Junior Programs
Shooting can be a tremendously rewarding sport, and firearms safety and proper handling are very important lessons that provide a solid foundation for enjoying the shooting sports.
The STMTC sponsors various programs, training sessions, and competitions for young people interested in learning how to shoot and/or compete. Individual juniors wishing to participate can join. Contact the Junior Programs Director for current requirements.
The STMTC also works in cooperation with other organizations, such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, JROTC units, 4H clubs, Civil Air Patrol, Sea Bees, High Schools, Home Owners Associations and others to provide quality instruction in safe firearms handling and marksmanship to youths in a safe environment.
If you belong to an organization or club, from Sea Cadets to Civil Air Patrol, or a school club that would be interested in giving your members classes in firearms safety and marksmanship, have your sponsor or scoutmaster contact the Junior Programs Director. While the STMTC does have rifles and other equipment, arrangements must be made in advance to ensure availability for both equipment and instructors.
Dates & Times
The STMTC holds both practice sessions and competitions for juniors. Sessions usually occur on the first Saturdays of each month at 08:00 AM. Training and Competitions are conducted at the Blackhawk range located in the southwest area of Bexar County. For specific activities days, and prior to driving to the range, be sure to check the Calendar. If you are traveling very far, please call first. NRA schedules matches always have priority on the range and on rare occasions events are cancelled in order to accommodate special state or national training schedules.
Range
Junior program sessions, practice, and competitions are held at the Blackhawk Shooting Range facility: 12135 Jarratt Road, Atascosa, TX 78002. Phone # (210) 622-5405. The range has 17 firing point supporting 50 foot, 25, 50 and 100 yard fixed target frames. The firing line is covered. The range has indoor restrooms with running water near the Blackhawk Office, and is supplemented by a porta-john at the STMTC range. Range rules are posted for you safety and the safety of others.
For junior members, the STMTC provides rifles (Remington 513T, Winchester 52Ds and Anschutz Achievers / Achievers ST) rifles. Due to the high cost of ammunition, shooters must provide their on 22 caliber long rifle ammunition. Targets for use in the junior training are provided by the SmallBore director. A cost is charged for each training session or competition. The amount is determined by what agency is sponsoring the event. Junior training sessions cost is usually $5.00. However, Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA) competitions and NRA Regional / State Championship Matches have additional fees for their events. TSRA annual membership is required for TSRA events and all NRA competitions conducted by the TSRA plus there are incidental costs like award plaques, metals and pins.
Current STMTC Annual Dues: $10.00 for Juniors; $40.00 for Adults.
For partnering organizations, costs and availability of equipment vary. Please contact the Junior Programs Director or the SmallBore Director to make specific arrangements for your organization.
Rules
All matches are governed by standard NRA / CMP and International rules.
New Shooters
Anyone interested in participating in the STMTC Junior program should contact our Junior Programs Director for information and requirements.
- Targets used are the 50 foot 4-H, 50 yard, 50 meter international and 100 yard. The 50 meter has six bulls with 5 shots fired at each bull. A match typically consists of two targets for 60 shots total.
- All scoring of targets is done by range officials.
- All juniors will go through a basic firearms course before being permitted to compete in matches.
- The South Texas Marksmanship Training Center has purchased a number of rifles for junior training and competition.
- Equipment necessary to participating in training and matchs include: ear protection, eye protection, empty chamber indicator (ECI), rifles and sufficient ammunition.
- Extra equipment a new shooter would find helpful during competition includes: a spotting scope or binoculars, sight adjustment tools, extra magazine(s), masking tape, stop watch or timer, something to drink, and some lunch or snacks.
- Actual SmallBore rulebooks can be ordered from the NRA on their website or purchased from the organization.