Fall is finally here and winter close behind. The range is buzzing with people sighting in their rifles, pistols, and shotguns for the upcoming deer season.
In addition to Tuesday and Thursday trap, the Defensive Pistol League every other Tuesday, Rimfire Wednesday, Coyote matches, Military Rifle Day, 4H Shooting Sports, and Fall Season HS Trap (Wabasso). Add to that, Permit to Carry Classes, recreational shooting with all types of firearms and archery, can’t forget archery. The Club conducted two 3D shoots and hosted the Redwood Falls City bow hunting qualifier. We also conducted several Field Days for the MN DNR Hunter Education.
Membership is a little slower this year, about 100 less than last year. The range is still fantastic place to shoot and hang out. It’s been called a little piece of paradise on the NW side of town. We hope you along with friends and family come out to the range often to develop your shooting skills.
Congratulations to Redwood Valley graduating Senior, Easton Quast, recipient of the Gordy Jensen Memorial and Redwood Falls Sportsmen’s Club Scholarship. We wish you the best on your journey to higher education.
We want to thank River Valley Arms and Ammo and the Redwood Falls Running’s for selling memberships and overall support. Please visit these locations for your firearm, ammunition, and training needs.
Shooting is FUN! We invite everyone to come out and participate in the organized shooting events. While some might think that it is stressful to compete, it is the exact opposite. Competition shooting is a great way to meet others, improve and develop your skills, and in doing so you overcome what some call performance anxiety and reduce stress. The only advantage an experienced competitor has on you is you didn’t see them when they started. All our events were started and are run by folks who enjoy the sport. If you are just getting into the shooting sports let the match director know (he’s the one usually collecting the money) and you’ll get paired up with someone who can assist you. Bring a friend!
Looking ahead to the coming year, what would you like to see on the range? Last year we tried promoting trap shooting teams with local businesses and organizations, but Covid put a damper on that. We would like to try again this year. It would be fantastic if we could get some all-lady teams, some Jr teams, mixed teams. No experience is necessary, there are lots of helpful people to assist you. The team could get a sponsor to buy bowling/shooting shirts. There are no league fees, just the cost of targets and shells. Guarantee you will enjoy the aroma therapy of fresh air and burning gun powder. The Defensive Pistol League is a great way to improve your skills as you shoot and move engaging different targets at various ranges and set ups. There are plans to expand it in the coming year. Turn out is anywhere from twelve to twenty four for the evening. Rimfire Wednesday offers different courses of fire using your 22 RF rifle and pistol. It can be off the shelf or it can be it can be upgraded, scoped or iron sights, manual operated or semi-auto. The Coyote Match is a two-man team competition shot at 200 and 300 yards with a centerfire rifle. Is there an event you would like more information about or you would like to organize and conduct?
We canceled the banquet this year. However, we conducted a family fun day at the range. Featured were the many shooting disciplines at the range. Three gun, long range, 3D archery, cowboy action, trap, defensive pistol and rimfire events. The lunch was catered by Tersteeg’s. We had a drawing for some firearms and other prizes. A big thank you to Nelson Towing and Salvage and River Valley Arms and Ammo for their donation. Other Sponsors included Redwood Building Center, Running’s, Earl Pederson, Weelborg Ford, Marthaler Chevrolet, Redwood Tire, Rhonda Kerkoff/Focus Financial, Fastenal, Kerkoff Auction and Duffy’s.
During the winter months we usually have club meeting the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Redwood Falls Legion. Everyone is welcome to attend. Mark your calendars 10 Nov, 8 Dec, 12 Jan, 9 Feb, 9 Mar, and 13 Apr.
Safety is always a concern. Unsafe actions cause injury and pain, even death. We’ve had to make several repairs this year to the steel targets in the pistol bays because someone(s) shot them with center fire rifle rounds. Even if shot with an AR style pistol, they cause damage. Damaged targets tend to send bullet fragments back at the shooter and spectators. If you discover a damaged target, please let us know so we can fix the problem. When someone is downrange avoid handling your firearm(s). When leaving your firearm unattended open the action and unloaded. Also rack your firearm or put it flat on the table. Nothing worse than watching a rifle fall off a precarious perch and go tumbling to the ground. And please, clean up brass and trash.
A reminder that we are a CMP affiliated organization. That entitles you to purchase ammo, M1s and other goodies from the CMP.
A big shout out to all the volunteers (in no particular order: Bob, Pete, Steve, Jason, Larry, Jerry, Marcel, JT, Jacob, Tom, Heather, Dale, Ryan, Gene, Neil, Melissa, Amy, and others who organized and conducted matches/shooting events, assisted in range maintenance, Hunter Ed, repairs, and those who cleaned up after themselves and others. If you would like to get involved with any of the volunteer activities or shooting events let us know.
Shooting is Fun! Be safe on the range.
Wishing everyone have an enjoyable Holiday Season and Merry Christmas!
Club Officers
President: Steve Whittet Secretary/Treasurer: Larry Weidell
Board: Dale Kramer, Bob Rohlik, Tom Morley, B. J. Tersteeg, Pete Weis,
Marcel Krueger, and Heather Koffler