunting/shooting accessories. GunBroker.com promotes responsible gun ownership. Aside from merchandise bearing its logo, GunBroker.com sells none of the items listed on its Web site. Third-party sellers list items on the site and Federal and state laws govern the sale of firearms and other restricted items. Ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed firearms dealers as transfer agents.


Daisy Outdoor Products Continues Support of Priority Youth Shooting Sports Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Daisy Outdoor Products, the world’s oldest and largest producer of airguns, has provided a generous donation to YSSA for use in support of youth shooting sports programs.

Daisy has been a long-time supporter of youth shooting safety and youth shooting sports programs. The company recognizes the impact that the YSSA is having on enabling organizations to introduce young and first-time shooters safely to airguns and to all disciplines of the shooting sports.

“The YSSA is doing a tremendous job of identifying, assessing and prioritizing needs. They are matching up donors who want to perpetuate the shooting sports with organizations which have a passion for youth shooting programs, but may lack the finances to acquire the equipment,” said Joe Murfin, Vice President of Marketing for Daisy and a member of the YSSA Board of Directors. “By making this donation available to YSSA, they can continue to fulfill some of their grant requests for airguns.”

Priority youth shooting sports programs receiving support were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to the 2009/2010 National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment.

For more information on Daisy products, visit their website at www.daisy.com.


Ellett Brothers, LLC Supports NRA-ILA and the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance

Ellett Brothers, LLC, selected the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) and the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) as the beneficiaries of the proceeds raised from the silent auction held in conjunction with the 2010 Ellett Brothers Showcase Sale. NRA-ILA and the YSSA each received $15,000 in support of their respective programs.

The silent auction is held each year at the Ellett Brothers dealers show to benefit various shooting sports interests and programs. The money raised during the 2010 show brought contributions to a 7-year total of $240,000.

Hewitt Grant, President/CEO of Ellett Brothers, LLC, states “The NRA-ILA stands between our firearm freedoms and those who would take them away. Ellett Brothers openly prides itself as a ‘Friend of the NRA’ and recognizes their leadership role in preserving our Second Amendment rights.” Grant adds “However, a right not exercised is a right that can be lost. We believe there’s no better way to ensure the shooting sports industry continues to thrive than to give today’s young people access to local shooting programs, facilities and equipment that are safe, positive and inspire a lifelong passion for shooting and hunting. We have been impressed with the accomplishments of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance in identifying and supporting the needs of successful and safe youth programs and venues that create measurable increases in youth participation in the shooting sports.”

Ellett Brothers, LLC, is a leading nationwide marketer and distributor of outdoor sporting goods with over 60,000 SKU’s, 800 manufacturers/suppliers, 20,000 independent retailers of shooting and marine sports products. For more information on Ellett Brothers, LLC, visit their website at www.ellettbrothers.com


Sig Sauer, Inc. Supports YSSA's Donated Firearms Program

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Sig Sauer, Inc., Exeter, NH has generously donated 10 Certified Pre-owned P250 Compact 9mm pistols to the YSSA in support of their Donated Firearms Program.

The Donated Firearms program, featured on YSSA’s website www.youthshootingsa.com, encourages the donation of firearms which, in turn, will be sold on GunBroker.com – the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction. Firearms are listed without a reserve bid and are awarded to the highest bidder. The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, a 501(c)(3) private foundation, will provide donors with a tax deductible receipt upon the sale of each firearm. Proceeds from the sale of donated firearms are used to acquire equipment and supplies in support of priority youth shooting sports programs.

The P250 pistol is a modern handgun incorporating the latest technical advances in firearm design for military, law enforcement and sporting use. The P250 is a mechanically locked, short recoil operated pistol with semi-automatic reloading. The automatic firing pin lock and double-action trigger ensure safe carrying of the firearm and provide instant readiness without actuating a manual safety. Distinctive high-contrast sights, in conjunction with the ergonomically correct grip, ensure rapid target acquisition and engagement, even under poor lighting conditions.

The P250 pistol received the National Rifle Association’s coveted Golden Bullseye Award for Shooting Illustrated Handgun of the Year and American Rifleman Tactical Handgun of the Year.

For more information on Sig Sauer, Inc. products, visit their website at www.sigsauer.com.


"Treasures & Traditions" Heritage Partnership Auction to Benefit YSSA

A special “Treasures & Traditions” Heritage Partnership auction to benefit the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) will be hosted by GunBroker.com - the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction – and the Hunting Heritage Trust throughout the month of March, 2010. Based on similar auctions recently hosted in behalf of USA Shooting and IHEA, the YSSA is excited about the potential number of prospective bidders over a month-long period that will review the inventory of products and services that will be listed in this YSSA Heritage Partnership auction.

Proceeds from the auction will be used to acquire equipment and supplies needed to address limiting factors to growth of priority youth shooting sports programs selected by the YSSA Board of Directors for support in 2010.

The following contributions received or pledged to date promise a stellar auction listing of outstanding items representing all categories of shooting sports products:

  • O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. donated four shotguns - a Silver Reserve Sporting 12 ga., a Silver Reserve 20 ga., a Silver Reserve 28 ga., and a .410 Silver Reserve.
  • Henry Repeating Arms Co. donated a Henry Golden Boy .22 Youth rifle.
  • Leupold & Stevens, Inc. donated a 10x42 Boone and Crockett Binocular Kit and an RX-1 Digital Rangefinder.
  • Brownells will supply all of the parts for a young boy or girl to build an AR-15 rifle under the guidance of an adult mentor using their comprehensive series of easy-to-use web based video instructions on assembling an AR-15.
  • Hornady Manufacturing, Inc. donated a Lock-N-Load A.P. Loader.
  • Savage Sports Corporation donated a Savage Model 111FCXP3 7mm Rem. Mag. rifle.
  • Sig Sauer, Inc. donated a P250 Compact 9mm Pistol.
  • Cabela’s donated Euro Binoculars and a $200 Gift Card.
  • BowTech donated a 2008 Commander RH 60# OBS bow.
  • Bushnell Outdoor Products donated three Trophy XLT scopes.
  • David Baron, President of Baron Technology, Inc. and Bob Coyle, Executive Director of TALO Distributors, Inc. donated a prototype of a special edition of a Ruger SR-9.

