In the movie Men in Black, Will Smith’s character, Agent J, was issued a minuscule handgun called the Noisy Cricket, an under-powered pop gun at first glance. When J finally pulled the trigger on it, the recoil threw him across the room, launching a powerful energy orb. Similarly, with just three skeet fields in play, the Redlands events might initially appear light in stature, until you pull the trigger. With past winners that include three World Champions, as well as numerous AAA and AA competitors, the tournament has plenty of horsepower as a premier Southern California shoot. And so the fifth annual Redlands Club Championship was contested on Saturday, July 1.
Pre-tournament clinics have become a tradition for the Club Championship. This year, Bill Burke of Northern California was welcomed by SoCal shooters looking to enhance their shoot-off doubles skills. Twelve attended the two-hour clinics for Sub-Juniors, Rookies, Veterans and everything in between.
The tournament is a one-day, two-gun affair for 20 and 12 gauges. A full-plus cache of 47 shooters enjoyed great targets in sunny and warm conditions and little to no wind. The nearly all-female staff of referees were in top form with their eyes on the targets. Great releases were ensured by the use of Briley wands, and high scores were expected. The tournament commenced with the yellow shell promptly at 8:30 a.m.
For some, the excellent grub is the reason for joining Redlands events. The now-famous cuisine includes “Chili” Rob McCormick’s secret recipe, island grilled chicken, exotic Asian skewers, and all the sides.
By late morning, the 20-gauge shoot-offs were posted. Remarkably, there was no need to shoot off for champion. Eric Kirk managed the only perfect score to take the gun title outright. But a gaggle of 99s followed by other high-90s scores had some ties to break. Equally remarkable, there were no hundies in the 12 gauge during the afternoon. Five 99s would mean a good shoot-off for the podium as well as some assorted classes.
Shoot-offs followed the main events. Two titles, the 20-gauge and HOA Champion, both by Eric Kirk, had already been determined. Eric’s 199 x 200 made him the 2017 Club Champion. A one-of-a-kind champion’s jacket will be made for him, courtesy of our new title sponsor, Pacific Sporting Arms, and he will be recognized in the clubhouse on the champions’ plaque. Concurrent tie-breakers went on for a while, none more entertaining than the 12-gauge championship. It started with five competitors, Baker dropping off first, then Buoni, then Marble six stations later. Lyman and Kirk were still going when one box was complete. After another half-box, John Lyman emerged with the gun title.
After five years of this prestigious event, the champions’ plaque is now full, with Eric Kirk completing the first perpetual trophy. Previous names on it are Boscovich, Thomas, Bender and Warren. A new plaque will be created next year to run through 2022.
Thanks to our sponsors’ generosity, the championship was a rich event with prizes that included the champion’s jacket, 17 flats of 20-gauge ammunition, leather pouches, a voice release system and eye-care gear. In addition to Pacific Sporting Arms, sponsors were Rob McCormick, Dennis James, Tina Stephens, Chris Baker, Ron Schaefer, Keith Phelps, Hal Stewart, Brian Johnson, Jay and Mary Fitzgerald, Frank and Lori Buoni, Lou Riddle, Dr. Bill Bell, Clay Delay Autopuller, Kern County Gun Club, and Ian and Allison Rangel of Redlands Shooting Park.
With a tradition of camaraderie and friendship enjoyed under ancient elm trees, Redlands enjoys great weather year-round. Located halfway between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, the club is famous for its skeet shoots, high-caliber trap facilities, and an enjoyable sporting clays course. It has great RV hookups that include all utilities, and a small town just down the road. Most importantly, the staff will make you feel welcome and greet you with a smile. Make it a point to stop by and shoot with us.
– Contributed by Chris Baker
Redlands Club Championship Scores |
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| Place | 20 Gauge | Score | Place | 12 Gauge | Score | Place | HOA | Score | ||
| CH | Eric Kirk | 100 | CH | John Lyman | 99 | CH | Eric Kirk | 199 | ||
| RU | Bill Burk | 99 | RU | Eric Kirk | 99 | RU | Dominic Buoni | 198 | ||
| RU3 | Dominic Buoni | 99 | RU3 | Bill Marble | 99 | RU3 | John Lyman | 196 | ||
| AA | Chris Baker | 97 | AA | Dominic Buoni | 99 | AA | Bill Burke | 196 | ||
| A | Tracy Edward | 99 | A | Lou Riddle | 97 | A | Bill Borrelli | 193 | ||
| B | JR Fernandez | 98 | B | Bill Borrelli | 98 | B | JR Fernandez | 193 | ||
| C | Neil Vann | 96 | C | Roman Warren | 97 | C | Roman Warren | 192 | ||
| D | Isaac Smith | 90 | D | Bill Kelly | 95 | D | Isaac Smith | 182 | ||
| LY | Kathryn Friesen | 80 | LY | Kathryn Friesen | 85 | LY | Kathyrn Friesen | 165 | ||
| SJR | Joe Fry | 96 | JR | Isaac Smith | 92 | JR | Joe Fry | 188 | ||
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