ROGERS -- Teams from 16 states will take aim today at winning the 49th Daisy National BB Gun Championship at the John Q. Hammons Center.
"This event brings about 1,500 people from across America to Rogers," said Ray Hobbs, president and chief executive officer of Daisy Outdoor Products, headquartered in Rogers, which manufactures the 499 model Daisy BB air rifle used in the competition.
At A Glance
Daisy Nationals
Participants in the annual contest must qualify through state tournaments. There are 51 teams from 16 states that will compete this weekend. Targets are scanned by a computer for scoring. A volunteer from the National Rifle Association acts as referee in any dispute regarding competition rules. Some tournament notes:
• Members shoot 10 shots from four positions: Standing, sitting, kneeling and prone.
• Targets have a bullseye and nine rings. The bullseye counts for 10 points.
• Each team members must shoot and the team with the highest overall score wins.
Source: Staff Report
Allyson Twiggs Dyer, executive director of Visit Rogers, said the event usually adds about $800,000 to the economy each year.
The event is open to the public, and there's no charge to attend.
The opening ceremony, held Friday night, is like the opening of the Olympics, Hobbs said.
"The teams parade in with their state flags as parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins cheer each team. It's really something to see," Hobbs said.
Summer McKinna, 14, from Douglas, Ga., is making her third trip to the competition.
"I was selected to shoot in the nationals when I was 10 years old. I haven't made it every year, but I'm excited about being here for the third time," she said.
Summer opens her gun case and proudly removes her two Daisy 499 model air rifles she will use at the competition. She has the out-of-the-box model 499 with only minor modifications as her main target rifle and a second air rifle with an extended stock for a backup. Both air rifles are weighted to improve balance.
Summer said she always has liked to target shoot and hunt, but there's more to a tournament than just winning.
"The people you meet here are great. They are friendly, nice and just fun to be around," she said.
Ada Beasley, Summer's grandmother, agreed the competition is a family affair.
"There are mostly families here. I don't see anyone drinking alcohol or acting up, and everyone is polite," Beasley said.
Howard Baker of Portland, who has coached air rifle teams for more than 35 years, said there's more to the tournament than just shooting at targets.
"These kids learn patience and a lot of other lessons that will serve them well as adults," Baker said.
Hobbs agrees the tournament is more than winning a trophy.
"It really is about life and how you handle yourself," he said. "These kids learn responsibility, self respect and respect of others. Most of the kids who make to the national finals are involved in their community, some serve on the student council or other organizations. They are the cream of the crop."
The top three teams, which consist of seven members, will receive a gold medal for first, silver for second and bronze for third place.
"The winning team not only gets bragging rights, but gets to keep the traveling trophy -- a gold replica of the 499 air rifle -- for a year," Hobbs said.
NW News on 07/05/2014