Gun enthusiasts say their sport is not violent
Associated Press

NEWBURGH, Ind. - Target shooters who participated in a pistol championship along the Ohio River bristled at the perception that their sport is violent, saying it teaches self-defense.

"Safety is paramount," Pete Laub, a gunsmith from Hanson, Ky., told the Evansville Courier & Press Saturday. "It's no different than a hammer. When you teach someone how to use a hammer, you teach them not to hit their thumb."

Jim Barbour of Indianapolis said he does not understand why sometimes violent sports such as hockey are held in higher regard than defensive shooting.

The Indiana Defensive Pistol Shooters' regional championship at Red Brush Rifle Range in this town about 10 miles east of Evansville included 90 participants of all ages.

Many locals participated, but so did people from California and Canada. One shooter was in a wheelchair.

Jake Martins said all 12 shooting scenarios in the match were meant to teach self-defense.

Shooters gunned down cardboard silhouettes and steel targets representing attackers, household intruders and purse snatchers.

In some scenarios, shooters must avoid hitting bystanders, which are represented by silhouettes marked with an X. Participants are scored on speed and accuracy.

"It's all about defending yourself," Martins said.