WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, invites target shooters across the country to head to the range this August for the 10th annual National Shooting Sports Month®.
Taking place as the nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s celebration carries the tagline “Let Freedom Plink” and recognizes the traditions of marksmanship, responsibility and freedom that have brought generations of Americans together through the shooting sports.
National Shooting Sports Month is a month-long celebration of target shooting that encourages experienced shooters, first-time participants, ranges, retailers, clubs and industry organizations to help showcase the safety, fun and camaraderie of the shooting sports. Throughout August, participating businesses and clubs will offer events, introductory and refresher classes, promotions and other opportunities for people to get involved.
“For 10 years, National Shooting Sports Month has brought people together at ranges across the country to enjoy the shooting sports and share that experience with others,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, ‘Let Freedom Plink’ is a fitting invitation to recognize the traditions we value, welcome new participants and help ensure the shooting sports community remains strong for generations to come.”
Ways to Celebrate National Shooting Sports Month
Visit a Participating Range, Retailer or Club
Use the National Shooting Sports Month host map to find participating ranges, retailers and clubs near you. Hosts may offer special events, promotions, introductory or refresher classes, competitions and other activities throughout August.
If there is not a host listed in your area, download the Where to Shoot app to find your local range, enjoy some trigger time and let them know how they can get involved.
Take the 2026 #RangeChallenge
The popular #RangeChallenge returns this August with a new printable target and weekly opportunities for eligible participants to win prizes.
Shooters can download the official target, take it to a participating host or their local range and test their marksmanship skills. After completing the challenge, participants can post a photo or video to Instagram using #RangeChallenge or upload a photo directly through the #RangeChallenge webpage for an opportunity to win one of eight $500 gift cards drawn throughout the month.
Participants are also encouraged to keep the challenge going by tagging friends, sharing their scores and inviting others to download and shoot the target.
Visit ShootingSportsMonth.org/RangeChallenge to download the target, submit an entry and review the official rules.
Share the Celebration
Help showcase the shooting sports community by sharing photos, videos and stories from the range throughout August. Follow Let’s Go Shooting on Facebook, Instagram and X. Use #LetsGoShooting and #RangeChallenge to join the nationwide conversation and encourage others to give target shooting a try.
Businesses and Industry Partners are Encouraged to Get Involved
Ranges, retailers and shooting clubs play a central role in making National Shooting Sports Month a success. Participating businesses can sign up to appear on the national host map, access campaign resources and receive a free promotional package while supplies last.
NSSF also encourages firearm manufacturers, shooting sports organizations and other industry partners to promote National Shooting Sports Month, share campaign materials and encourage their audiences to participate throughout August. Promotional resources are available through the National Shooting Sports Month toolkit.
For information about participating businesses, the #RangeChallenge, campaign resources and ways to celebrate, visit ShootingSportsMonth.org.
Members of the media are encouraged to help promote National Shooting Sports Month by highlighting events, the #RangeChallenge and the many ways to participate. Campaign information and ready-to-use resources are available in the promotional toolkit.
Let Freedom Plink — and let’s make the 10th National Shooting Sports Month the best one yet.
About NSSF: NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.