L.A. RANGES OFFER RESIDENTS FREE INTRO TO SAFETY AND SHOOTING

After taking their First Shots, many first-time shooters in the L.A. area borrowed a phrase from California's governor: "I'll be back." Back to the range that is. In an effort to help educate the Los Angeles-area public about gun ownership, shooting and firearm safety, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) teamed up with three southern California shooting ranges recently to hold a number of free, filled-to-capacity First Shots seminars. More than 150 newcomers to shooting turned out at Angeles Shooting Range, Burro Canyon Shooting Park and Orange County Indoor Range to learn about gun safety and to give shooting a try. "We will definitely be having more of these classes," said Ron Cottriel, manager of Angeles Shooting Range. "We've already got a waiting list to fill one, and the calls are still coming in." The seminars were part of a broader effort in Los Angeles to raise awareness of the shooting sports and to promote firearms safety and responsibility. After successful campaigns in Chicago and Los Angeles, similar efforts are being planned for other major cities this year. http://www.firstshots.org/