By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The National Rifle Association will be hosting an eight-week basic rifle shooting course primarily for youth ages 9-19 beginning Tuesday, March 8.

Sam Richardson will be the class instructor and has more than 13 years of experience with firearm training classes. Richardson has taught a firearm safety class twice a year since 2003.

“This is primarily a class for youth ages 9-19 and is part of the Alabama Shelby County 4-H program,” said Richardson. “This is not to say adults are not allowed though. Adults sometimes take the class with their child.”

The eight-week class will be held every Tuesday from March 8 through April 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Shelby County Shooting Sports located at 574 Elvira Road in Helena.

The basic course will cover all firearm safety, common rifle types, ammunition, the five common shooting positions and more in both a classroom and hands-on setting.

Richardson said the class would typically be broken down for one hour of classroom time and one hour for range time.

In addition to the classes each Tuesday, a Saturday range day has been tentatively scheduled for April 23, where participants will have the opportunity to shoot a range of different guns including air rifles and cartridge guns.

The cost of the eight-week course is $65 with an initial deposit of $20.

To register for the course, visit Nrainstructors.org or email Richardson at scssarifle@aol.com.