Range News
Range 4a is Now Open

Construction is now complete on our newest range 4a, also known as the "Short Plinking
Range".  There are  target boards at 10, 25, and 50 yards.  This new range opened to
shooters on January 23.


Message from George Craig, our 2010 Vice-President:

As your new Vice-President, I would like to give you a little information on my shooting
background.  I have been around firearms all my life.  My father was an NRA life member and
instructor, so I started at a very early age.  I have been a competitive shooter since the age of
12.  I know and understand how important it is to start our young people out with correct
manner and training in shooting.  I was lucky enough to become a member of the Arkansas
State High Power Rifle team as a junior shooter, remained on that team as a senior shooter
for ten years, and attended the National Matches at Camp Perry for ten years.  If you have
not been to Camp Perry, I highly recommend the trip for any shooter.  As a college student, I
was a member of the Arkansas Tech Rifle team.  After becoming a law enforcement officer, I
became involved in practical police shooting and have attended the National Practical Police
Championship matches several times.  I retired from the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office in
2004 after 23 years of service and worked 10 years as an officer with the West Memphis
Police Department.  I am currently a Federal Court Security Officer for the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

The Benton Gun Club is on track to being one of the finest gun clubs in the mid-south.  To
make that mark, we must all work together for the best of the club.  In the last several years
we have had several major construction projects on the ranges and still have some
construction to be done.  These projects, whether on the range of your choice or another
range, are important to all members.  I am willing to work with all members to see
improvements made to the ranges and benefit to all members.

I look forward to working with everyone in the club.  If I can be of any assistance to you,
please call or make contact with me and I will do the best that I can to help you.

Be safe and good shooting.

George W. Craig
Vice-President, Benton Gun Club


5-Year Committee

At the December meeting a motion was passed to form a planning committee to research and
propose a strategic five-year plan for the future of the club. All phases of the plan will be
submitted to the club members for consideration and approval.

George Craig will be the committee chairman.  If you would like to help out, please contact
him at 501-351-4948 or via email at
craig@aristotle.net


A Safety Reminder

Just a reminder that Range Safety is every member’s responsibility! Keep this in mind every
time you are at the range. Just a few things to think about: When you are on any range and
there are other members setting or removing targets downrange DO NOT HANDLE ANY
FIREARMS NO MATER WHAT! This would seem like common sense but for some reason
there are members that seem to think that it is okay to handle their rifles while other members
or down range just because they have their bolt open or out of the gun. Keep in mind that if
you were the person downrange you would have no idea that the firearm the person under
the shed is handling has the bolt removed. It is just good SAFETY and manners to not touch
or handle your firearms in any way while others are downrange.

Also it is incumbent upon all members to get the name of persons who may violate these
safety rules and report them to the Club Officers as soon as possible.

So please help to keep our range a fun and safe place to shoot!
Pat Holsted


Youth Director Wanted

We are looking for a person (or persons) to plan and coordinate youth-focused shooting and
training activities for the club. If you would like to volunteer, please contact one of the club
officers.