Les Jones

Rocky Top Brigade > Pistol Night for the Rocky Top Brigade

What

We've talked about it before. Let's do it. It's time to get the RTBers in Knoxville together to shoot.

Who

Members of the Rocky Top Brigade and their friends. After the first month we may open it up to readers.

Note: The pistol range only allows access to those 21 or older.

When

Tuesday, February 10. Come between 6:00 and 7:00. The range closes at 9:00, and most people will be done long before then. When you check in, let someone know you came for the RTB shoot and get a name badge so we can put a name to a face.

I'd expect this to be a monthly event, generally on Tuesday nights since that's Ladies Night at the local range. (And yeah, Ladies Night at a pistol range is pretty funny.)

Where

Guncraft Sports off of Lovell Road in Knoxville. Here are directions and a map.

If you've never been to Guncraft Sports

If this is your first time at Guncraft, they require you to take a 15 minute safety and range orientation. There is a one-time orientation fee of $10.

Guncraft provides free eye protection and hearing protection. They rent pistols for $7.50 ($5.00 for members) and sell ammo and targets. The rental fee allows the use of an unlimited number of rental pistols in that session. If you rent their pistols, you have to buy their ammo, which costs around $10 for 50 rounds of centerfire reloads. You can, of course, bring your own pistol and ammo.

Range time is $10. Women shoot free on Tuesdays. I have six guest passes I'll give to the first six men who have never been to Guncraft - you'll still need to pay the $10 orientation fee, but your range time will be free.

If you're new to guns and shooting

We welcome anyone who is new to guns and shooting sports. When you go through orientation, let your instructor know that you're new to guns. When you rent a gun, or someone lets you shoot their gun, let them know that you're new to all of this. Ask them to show you how the gun operates, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Safety

Remember the basic rules of gun safety:

• Treat every gun as if it's loaded
• Never point a gun at anything unless you want to put a hole in it, OR, Keep your gun pointed in a safe direction (down range)
• Never put your finger in the trigger guard until you're ready to put a hole in something
• Don't shoot unless you're sure of your target and what's behind it

Those are the most basic rules. For more safety information, visit the NRA's Web site.