🎯 Youth Air Pistol Training Program
Master Precision, Discipline & Safety | Ages 8–18 | 4-H, CMP & NRA Programs
Our Impact by the Numbers
750+
Youth Served Annually
70%
Receive Scholarships
0
Safety Incidents (3+ Years)
4
States Served (OK, TX, MO, AR)
What is Air Pistol?
Air pistol is a precision shooting sport where competitors use .177 caliber air pistols to fire at targets from 10 meters away. It's an Olympic-style discipline that emphasizes accuracy, consistency, mental focus, and proper technique.
Key Facts About Air Pistol:
- Distance: 10 meters (32.8 feet)
- Caliber: .177 (4.5mm) wadcutter pellets
- Target: NRA B-40 or international competition targets
- Scoring: 1–10 points per shot; 40 shots typical match
- Time Limit: 1.5 hours for 40 shots (competition format)
- Age Groups: Youth (8–18), Adult, Senior
- Competition Levels: Local, State, National, International (Olympic)
Why Air Pistol? It's safer than firearms (lower velocity), more accessible, teaches real marksmanship skills, builds confidence, and opens pathways to collegiate and Olympic competition.
Benefits of Air Pistol Training
Air pistol training develops far more than marksmanship. Here's what youth gain:
🧠 Mental Discipline
Focus, concentration, and the ability to manage pressure in competition. Youth learn to control emotions and stay calm under stress.
💪 Physical Coordination
Develops fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and body awareness. Improves posture and core strength.
🎯 Goal Setting & Achievement
Youth set measurable goals (score targets, competition placements) and experience the satisfaction of achieving them through practice and dedication.
🤝 Teamwork & Community
Join a supportive community of shooters, make friends, and learn from coaches and peers. Team competitions build camaraderie.
🏆 Confidence & Self-Esteem
Success in competition and skill progression builds confidence. Youth develop pride in their abilities and resilience through challenges.
🛡️ Safety & Responsibility
Learn firearm safety, respect for equipment, and responsible handling. These skills transfer to all areas of life.
4-H, CMP & NRA Programs
We partner with nationally recognized organizations to offer structured, competitive pathways:
🟢 4-H Shooting Sports
The Gold Standard for Youth Shooting Sports
- Nationally recognized program with state & national competitions
- Focus on safety, marksmanship, and life skills
- Local 4-H clubs + county/state championships
- Open to ages 8–18; beginner-friendly
- Scholarships available for low-income youth
- Competitive pathway: Local → County → State → National
🔵 CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program)
Olympic-Style Training & Competition
- Junior Olympic Shooting Camp (JOSC) for elite youth
- Air pistol & air rifle disciplines
- Prepares shooters for collegiate & Olympic pathways
- Scholarships & travel grants available
- National competitions & rankings
- Coaching certifications for instructors
🔴 NRA (National Rifle Association)
Marksmanship Excellence & Safety
- NRA Certified Instructors & Range Safety Officers
- Air pistol competitions & rankings
- Safety certifications & training programs
- Local & national competitions
- Youth development focus
Fundamentals of Air Pistol
Every champion starts with the basics. Here are the core fundamentals we teach:
🛡️ Safety First
Before anything else, we teach:
- Firearm handling & respect
- Range rules & protocols
- Eye & ear protection
- Safe storage & transport
- Clear bore indicator checks
✋ Proper Grip & Stance
Foundation for accuracy:
- Firm but relaxed grip
- Proper hand position
- Stable stance (isosceles or weaver)
- Shoulder alignment
- Consistent setup
🎯 Sight Picture & Alignment
Seeing the target correctly:
- Front sight focus
- Sight alignment (front & rear)
- Target acquisition
- Sight picture consistency
- Correcting for distance
🫁 Breathing & Trigger Control
The shot sequence:
- Controlled breathing rhythm
- Smooth trigger press (no jerking)
- Follow-through after shot
- Trigger reset
- Dry fire practice
🧠 Mental Focus & Concentration
The mental game:
- Pre-shot routine
- Visualization techniques
- Managing pressure & anxiety
- Positive self-talk
- Competition mindset
📊 Score Analysis & Improvement
Learning from each shot:
- Reading target holes
- Identifying error patterns
- Adjusting technique
- Tracking progress
- Setting improvement goals
Target Types in Air Pistol
Air pistol competitors use standardized targets designed to challenge precision and consistency:
NRA B-40 Target
The standard 10-meter air pistol target used in most competitions. Features 10 concentric rings with a 1-inch bullseye.
- Distance: 10 meters
- Bullseye diameter: 1 inch
- Scoring: 1–10 points per shot
- Used in: 4-H, NRA, CMP competitions
NRA B-40 4-Target
Four B-40 targets on a single sheet, allowing shooters to fire 40 shots in a single string.
- Format: 4 targets per sheet
- Total shots: 40 per sheet
- Scoring: Cumulative score across all targets
- Used in: State & national championships
Animal Silhouette Targets
Shaped like animals (chickens, pigs, turkeys, rams) at varying distances, testing both accuracy and distance judgment.
- Distances: 10–40 meters
- Scoring: Hit or miss (knock-down format)
- Used in: Field shooting competitions
- Disciplines: Hunting-focused training
Age & Skill Progression
We structure training by age and skill level to ensure every youth gets age-appropriate instruction and achieves their potential:
🟢 Beginner (Ages 8–12)
Focus: Safety, fundamentals, confidence building
- Safety orientation & firearm handling
- Basic grip, stance, and sight picture
- Introduction to 10-meter shooting
- Group shooting & fun competitions
- Retention rate: 70–75% to intermediate
🟡 Intermediate (Ages 10–16)
Focus: Technique refinement, local competitions
- Advanced grip & stance techniques
- Trigger control & breathing drills
- Mental focus & competition prep
- Local & county-level matches
- Retention rate: 50–60% to advanced
🔴 Advanced (Ages 13–18)
Focus: Competition excellence, collegiate pathways
- Elite technique & specialized coaching
- State & national competition prep
- CMP Junior Olympic training
- Collegiate scholarship guidance
- Multi-year retention: 60%+
Competition Pathways
From local matches to national championships, we prepare youth for every level of competition:
Local Competitions
Level: County & regional matches
- Monthly local shoots
- Beginner-friendly format
- Build confidence & experience
- Age divisions: 8–12, 13–18
State Championships
Level: Statewide competition
- 4-H State Shooting Sports
- NRA State Competitions
- Spring & fall events
- Top scorers advance to nationals
National Competitions
Level: National & Olympic-style events
- 4-H National Tournament
- Daisy Nationals (youth air rifle/pistol)
- CMP National Junior Olympic Shooting Camp
- USA Shooting Junior Olympic Trials
🎓 Collegiate Pathways
Our advanced shooters have earned scholarships and team placements at:
- NCAA Teams: TCU (rifle team), other Division I programs
- Club Teams: Collegiate shooting clubs nationwide
- ROTC Programs: Rifle marksmanship scholarships
- Military Academies: West Point, Annapolis, Air Force Academy
Our Track Record: 1 athlete on TCU NCAA rifle team, 2 archers with college scholarships, multiple collegiate club placements.
Financial Assistance & Scholarships
We believe cost should never be a barrier. 70% of our youth receive scholarships or financial aid.
What's Covered?
- All equipment (air pistols, ammunition, safety gear)
- Competition entry fees
- Travel & transportation to events
- Workshop & training costs
- Average support: $1,000–$2,000 per youth per year
Who Qualifies?
- Ages 8–18
- Demonstrated financial need (free/reduced lunch, assistance programs, or written statement)
- Commitment to safety & training
- Rolling applications with 2–4 week review
How to Apply
- Complete scholarship application form
- Provide brief need statement (1–2 paragraphs)
- Parent/guardian waiver & consent
- Optional: Coach or community leader recommendation
- Submit to: info@reddirtshootingsports.org
Confidentiality: All applications reviewed by board committee. Your privacy is protected.
What Parents & Youth Say
"My son was shy and lacked confidence. After 6 months in the air pistol program, he's a different kid—focused, disciplined, and proud of his achievements. Red Dirt Shooting Sports changed his life."
— Sarah M., Parent"The coaches are amazing. They made me feel safe and welcomed from day one. I've made friends, learned real skills, and I'm competing at the state level now!"
— Marcus T., Age 14"We couldn't afford to send our daughter to shooting sports programs, but Red Dirt's scholarship covered everything. Now she's on track for a college team. Thank you!"
— James & Lisa R., ParentsFrequently Asked Questions
What age can my child start?
We accept youth ages 8–18. Beginner programs start at age 8 with proper supervision and safety training.
Do I need to provide equipment?
No! We provide all equipment including air pistols, ammunition, safety gear, and targets. Everything is included.
Is there a cost?
Workshops range from $500–$1,500. However, 70% of youth receive scholarships or financial aid. Contact us about assistance.
What if my child has no experience?
Perfect! We start with complete beginners. Our certified coaches teach everything from safety to advanced techniques.
How often do you meet?
Programs vary. Local sessions are weekly or bi-weekly. Mobile workshops are scheduled based on community demand.
Can my child compete?
Yes! We offer local, state, and national competitions. Participation is optional but encouraged for skill development.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. We have a zero safety incident record over 3+ years. All coaches are NRA-certified, and safety is our top priority.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Fill out our scholarship form with a brief need statement. Rolling applications reviewed within 2–4 weeks. Email: info@reddirtshootingsports.org
Ready to Build a Champion?
Join Red Dirt Shooting Sports today. Master precision, discipline, and safety.