ACME Machine proudly joined forces with the Veteran’s Family Brigade (VFB) and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) to present a powerful weekend of youth marksmanship training at the Junior High Power Rifle Clinic, held at the Des Moines Rifle & Revolver Club in Van Meter, Iowa.

The clinic welcomed over 25 junior shooters, backed by their families, for two days of hands-on education and competition led by world-class instructors—many of them veterans and national champions. From mastering shooting positions to live-fire matches between 200 and 600 yards using electronic targets, these young athletes took their first steps toward becoming the next generation of competitive marksmen.

Day one focused on the fundamentals of marksmanship with classroom instruction on firearm safety, handling, shooting positions, and high-power rifle concepts. Day two featured a scored fun match where juniors put their new skills to the test—many shooting AR-style rifles for the first time with expert coaching on the firing line.

One of the weekend’s most memorable highlights was the unveiling of the Sydney Beiswanger Trophy, named after ACME’s own rising junior competitor. This perpetual award will now be a fixture at all future clinics, celebrating excellence and dedication in youth marksmanship. Congratulations to Wyatt Grieser, this year’s inaugural recipient, who made an impressive leap from shotgun to AR-tactical shooting.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners and sponsors. ACME Machine proudly provided fully-equipped rifles for the clinic, paired with Hi-Lux Optics scopes and Black Hills Ammunition. In an extraordinary show of generosity, Hi-Lux donated 15 scopes for future training programs, while Black Hills supplied the match-grade ammunition that fueled the competition.

We also thank our generous prize and product donors:

Special recognition goes to our incredible volunteer instructors who gave their time and expertise: John Wilson, Jonathan O'Neal, Julia Watson, Dwayne Lewis, Ken Foster, Dan Duitsman, and Nash Neubauer. Your commitment to shaping young marksmen is invaluable.

A heartfelt thank you also to Shaun Beiswanger and Lopaka Radona for spearheading logistics, and Robert Green Photography for capturing the powerful moments that define this movement.

The energy and momentum from this event are only the beginning. VFB and ACME Machine are already working to expand access to clinics like this, with ambitious plans to increase junior participation in CMP competitions nationwide.

To further this mission, sponsorship opportunities are available to help cover registration fees, gear, and event costs for more youth participants. If you’d like to support the Junior High Power Rifle Clinic program, please consider donating to the Veteran's Family Brigade (501)(c)(3).

“We don’t just build rifles. We build future leaders—disciplined, confident, and capable,” said Shaun Beiswanger, founder of ACME Machine. “This clinic is proof of what happens when a community comes together to invest in its youth.”

Our juniors showed incredible focus and skill at the Iowa Rifle Clinic—proving just how bright the next generation is.
Catch the full highlights and what this momentum means for youth marksmanship in our latest blog post.

---

Stay Connected  Follow more from the clinic:

@acmemachine | @veteransfamilybrigade | @robgreenphotography

 Contact: JuliaWatson.ACME@gmail.com

 Learn more or support: acmerifles.com