DEPARTMENT SHOOTING SPORTS/FIREARMS
Superintendent: Matthew Haumont
Assistant Superintendent: Ann Lehmkuhler
Advisor: Ron Carda
FIREARMS RULES
4-H members enrolled in the Shooting Sports/Firearms 4-H program are encouraged to enter the 4-H shooting competition. All competitions will be held at the Shooting Sports Building, just west of the Grandstand.
Friday, July 24, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Precision Air Rifle
Sporter Air Rifle
Smallbore
.22 Sport Pistol
Saturday, July 25, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
BB Gun
Air Pistol
4-H entries must be made according to the printed 2026 Custer County Fair Premium Book and entered online by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Instructions for online entries will be emailed to 4-H families on approximately May 15.
The Relay Form for indicating relay preference, will be an online link, which must also be completed by 5:00 p.m. June 26. Competitors’ names will be emailed to club shooting sports instructors after July 1 for verification to compete at the county fair match.
Due by 5:00 p.m. on June 26, 2026
- Online entry for county fair classes.
- AND Online Relay Form Submission
Contestants must be supervised by their certified instructors, who are in attendance at the match, in order for them to shoot. Youth who are certified through the 4-H Shooting Sports Program as Junior Instructors may coach competitors in their 4-H club in the area which they are certified. Junior Certified Instructors must check in at the registration table for official identification. All coaches on the range must be at least 21 years of age, with the exception of the Junior Certified Instructors. Contestants and leaders will receive a list of the assigned relays and firing points prior to the match. Every attempt will be made to give contestants their choices of relays. Shooters must check in their equipment at least 30 minutes prior to the start of their assigned relay. There will be no practice times.
Dress Code: Proper 4-H attire must be worn at all times while at the shooting complex, during the match, and immediately following the competitor’s relay, including during the presentation of awards;Custer County 4-H t-shirt or a white shirt worn with a 4-H chevron or 4-H armband, plain blue denim jeans, and closed-toe shoes. Tennis shoes are preferred. Shorts will not be permitted to be worn! Clothing must not have any holes or tears. High top tennis shoes will be allowed. Exhibitors may wear a long-sleeved shirt, if desired, under their 4-H attire. 4-H shooting sports club shirts are not proper 4-H attire for county fair competitions. Clothing sold as undergarments, compression clothing, compression apparel, yoga pants, leggings, work out pants, wind pants, and other similar style clothing may not be worn. Competitors will be issued a competitor number to be worn on their back. Competitors must have their competitor number on at all times while in the shooting complex, during firing of match, until completion of awards.
Footwear Policy - Any participant while on the shooting line in any 4-H shooting sports event; including club programs, training programs and competitions, will be required to wear shoes that completely cover their feet. Examples of footwear that are not acceptable include, but are not limited to: sandals, clogs, crocks, flip flops and bare feet. Shoes that have holes, perforations, open tops, open backs, or open sides are not acceptable footwear while participating on the shooting line or shooting course with any firearm.
Awards for Precision Air Rifle, Sporter Air Rifle, Smallbore, and .22 Sport Pistol will be presented following the competition on Friday. Awards for BB Gun and Air Pistol will be presented following the competition on Saturday.
Top Shot” Award…The Richard Still Family is sponsoring a Top Shot Award in memory of Willard & Lorraine Still. The recipient of the Top Shot Award will receive an embroidered jacket. The Top Shot Award will be awarded to the shooting contestant with the highest combined percentage score from three (3) different disciplines. If you are interested in competing for the Top Shot Award, please indicate the three disciplines which you would like to have your scores entered on the online Relay Form. If you do not complete the section to designate the three disciplines on the Relay Form, you will not be entered for the Top Shot Award. See the link for the online Relay Form and QR code in the description above.
*** All guns must arrive and depart the range cased and unloaded. Any guns found to be loaded at any time when not on the firing line, will be grounds for immediate disqualification!
Shooting Sport/Firearms
Eye protection is required for everyone on the firing line. Ear protection must be worn by everyone on the range during .22 sport pistol and smallbore competition. Contestants must furnish their own ammunition. All kneeling rolls meeting measurement requirements will be allowed. Any questions regarding eligibility of equipment should be directed to the superintendent prior to the match. UNSAFE HANDLING OR HORSEPLAY WILL BE IMMEDIATE GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION!
