Benneche, like many sportsmen, regularly is subjected to the disdain and ignorance of the American public towards shooting as a sport, he said. The rest of the world does not form the association between guns and violence that many Americans do, demonstrated by the fact track and field and boxing are the only two Olympic sports that generally are more popular than the shooting ones, he added. We're not picturing the bad guy down range. Team members said they agree they generally find themselves defending the sport. We're not a bunch of bubbas out there shooting furry animals.
People seem to think that 'rifle' means 'large- caliber hunting weapons'.
The percentage of people who commit crimes with guns is very small compared to the lawful use of them. It's just that the crimes get all of the press. Although most people are not aware of it, rifle shooting is an NCAA championship sport, with about 50 schools nationwide maintaining varsity teams. Instead, the NRA sponsors most of the major competitions, including the sectional and national competitions. Many say they see the NRA's close involvement as a mixed blessing.