Fort Wayne Rifle and Revolver Club

Last year, 2025 – several people asked me to schedule a pop-up 3 x 20 Prone Match at the end of May. We did that and had a pretty fair turnout so I added this match into the 2026 schedule.

Wow – did that added match turn out to be a real crowd pleaser.  Registration started out fairly slowly and I had some concerns about shooters showing up – then the flood started!  By Saturday morning we had 37 shooters registered.  Normally we have nine Silver Mountain electronic targets and we can handle 27 shooters in a three relay match.  I didn’t want to go to four relays, so we started borrowing electronic targets.

This isn’t a Club Meeting – it is the group of shooters for the Saturday, May 30th Match!

Gary Mabis volunteered a ShotMarker for the high end and the four Palma rifle shooters took that as their firing point.  That gave us places for 31 shooters.  Jim Jackson and Mike King had their SOLO Silver Mountain targets in their trucks and they set up on the low end of the line and volunteered to help shooters with the SOLO setups – giving us room for all 37 shooters who had signed up.  This was a first for FWRR – twelve active electronic targets on line for a match – and all of them fully occupied by shooters.  I cannot recall a day when all twelve targets have been in use – even back in the “walk and paste” days. Thanks to all of the folks who showed up with spare targets!

What a beautiful day – great light, almost no wind and all 12 targets ready to go!

And the shooters came.  We had Palma rifle shooters, we had a solid contingent of Match Rifle shooters and we had a great crowd of Service Rifle shooters.  We had visitors from Toledo and Port Clinton. We had Junior Shooters from the Concordia Lutheran High School rifle team join our own Juniors for a total of eight Juniors in the match.

The day was beautiful; bright, clear, comfortable temperature and maybe a minute of wind from 9 o’clock at the most.  We started a bit late at 9:11 AM – it took a while to get everyone set up on the servers but once we got started the match went right along.  We shot this as an infiltrate match; as a shooter finished their string of fire another shooter moved into the open position and started their string.  Shooters moved on and off the line smoothly, we had no rifle malfunctions and we had no issues with the electronic targets.  We were able to fire a three relay 3 x 20 match and finish up by 12:45 in the afternoon – things went very well.  Someone commented;  “It almost looks like we know how to run a rifle match.”  I’m not going to make that claim – it just sets us up for a jinx next time.

Some shooter comments:

From a visitor: “This is like shooting on a golf course.”

Another visitor: “If you lose brass on this firing line it’s because you are too lazy to look for it.”

And yet another: “One of the smoothest run matches I’ve shot anywhere.”

A full firing line; a Match Director’s dream

We had shooters in Palma, Match and Service Rifle categories. In the Palma category, Joe Bakies shot the top score with a clean 600-46X, followed by Tom Bonner’s  593-34X.  Mark Walters took the top slot in Match Rifle with a 593-21X.  Jim Jackson was second with 590-30X and Ron Dague was third with 575-13X.

The largest category was the Service Rifle group.  John Sheaffer, a visitor from PFW ROTC, was the top Service Rifle shooter with an impressive 594-31X.  Shooting his last match before he sets off to the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Marshall Rohrbach was second with 590-29X.  The Stevens’ from over around Toledo took third and fourth – Mark with a 586-18X and Ashley a single point behind at 585-13X.  The top five Service Rifle group was rounded out by Mike King, with a 583-26X in spite of  a crossfire in the first match. (Of course it was a 10). Miss Aria Hobbs was the high Junior, finishing just behind Mike as sixth of the 21 Service Rifle shooters with a 581-18X.

We are looking forward to our next series of matches, the Mid-Summer Madness Weekend.  The weekend starts on Friday afternoon, June 19 with a 50-round match (4:30PM start time).  On Saturday June 20 (9:00 AM start) we have the Indiana Junior State Championship Match as part of an 80-round match in the morning.  We have the awards for the Championship Match and lunch – then we will shoot a Garand, Springfield, Modern Military Match in the afternoon. Finally, on Sunday morning at 9:00 AM we finish up with another 50-round match – just about as much shooting as you can do in one weekend this side of Camp Perry or Camp Butner.

Watch for notices and sign up early!

FWRR Club Meeting

The next meeting of the Fort Wayne Rifle and Revolver Club will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026.  Meeting Place: VFW Post 857, located at 2202 West Main Street in Fort Wayne.  Meeting Time: 7:30 p.m.  Meeting Agenda:  Standard meeting format.

Note: The intersection of Main St. and St. Francis Dr. (formerly Leesburg Rd) will remain closed through approximately July 31st.   Access the VFW Post via St Francis Dr. Click HERE for map.

Cleanup Day

Cleanup Day activities included road grading, target frame repairs, replacement of a broken cable in one of the 300-yard target carriers, limited mowing, mopping, window washing, and Pistol Pit cleanup.