The YSSA plans to highlight the auction, our supporters and the items listed in this auction in a series of news releases prior to, during and following the auction period.

In addition to this special auction, the YSSA routinely conducts auctions of donated shooting sports items acquired through its Donated Firearms Program. The Donated Firearms Program, featured on YSSA’s website www.youthshootingsa.com, encourages the donation of firearms and other related items which, in turn, are sold on GunBroker.com – the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction. Donated items are listed without a reserve bid and are awarded to the highest bidder. The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, a 501(c)(3) private foundation, provide donors with a tax deductible receipt upon the sale of each item.

“The Donated Firearms Program provides an opportunity for sportsmen and women to donate their old guns and help the YSSA build the next generation of shooters” said David Baron, President of Baron Technology, Inc. and President of YSSA. Baron added “It may be just your old gun, but put in the right hands, it can help sustain the sport of shooting while strengthening the core values of the next generation of shooters and hunters.”

2009 News

YSSA Online Auctions Exceed 100,000 Product Viewings

During the first two months of conducting online auctions of donated firearms and other sporting goods, the items sold by the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) have been viewed by 104,715 prospective bidders according to GunBroker.com - the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction. YSSA has auctioned either new or sparingly used items donated via their “Donated Firearms Program” from Savage Sports Corporation, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Leupold & Stevens, Inc., TALO Distributors, Inc., and GATCO Sharpeners/Timberline Knives.

The Donated Firearms Program, featured on YSSA’s website www.youthshootingsa.com, encourages the donation of firearms which, in turn, are sold on GunBroker.com. Donated items are listed without a reserve bid and are awarded to the highest bidder. The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, a 501(c)(3) private foundation, provides donors with a tax deductible receipt upon the sale of each item as well as buyers for the amount of their bid that exceeds the fair market value of the item. This novel means of generating funds is used to purchase equipment and supplies needed by priority youth shooting sports programs nationwide.

“The Donated Firearms Program provides an opportunity for sportsmen and women to donate their old guns and help the YSSA build the next generation of shooters” said David Baron, President of Baron Technology, Inc. and President of YSSA. Baron added “It may be just your old gun, but put in the right hands, it can help sustain the sport of shooting while strengthening the core values of the next generation of shooters and hunters.”


South Carolina 4-H gets a Program Boost from YSSA

“This gift is incredible! Your generosity will impact hundreds of SC 4-H youth and volunteers” stated Kellye Reinbert, 4-H Youth Development Director at Clemson University. The YSSA provided quite an inventory to the South Carolina 4-H Shooting Sports program to include 24 Genesis compound bows, 25 dozen Easton-Truflite 1820 aluminum arrows, 20 shooting glasses, 10 Avanti Champion training rifles, 2 Avanti Legend competition rifles, 7 savage Model MARK I .22 cal. rifles, 5 Mossberg Model 930 12 ga. Automloader shotguns, 2 Do-All Aerial Assault automatic trap machines, 20 shooting mats and 20 cases of Winchester target loads. James F. Barker, President of Clemson University added “Clemson is pleased to have the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance as a valued partner in our mission.”


Mobile Area Council, BSA Treats 700 Scouts to the Joy of Shooting

The Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, had 700 Scouts participate in rifle shooting, shotgun shooting, archery and clay shoots with equipment provided by the YSSA. The YSSA provided 30 Daisy BB guns, 5 Savage MARK I .22 cal. rifles, 4 Mossberg Super Bantam 20 ga. shotguns, a Do-All Aerial Assault automatic trap machine, 6 Arrowstp 32” round targets with easels, 35 dozen Easton-Truflite 1820 aluminum arrows, 5 Cabela’s canvas gun storage cases, and 2 cases of Winchester .22 LR target cartridges to the Council. “All of these items have been used at the Boy Scout Summer Camp, Cub Scout Family Camps and Cub Scout Day Camps” said Cary Wilson, Assistant Scout Executive. He added “On behalf of the Mobile Area Council, BSA, we salute and thank you for your kindness.”


O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. Supports YSSA’S New Donated Firearms Program

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. has generously donated a collection of sparingly used shotguns to the YSSA in support of their new Donated Firearms Program.

Mossberg, the leader in introducing important design breakthroughs to the firearm industry since 1919, donated seven Mossberg Model 500C 20 ga. shotguns and twelve Mossberg Model 835 12 ga. shotguns to the program. Several of these donated firearms are Mossberg combo models which feature a combination of shotgun barrel and rifled barrel for different hunting applications.

The Donated Firearms program, featured on YSSA’s website www.youthshootingsa.com, encourages the donation of firearms which, in turn, will be sold on GunBroker.com – the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction. Firearms are listed without a reserve bid and are awarded to the highest bidder. The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, a 501(c)(3) private foundation, will provide donors with a tax deductible receipt upon the sale of each firearm.

Mark Kresser, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mossberg, states “We have enjoyed our partnership with the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance and we count on the recommendations of the YSSA regarding the youth shooting sports programs that promise the greatest potential for growth and participation levels. With their guidance, we are confident that our support will help elevate local shooting sports from ‘good’ to ‘excellent.’”

