Junior Shooting Sports
A National Gun Safety & Marksmanship Program
The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is a gun safety education and marksmanship program built on four basic elements: safety, education, enjoyment, and competition. Shooters use the .177 caliber air rifle in a structured, supervised environment that teaches firearms responsibility, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Both males and females can participate through Legion sponsorship, and disabled youth are encouraged to join — competitive shooting is a sport that creates an equal playing field for all competitors. Anyone under 18 (or high school seniors no older than 20) is eligible.
Visit National Program Contact MD HeadquartersAnnual American Legion 3-Position Junior Air Rifle Championship
The 2026 national championship took place July 23–25, 2026, at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. Congratulations to Maggie Palfrey of Indiana, Pa. (precision) and Alexandra Orr of Poquoson, Va. (sporter) — named American Legion Junior 3-Position Air Rifle National Champions.
Read About the 2026 Champions Championship InfoProgram Details
- .177 caliber air rifle — precision & sporter classes
- 3-Position competition: prone, standing, kneeling
- Ages: under 18, or high school seniors up to age 20
- Co-ed; disabled youth strongly encouraged
- Equipment typically provided by sponsoring club
- Local, state, regional, and national competition
Path to Nationals
- Begin with a sanctioned postal match
- State and/or regional champions advance
- Qualification round (also a postal match) determines national invitees
- Top shooters earn expense-paid trips to nationals
- National championship: shoulder-to-shoulder match each July at Hillsdale College, MI
How to Get Started in Maryland
- Contact your local American Legion Post
- Reach out to a Sons of The American Legion squadron
- Connect with an American Legion Auxiliary unit
- Affiliate as a club or as an individual shooter
- Contact MD Department Headquarters for guidance
National Program Resources
- How to Participate — eligibility and getting involved
- Postal Match Information — the path to championship eligibility
- Shooting Sports Resources — shooter's guide, presentations & helpful links
- 3-Position Air Rifle National Championship
- Past National Champions (1991–present)
- Club & Individual Records
- Francis M. Redington Sportsmanship Award
- Contact National Junior Shooting Sports
Adult Background Check Screening Portal
- Submit Online Background Screening
- Request Youth Protection Training from the Jr Shooting Sports Department Chairperson