Be certain to thank the following members for their efforts:  Mike Bailey, Larry Beardsley, Marty Didion, Dave Fraley, Jim Jackson, Jim Johnston, Mike King, Dennie McNabb, Ted Smeltzer, Mark Walters, and Juniors Aria Hobbs, Noah Hobbs, Kileen Shaffer, and Tayt Shaffer.  Special thanks to Ted Smeltzer for his assistance in transporting materials and lane repair work.  All participants seemed to enjoy the camaraderie and most attended the pizza and pop luncheon.

Lock Combination Change

The lock combination was changed on Cleanup Day.

Mowing Schedule

Mowing dates in the May – July time frame are as follows:  5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 7/1, 7/15, and 7/29.  The complete 2026 Mowing Schedule is posted on the Club’s website.  

Mowing dates are tentative, depending on weather, ground conditions, and grass growth.  Mowing times vary according to volunteer availability.  Efforts will be made to provide mowing date and time updates on the website.  The Main Range is closed during mowing and other range maintenance activities.  It is recommended that members check the website for updates before traveling to the Range.  

Maintenance Activities

Club Cadet mower blades were replaced due to accidental damage.  John Deere mower batteries were replaced after eight seasons of service.   The missing power ground rod clamp at the 100-yard Building was replaced.  The heater in the 100-yard Building was repaired.

100-and-200-Yard Firing Mounds Reminder

The 100-and-200-Yard Firing Mounds on the 300-yard portion of the Range may only be used during High Power (HP) rifle Matches, Thursday afternoon HP practice sessions, and scheduled Junior training days.

Driving Off Road

Signs have posted along the north lane (on the west side of the ditch and at the 100-yard Firing Mound).   There shall be no off-road traffic between these signs. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.

Soil conditions permitting, it is permissible to drive on the grass down range west of the 100-yard Firing Mound on the 300-yard portion of the Range to access the 200-yard target frames. (Do not drive across the 100-yard firing mound!)  It is permissible to park and drive on the grass in other areas, soil conditions permitting.

THE ABOVE GUIDELINES ARE BEING IGNORED.   The lawn between the Pistol Pit Lane and the lane in front of the Weigman (white) Building has been rutted and the 100-yard Firing Mound on the 300-yard Range has again been severely damaged.  The persons responsible for this damage could not help but be aware of the damage they have caused.   Shamefully, the offenders have not bothered to come forward to take responsibility for their actions.  

Posting of Targets

All targets, with the exception of shotgun patterning boards, are to be posted on the target frames at 25, 50 100, 200 and 300 yards.  The use of any member-provided rifle or pistol target holders is not permitted.  Use of stand-alone member provided shotgun patterning boards is permitted.

Do not allow bullets or shot to impact the target frames.  Bullets should pass through the 2’ x 2’ backers (cardboards and the like) to which targets are attached, must impact on the backstops.

If staples are used as an auxiliary means of securing backers to the target frames, please remove the staples to avoid injury to other users.

THE ABOVE GUIDELINES ARE BEING IGNORED. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.

Obituary

The Club has learned that Thomas Hengy III (member 2016) has passed away.

New Members

Please welcome new members Collin Bundy, Joshua Espinosa, Kevin Gillingham, and Jose P. Sanchez. These gentlemen were inducted as full members at the April, 2026 meeting.

Discipline Reports

ACPDL (Allen County Practical Defense League)

ACPDL matches are scheduled for June 6th and July 11th, 2026.  Only ACPDL members are permitted to shoot.  The pre-match meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and shooting commences at 9:30 a.m.  Observers and those persons interested in becoming ACPDL members are welcome. Matches are typically finished by 12:00 noon.  

USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association)

USPSA matches are scheduled for June 21st and July 19th, 2026. Match start time is 10:00 a.m.  Match fees are $15.00 for members and $20.00 for nonmembers.  Practice sessions are scheduled for June 20th and July 18th, 2026 between the hours noon and 2:00 p.m.  

PCSL (Practical Competition Shooting League)

PCSL matches are scheduled for June 14th and July 12th.  Match time is 10:00 a.m.  Matches are typically finished by 2:00p.m.  

Cowboy Action

Cowboy action matches are scheduled for May 23rd, June 27th, and July 25th, 2026. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. for regular matches and at 9:00 a.m. for voluntary side matches.  Regular match start time is 10:00 a.m.  The matches begin with a mandatory shooter’s meeting. The ammunition requirements for the regular match are 60 rounds for pistols, 60 rounds rifles, and 30 rounds for shotguns.  Only lead bullets and shot are permitted.  Shot may be no larger than #4 (shot sizes 4 – 9).

High-power (HP)

The first match of the FWRRC Championship Series, a 3 X 300 match, will be held on May 30th.  Fifty-round NMC Practice Matches will be held on 5/28, 6/4 (100 yd), 6/11, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, and 7/30.  The Main Range will close at 3:00 p.m. on practice days to facilitate setup for the 4:30 p.m. matches.  The pistol Pits remain open.

The HP “Mid-summer” Madness Weekend will begin on Friday, June 19th and run through Sunday, June 21st, 2026 

“Madness” is kicked off by a 50-round NMC match held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.  The Junior State High-Power Rifle Championship (and Stage 2 of the Club Championship) will be held on Saturday, June 20th beginning at 9:00 a.m.  A luncheon and awards ceremony will follow the Championship Match. After the awards ceremony, at approximately 1:00 p.m , shooters are invited to participate in a Garand/Springfield Match.  A 50/80/100 Match will be fired onSunday, June 21st commencing at 9:00 a.m. Registration for matches is one hour before shooting times. Notes:  The 2026 Indiana State Junior Championship Registration Form is posted on the website.  The luncheon is free of charge to Juniors.  Lunch is available for adult shooters and spectators for a donation of $12.00.  Contact Larry Beardsley (fwrrhpdirector@aol.com) for further information or to arrange for lunch.

A 50/80/100 Match will be held on July 11th (8:00 a.m. registration and 9:00 a.m. match start time).

Benchrest Sporter

The inaugural Benchrest Sporter Match was held on May 16th, 2026.  This match is intended to inspire older shooters to continue to participate in competitive shooting; nevertheless, shooters of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

Rain on the morning of May 16th did not deter two hale and hearty shooters. Normally, the match would have entailed firing ten shots for record in a time limit of 15 minutes with unlimited sighters at distances of 100 and 200 yards.  Weather conditions were such that only the 100-yard stage was fired.  

Two additional opportunities to participate in the Benchrest Sporter Matches are June 13th and July 18th, 2026.  Match time is 9:30 a.m.  Registration begins at 8:45 a.m.  A fee of $2.00 to cover target costs applies.

For Sale

Sierra .30 Cal. 175 gr. MatchKing BTHP Bullets: Boxes of 500. $225.00/ea.  

Browning, Grade 1, BSS (SxS), 12 ga. Shotgun:  Box-lock, Single trigger, 26” Mod. and IC barrels, Less than 200 rounds fired,  $1700.00. 

Savage Model 12 F-Class Target Rifle, Cal. 6.5-284 Norma: Never fired.  Comes with reloading dies and 100 rounds of 140 gr. Norma factory ammunition. $1800.00.

 Jaggi Shooting Glass Frame (with extra nose piece, lenses, blinders and case):   $125.00.

Garand and M1 Carbine Stocks.  Price Negotiable. 

Weaver T36 Target Scope. $350.00. Contact Marty Didion at martindidion4@gmail.com.

Gehmann 570 Rear Sight:  $85.00.  

Gehmann 522C22 Front Sight:  $50.00.  

Gehmann 522A22 Front Sight: $50.00.  Contact Tony Holdgreve at (260) 705-6940.

Lab Radar Chronograph with Case: $395.00. Contact Darrell Fish at (260) 615-1046

More Firearms from the Shook Estate  

Walther P22, Cal. .22 RF with Box: Like new. $225.00. 

FN-509, Cal 9×19 with Holster and Box, $400.00: 

Smith & Wesson Body Guard, Cal. 380, in Box with Sneaky Pete Holster and Spare Mag in Pouch, $400.00.   Contact Marty Didion at martindidion4@gmail.com.

Members who wish to sell sports-related items may send ad information to Marty Didion at martindidion4@gmail.com. Ads must be received three weeks before meetings in order to appear in the next newsletter

For the Saturday, May 9th match we had 18 shooters turn out on a brisk spring day.  We had a first time occurrence on Saturday – we had our first Junior Girl serve as a Range Officer. The usual crew of old coots was unavailable for RO duties, but Miss Mia King was certified at Camp Perry as a CMP Class 2 Range Officer last summer so she had an opportunity to put her skills to the test – and by every account she did very well.  Now we old guys can retire.

The well-equipped Range Officer; pen, scorecards, clipboard, iPad, timer, servers and of course – a smile!

We had five shooters shoot 50-round matches and eleven shooters fire 80-round matches (two folks did not turn in scorecards).  In the 50-round match, Jim Jackson (who assisted the RO with electronic target duties – thank you Jim) took top honors with a 487-18X.  Miss Aria Hobbs, another of our Junior girls, took second place (and High Junior) with a 470-5X; topping her grandfather Jess Jessup’s third place 464-8X.  These kids just have no respect for their elders.

Aria and Tayt; Rapid Sitting Prep time

In the 80-round match Marshall Rohrbach came out on top with a 786-29X performance, followed by Mike King with 781-30X.  Third place went to one of our visitors from the Toledo area, Mark Stevens with 769-12X.

The RO dilemma; Okay – where am I, what comes next – what have I forgotten?

Our next match will be on Saturday, May 30th.  This is a 3 x 300 Prone Match and it is the first match of the 2026 FWRR Club Championship series.  These are popular matches and once registration opens – early requests for squadding are recommended.