Atlanta, GA -(AmmoLand.com)- Our NAG Member of the month to start the year off in 2016 is Sirraj Abdel Alim.
He is the Leader and Captain of the Blue Eagles Shotgun Team. He is a great guy, outstanding family man, active shooter and within his community and has established one of the best minority Gun Club programs for youth in the USA. The Club competes regionally in “Skeet-Shooting competitions”. He has a team of a few dozen kids whom he trains at the range and manages at local shooting competitions.
Sirraj personally is a highly skilled shooter within the “Skeet Shooting Division”. He has been shooting for over 12 years but didn’t start until he turned 18
He likes all types of firearms but revolvers are his last choice.
His favorite choice which comes as no surprise is “Shotguns,” Sirraj says, “I love the look of a 30” over/under competition trap gun, the feel of a smooth cycling bolt in a bolt action rifle and the perfect fit of my M&P in my palm. Now if you said I get to pick one gun to be hand delivered to my doorstep for free… I’d have to say Beretta DT11 ACS with the works!”
Do you compete?
Yes. Currently I’ve been consistent with ATA trap shooting(and coaching) as well as trying to get back in a rotation of IDPA matches and when I do expand my competition platforms I’ll be looking into 3-gun competition and Long Range Rifle. I have a Savage 11 .308 I’d like to get on the scoreboards in the 500-800 yard range.
Future goals?
Getting more minority youth into the shooting sports and ingraining gun safety and responsible use of firearms. Right now my vehicle for that is the Blue Eagles Shotgun Team. We’re starting our 3rd season in March of 2016 and I think our current organizational format will drive both support and participation. I absolutely love working with the youth and I’m determined to evolve this program to become a high standard and quality program for youth shooters to be a part of. I want the environment to be welcoming for our youth where they can feel safe, have fun and compete at a high level… the same as we would expect from a football, baseball or soccer program.
The greatest goal would be establishing a shooting range, inclusive of shotgun, rifle, pistol and archery sports dedicated to youth development and competitions that is not a days hike from the city. There is a lot of land in Virginia, the question is how to acquire and develop it before I’m 95 years old.
Why I like firearms?
They have a combination of appeal and necessity. I’m competitive by nature and the shooting sports can be an exhilarating competition or recreational platform for anyone, especially the disabled or those that may not be conditioned or interested in the traditional athletic sports. I am also attracted to the fact that men and women can generally go heads up and it’s anybody’s game. Purely comes down to training and preparation.
I have also been married for over 10 years and the father of 2 boys. The safety of my family is paramount and the implementation of my family’s safety falls first on my shoulders THEN law enforcement. Threats to personal safety are real in America. Having a firearm does not guarantee a good outcome but there have been and continue to be situations in which not having one potentially solidifies your position in becoming a victim……..
In American culture, firearms have a purpose and place.
About National African American Gun Association (NAAGA):
The goal of the National African American Gun Association is to have every african american introduced to firearm use for home protection, competitive shooting, and outdoor recreational activities. We are a civil rights organization focused on self preservation of our community through armed protection and community building. The National African American Gun Association provides a network for all african american firearm owners, gun clubs and outdoor enthusiasts. We welcome people of all religious, social, and racial perspectives. We especially welcome african american members of law enforcement and active/retired military.
For more information, visit: www.naaga.co.