“The Donated Firearms Program provides an opportunity for sportsmen and women to donate their old guns and help the YSSA build the next generation of shooters” said David Baron, President of Baron Technology, Inc. and President of YSSA. Baron added “It may be just your old gun, but put in the right hands, it can help sustain the sport of shooting while strengthening the core values of the next generation of shooters and hunters.”

Mossberg’s products are built to world-class levels of manufacturing standards and for more than a decade, the Mossberg pump-action shotgun models have served as one of the most practical shotguns ever made. For more information on Mossberg products, visit their website at www.mossberg.com.


Savage Sports Corporation “Jump Starts” YSSA’S New Donated Firearms Program.

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) received a “jump start” to its new “Donated Firearms Program” from the Savage Sports Corporation with a generous donation of 72 rifles and pistols.

Ron Coburn, Chairman/CEO of Savage Sports Corporation, and a passionate supporter of youth shooting sports programs, saw an opportunity to kick off this novel means of generating funds to purchase equipment and supplies needed by priority youth shooting sports programs nationwide.
Ron stated “I dug out a list of salesmen samples and writer’s guns that we have quarantined for future need. In reality, they will just sit around a long time. There are over 70 such items in all calibers- so there is something for everyone. The cumulative fair market value of these firearms is substantial, but again, they are just collecting dust and could use a good home.”

Steve Miller, Executive Director, Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, and Ed Konrad, owner of Red's Army/Navy, Kitty Hawk, NC, unpack the initial shipment of firearms donated by the Savage Sports Corporation to benefit YSSA's Donated Firearms Program."

The Donated Firearms program, featured on YSSA’s website www.youthshootingsa.com, encourages the donation of firearms which, in turn, will be sold on GunBroker.com – the web’s largest hunting and sport shooting auction. Firearms will be listed without a reserve bid and will be awarded to the highest bidder. The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, a 501(c)(3) private foundation, will provide donors with a tax deductible receipt upon the sale of each firearm.

“The Donated Firearms Program provides an opportunity for sportsmen and women to donate their old guns and help the YSSA build the next generation of shooters” said David Baron, President of Baron Technology, Inc. and President of YSSA. Baron added “It may be just your old gun, but put in the right hands, it can help sustain the sport of shooting while strengthening the core values of the next generation of shooters and hunters.”


Taurus International Mfg., Inc. Supports Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Taurus International Mfg., Inc., Miami, FL, has generously donated Rossi matched pair 20 ga./.22 LR guns in support of priority youth shooting sports programs. The Rossi matched pair consists of a single shot rifle with an interchangeable shotgun barrel. The firearm operates with a single shot, break-open design.

Taurus donated six Rossi matched pairs to the Heart of Virginia Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Richmond, VA; six Rossi matched pairs to the Tukabatchee Area Council, BSA, Montgomery, AL; six Rossi matched pairs to the Gerald R. Ford Council, BSA, Grand Rapids, MI; and two Rossi matched pairs to the Longs Peak Council, BSA, Greeley, CO. These programs were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to the 2008 National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment conducted by YSSA.

Taurus has been recognized as a passionate supporter of youth shooting sports programs and has provided noteworthy leadership and support in restoring Camp Seminole, the primary camping facilities of the South Florida Council, BSA, which were devastated by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Taurus has tirelessly worked in partnership with the Council to rebuild Camp Seminole and provide the Scouts with a quality camping facility to include a safe, structured shooting program and range for them to reengage in the sport of shooting.

David J. Blenker, Taurus Executive Vice President, CFO and COO, states “We are pleased to work with the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance to address those limiting factors to growth attributable to equipment for such deserving youth shooting sports programs.”

Taurus acquired manufacturing and distribution rights of all Rossi products in 2008. Rossi Firearms, an industry-leading manufacturer of single-shot, matched pair rifles and shotguns, also produces Rossi black-powder muzzleloading rifles and youth-size mini-loaders. Distribution of all Rossi products in the United States continues through BrazTech International in Miami. For more information on Rossi and Taurus products, visit their websites at www.rossiusa.com and www.taurususa.com.


Savage Sports Corporation Continues Support

The Savage Sports Corporation, Westfield, MA, a long-time supporter of youth shooting sports programs, recently announced their continuing support of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) by providing rifles in support of priority youth shooting sports programs.

Ron Coburn, Chairman/CEO of Savage Sports Corp., states “The YSSA is providing a valuable service to the shooting sports industry by identifying the youth shooting sports programs that best contribute to the future market goals of the industry. There are a great number of quality youth programs across America that need help in acquiring equipment and supplies. Finding the right programs to support can be a difficult and time-consuming process. The YSSA makes it easy by identifying groups with the greatest potential return on investment and prioritizing them based on criteria such as program quality, potential for growth and participation levels.”

The following priority youth shooting sports programs are receiving Savage Mark I .22 rifles in support of their respective programs. These programs were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to the 2008 National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment:

  1. Great Trail Council, BSA, Akron, OH - 4 Savage Mark I .22 LR rifles
  2. Montana 4-H Shooting Sports - 4 Savage Mark I .22 LR rifles
  3. South Carolina 4-H Shooting Sports Program - 7 Savage Mark I .22 LR rifles
  4. Sioux Council, BSA, Sioux Falls, SD - 8 Savage Mark I .22 LR rifles
  5. Mt. Diablo Silverado Council, BSA, Pleasant Hill, CA - 7 Savage Mark I .22 LR rifles

Savage Sports Corporation is comprised of Savage Arms, a leading manufacturer of center fire rifles in Westfield, MA and rim fire rifles in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada; Stevens, a major brand of center fire rifles, rim fire rifles and shotguns; Fox, a high-quality brand name for shotguns; Savage Range Systems, a manufacturer of patented shooting ranges and bullet traps; Porta Target, an industry leader in ranges targets and shoot houses; and most recently, BowTech Archery, a major manufacturer of compound bows with facilities in Eugene, Oregon. For more information on Savage products, visit their website at www.savagearms.com.


