The National Rifle Association will hold its 45th National Police Shooting Championships (NPSC) at Shooting Range State Park in Albuquerque, N.M., October 1 - 5, 2006.

NRA chose Albuquerque for several reasons. Shooting Range State Park is one of the few facilities in the country with a range large enough to accommodate hundreds of competitors.

The range management was also willing to build new backstops, undertake construction for a vendors’ area, and install the specialized turning targets used in NPSC shooting events. Support from state and city officials, including $1.4 million to finance the range improvements, was another reason for NRA to come to New Mexico.

“Governor Bill Richardson and Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez were instrumental in bringing this championship to New Mexico,” said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. “By hosting this event, Albuquerque is helping law enforcement officers hone their skills and keep our streets safer. We are certain that the state and city will be proud of this prestigious police championship.”

“New Mexico is proud to partner with the NRA to host the National Police Shooting Championships,” said Governor Bill Richardson. “I am committed to law enforcement and believe officers deserve the best facilities to test their skills. We’ve invested in Albuquerque’s Shooting Range State Park to make it the premier facility in this country.”

Held in Jackson, Mississippi from 1989 - 2004*, NPSC draws close to 500 competitors from five countries, plus several hundred additional visitors-NRA staff, sponsors, vendors and competitors’ families. More than $250,000 in prizes, including over 130 firearms, will be awarded at the tournament, which is considered by many to be the world’s most prestigious police shooting match.

NPSC differs from conventional shooting competitions in that it tests police shooting skills. The tournament involves revolvers, semi-automatic pistols and shotguns. Competitors start with guns holstered, for example, and have a time limit to draw, fire, and reload. Some events require firing with the weak hand, and other events are shot from behind a barricade. Multiple distances, turning targets, and changing shooting positions are other challenges competitors face.

For more information, visit www.nrahq.org/law/index.asp.