The true test of success for a program designed to introduce beginners to the shooting sports is in how many participants return to the range and continue with the sport. NSSF’s First Shots® customer development program is clearly passing that test, according to recent survey results. The latest “Industry Intelligence Report” details some staggering findings about the two-year-old program. A few highlights: 40 percent of First Shots participants say they have returned to the host range; 50 percent had met their state’s requirements for handgun ownership; 61 percent had introduced someone else to handgun shooting; and 23 percent purchased a membership at the host range.

Developed by NSSF and hosted by independent shooting facilities, First Shots provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to handgun shooting by qualified range operators and instructors that includes handgun safety, local ownership requirements, shooting fundamentals, hands-on instruction and how and where to continue. The program is being adopted by shooting ranges around the country.