Student Gun Competition

The Liberty Mountain Gun Club is once again hosting its Top Shot Competition for students. This year, the competition will start Sept. 30 and end Oct. 2. According to the Campus Recreation website, it is recommended that competitors begin shooting by Oct. 1. 

For the last three years, the competition has occurred every semester filled with a variety of stages. For a fee of $25, competitors will get 25 shots with a Liberty-provided shotgun, rifle, pistol and bow for the chance to win a prize package. Points are hit and miss, and a perfect score is 100. 

Competitors will also be provided with eye and ear protection, covered by the cost of the entry fee. 

Bill Crawford serves as the director of the Liberty Mountain Gun Club and oversees the competition. 

“This is a great competition for anyone who’s competitive,” Crawford said. “It’s very low-key as far as intensity, and it’s a great way to teach all the things that we have to offer in one short period of time. A lot of people who compete have never used the range before, so it’s just a very good, safe way to experience the range. There will also be a range safety officer at every shooting lane, so competitors get a lot of one-on-one attention.” 

This year the range has a policy that whether using the range for practice competition, all shooters must   take a two-hour general firearm safety class to register for the event. Safety classes are offered two to three times a week, free to students, faculty and staff. Additionally, closed toe shoes are required for all participants.

“This benefits people to come out and be leisurely, and it’s more of a community-type event that allows everyone to get a sampling of each shooting stage while having fun,” Crawford said. “Even if you don’t have a lot of range experience, this competition is an enjoyable learning opportunity.”

Freshman Nicholas Panagoulias is looking to compete in the Top Shot competition for the first time. 

“I have a fascination with the Second Amendment,” Panagoulias said. “I like freedom and firearms in general and making new friends with the same hobbies and interests as me.”

Students interested in registering for the competition must pay a fee of $25. Registration can be found at the Campus Recreation webpage (liberty.edu/campusrec/events) or the Liberty Mountain Gun Club website (liberty.edu/LMGC). 

Hess is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion