Welcome to the Pistol Line
Welcome to Friendship where people who really like to shoot find the most satisfaction! We are looking forward to your visit to our range. East of the club house you will see our “target” on the wall of the pistol shack. Stop by and meet Dianna Smith, Pistol Shack Supervisor and perhaps Bill Foy our Pistol Range Officer. They both can provide information and answer any questions you may have.
As you walk down the pistol line you will see pistol shooters readying their gear as they begin shooting. Note the shooting boxes and gear on the loading bench, some of which aren’t needed by new shooters. Over the years many of us have accumulated much to play with and enjoy having it available.
On Wednesday’s beginning at 1:00 pm, we have a class for junior shooters. We supply the equipment and ammo. We ask that a parent accompany the juniors. If we aren’t too busy with the kid’s, adults are welcome to participate.
So here is what we would like for you to know about the pistol line. First we have fun. We shoot seriously, or just enjoy ourselves. There is no requirement to participate beyond your interests, but we have a lot that might draw your attention, so choose what you like.
On this line you will see two types of pistol shooting. The first, traditional, is a pistol of original design, most of which are replicas; a Civil War era Revolver, a Kentucky percussion pistol, or Kentucky flintlock pistol. You will also see dueler pistols which are popular in these matches. The second type pistol shooting is the match, or “unlimited gun”. These can date back to the 1940’s or may have been made yesterday. They are easily recognized by their target type grips and adjustable sights. These two types of shooting are the choice of the competitor. Either traditional or unlimited pistols are eligible for the open matches, and there are specific traditional only matches listed in the program also.
The word competitor needs some explanation. It is the term we use to identify ourselves. There are no squadded relays or requirement that you do this or that except to be safe and obey the range officer. You can shoot whatever you like. Whether you like to practice, shoot some casual matches, or compete in a championship match, it is your choice.
For those who would like to participate, we have two main events each year. The Spring Championship Matches is in June, and the fall is the National Championship in September; both at Friendship Indiana.
Review the program to determine what you are most interested in. We also have Junior and Family Matches in the summer, and a Turkey shoot in the fall all at the Friendship Range. There are other smaller programs too, which you can see on this website or in the magazine. One is the four pistol practice matches between April and August and they are great preparation for the major events.
We have a pistol classification system designed so that all competitors, regardless of experience, have the opportunity to compete with others in their own skill level. In descending order they are High Master, Master, Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. Included is the Temporary High Master for competitors who have not attained a classification. Such competitors will remain in the High Master class until classified.
The following is a numerical breakdown of our classification system showing the percentages required for each class.
High Master, score of 91% or higher 910/1000; 637/700; 546/600.
Master, score of88% or higher, 880/1000; 616/700; 528/600.
Expert, score of 83% or higher, 830/1000; 581/700; 498/600.
Sharpshooter, score of 78% or higher, 780/1000; 546/700; 468/600.
Marksman, any score under 78% 779/1000; 545/700; 467/600.
The 1000 point and the 600 point matches were the only aggregates available for many years but in more recent times the 700 was added as a traditional match in the fall. We also offer a traditional 600 point match in the Spring.
Here are some more commonly used pistols you will see at many of our activities.
We all like to shoot well and whether you are competing as a Marksman or a High Master it’s just a matter of how much time and effort you can or choose to apply.
If you like to shoot, and really enjoy doing so, Friendship is the place to be!