The Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress sponsors a Junior Pistol Team, which is comprised of youths 10 to 18 years of age. Coaches Bill Malopolski, Doug Godwin and Mike Malopolski ensure that safety and responsible firearm use is the first priority. The goal of this program is to provide a safe atmosphere for juniors to learn safe gun handling and shooting skills.
At the present time, the National Rifle Association’s “Bullseye Pistol – Stage Skill Course” is being used to train new pistol shooters during the weekly sessions, which are held on Friday’s 6:00 to 7:30 pm. To take part in the qualification course of fire, the shooter fires 10 shots at each target; a minimum score on a set number of targets is required for each rating stage (Pro-Marksman, Marksman, Marksman 1st class, Sharpshooter, Sharpshooter bar 1 through 9, Expert and finally Distinguished Expert). At each rating level, shooters are awarded certificates, badges and medals.
Each shooter needs to provide hearing and eye protection. At the current time, pistols are being provided by the club, parents, and coaches, and ammunition is available for the sessions. All team members are required to be members and attend the NRA Basic Pistol Course and to pass the safety test given at the end of the course.
The Education Committee at Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress conducts this course on a yearly basis. This annual class lasts for 6 weeks (one night a week for two hours). Safe firearms handling is taught as well as proper use of firearms and marksmanship.
Basic Pistol Course attendees take part in “hands-on” exercises, while supervised by NRA certified instructors.
Generally, our season runs September through May. If you are interested or have young adults of either gender who are interested in pistol competition, please stop by the DSC range building (basement) on Friday evening between 6:00 to 7:30 pm or contact Bill Malopolski at (586) 255-6058.