Fall is finally here and winter close behind. Covid has slowed a lot of things down but here has been lots of activity at the range this year so far. In addition to Tuesday and Thursday trap, there was Defensive Pistol League, Rimfire Wednesday, Coyote matches, Military Rifle Day, 4H Regional, and Fall Season HS Trap (Redwood Valley and 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 Field Days for the MN DNR Hunter Education program. River Valley Arms and Ammo conducted a demo shoot. I don’t know about you but the Taco Truck that day had some awesome food. There were some awesome guns to shoot as well.
Membership is at an all-time high, just over 515 and increasing. Is it because the range is a fantastic place to shoot and hang out? It’s been called a little piece of paradise on the NW side of town. Some new members were construction workers that were here over the summer. It was great seeing you guys. Perhaps more people are becoming firearm owners due to the current state of affairs? This year there are a lot of first-time gun owners. Welcome we hope you come out to the range often to develop your shooting skills.
Congratulations to Redwood Valley graduating Senior, Carter Guetter, recipient of the Gordy Jensen/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 they will pair you 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. Defensive Pistol League is a great way to improve your skills as you shoot and move to engage different targets at various ranges and set ups. Rimfire Wednesday offers different courses of fire using your 22 RF rifle. 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 to organize and conduct?
We had to cancel the banquet this year. So, what should we do for the coming year? There is a very good chance that the Covid will still be around. Pick a time in late May or June and have an outside event at the club? It could be catered, or we have a grill, how about brats? We can have some shooting events such as trap. Send us your suggestion with an email, snail mail, or post it on Facebook. We’ll have a raffle again for prizes like we did this last year.
During the winter months we usually have club meeting the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Redwood Falls Legion. Depending on the guidance provided by the State the meetings may need to be cancelled, rescheduled, or find another alternative.
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 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.
Shooting is Fun! Be safe on the range. May everyone have an enjoyable Holiday Season and Merry Christmas!