Blackpowder Products, Inc. Provides Support

Blackpowder Products, Inc. (BPI) enthusiastically answered a request from the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) to provide muzzleloading rifles and accessories in support of the shooting sports program offered by the Heart of Virginia Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Council offers shooting sports activities to over 24,000 Scouts in 23 counties in central Virginia. The Council was selected as a priority youth shooting sports program by the YSSA following a review of proposals submitted in response to the 2008 National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment.

BPI donated five Wolf 209 Magnum Break-Action Blued/Camo muzzleloaders in support of this dynamic youth program. The Wolf is CVA’s newest break-action muzzleloader and comes standard with fiber optic sights, stainless steel breech plug, ventilated recoil pad and an all-aluminum extendable loading rod. BPI also donated Barrel Blaster rust blaster plugs, Fill-R-Up bore cleaner, cleaning patches and 250 .50 cal. Powerbelt copper series bullets – America’s #1 muzzleloading bullet – to the Council. For more information on CVA products, visit their website at www.cva.com.

The shooting sports are a huge part of the Heart of Virginia Council’s year-round program and has been growing for the past 20 years. The Council has new shooting facilities, but their muzzleloader equipment inventory was limited and they welcomed these generous donations to provide opportunities to the Scouts to experience this shooting discipline.

Nate Treadaway, President and COO of BPI states “We are proud to partner with the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance in supporting this outstanding youth shooting sports program. We know that we can count on the YSSA to recommend programs that have the greatest potential return on our industry’s investment based on their potential for growth and participation.”

Blackpowder Products, Inc. is the parent company to many highly successful brands in the hunting and shooting industry, including CVA, PowerBelt Bullets, Quake Industries, DuraSight Scope Mounts, and Bergara Barrels. BPI is located in Norcross, GA. For more information on BPI, visit their website at www.bpiguns.com.


Daisy Outdoor Products Supports Priority Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Daisy Outdoor Products, the world’s oldest and largest producer of airguns, has continued their generous donation to YSSA for use in support of youth shooting sports programs.

Daisy has been a long-time supporter of youth shooting safety and youth shooting sports programs. The company recognizes the impact that the YSSA is having on enabling organizations to introduce young and first-time shooters safely to airguns and to all disciplines of the shooting sports.

“The YSSA is doing a tremendous job of identifying, assessing and prioritizing needs. They are matching up donors who want to perpetuate the shooting sports with organizations which have a passion for youth shooting programs, but may lack the finances to acquire the equipment,” said Joe Murfin, Vice President of Marketing for Daisy and a member of the YSSA Board of Directors. “By making this donation available to YSSA, they can continue to fulfill some of their grant requests for airguns.”

The following priority youth shooting sports programs receiving support were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to the 2008 National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment:

Tuckabatchee Area Council, BSA, Montgomery, AL
Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game, Fairbanks, AK
South Florida Council, BSA, Miami Lakes, FL
Patriots’ Path Council, BSA, Florham Park, NJ
South Texas Council, BSA, Corpus Christi, TX
Walhalla Army JROTC, Walhalla, SC
Great Trail Council, BSA, Akron, OH
Gerald R. Ford Council, BSA, Grand Rapids, MI
Longs Peak Council, BSA, Greeley, CO
Montana 4-H Shooting Sports
South Carolina 4-H Shooting Sports Program
Mobile Area Council, BSA, Mobile, AL
Sioux Council, BSA, Sioux Falls, SD
Northern Lights Council, BSA, Fargo, ND
Palmetto Council, BSA, Spartanburg, SC

For more information on Daisy products, visit their website at www.daisy.com.


O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. Continues Support

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. has generously continued their support of priority youth shooting sports programs.

Mossberg, the leader in introducing important design breakthroughs to the firearm industry since 1919, donated two Mossberg 500 Super Bantam 20 ga. shotguns to the Mississippi 4-H Shooting Sports Program; four Mossberg 500 Super Bantam 20 ga. shotguns to the Mobile Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Mobile, AL; five Mossberg 500 Super Bantam 20 ga. shotguns to the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council, BSA, Pleasant Hill, CA; and four Mossberg 500 Super Bantam 20 ga. shotguns to the Palmetto Council, BSA, Spartanburg, SC. These programs were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to the 2008 National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment conducted by YSSA.

Mark Kresser, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mossberg, states “We count on the recommendations of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance regarding the youth shooting sports programs that promise the greatest potential for growth and participation levels. With their guidance, we are confident that our product donations will help elevate local shooting sports from ‘good’ to ‘excellent.’”

Mossberg’s products are built to world-class levels of manufacturing standards and for more than a decade, the Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun has served as one of the most practical starter shotguns ever made. Now, with the same standards of quality, dependability, and safety in mind, shooters and hunters will find the 500 Super Bantam truly remarkable. Unequalled in practicality and loaded with custom-like features, these new pump-action shotguns provide an affordable opportunity for beginning and growing shooters to get started with a safe and reliable shotgun. The Mossberg 500 Super Bantam is the choice of young sportsmen and smaller framed shooters. For more information on Mossberg products, visit their website at www.mossberg.com.


Ellett Brothers, LLC Supports NRA-ILA and YSSA

Ellett Brothers, LLC, selected the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) and the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) as the beneficiaries of the proceeds raised from the silent auction held in conjunction with the 2009 Ellett Brothers Showcase Sale. NRA-ILA and the YSSA each received $15,000 in support of their respective programs.