Clear Barrel Indicators or Clear Chamber Flags will be required. Clear Barrel Indicators or CBI’s are synthetic monofilament cords (0.065" - 0.095" dia...trimmer string) in fluorescent orange or a similar bright color that are inserted into the bores of all guns. CBI’s or Clear Chamber Flags must be inserted in all guns when they are brought to the range or removed from a gun case on the range. CBI’s or Clear Chamber Flags may be removed only during preparation periods, change-over periods, and firing times.
Any shot fired off the target will be scored as a miss.
Any exhibitor/competitor not complying with the specifications set forth in the premium book will be dropped one ribbon placing.
Ribbons P. B. R. W.
$2.50 $2.00 $1.50 $1.00
BB GUN--The match will follow the NRA 5-meter BB Gun rules. Only smooth bore guns will be allowed. Ten (10) shots will be fired from 5 meters in the following positions...prone, standing, sitting, kneeling (fired in this order) ...for a total of 40 shots. Each contestant will be allowed 10 minutes for record shots plus sighters per target. NRA AR-4/10 12-Bull (10 bulls plus 2 sighters) targets will be used. Contestants will fire one shot at each bull. Once the first record shot in a position has been fired, no further sighting shots are allowed, except at the discretion of the Range Officer. Any sighting shots fired after the first record shot will be scored as a miss. Each contestant will be issued all targets before the match and are responsible for posting them. Score keepers will retrieve the targets. Shooters must provide their own equipment. Bring mats or pads to lay on, if available. An adult (coach/leader/parent) is required to supervise each shooter during the match. Each shooter must have their own adult supervisor.
CLASS D900001 BB Gun - 8 years old before January 1. A drawing for a BB gun will be held for exhibitors in this class.
The BB gun is being donated in memory of Rick Still.
CLASS D900002 BB Gun - 9-10 years old before January 1
CLASS D900003 BB Gun - 11-12 years old before January 1
CLASS D900004 BB Gun - 13-15 years old before January 1
SPORTER AIR RIFLE--This match will follow Sporter Air Rifle National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle rules (as published by the CMP in cooperation with the National Three-Position Air Rifle Council). Ten (10) shots will be fired from 10 meters in prone, kneeling, and standing positions for a total of 30 shots. Each contestant will be allowed 15 minutes for record shots plus sighters per target in the kneeling and prone positions and 20 minutes in the standing position. Once the first record shot in a position has been fired, no further sighting shots are allowed, except at the discretion of the Range Officer. Any sighting shots fired after the first record shot will be scored as a miss. Rifles are limited to Sporter Grade Target Air Rifles as defined in the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules, .177 caliber only. Example: 853 Daisy. While on the line, contestants are allowed to wear appropriate (in legality and taste) shooting attire as outlined in Rule 4.3.1, with the exception of skirts and shorts (see “Dress Code” under Shooting Sports Firearm Rules for description of proper 4-H attire.) Footwear must conform to Rule 4.3.2 with exception of high-top tennis or athletic shoes will be allowed. All clothing subject to jury approval and decision. For example, sweatshirts, shoes, jeans. Clothing must not have any holes or tears. Proper 4-H attire (see “Dress Code” under Shooting Sports Firearm Rules for description of proper 4-H attire.) must be worn at all times prior to and immediately following the competitor’s Sporter Air Rifle relay. AR-5/10 targets (10 bulls plus 2 sighters) will be used. Shots will be fired from 10 meters. Air rifle ammunition MUST be lead pellets; NO BB’s. An adult (coach/leader/parent) is required to supervise each shooter during the match. Each shooter must have their own adult supervisor.
NEW…Air Rifle competition is limited to ONE entry in Sporter Air Rifle OR Precision Air Rifle.
