Northwest Arkansas Spring Gun Association (NASA) meets the first and third Wednesday of each month, with meetings focused on advancements in both skills and character.
NASA is a nonprofit which strives to advance people through competition spring gun matches. Spring gun matches are eight rounds of five shots at four different targets. The biggest targets are 2 inch by 2 inch, and the smallest targets are is .5 inch by .6 inch. All shots are taken at 10 yards.
“We may shoot spring guns but it’s about far more,” said Chris Fitz, NASA president. “We use competition to better our patients, focus, and ability to handle adversity. You’re going to have bad shooting days but being able to smile through it is even more important.”
While most competitive groups focus on winning, NASA doesn’t. They prefer to build life skills while having fun.
Many members have bad shooting days, but they don’t let it hold them back.
“I’d be lying if I said a bad shooting day doesn’t get to you,” said Dr. Arnold Smith, club doctor. “You always want to be good, but it just doesn’t happen every day. This club works to change the idea of success. You can’t always have a good match, but you can decide your mentality.”
Brotherhood is the ultimate goal of this organization. Chuck Bushong, a 79-year-old member, struggles occasionally to hold a gun for the rounds. During these times the club allows him to either use a support or just enjoy the conversations.
“This is a place I know I can always get a good laugh in,” Bushong said. “When my wife got sick this club was one of the only things that kept me smiling. Now that she’s gone there are a lot of things too painful to do, but this club is something I won’t miss. I tell everyone, ‘Until I stop kickin, you’ll have to put up with me’.”
Members all rally behind each other, especially in difficult times. When Bushong’s wife got sick the club gifted her $500 of new knitting material, her favorite activity. With these materials she handcrafted each member a NASA beanie, along with individualized thank you letters.
NASA doesn’t require experience or even ownership of a spring gun. They have 17 extra guns which all members are welcome to use.
“We want everyone to feel welcome,” Fitz said. “No matter how experienced, no matter how confident, everyone is welcome. We’re a family, and we’re always looking for more members.”