The silent auction is held each year at the Ellett Brothers dealers show to benefit various shooting sports interests and programs. The money raised during the 2009 show brought contributions to a 6-year total of $210,000.

Hewitt Grant, President/CEO of Ellett Brothers, LLC (pictured at left) presents $15,000 check at the S.H.O.T. Show to Steve Miller, Executive Director, Youth Shooting Sports Alliance.

Hewitt Grant, President/CEO of Ellett Brothers, LLC, states “The NRA-ILA stands between our firearm freedoms and those who would take them away. Ellett Brothers openly prides itself as a ‘Friend of the NRA’ and recognizes their leadership role in preserving our Second Amendment rights.” Grant adds “However, a right not exercised is a right that can be lost. We believe there’s no better way to ensure the shooting sports industry continues to thrive than to give today’s young people access to local shooting programs, facilities and equipment that are safe, positive and inspire a lifelong passion for shooting and hunting. We have been impressed with the accomplishments of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance in identifying and supporting the needs of successful and safe youth programs and venues that create measurable increases in youth participation in the shooting sports.”

Ellett Brothers, LLC, is a leading nationwide marketer and distributor of outdoor sporting goods with over 60,000 SKU’s, 800 manufacturers/suppliers, 20,000 independent retailers of shooting and marine sports products. For more information on Ellett Brothers, LLC, visit their website at www.ellettbrothers.com.

2008 News

Leupold® Supports Priority Youth Programs

In an effort to introduce more youngsters to the shooting sports, Leupold® has donated 24 spotting scope kits to four of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance’s (YSSA) priority programs.

The donated Sequoia® 15-45x60mm spotting scope kits were distributed to programs deemed priority by a national assessment conducted by the YSSA. The four recipient programs include:

  • Alaska Department of Fish & Game Hunter Education Indoor Shooting Range in Fairbanks, Alaska
  • Army JROTC unit in Walhalla, South Carolina
  • Gerald R. Ford Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA), in Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Mt. Diablo Silverado Council, BSA, in Pleasant Hill, California

Cyndi Flannigan, Leupold sales manager, commented, “We’re proud to support the needs of programs that have such tremendous impact on the introduction and retention of youth into the shooting sports.”

Of the four programs, Alaska’s Hunter Education Indoor Shooting Range Facility reaches the most people. Serving as the hub of firearms safety and education training for Interior Alaska, the facility reaches more than 20,000 people each year, including more than 5,000 youth.

Though not as large as the Alaska program, the Walhalla JROTC marksmanship team has experienced the quickest growth by tripling in size in less than two years. Col. Kevin Mangan, JROTC commander, stated, “We have seen a remarkable increase in interest and participation in our rifle team. In fact, our unit plans to host a clinic and competition for area JROTC units this fall to show the simplicity of running a team.”

Less focused on the competition aspect of shooting, BSA offers a wide variety of shooting sports programs to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts.

“Shooting sports are one of the main reasons boys sign up for our summer camps,” said Suzie Blake of the Gerald R. Ford Council, BSA. “Having quality equipment like Leupold spotting scopes allows the scouts the opportunity to improve marksmanship skills and build self confidence.”

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the most prominent American-owned and -operated optics company, employs more than 650 people in its state-of-the-art Beaverton, Ore., facility where rugged, dependable, high-performance Golden Ring® sports optics are designed, machined and assembled. Leupold is a fifth-generation, family-owned company whose products are sold worldwide to hunters, wildlife observers, competitive shooters, law enforcement officers and special operations military personnel. The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; flashlights; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.

For more information on Leupold products, visit their website at www.leupold.com.


Winchester Ammunition Continues Support

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently partnered with Winchester Ammunition to provide all of the rimfire and shotshell ammunition requested in support of the 2008 priority youth shooting sports programs.

Winchester Ammunition provided ammunition to the Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game Hunter Education Shooting Range Facility in Fairbanks, AK; the South Carolina 4-H Shooting Sports; the Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, in Mobile, AL; the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council, Boy Scouts of America, in Pleasant Hill, CA; and the Calhoun County 4-H Shooting Sports in Pittsboro, MS. These priority programs were among those recommended by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to last summer’s National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment conducted by YSSA.

Greg Kosteck, Director, Winchester Marketing said “Winchester Ammunition is proud to support the needs of successful youth programs that create measurable improvements in youth participation in the shooting sports.”

Winchester Ammunition has demonstrated a leadership role in support of youth shooting sports. The company made a groundbreaking $500,000 pledge in April, 2007 to permanently endow NRA’s Marksmanship Qualification Program. Many youth program leaders consider this program an indispensable way to encourage young people to develop their shooting skills and grow their interest in the shooting sports. With this gift, Winchester became the exclusive, permanent sponsor of the program now known as the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program. Winchester Ammunition also supports Ronald McDonald House Charities as the National Title Sponsor of the Kids & Clays Foundation.

For more information on Winchester products, visit their website at www.winchester.com.


Henry Repeating Arms Company Supports Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that the Henry Repeating Arms Company has donated legendary Henry rifles in support of the youth shooting sports programs offered by the Hunter Education Shooting Range Facility in Fairbanks, Alaska and the Montana 4-H Shooting Sports. These priority programs were among those recommended by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to last summer’s National Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs Assessment conducted by YSSA.

The Hunter Education Shooting Range Facility, managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, serves as the hub of firearms safety and education training for the shooting sports in Interior Alaska. The facility reaches more than 20,000 people each year, including more than 5,000 youth, with their various programs and events. As budgets are reduced and utility costs sky rocket, their ability to provide adequate equipment and supplies to continue with and expand their programs is severely impacted.

