4-H shooting sports instructors gear up for 2013 classes

COSHOCTON – Certified 4-H shooting sports instructors are gearing up for 2013 classes. Classes starting in January are beginning air rifle, position shooting air rifle, and air pistol. Beginning air rifle teaches basic marksmanship skills that can be applied to many other shooting disciplines. The importance of proper sight picture, trigger control, and breath control to shooting accurately are covered. All students will shoot off of a rest to increase the safety of the activity and assist them in shooting consistently, accurately, and develop a group of shots on the target. The different types of rifle, pistol, and shotgun actions are discussed during the safe gun handling topic. CO2 pellet rifles are used in an indoor setting. This class is a prerequisite for the Air Pistol and Position Air Rifle class. Classes start Monday January 7^th and are held every Monday following for six classes from 5:45-7:00pm at Hathaway Inc., 177 N. 18^th Street, Coshocton. A second class will be offered on Tuesday nights if class size permits. Youth must be at least 9 years old and in the third grade as of Jan. 1, 2013. Cost of the beginning air rifle class is $15 per person which includes a 4-H rifle project book. Air rifles, pellets, and targets are provided. Youth are encouraged to bring their own safety glasses or may borrow safety glasses from 4-H for use during classes.

Position Shooting Air Rifle class expands on the basic marksmanship skills taught in the Beginning Air Rifle. Standing, sitting, kneeling, and prone positions are taught instead of shooting off of a rest. These positions are used in precision air rifle, small bore rifle, and high power rifle competition. Proper use of a rifle sling while in a solid position and other shooting equipment are explained and used. Very accurate CO2 pellet target rifles are used. Classes meet on Tuesday nights from 7:15-8:30pm starting January 8, 2013 for eight weeks at Hathaway Inc., 177 N. 18^th Street, Coshocton. Youth must have previously taken 4-H Beginning Air Rifle classes. Youth must be at least 10 years old and physically cable of safely handling the advanced air rifle which is provided. Cost of the rifle class is $15 per youth and includes a 4-H rifle project book. Air rifles, pellets, and targets are provided. Youth are encouraged to bring their own safety glasses or may borrow safety glasses from 4-H for use during classes.

Air Pistol class builds on and continues with the basic marksmanship skills taught in the Beginning Air Rifle class. The safety rules taught in Beginning Air Rifle are reviewed and expanded. The students will experience more shooting in this class due to their previous experience with the Beginning Air Rifle class. CO2 air pistols are used, shooting off of a rest. Air pistol classes meet Monday evenings from 7:15-8:30pm starting January 8, 2013 for six weeks at Hathaway Inc., 177 N. 18^th Street, Coshocton.  Youth must have previously taken Beginning Air Rifle class or previous training. Youth must be at least 9 years old and in the third grade through 18 years of age by January 1, 2013. Cost for Air Pistol is $15 per person which includes a 4-H pistol project book. Air pistols, pellets, and targets are provided. Youth are encouraged to bring their own safety glasses or may borrow safety glasses from 4-H for use during classes.

4-H Shooting sports classes are not limited to current 4-H members. Any youth ages 9-18 may participate in the shooting sports classes. Upcoming classes starting in February are Hunting and Wildlife and Archery. Look for details of those classes at a later date. All class sizes are limited so call the OSU Extension Office at 622-2265 to register.

Category: Clubs & Organizations