Leominster Sportsmen’s Association to host women’s shooting clinic

LEOMINSTER — Women interested in learning about recreational shooting are invited to a women’s-only instructional shooting clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Leominster Sportsmen’s Association, 1455 Elm St.

Sponsored by NRA Women on Target and the Gun Owners’ Action League, the clinic will offer hands-on instruction in shotgun, rifle and pistol shooting in a safe, noncompetitive environment. Women of all skill levels are welcome, and no previous experience is necessary.

The $100 registration fee includes loaner firearms, ammunition, and eye and ear protection. The Home Firearms Safety course also is included, allowing participants to apply for a Massachusetts firearms permit. A light lunch will be provided following the morning program before participants head to the outdoor ranges.

The clinic is limited to 24 participants. Registration is required by Sept. 30.

The women-only format is part of the NRA’s Women on Target program, which is designed to introduce women to recreational shooting in a supportive instructional setting. Women have become an increasingly visible demographic among people learning to shoot and participating in hunting and other shooting sports.

The Leominster Sportsmen’s Association was among the first clubs in Massachusetts to participate in the Women on Target program when it began 25 years ago. The association has continued to host the program annually ever since.

“It is quite rewarding to see the change from nervousness and unsurety to confidence and empowerment over the course of the day, as new shooters learn gun safety and try a variety of firearms for their first time,” said O’Leary. “They [the women] get to try everything from .22 bullseye pistols to shotguns, flintlocks to modern sporting Armalite rifles.”

O’Leary has been involved with the association for many years and serves as rifle range chairman, sits on the board of directors and teaches hunter safety at the club.

For more information, contact Art O’Leary at 978-537-2642 or [email protected]. Registration forms may be mailed to Leominster Sportsmen’s Association, PO Box 484, Leominster, MA 01453. More information is available at www.lsa-ma.org.