The Program requested the assistance of the YSSA to acquire a diverse inventory of shooting sports equipment to continue their valuable youth-oriented programs and assist in expanding to reach more youth in the community. Among the equipment requested were twelve Henry Mini Bolt Youth .22 rifles with the orange stock option to complement the adult models previously purchased by the program. Henry Repeating Arms generously fulfilled this need by donating all of the rifles requested.

The Henry Mini Bolt Youth .22 is the perfect rifle for introducing youngsters to shooting and hunting. The Mini Bolt is ideally proportioned for small-framed shooters. The U.S.A Olympic Shooting Team was so impressed by its kid-friendly performance and bull’s eye-punching accuracy, they named it the Official Youth Rifle of their program.

Montana 4-H Shooting Sports is the 4th largest 4-H project in the state with 2,642 youth enrolled. The Montana 4-H Shooting Sports Committee conducts three certification workshops each year in different locations across Montana in order to qualify volunteers to lead county programs. The program’s greatest need is to acquire equipment for use at their training workshops. Among the equipment requested were two Henry .22 rifles with 20” barrels.

Henry Repeating Arms responded by donating two Henry Golden Boy .22 LR rifles – a masterpiece of fine crafted gunsmithing. The Henry Golden Boy is one beautiful classic that was selected by the readers of Guns & Ammo magazine in 2001 as “Rifle of the Year.”

Henry Repeating Arms Company has served as a long-time supporter of youth shooting sports programs. Mr. Anthony Imperato, President, recognizes the importance of introducing kids to the joy of shooting and hunting as our best investment in continuing our shooting sports heritage in perpetuity.

To commemorate the celebration of the 100th Anniversary in 2010 of the Boy Scouts of America, Henry Repeating Arms announced the release of its Henry Golden Boy “Boy Scouts of America Centennial Edition” licensed rifle. To mark this milestone, this special rifle features the Scout Oath, Scouts Law, scrollwork and traditional Boy Scouts of America logo embellishing the receiver, as well as a 100 Years of Scouting logo and Centennial Edition gold filled etchings in the buttstock and forearm.

For more information on Henry Repeating Arms products, visit their website at www.henryrepeating.com.


O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. Supports Priority Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. has generously donated all of the shotguns requested in support of designated priority youth shooting sports programs.

Mossberg, the leader in introducing important design breakthroughs to the firearm industry since 1919, donated three Mossberg 500® 12ga.shotguns and two Mossberg 500® 20ga. shotguns to the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Omaha, NE; five Mossberg 500® 20ga. shotguns to the Crater Lake Council, BSA, Central Point, OR; and five Mossberg 500® 20ga. shotguns to the Michigan District of the Royal Rangers. These priority programs were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to last summer’s National Assessment of Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs conducted by YSSA.

The Mid-America Council plans to develop a complete shooting sports program at Little Sioux Scout Ranch and will use Mossberg’s donation in conjunction with a new trap range. The Crater Lake Council will use Mossberg’s donation to offer a quality shooting sports program at their new shotgun range at Camp Makualla. The Michigan District of the Royal Rangers will use Mossberg’s donation in conjunction with a transportable skeet range constructed at Lost Valley Bible Camp in Gaylord, MI.

Mossberg's products are built to world-class levels of manufacturing standards and Mossberg's 500® pump-action shotguns offer an amazing amount of gun for an unbeatable price. For more information on the full line of products from O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., visit their website at www.mossberg.com.


Delta Sports Products Supports Priority Youth Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Delta Sports Products, LLC has generously donated all of the archery round targets and easel stands requested in support of designated priority youth shooting sports programs.

Delta Sports Products, the leader in archery products, donated five Arrowstop 32” round targets and target easel stands to both the Blue Grass Council, Boy Scouts of America, Lexington, KY and the Tukabatchee Area Council, BSA, Montgomery, AL and six targets and stands to the Mobile Area Council, BSA, Mobile, AL.

These priority programs were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to last summer’s National Assessment of Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs conducted by YSSA.

The Blue Grass Council is developing a shooting sports field equipped with an archery field. Development of this field and acquisition of the necessary equipment is projected to increase shooting sports activities three-fold. The Mobile Area Council will use Delta’s donation in support of activities at Camp Challenge – a Scout Outreach program serving 900 “at-risk” Scouts. The Tukabatchee Area Council will use Delta’s targets in support of their Summer Camp Shooting Sports Program which attracts 600 Scouts pursuing their archery merit badge.

Delta offers a full line of targets for archery enthusiasts, bowhunters, amateur competitors and professional archers. At Delta, you will find innovative, professional quality products, at economical prices.

For more information on the full line of products from Delta Targets, visit their website at www.deltatargets.net.


Industry Supports Carolina JROTC Programs

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Savage Sports Corporation Supports Priority Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Savage Sports Corporation has generously donated all of the rifles requested in support of designated priority youth shooting sports programs. BowTech, a subsidiary of Savage Sports Corp., also donated compound bows in support of a Navy JROTC unit in North Carolina.

Savage Sports Corporation, the largest rifle manufacturer in the United States, donated five youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Mobile, AL; nine youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Narragansett Council, BSA, East Providence, RI; six youth model .22 caliber rifles to the Crater Lake Council, BSA, Central Point, OR; and ten youth model .22’s to the Mid-America Council, BSA, Omaha, NE. BowTech donated four compound bows in support of the Eugene Ashley High School NJROTC unit, Wilmington, NC.

These priority programs were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to last summer’s National Assessment of Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs conducted by YSSA.

Savage also provided twelve .22 rifles for the Cheshire County Fish and Game Club in Keene N.H. to be used for their NRA Women on Target clinics and youth programs.

