NRA Marksmanship program and others

[TStorm]

Anyone here shot through the Winchester/NRA marksmanship program (any category)?  Yeah, yeah, yeah, I did similar programs 25+ years ago in Boy Scouts, but I'm asking about "seasoned" shooters.

With the popularity of IPSC, IDPA, Steel Challenge, and other tactical competitions, I was wondering if anyone still worked towards bullseye or other slow-fire qualifications or competitions. 

Don't get me wrong, I love to shoot IDPA and shoot local matches monthly if not more, but enjoy target shooting at my club and local range.

I learned of the NRA program during my instructor training.  To paraphrase the training counselor, if you are going to run through ammo at the current prices, you might as well make it count towards something.  Made sense to me.  I'm also a sucker for a new pin for my gun bag.

I'd like to hear from others who have done this and if their are simlar programs available.  Don't hear much on handgun/pistol/bullseye competitions along these lines either.  Promote, promote, promote!

Appreciate the feedback.  Thanks in advance.

[Pathfinder]

I went through NRA gun club as a kid - early 60's. Don't know the brand of rifle exactly, BIG (to a 13 year old) heavy (ditto) Army surplus bolt actions which we were never allowed to magazine fire, only single loads. So real slow but I got my 9 sharpshooter bars along with some progress to Expert before I discovered gas and girls.

[TStorm]

I dd the same thing, rimfire quals in BSA and then found the natural distractions.  Never made Eagle, gas & girls, etc...

What can we do to make our lead and brass apply to something these days?

[alfsauve]

I decided, at age 59, after 40+ years of shooting and reloading, to go through the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.  If for no other reason so that I have proof of my proficiency. 

So far, I've taken the "First Steps" pistol class.  Scheduling and costs are slowing me down in taking the other classes.  I have shot my way through the "awards" but am stalled at the Distinguished Expert level because I need another NRA member to certify my scores.  I'll probably get that done in the next month.   

My goal it to work up to both pistol and rifle instructor.   Not so much that I want to teach, though I'd definitely do one-on-one private lessons, but I it looks good on a resume when you're espousing opinions on firearms and firearm safety.   I do want to hold myself out in my subdivision as an available resource for anyone with firearms questions.  This would definitely give me credibility.

I also realize that there are things I could still learn.  Even in the most basic "First Steps" class, I picked up things from the instructor about stance and grip that I had not considered.    And you don't have to do "bullseye" shooing for this program, though if you do those scores can count towards the awards.  The MQP gives shooters who don't want to participate in "competitive" shooting something to "shoot for", a purpose in their range trips other than just expending ammunition.

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/marksmanship/index.asp


Alf

[jnevis]

I've been an NRA Basic Pistol Instructor since 2001 and really haven't taught more than a few people using thier Instructor Guide.  I mainly teach for the Navy using thier guide and scoring criteria. 

I have used the MPQ guidelines as a bookmark to see if I'm doing any better and such but have never turned in the numbers.   One day I'll get serious with it and go for pistol and small bore rifle.

If I can get a chance I'd like to get the Personal Protction Outside the Home (I have the Inside card) Instructor cert when I can but the Train the Trainer courses are few and far between here.  Still have the Metallic Reloading course sitting on a shelf here that I need to turn in.

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