Warren Pistol Club holds second Black Powder open over weekend

The Warren Pistol Club held its second Black Powder Open on the weekend with shooters aiming for the highest scores. The weekend shooting contest took place in Palgarup, where 18 participants came from across the State to participate in three shoots during the two days. These included a black powder 25m competition, and a 50m black powder competition, with participants ranging from A-grade to D-grade at the club’s shooting range. The winners of the 25m black powder pistol categories were Jeremy Kozak (A-grade), Matt Mitchell (B-grade), Don Horn (C-grade), and Patrick Turner (D-grade). The winners for the 50m black powder pistol categories included Kozak (A-grade), Nick Greaves (B-grade), Richard Donavon (C-grade) and Sean Devanier (D-grade). Warren Pistol Club president David Bates said the club was in the process of rebuilding and hopes to bring more opens and different categories in future opens. “We’re on the rise, and we’re going to have different opens and different disciplines, and different sorts of guns,” he said. “Over the last six or seven years, we’ve gotten a new clubhouse and a new indoor air pistol range, and we’re in the process in rebuilding the outdoor range, for 25-metre and 50-metre shoots.” He said he was happy with the turnout for the open, especially given that the club was unable to host one last year. “Last year got a bit busy with other things, but we’re hoping to make it an annual thing and have other opens annually,” he said. “We’re pleased with the outcome, there were plenty of entries and everybody has been wandering around with smiles on their faces.” Warren Pistol Club secretary Jen Sundahl said for a niche event, the number of participants was perfect and the open was a good opportunity for other clubs to connect with their members. “It’s a really good turnout for a niche event, and we had shy of 20 last time, and over 20 becomes complicated for us, as we can only match 10 at a time,” he said. “It’s something good to expand our club and connect with other clubs that we’re associated with.” He said club member numbers had previously fluctuated and had produced quality sharpshooters. “It’s fluctuated in membership, with it sitting between 20 to 30 members, while when I joined back in 2011, there were six or seven members, so we’ve gone through highs and lows,” Mr Sundahl said. “We’ve had some good competitive members and this club has produced some high-quality competitors.” He also encouraged anyone interested in watching or joining to come to the club on their regular Tuesday night event. “The club is always open for new members to come and have a go and the club holds a night every Tuesday where our regular shooting happens,” Mr Sundahl said. “There’s something for everyone here.”