Ron Coburn, Chairman and CEO as well as a longtime supporter of youth programs, said “Our part is relatively easy—we provide the tools while dedicated instructors give their personal time and energy to insure safe and fun youth shooting experiences”

Savage Sports Corporation is a privately held company consisting of three divisions:

Savage Arms is a leading manufacturer of center-fire rifles, located in Westfield, MA.
Savage (Canada) manufactures rim-fire rifles in Lakefield, Ontario.
Savage Range Systems/Porta Target, also based in Westfield, MA, manufactures indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, target systems and shoot houses.

BowTech, the largest bow company in the world, manufactures and distributes the industry’s finest compound bows and archery equipment. BowTech’s corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located on the outskirts of Eugene, OR. BowTech divisions include BowTech and Diamond Archery, Stryker Crossbows and WaterDog Surface Technologies with a worldwide dealer and distributor network.

For more information on the full line of Savage firearms, visit their website at www.savagearms.com.

For information on BowTech products, visit their website at www.BowTechArchery.com or www.Diamondarchery.com.


Cabela's Partnership Supports Priority Youth Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) partnership with Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter, provides much needed support to priority youth shooting sports programs around the country. Recently, Cabela’s has generously donated a variety of Cabela’s private-label equipment to promote the shooting sports heritage.

“Cabela’s is proud to partner with the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance in their efforts to support successful and safe shooting programs for America’s young people.” said Dennis Highby, president and CEO of Cabela’s. “Protecting and promoting the sporting heritage is just one way we give back to the outdoor community.”

Cabela’s donated gun storage cases to the Mobile Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Mobile, AL; a 16-gun capacity double door cabinet, shooting glasses and firearm cleaning kits to the Tukabatchee Area Council, BSA, Montgomery, AL; and scoped rifle cases and leather shooting gloves to the Western Alamance High Scholl JROTC unit, Elon, NC.

These priority programs were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to last summer’s National Assessment of Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs conducted by YSSA.

Al Arrington, District Executive for the Tukabatchee Area Council as well as the Shooting Sports Director at Camp Tukabatchee, said “Please convey our thanks to Cabela’s for their generosity in providing the necessary equipment to run our shooting sports program.” Cary Wilson, Mobile Area Council, BSA added “The equipment donated by Cabela’s contributes to upgrading our shooting sports program. The Scouts benefit from the new equipment and, in the long run, Cabela’s assistance will help to increase participation and add new shooters.”

For more information on Cabela’s products, or to find out more about their support of the tradition of outdoor sports, visit their Web site at www.cabelas.com.


Traditions Performance Firearms Supports Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Traditions Performance Firearms, Old Saybrook, CT, has generously donated a complete set of muzzleloading rifles to the Louisiana District of the Royal Rangers to meet the needs of their expanding youth shooting program in their state. Traditions Performance Firearms has been a long-time supporter of youth shooting safety and youth shooting sports programs. The staff at Traditions all enjoy hunting as a part of life and support groups like Hunter’s Education, 4-H, Boy Scouts and all the wildlife conservation organizations. The Louisiana District of the Royal Rangers was selected as one of the priority youth shooting sports programs by a panel of industry reviewers working in concert with the YSSA. The industry panel was impressed by the Royal Rangers’ vision of expanding their program into new shooting disciplines -- especially muzzleloaders.

Traditions Performance Firearms responded by providing nearly every type of muzzleloading rifle on the market today to meet their needs. Included among the donated rifles were a youth model Yukon drop breech action muzzleloader – the next generation of muzzleloading rifles; a youth Pursuit LT break-open muzzleloader with its compact length for smaller-framed shooters; two Thunder Bolt muzzleloaders; and a Deerhunter muzzleloader in percussion.David L. Craun, District Commander of the Louisiana Royal Rangers, said “We started a program to teach black powder safety, but were limited in developing a complete program because of our reliance on using borrowed muzzleloaders from volunteers. We thank Traditions so much for their dedication to shooting sports. Their assistance is a great blessing to our organization.”

For more information on Tradition Performance Firearms products, visit their website at www.traditionsfirearms.com.


Legacy Sports International Partners withYSSA

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced an exciting partnership with Legacy Sports International, "the most trusted name in the shooting industry," in support of YSSA and youth shooting sports programs nationwide.Legacy Sports International will donate $5.00 to YSSA for each youth firearm sold throughout 2008. The firearms involved include all 10 models of Howa youth rifles; 2 models of Escort youth 20 ga. semi-auto shotguns; and 2 models of Escort youth 20 ga. pump shotguns.Legacy is also offering a PROplan for qualified youth instructors on all of their Legacy line in support of their programs. Legacy offers an extremely significant savings to youth leaders who are welcomed and encouraged to contact Legacy for details and forms at (775) 828-0555."We here at Legacy Sports are excited about assisting the YSSA. The YSSA's success is ALL of our industry's success!" said Andy McCormick, VP/Marketing & Sales for Legacy Sports International. "All of our distributors and dealers will be made aware of this partnership as well as all of our media contacts from TV, radio, print and web." For more information on Legacy Sports International, visit their website at www.legacysports.com.


Daisy Ouotdoor Products Supports Priority Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Daisy Outdoor Products, the world's oldest and largest producer of airguns, has established a generous product account donation from which the YSSA can supply BB-guns, air rifles and related equipment.

Daisy has been a long-time supporter of youth shooting safety and youth shooting sports programs. The company recognizes the impact that the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) is going to have on enabling even more organizations to introduce young and first-time shooters safely to airguns and to all disciplines of the shooting sports. For 2008, Daisy established a product donation account to be used by YSSA to establish new programs and enhance the effectiveness of existing airgun programs, especially where financial need is a factor.

