The 48th VA Blog

Jan 19 2026: New Skirmish Season, Cold Weather, Shitty Shooting, and Hard Truths

For those who may not know me, my name is Garrett, and I’ve had the privilege of serving as adjutant for the 48th Virginia for about two years. In that time, I’ve come to appreciate both the history of this team and the amount of effort (often unseen) that goes into keeping it running. I’m proud to hold this role and to help support the skirmishers that make the 48th what it is.

The Snowball shoot gave us an honest snapshot of where we’re at right now. We didn’t shoot to the standard we know we’re capable of (including myself), and that’s something worth acknowledging. Not as a criticism of any one specific person or moment, but as a reminder that good results rarely happen by accident. Shoots like this tend to highlight where consistency, preparation, and follow-through matter most. Something the 48th has been lacking in the last skirmish season. 

One of the strengths of this team has always been the depth of experience among its senior core members. That experience is invaluable; but it has the greatest impact when it’s actively shared. Showing up is important, but so is stepping onto the line, helping build and maintain targets, and working alongside newer shooters. Those actions set the tone far more than words alone, and they’re how skills, standards, and pride in the unit get passed down.

At the same time, there’s real reason for optimism. We’ve got new shooters coming in who are eager, motivated, and genuinely interested in improving. They’re putting in the effort and bringing fresh energy with them. With guidance and example from experienced hands, that enthusiasm can turn into real strength for the team.

Looking forward, my hope is that we continue to build a culture where everyone, new and seasoned alike, Is engaged not just in conversation, but in the work itself. Shooting, helping with targets, mentoring on the line, and taking ownership of our collective performance are what will move the 48th forward.

We have the talent, the opportunity, and the people to do better. With a little more shared effort and involvement across the board, there’s no reason we can’t. We shouldn't be shooting dead last in multiple events. We can do better than that. 

-Garrett 

Upcoming Shoots: 

Early Bird Skirmish

Fri, Mar 27, 2026   Sun, Mar 29, 2026 

CV Region Recruit Skirmish

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Upcoming Events: 

Recruiting Event @ Hope Christian Curch in Augusta WV March 20-21 

15338 Northwestern Turnpike Augusta, WV 26704

3 - 7 pm on March 20th

9 am - 4 pm on March 21st 

Administrative Note: New NSSA Cards are out. Reach out to Rob to get yours. 

Feb 4th 2026: Why aren't people shooting individuals anymore? 

BLUF: If you want young people to shoot individuals you got to make it easier for them to do it.

Some talks as of late amongst skirmishers is many members have noticed a steady decline in younger/new shooters participating in individual events (in particularly at Nationals , even more particularly during the workweek for National Matches) This trend is often misunderstood as a lack of interest or commitment, but I think it reflects a set of practical barriers that disproportionately affect younger members. The issue is access and a refusal to accommodate young working people. 

The cost of shooting black powder has risen to the point where regular participation can be difficult for those early in their career and light on cash. Powder, lead, caps, lube, maintenance tools (brushes, ballestol, rods), entry fees, and travel all add up quickly. For younger shooters managing rent or a  mortgages, student loans, family expenses, and just rising everyday costs, shooting often becomes an occasional luxury activity. Even highly motivated members may find themselves shooting fewer events simply because the financial means to do so no longer exists.

Scheduling is another major obstacle. Much of NSSA individual shooting occurs on Fridays or during the work week for nationals, a time window that assumes a level of flexibility many younger members do not have. Hourly jobs, fixed schedules, limited paid time off, and workplace expectations make it difficult to step away for several hours to shoot. For someone trying to build a career or maintain job stability, taking time off to attend a weekday event can feel irresponsible and sometimes it may even feel impossible.

Uniform requirements, while important to the identity and tradition of the NSSA, also introduce additional friction for younger shooters coming from work. Leaving a job, changing into uniform, shooting, changing again, and returning to work turns what might seem like a quick stop into a unnecessary logisticalhurdle for individuals where it doesn't really matter anyway. This is not resistance to standards or tradition, but a look at how we can be more practical and accommodating to encourage maximum participation.

Another factor that often goes unmentioned is time spent practicing. Many younger people simply do not have the opportunity to practice as frequently as theyshould. Limited range access, time constraints, and the cost of feeding a musket and supplies to clean it can restrict meaningful preparation. As a result, some don't feel confident enough in their current marksmanship to justify shooting individuals. Walking onto the line knowing you don't have a chance next a highly experienced competitors in an unclassified individual event can be discouraging. I don't think the current classification system accounts for newbies appropriately. If you are shooting sub 35 you should be in your own class don't give them medals. maybe just give them feedback on how to be better! 

Taken together, these factors create a level of friction that gradually pushes younger shooters out of individual competition. If the NSSA wants to sustain participation in individuals , it is worth examining how current structures interact with work and life realities. Younger shooters are not disengaged or indifferent; they are constrained. Reducing barriers, where possible, does not weaken the organization or its traditions. It strengthens them by ensuring that those who want to participate are able to do so and will be able to for decades to come. 

This is my observation and mine alone (I don't want my Team or Regional Commander catching flak for what I said) as someone with 4 years in the organization and I am sure some will discount what I've said for that reason. For that reason I will say this, the longer you spend around something the less likely you are to see the flaws in it. 

-Garrett Funk

Adj, 48th Va, CV Region