CLASS D910001 Sporter Air Rifle - 9-10 years old before January 1
CLASS D910002 Sporter Air Rifle - 11-12 years old before January 1
CLASS D910003 Sporter Air Rifle - 13-14 years old before January 1
CLASS D910004 Sporter Air Rifle - 15 years old and over before January 1
PRECISION AIR RIFLE--This match will follow Precision Air Rifle National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle rules (as published by the CMP in cooperation with the National Three-Position Air Rifle Council). AR-5/10 targets (10 bulls plus 2 sighters) will be used. Ten (10) shots will be fired from 10 meters in prone, kneeling, and standing positions for a total of 30 shots. Each contestant will be allowed 15 minutes for record shots plus sighters per target in the kneeling and prone positions and 20 minutes in the standing position. Once the first record shot in a position has been fired, no further sighting shots are allowed, except at the discretion of the range officer. Any sighting shots fired after the first record shot will be scored as a miss. Rifles may be either Sporter or Precision Grade Air Rifles as per National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle rules. While on the line, shooters are allowed to wear appropriate (in legality and taste) shooting attire. All clothing subject to jury approval and decision. For example, sweatshirts, shoes, jackets, jeans, shorts, shooting pants, sweatpants. Sweatshirts and sweatpants may be worn under shooting coats and pants. Clothing must not have any holes or tears. Proper 4-H attire must be worn at all times prior to and immediately following the competitor’s precision relay. An adult (coach/leader/parent) is required to supervise each shooter during the match. Each shooter must have their own adult supervisor.
NEW…Air Rifle competition is limited to ONE entry in Sporter Air Rifle OR Precision Air Rifle.
CLASS D920001 Precision Air Rifle - 9-11 years old before January 1
CLASS D920002 Precision Air Rifle - 12-14 years old and over before January 1
CLASS D920003 Precision Air Rifle - 15-18 years old and over before January 1
AIR PISTOL--This match will follow NRA International Style Pistol Rules (Air Pistol, Center Fire Pistol, Free Pistol, Rapid Fire Pistol, Standard Fire, Sport Pistol) Revised February 2025. Forty (40) shots will be fired from 10 meters in the standing position. Each contestant will be allowed 15 minutes for 10 record shots. Two (2) targets will be posted. Five 5 shots will be fired in each target. Once the first record shot has been fired, no further sighting shots are allowed, except at the discretion of the range officer. Any sighting shots fired after the first record shot will be scored as a miss. B40 targets will be used. Air pistol ammunition MUST be lead pellets; NO BB’s. Air Pistol classes have all been combined. There will be no division between sporter air pistol and precision air pistol. The following classes will be for both sporter air pistols and precision air pistols combined. An adult (coach/leader/parent) is required to supervise each shooter during the match. Each shooter must have their own adult supervisor.
Contestants ages 8-9 before January 1 (Class 1) may shoot seated, while resting the pistol grip and hand on supporting material.
CLASS D930001 Air Pistol - 8-9 years old before January 1
Contestants age 10-14 years old before January 1 (Class 2 and 3), will fire one-handed, while standing, unsupported or supported with the grip or wrist.
CLASS D930002 Air Pistol - 10-11 years old before January 1
CLASS D930003 Air Pistol - 12-14 years old before January 1
Contestants age 15 and over before January 1 (Class 4) will fire one-handed while standing, without support. Bracelets, wristbands, or similar items that might provide support are prohibited on the hand and arm which holds the pistol.
CLASS D930004 Air Pistol - 15 years and over before January 1
.22 SPORT PISTOL--This match will follow NRA International Style Pistol Rules (Air Pistol, Center Fire Pistol, Free Pistol, Rapid Fire Pistol, Standard Fire, Sport Pistol) Revised February 2025. Forty (40) shots will be fired one-handed, from 50 feet in the standing position. The program is divided into two stages of 20 shots each:
- Precision Stage - Each contestant will be allowed 6 minutes for each 5 record shots. One target will be posted to fire 10 shots. A 6-minute period for 5 sighting shots will be allowed prior to the shots fired for score.
- Rapid Fire State - Each contestant will fire one shot during a 3 second active cycle, the targets will be inactive for 7 seconds between active cycles. A series of 5 sighting shots will be fired prior to the shots fired for score. Shooters will assume the ready position between shots.
