20th Anniversary Steel Plate/Handgun Shooting Match

June 18, 2009
submitted

Lovelock. Northern Nevada area shooting clubs celebrated 20 years steel plate/handgun shooting matches on June 13 and 14, 2009. Winnemucca Handgunners Association, Pershing County Shooters Association, Carson City Shooters Association, and Stillwater Firearms Association (Fallon) jointly hosted the event.

In June 1989, a group of avid handgunners met in Yerington to test their accuracy and speed shooting skills in a "shooter vs. shooter" format match hosted by Tom Sanford. Among the initial group of shooters was nationally known Jack Weaver, who developed the famous and time honored "Weaver Stance."

The targets? Falling steel plates. This format is fun - and exciting! Two shooters are called to the firing line and upon the Range Officer's command, commence fire, first engaging an array of steel plates, then a stopper plate. In short order, one shooter emerges as the winner of each match. A "round robin" tournament format is utilized and each shooter is allowed a predetermined number of losses (usually three or four) before being eliminated from the competition.

"These matches are very popular because you don't have to be a seasoned expert shooter," said WHA President and Anniversary Match Director Steve Brackney, "Shooters are classed with others of similar shooting ability. It is competitive, but this is the most friendly and helpful group of people you can meet!"

"We place a very strong emphasis on firearms and range safety," said PCSA President Ash Holbrook, "We place a Safety Officer immediately behind each shooter on the firing line. The Safety Officer closely watches the firearm for signs of a malfunction and ensures proper safety procedures are followed."

Following the Saturday match, Mr. Holbrook hosted a wonderful dinner and awards ceremony at the Lovelock Community Center. Ed Sequiera, Jack Riehm, Ash Holbrook (Lovelock,) Beto Origoni (Topaz Lake,) Don Juhl (Incline Village,) and Larry Rhodes (Fallon) received beautiful plaques for their service and contributions to the shooting sports.

See the remaining 2009 shooting match schedule at www.stillwaterfirearms.org.

Author: CPO J. L. Rhodes, USN(RET), [email protected], (775) 427-4563
SFA Board of Trustees/Legislative Action Cmte Chair/Past President

Photos available; email me if you would like to see them.