Tucson Gun Club was the host of the 3rd annual Pueblo Chile Open, moving to February 13-14 after two years as a fall event. The Tucson weather was terrific for the 4 x 100 shoot — virtually no wind and beautiful, sunny skies.
A couple of things make this shoot special. First, there is an outstanding traveling trophy that remains with the HOA winner for that year. This trophy is unique and would be a great addition to any gun room. The second and perhaps the coolest thing is the memorable lunch offered to all participants, a real gut-buster comprised of a grilled hamburger with up to five different melted cheese selections positioned on the bottom bun only, then smothered with homemade chili. This can only be eaten with a knife and fork and lots of napkins — very sloppy but yummy!
Art Alcon was the sponsor of the traveling trophy and brainchild of the meal. Thanks to Art and the volunteer cooking crew! Larry Blount and the Tucson Gun Club did a terrific job running the event. The pullers were great and the trap help was very responsive. This was a customer-focused event and well done.
And yes, there was some shooting. There was even a squad of trap shooters who participated, one of whom is the “Wayne Mayes of trap” — Harlan Campbell. It’s great to see this kind of involvement, and I hope they had fun.
The next event was Saturday’s 28 gauge, and a lone 98 by Larry Blount was enough to prevail as champ. Class winners were Ryan Meger AA1, Tom Pavlack A1, Vernon Lucas B1, Chris Bagley C1, and Richard Hakalmazian D1.
Sunday rolls around and another great day to shoot. The 20 gauge was first, and finally a lone 100 was scored by Larry Blount, who ended up event champ. Class winners were Doug Coulter AA1, Brian Fanning A1, Stephen Ponder B1, Chance Dumond C1, and Thomas Wicklund D1.
The .410 was the last event, and typically no matter where you are in the country, the wind always “freshens.” True to form, the wind did pick up, but only a little. Doug Coulter was the event champ, followed by the class winners Brian Fanning AA1, Tom Pavlack A1, Stephen Ponder B1, Thomas Wicklund C1, and Richard Cochrane D1. Last year’s HOA champ, Brian Fanning, graciously handed over the traveling trophy to this year’s HOA champ, Larry Blount.
Other details that might make you go “hmmm” or “yeah” … 8 new NSSA members and 18 new state memberships. There was a generous $550 donation applied to a 12 gauge challenge that was split into a 9-way Lewis class, resulting in 35 of the 64 shooters winning some money.
Thanks again to everyone who helped make this shoot a success, and hopefully we will see you next year.
— Contributed by Tom Pavlack
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