Arizona Junior High Power Shooter McKenna Beckham

by
posted on March 28, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mckenna1.jpg
McKenna Beckham started out shooting from an early age with her father. She fondly recalls trips to the range―shooting in the desert with family. Now age 16, she has been shooting competitively since entering her teenage years―since early 2016.

Beckham was introduced to smallbore rifle through the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association (ASRPA), shooting the Western Wildcat match three short months after beginning in the discipline. Participating in the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, McKenna gained a good basis for high power positions, shooting four-position smallbore rifle.

For McKenna, each shooting experience builds on the previous one.

“Marksmanship has taught me discipline and maturity,” she says. “It has also taught me [that] goals that seem nearly impossible can be achieved through hard work and dedication.”

McKenna Beckham, high power rifle shooter
McKenna Beckham at the 2018 President’s 100 Rifle Match.

Over the past two years, McKenna has not only been continuing to improve as a shooter but has been coaching the Naval Sea Cadets in three-position smallbore.

“I love the shooting community and how my relationships with others have grown from shooting, she says about her shooting experiences thus far, adding, I have met some of my best friends through shooting high power. I’ve been lent just about every piece of gear out there (including rifles).”

It is this support that has helped McKenna to get to where she is now. Her greatest accomplishments include winning High Woman at the 127th Washington’s Birthday Match and High Junior at the Arizona State Smallbore Prone Championships.

McKenna advises new shooters to stick with it, even in the face of failure.

“If I had to give one piece of advice it would be … don’t get discouraged. It is a very difficult sport in the beginning, but once you start to improve it becomes incredibly rewarding.”

McKenna Beckham rifle shooter
McKenna Beckham shooting at the 600-yard line.

Outside of shooting, Mckenna runs cross country, plays flute in concert band and also enjoys hiking and playing with her dogs. Additionally, she spends a good bit of time cooking and baking.

McKenna recalls that when she was a toddler she had plans to become a baker. Her plans have changed since then.

“I would like to attend a service academy and eventually serve in the U.S. Secret Service. It has always been my dream to serve my country in the military and law enforcement.”

Shooting high power teaches leadership skills and develops character. McKenna Beckham continues using her experiences to help guide others. She will undoubtedly inspire younger shooters as others have inspired her.

More articles by Serena Juchnowski:

Latest

Mullers ARC July2025 1
Mullers ARC July2025 1

NRA Announces Dianna & Ryan Muller As Brand Ambassadors For America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA announces Dianna & Ryan Muller as brand ambassadors for America’s Rifle Challenge program, promoting AR-15 marksmanship, safety and training.

Eley’s New Trial Packs Let Competition Shooters Find Their Perfect Rimfire Match Ammo

Eley launches trial ammo packs to help shooters test and match precision .22 LR rounds to their firearms.

Ava Downs Captures Junior Olympic Trap Title On Home Turf

Hillsdale’s Ava Downs takes gold in women’s trap at the 2025 USA Shooting Junior Olympic Championships hosted at the Halter Center.

Brandon Powell Claims 8th Georgia State Sporting Clays Title

Brandon Powell wins his eighth Georgia State Sporting Clays Championship, continuing his dominance with multiple top finishes at the 2025 tournament.

Vincent Hancock Claims 30th ISSF Medal As Team USA Dominates 2025 Lonato World Cup

Team USA shines at 2025 ISSF Lonato World Cup with golds from Vincent Hancock and Sam Simonton, plus silver for Dania Vizzi.

Jon Shue Clinches Third Straight NRA National Precision Pistol Championship Title

Shue continues his dominant streak in bullseye pistol shooting after 2025 NRA National Precision Pistol Championship victory.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.