TexasCHLforum.com

Robbins, a corporal for the state police in Kittanning, said the community support was “out of this world.” He secured a grant from the Armstrong County Friends of the NRA organization to buy five .22-caliber rifles, and donations from local people and businesses provided enough money for seven more.

“In today’s political climate, the mere mention of high school and shooting and all of that in the same sentence kind of throws people for a spin,” Robbins said. “Once we explain to everybody what we’re doing — we’re not teaching them combat shooting, we’re not teaching them stock and sniper training.

“We’re teaching them mental discipline and physical concentration, and it just so happens they’re shooting a .22. These aren’t granddad’s squirrel rifles.”

Despite guns and schools debate, participation on high school rifle teams is increasing