"YSSA is doing a tremendous job of identifying, assessing and prioritizing needs. They are matching up donors who want to perpetuate the shooting sports with organizations which have a passion for youth shooting programs but may lack the finances to acquire the equipment," said Joe Murfin, Vice President of Marketing for Daisy and a member of the YSSA board of directors. "By making this product fund available to YSSA, they now have the ability to immediately fulfill some of their grant requests for airguns."

"Some of those shooting sports programs benefiting from YSSA grants and Daisy's generosity include the Blue Grass Council, Boy Scouts of America, Lexington, KY; Eugene Ashley High School Navy JROTC unit, Wilmington, NC; Mobile Area Council, BSA, Mobile, AL; Buffalo Trail Council, BSA, Midland, TX; Blue Ridge Council, BSA, Greenville, SC; Laurens District 55 High School NJROTC unit, Laurens, SC; Crater Lake Council, BSA, Central Point, OR; and the Louisiana Royal Rangers, Alexandria, LA."

These priority programs were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to last summer's National Assessment of Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs conducted by YSSA.CDR John Lancaster, Laurens District 55 High School NJROTC unit, said "The rifle team is thrilled with the Avanti 887 Gold Medalist Competition rifles that we've received as a result of our application to YSSA; enabling us to expand out team."Rick Burr, Council Executive, Crater Lake Council, BSA, states "We will use the new Daisy BB-guns we've received through YSSA to improve our shooting sports programs which are so vital to the success of our Scouting Programs."The Blue Grass Council, BSA will use their new BB-guns in conjunction with the development of a shooting sports field equipped with a BB-gun range. Matt Roberts, Field Director, expressed the Council's appreciation to Daisy for their future and past support of shooting programs and to YSSA for recognizing their need and fulfilling their grant request.

The Emsley A. Laney High School AFJROTC unit will use their new Avanti 853 Legend Competition rifles and pellet traps in support of their recent designation as one of a handful of Air Force JROTC units to establish marksmanship programs for their cadets.

The Mobile Area Council, BSA is grateful to YSSA for their grant program and to Daisy for their generosity and plans to use their new BB-guns in support of their expanding Scoutreach program that serves at risk low income Scouts in their service area.

The Buffalo Trail Council, BSA, expressed their appreciation to YSSA for their new Daisy Model 845 Mentor air rifles in support of their shooting sports program at Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch. The Ranch accommodated nearly 4,000 Scouts in 2007.

For more information on Daisy products, visit their website at www.daisy.com.

2007 News

Leupold® Supports Priority Youth Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Leupold & Stevens, Inc. - America's Optics Authority - has provided all of the spotting scopes requested in support of designated priority youth shooting sports programs.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. donated Leupold Sequoia 15-45 X 60mm angled spotting scopes in support of shooting sports programs conducted by the Cary High School Navy JROTC unit, Cary, NC; the North Buncombe High School Navy Navy JROTC unit, Weaverville, NC; and the Wren High School Navy JROTC unit, Piedmont, SC.

The Cary High School NJROTC unit's air rifle team's success has increased the popularity of marksmanship as an NJROTC activity. The team has grown in the number of cadets participating which, in turn, presents a need to outfit more cadets with adequate equipment. Chief Paul Brown, Naval Science Instructor/Rifle Coach says "The Cary NJROTC marksmanship program allows many cadets to experience the camaraderie and improved self confidence that comes from belonging to a competitive team. We are very appreciative of Leupold's support."

Tom Campbell, North Buncombe High School NJROTC Rifle Team Coach states "The Leupold scopes meet our program needs fantastically and they will enhance our present shooting program immensely."
Harold Schumacher, Wren High School NJROTC unit said "Our rifle team starts at the beginning of each school year and continues until the end of school year. Better equipment and competitive skills will increase interest in the rifle team and bring more students into the program. With these new Leupold scopes, I feel our cadets' shooting ability will increase and allow for better competitive skills for rifle matches."
These priority programs were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to last summer's National Assessment of Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs conducted by YSSA.

Cyndi Flannigan, Sales Manager, Leupold & Stevens, Inc. said "Our company is proud to support the needs of these priority JROTC programs that create measurable impacts on the introduction and retention of youth participation in the shooting sports."

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., recognized worldwide for precision sports optics bearing the Leupold name, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007. Its products include rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; mounting systems; and optical tools.

For more information on Leupold products, visit their website at www.leupold.com.


Winchester Ammunition Supports Priority Programs

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) recently announced that Winchester Ammunition has provided all of the rimfire and shotshell ammunition requested in support of designated priority youth shooting sports programs.

Winchester Ammunition donated ammunition in support of shooting sports programs conducted by Eugene Ashley High School Navy JROTC unit, Wilmington, NC; Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA), East Providence, RI; Blue Ridge Council, BSA, Greenville, SC; Tukabatchee Area Council, BSA, Montgomery, AL; and the Louisiana Royal Rangers, Alexandria, LA.

These priority programs were among those selected by an industry panel convened to review proposals submitted by youth organizations in response to last summer's National Assessment of Youth Shooting Sports Program Needs conducted by YSSA.

Greg Kosteck, Director, Winchester Marketing said "Winchester Ammunition is proud to support the needs of successful youth programs that create measurable improvements in youth participation in the shooting sports."

Winchester Ammunition has demonstrated a leadership role in support of youth shooting sports. The company made a groundbreaking $500,000 pledge in April, 2007 to permanently endow NRA's Marksmanship Qualification Program. Many youth program leaders consider this program an indispensable way to encourage young people to develop their shooting skills and grow their interest in the shooting sports. With this gift, Winchester became the exclusive, permanent sponsor of the program now known as the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.

Winchester Ammunition also supports Ronald McDonald House Charities as the National Title Sponsor of the Kids & Clays Foundation.

For more information on Winchester products, visit their website at www.winchester.com.