The First in Line New shooter Alex Shaffer Four months ago, Scott Shaffer told his daughter that "she needed to know how to shoot a gun." Up until her first day on the range at the Gateway Rifle and Gun Club in Jacksonville, Florida, 14 year old Alex had never picked up a rifle. The range officer saw young Alex's targets, recognized an innate talent, and suggested that she join their 4-H Shooting Sports Club. The CMP-sponsored shooting camp in Winchester, Virginia represented Alex's first junior camp, and on Sunday, her first competition. In precision air rifle, Alex shot a 464, a 90 point improvement over her first day's score. Dad was ecstatic--"She loves it. You know, we've tried swimming, we've tried gymnastics, soccer, and all that stuff. It's always been a mismatch between her desire and her skill. This is the first time she's tried something she really wants to do where it appears that she might have the ability to do well." Standing at the first point on the firing line, Alex is a picture of concentration. She describes herself as "not really noisy, but outgoing." She is also finding a lot of new friends. "There are plenty of boys here, but there are also a lot of girls, and they're all cool." Thus far, Alex practices at least twice a week. She often practices at home "if it's not too hot" wearing the shooting jacket and pants ("if you're going to be a good shooter, you have to"), and goes to the range, which is open to juniors on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She hasn't joined a team yet, but that is simply a matter of time. At present, Alex wants to work for the FBI when she grows up. She doesn't know yet what it will take, but she has visited the FBI web site and talked with a couple of the members of the local shooting club who worked for the Bureau.

Alex at rest (which isn't often)   A more serious side to Alex Daughter and dad.