When ACME Rifles partners with the Veteran’s Family Brigade and the U.S. Marine Corps Shooting Team, you know something historic is about to happen. On September 20-21, 2025, more than 40 youth shooters gathered at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Weapons Training Battalion (WTBN) for a two-day event that combined mentorship, competition, and the tradition of Marine marksmanship.

This wasn’t just a clinic. It was a movement.

Day One: Learning from the Best

From the moment participants stepped on base, they were immersed in the world of high-power rifle shooting. Marines, national champion veterans, and ACME coaches provided one-on-one instruction in safety, marksmanship fundamentals, and live-fire drills. For many, this was the first time they had the opportunity to work so closely with experts at this level.

“Partnering with the Marines at Quantico brought unmatched expertise and history to this experience. It’s about more than shooting—it’s about mentorship, confidence, and community.” – Julia Watson-Carlson, ACME Youth Program Coordinator

Day Two: Competition and Camaraderie

On day two, the training shifted gears into a scored match across two disciplines—Service Rifle and AR Tactical—followed by an action-shooting demonstration that pushed juniors to test their skills under pressure.

The day wrapped up with a banquet and awards ceremony, where families, coaches, and participants celebrated achievements together. Thanks to the generosity of ACME Rifles and partners like Hi-Lux Optics, top shooters received rifle optics, competition-grade ACME uppers, and certificates of completion.

Every participant left with not just awards, but confidence, skills, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlighting the Next Generation

Some standout performances included:

• Service Rifle Overall Champion: Tanner Ridings (16)

• High New Shooter: Christian Williams (16) – awarded an ACME Upper Receiver

• High Woman Service Rifle: Elizabeth Niesent (16)

• AR Tactical Overall Champion & High Woman: Elizabeth Gunn (16) – awarded an ACME Upper Receiver

• High New Shooter (AR Tactical): Brantley Murphy (12) – awarded an ACME Scope

But more than scores and awards, the most meaningful impact came through the stories:

• Youths describing the opportunity as “a blessing” and saying “this clinic changed my view on life.”

• Parents praising the Marines and veterans as “incredible mentors” who brought out confidence and discipline in their children.

Why This Matters to ACME Rifles

At ACME Rifles, we don’t just build precision firearms—we build communities of marksmen. Our mission is to advance marksmanship at every level, from the junior competitor learning prone positions for the first time, to the seasoned service rifle champion chasing a Distinguished badge.

By investing in events like the Quantico Junior High-Power Clinic, we are:

• Creating opportunities for youth to enter the shooting sports.

• Giving veterans a powerful way to give back through mentorship.

• Building bridges between tradition and innovation in marksmanship.

Looking Ahead

This clinic is just the beginning. With overwhelming feedback from parents and youth, ACME Rifles and the Veteran’s Family Brigade discussing ways to expand and improve future clinics by:

• Adding more electronic target systems to welcome even more juniors.

• The interest to host separate clinics for Service Rifle and AR Tactical.

• Discussing advanced clinics for adults/parents who want to sharpen their skills alongside their kids.

The goal is clear: to make the sport more accessible, sustainable, and impactful nationwide.

Be Part of the Movement

We invite you to:

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see full event photos and videos.

• Share your stories if you or your child attended the clinic.

• Support future clinics by learning more about our partners:

  • Veteran’s Family Brigade

  • Hi-Lux Optics

  • ACME Rifles

This was more than a weekend on the range. This was history in the making—and ACME Rifles is proud to stand at the forefront of the next generation of American marksmen.