Apr 9, 2018

Guns still have value for these American teens

Axios

Competitors at a gun range — Competitors line up their shot at an air rifle event. Photo: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

"Their classmates took to the streets to protest gun violence ... But at high school and college gun ranges around the country, [other] teens ... gather to practice shooting and talk about the positive influence firearms have had on their lives," AP's Lisa Marie Pane writes from Dahlonega, Ga.

Why it matters: "There are an estimated 5,000 teams at high schools and universities around the country, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation. ... [T]heir popularity hasn’t waned despite criticism after it emerged that the [Parkland] gunman ... had been a member of the JROTC rifle team."

"The clubs use a variety of firearms — from air rifles that shoot pellets to 9 mm pistols that fire bullets."
"[M]embers invest hundreds of dollars in specialized stiff uniforms and shoes that provide stability and support for spending hours standing, kneeling or lying prone to fire at targets down range."
"Some have hopes of representing the U.S. in the Olympics. Some simply love the camaraderie and mental focus."

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Guns still have value for these American teens

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