Whether you’re a hunter, competition shooter, plinker, or any other kind of firearms enthusiast, it’s safe to say that at some point someone taught you how to shoot. More so, they taught you how to safely and responsibly handle guns and ammunition. Everyone starts somewhere. Sure, you’ve probably refined your skills over the years, but somewhere along the line, a mentor shared their passion with you and watched with pride as you squeezed a trigger for the first time. And now it’s your turn to pay it forward.

August is the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) National Shooting Sports Month – a time to celebrate one of America’s great pastimes. The goal is simple: introduce the shooting sports to your friends, neighbors, and family members that don’t have a mentor yet. The NSSF’s research estimates that 24 million Americans are interested in learning more about shooting sports but simply haven’t had an opportunity to learn the basics. That’s where you come in – hunters and shooters across the country, ready to share your wisdom with the next generation, so they can experience the thrill of the shooting sports safely and responsibly. Whether you’re taking a kid plinking or introducing your neighbor to the gratifying sound of ringing steel with your favorite handgun, National Shooting Sports Month is a perfect time to become more involved in fostering the development of target shooting.

The shooting sports offer something for everyone – a day at the range can give people the opportunity to tune out distractions, learn a new skill, and share their experiences with others. Getting to the range this month with a newcomer won’t only help further their development as a target shooter, it will refine your skills as a teacher.

We also know that a little competition always makes things a bit more fun – especially for a young, up-and-coming target shooter. That’s why we worked with Birchwood Casey on a limited run of Leupold-branded Battle At Sea (also known as Battleship) targets. They’re the perfect tool to help your young shooter learn patience and precision as they race to sink your fleet before you can sink theirs.

Did we mention that we’re giving away packs of these targets for free with every qualifying purchase* at LeupoldShop.com in honor of National Shooting Sports Month? Because we are.

So head on over to LeupoldShop.com and pick up a new t-shirt or hat and we'll include a pack of targets!

Now is the time to share your knowledge with a new shooter and to be the mentor you had once yourself. Provide them with safe, supervised instruction – and watch them grow into the relentless hunters and shooters that will one day do the same.

*Free targets included in purchases of $19 or more at LeupoldShop.com. VIP orders not included. While supplies last.