Once the first record shot has been fired, no further sighting shots are allowed, except at the discretion of the range officer. Any sighting shots fired after the first record shot will be scored as a miss. .22 caliber pistols and ammunition only, no ultra high velocity or magnum ammunition allowed. Ear protection must be worn by everyone one the range. An adult (coach/leader/parent) is required to supervise each shooter during the match. Each shooter must have their own adult supervisor. It is strongly suggested that all youth complete the State of Nebraska Hunter Education Program sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
CLASS D940001 .22 Sport Pistol - 12-14 years old before January 1
CLASS D940002 .22 Sport Pistol - 15 years old & over before January 1
SMALLBORE (.22 RIFLE)--This match will follow the NRA Smallbore Rifle Rules, revised February 2026. Course of fire will be 30 shots, 10 in each of the following positions, and shot in this order...prone, standing, kneeling. Each contestant will be allowed 10 minutes for record shots plus sighters per target in the prone position, 20 minutes in the standing position, and 15 minutes in the kneeling position. Once the first record shot in a position has been fired, no further sighting shots are allowed, except at the discretion of the range officer. Any sighting shots fired after the first record shot will be scored as a miss. Ear protection must be worn by everyone on the range. An adult (coach/leader/parent) is required to supervise each shooter during the match. Coaching is required by all participants regardless of age. Each shooter must have their own adult supervisor. It is strongly suggested that all youth complete the State of Nebraska Hunter Education Program sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Firearms:
Target Class - .22 caliber rimfire rifle meeting NRA Smallbore Rifle Rules, revised February 2026. Only metallic sights will be permitted. Absolutely no mounted telescopic sights will be allowed. Overall weight may not exceed 17.6 pounds. All rifles must be loaded one shot at a time. No loading clips or magazines. No ultra high velocity or magnum ammunition allowed.
Hunter Class - The intent of this class is for youth to be able to use the .22 rifles they use at home. Rifles must meet CMP specifications for standard sporter-type rimfire rifles. Overall weight may not exceed 8½ pounds, with sights. If a sling is used, it may be removed when the rifle is weighed. The stock may have a sling swivel, but it must be fixed in one location (rails with adjustable sling swivels are not permitted). Thumbhole stocks, adjustable butt plates, adjustable cheek pieces and rails or adjustable (moveable) sling swivels are not permitted. Any safe rimfire rifle with any type of action may be used. Rifles must be chambered for the .22 cal. long rifle rimfire cartridge. Magnum rimfire or .17 cal. rimfire rifles may not be used. The trigger must be capable of lifting a three-pound weight when cocked. Telescopic, receiver or open sights may be used. Scopes are limited to six power (6X). If a variable scope is used, the power adjustment may not exceed 6X and it must be taped in that location. A standard leather or web sling no wider than 1¼” may be used in the prone and kneeling positions. Slings may not be used in the standing position to provide support, but the sling may remain on the rifle.
Targets:
Target Class - A-36 target hung at 50 feet. One shot per bull, two sighters with unlimited sighters.
Hunter Class - Two B-40 targets will be hung at 50 feet, plus one sighter target with unlimited sighters. Five shots per bull.
Slings: Permitted in prone and kneeling positions. May not be wider than 40 mm in the Target Classes.
Clothing: While on the line, shooters are allowed to wear appropriate (in legality and taste) shooting attire. In any case, all clothing must be tasteful with respect to holes and intention. All clothing subject to jury approval and decision. For example, sweatshirts, shoes, jackets, jeans, shorts, shooting pants, sweatpants. Sweatshirts and sweatpants may be worn under shooting coats and pants. Clothing must not have any holes or tears. Proper 4-H attire must be worn at all times prior to and immediately following the competitor’s smallbore relay.
TARGET CLASSES: (Guns with micrometer sights.)
CLASS D950001 Smallbore - 10-11 years old before January 1
CLASS D950002 Smallbore - 12-14 years old before January 1
CLASS D950003 Smallbore - 15 years and over before January 1
HUNTER CLASSES: Classes are broken down into rifles using open sights and rifles with variable scope (not over 6X power). LIMITED TO ENTERING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSES.
