“Safety is the first thing we cover before anyone shoots,” said Anna Schneider, Vice President of the rifle team. “At the first practice, we don’t even use live ammo.”

Schneider explained that new members begin by learning to handle firearms, position themselves and understand what to expect at the range before moving on to competition. Empty chamber indicators are mandatory when rifles are not in use, actions must remain open and shooters must follow strict commands before anyone goes downrange.

Rifle shooting also demands mental discipline. Shooters compete under time limits, managing their breathing and focus while aiming at targets roughly the size of a coin from 10 meters away.

“It’s almost meditative,” Schneider said. “If you have a bad shot, you let it go. Every shot is new.”

On the shotgun side, Social Chair Parker Shay noted that safety training is just as important, especially for beginners. New members often spend weeks learning proper handling before they compete.

“We focus on keeping fingers off the trigger, muzzle discipline, and ensuring actions are open,” Shay said. “The barrel should never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot.”

Shay added that shotgun shooting relies more on hand-eye coordination than aiming down sights. The club uses simulators to help members practice movement and accuracy without using live ammo.

“This sport is safer than a lot of people realize,” Shay said. “Once someone learns the rules, they don’t forget them. Safety always comes before competition.”

Freshman team member Gavin Gwisdalla shared that the club’s professional environment helped change his views about shooting sports.

“We have fun, but we don’t mess around with safety,” Gwisdalla said. “If someone makes a mistake, it’s corrected immediately.”

Gwisdalla emphasized that structured instruction helps new members feel comfortable, even if they have never handled a firearm.

“They show you everything step by step,” he said. “You’re surrounded by people you trust who know what they’re doing.”

As a club-funded organization, the leaders also emphasize communication and transparency, from arranging transportation for competitions to explaining equipment limitations. This year, the club has expanded beyond virtual matches to include in-person competitions and preparation for nationals.

While achieving competitive success is a goal, members say responsibility and respect define the team.

“We’re trying to show what the sport actually is,” Schneider said. “It’s controlled, disciplined, and safety is never optional.”