The Outdoor Wire

NRA Launches "ARC Across America National Challenge" Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary

As the United States approaches the historic milestone of its 250th Anniversary, the National Rifle Association invites Americans from coast to coast to celebrate freedom by exercising their rights through competition.

The NRA America's Rifle Challenge (ARC) proudly announces the "ARC Across America National Challenge", a nationwide competitive shooting event designed to bring responsible firearm owners together in friendly competition while learning new skills and honoring the traditions that helped shape the nation.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, firearm owners across the country will have the opportunity to compete in ARC matches at participating clubs and ranges and see where they rank nationally against fellow competitors.

At the heart of the program is the ARC Level 1 format, the foundation of the national event and the perfect entry point for firearms owners of all experience levels. Built around practical rifle skills across four stages of fire, the Level 1 course challenges participants to demonstrate accuracy, control, and safe firearms handling in a structured but welcoming environment.

Whether you are a new owner looking to build confidence or a seasoned rifleman ready to test your skills, ARC offers something for everyone.

Participants can:

  • See where they rank nationally across the country
  • Develop new rifle skills through structured competition
  • Challenge friends and family in a fun and exciting environment
  • Veterans - reconnect with former service members and find out who from the old unit still has the sharpest eye and smoothest trigger press
  • Compete multiple times in a "Re-entry Match" format, allowing competitor to improve their score and refine their skills

Every ARC match is more than a competition—it's a training opportunity. Each run on the course helps you grow more confident and capable with your rifle.

And the rewards extend beyond bragging rights. Every match is also an opportunity to win prizes from ARC partners and sponsors, making each attempt another chance to improve and take-home great gear.

Whether competing for personal improvement, national ranking, or the simple satisfaction of ringing steel and punching tight groups, ARC Across America is an invitation to celebrate freedom through skill, discipline, and friendly rivalry.

Local shooting clubs and ranges are the backbone of America's shooting sports community—and the NRA is calling on them to play a leading role in the ARC Across America campaign.

The NRA's goal is to have more than 250 clubs and ranges host ARC matches between Memorial Day and Labor Day, creating a truly nationwide celebration of skill, competition, and the freedoms secured by generations of Americans.

That goal is well within reach: just five participating clubs per state would bring this nationwide competition to life. Local clubs are encouraged to step forward and be among those leading the charge.

Hosting an America's Rifle Challenge Level 1 match is intentionally designed to be simple and accessible. The program was built so clubs can run an organized, safe, and engaging event without requiring complex stages or extensive infrastructure.

Clubs can host ARC matches using one of two range configurations:

  • Full Course Format – designed for ranges with 100-yard capability
  • Reduced Course Format – designed for ranges with 25-yard capability

Both formats provide the same structured experience and competitive opportunity, ensuring that nearly any club can participate regardless of range size.

Beyond the ease of execution, hosting ARC offers numerous benefits for clubs:

  • Increased range activity and community engagement
  • Opportunities to introduce firearms owners to organized competition
  • Stronger relationships among local firearms owners and the community
  • A meaningful way to celebrate the history of the Second Amendment and the freedoms it protects

By hosting an ARC event, clubs help build a stronger shooting community while participating in a nationwide celebration of America's heritage.

As the nation reflects on 250 years of liberty, ARC Across America National Challenge offers a unique opportunity to study and appreciate the history of the freedoms Americans fought to secure—and continue to maintain today.

Clubs willing to host an event will join a growing network of ranges across the country helping bring this celebration to life.

To learn more about participating in or hosting NRA America's Rifle Challenge events, visit: https://arc.nra.org

Partnership and sponsorship opportunities in support of "ARC Across America National Challenge" and other NRA Competitive Shooting programs are also available. Individuals, companies, and organizations interested in supporting the program can contact:

Steve Kupcha
Managing Director, NRA Corporate Partnerships
Skupcha@nrahq.org

The NRA America's Rifle Challenge (ARC) is a national rifle competition program designed to help firearm owners develop safe gun-handling skills, practical marksmanship, and confidence through structured competition. ARC events are hosted by local clubs and ranges across the country and welcome participants of all experience levels.

Incorporated in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's longest-standing civil rights organization. Together with our millions of members, we're proud defenders of history's patriots and diligent protectors of the Second Amendment.

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