CLASS D950004 Smallbore Rifle using Open Sights - 10-11 years old before January 1
CLASS D950005 Smallbore Rifle using Open Sights - 12-14 years old before January 1
CLASS D950006 Smallbore Rifle using Open Sights - 15 years and over before January 1
CLASS D950007 Smallbore Rifle with Variable Scope (not over 6X power) - 10-11 years old before January 1
CLASS D950008 Smallbore Rifle with Variable Scope (not over 6X power) - 12-14 years old before January 1
CLASS D950009 Smallbore Rifle with Variable Scope (not over 6X power) - 15 years and over before January 1
4-H SHOOTING SPORTS EXHIBITS
The following are county fair exhibits available for youth enrolled in any 4-H Shooting Sports project. 4-H Shooting Sports requires youth to be under the direct leadership of a certified 4-H Shooting Sports Leader in Shotgun, Rifle (BB Gun, Air Rifle, Smallbore Rifle), Archery, Pistol, Black Powder/Muzzleloader, and/or Hunting Skills. No firearms can be entered as an exhibit, nor live ammunition, however information can be shared through pictures. No firearms, items with a blade (broad heads, knives, saws, etc.) or related items of any other kind, may be exhibited. This applies to actual items, replicated items, and item parts. Photos are a suitable substitution for actual items. Shooting sports accessories are permissible as described in the following classes.
4-H entries must be made according to the printed 2026 Custer County Fair Premium Book and entered online by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Instructions for online entries will be emailed to 4-H families on approximately May 15. Entries may be entered 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, at the 4-H Exhibit Hall. One entry per class.
Ribbons P. B. R. W.
$2.50 $2.00 $1.50 $1.00
CLASS D347001 Shooting Aid or Accessory - Any item which helps the shooter/hunter better perform their sport, examples: rifle sling, kneeling roll, arm guard, shotgun vest, target boxes, shooting stick, etc... Include your design, or plans you adapted, what the item is and used for.
CLASS D347002 Storage Case - an item with the purpose to safely hold a firearm, bow, ammunition, and/or arrows, examples: soft sided shotgun case, quivers, firearm safe. Include your design, or plans you adapted. Explain how the storage case is used.
CLASS D347003 Practice Game or Activity - invent or adapt an activity to practice or teach a project skill. Include pictures of youth playing the game, testimonials for 4-H members who played the game, what skill is being worked on, and directions for the game. Explain how you came up with the game or adapted it to fit the needs of your group members.
CLASS D347004 Science, Engineering, Technology Advancements of Shooting Sports, Conservation, or Wildlife Essay or Display - Choose a specific area of shooting sports and share how it has advanced, include a timeline and photos or illustrations. Keep your topic narrow and manageable. Essays are limited to 1000 words and should be on 8½” x 11” paper.
CLASS D347005 Healthy Lifestyles Plan - Include a shooter’s (hiker’s, camper’s, angler’s) diet and exercise plan, and how the 4-H member will benefit or improve from following the plan. Ideally, the 4-H member would follow the plan and include some journal entries about adaptations or improvements made while following the plan.
CLASS D347006 Citizenship/Leadership Project - Share a display on a citizenship project or leadership project the 4-H member took on individually or with a group to improve some aspect related to 4-H Shooting Sports, Conservation, or Wildlife. Examples could be range development, conservation planting to attract wildlife, a camp, 4-H recruitment event. Include who benefitted from the project, what the 4-H member’s role was, and any results.
CLASS D347007 Career Development/College Essay, Interview or Display - Research opportunities for careers related to this area or opportunities for college majors or college activities to help discover using project skills beyond a person’s 4-H career. Essays are limited to 1000 words and should be on 8½” x 11” paper. Interviews need to include a picture of the interviewee in their work setting, questions asked, and a transcript of answers.
CLASS D347008 Community Vitality Display - Explore the difference shooting sports, conservation, fishing, and hunting make in keeping Nebraska vibrant especially in rural areas. Present facts and research in an interesting way for the public to learn from.
CLASS D347009 Ag Literacy-Value Added Agriculture Interview or Research Project - Explore how traditional ag producers are adding value to their production agriculture operations through conservation efforts, hunting, raising pheasants, shooting sports related tourism, etc. Present finding in an interesting way for the public to learn from.
CLASS D347010 Shooting Sports Educational Exhibit or Display - Create an educational exhibit or display relating to a topic about Shooting Sports. Displays involving firearms or bows may be exhibited as a photographic display on a poster or in a notebook. Handmade items must include information explaining how the item was made and its intended use. Photos are encouraged.