Directors - Reopen RCWA
- Thread starter gc70
- Start date
- Replies 142
- Views 7,578
Butter
Who’s in charge around here?
Staff member
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
FFL
Multi-Factor Enabled
There might be money involved to influence, but the thing That drives me bonkers is the shotgunner vs rifle vs competition rift. Thats some petty bullshit. We are in this together. If people would fight together as hard as they fight against each other, maybe, just maybe we could move the political spectrum.
If you dont like the run and gunners, cool, stay on the field. If you dont like the shot gunners, cool, stay in the bays. Stop with the “we dont get along with _____ group.”
Im not a clay guy, but I think its cool as hell to drive by the fields, full fields, on a nice Sunday afternoon and see people outside enjoying the sport with their kids, family members or friends.
Wow, that really turned into a vent session
To me, as a member, it’s very important. Growing up I didn’t have land that I could go shoot on, so I really enjoyed the trips to the skeet fields at RCWA with my dad. I’m glad there is a place locally where firearm enthusiasts can come enjoy the shotgun sports.
I should clarify, I’m not anti-shotgun and think it’s great that they offer so many options. I’ve used the pistol, rifle, shotgun, archery and pond areas.
I’m against the fact that it has essentially opened the club up to non-members. I may be mis-remembering, but it seems to me earlier in my years there the gates really stayed closed and a member let themselves in.
Joe Earley was the one that promoted non members over members. He "had" to make a living and without the higher prices charged to non members and the numbers he felt he wasn't making enough money. As a long time member it always pissed me off to have to sit and wait for non members to get off a field when I was the one paying to keep them open to begin with. And I never could understand why the clay sport contract was never offered to others for bid, always given to Joe without bids being taken, not good policy.
@Butter, I can tell you why the shot gunners have a boner for the pistol/rifle bays. When standing on any of the clay fields the sheer number of rounds leaving those bays around the curve is disturbing. And those rounds are usually just over our heads. The pistol bays were never intended to be used in the manner that they are set up now. Shooting sideways was never anticipated and it's a problem. If you doubt me come spend an afternoon on the fields when matches are going on.
@AppFan, the auto gate was something we have been asking for since forever. It makes it much more convenient to come and go, for members as well as the Fire Dept. You do know the lake is a water point for a couple of FD's??
I feel that this uproar over the closing will be a catalyst for much more member involvement that there has been in the past and personally that's a GOOD thing. The club has been controlled by the "good old boys" just about long enough. Some of those "old boys" don't even utilize the club for it's intended purpose any longer. They probably haven't shot in years yet want to sit in judgement and control what everyone else does there. Not right...... There have been positive changes lately but there is a core hanging on that need to move along.
@Butter, I can tell you why the shot gunners have a boner for the pistol/rifle bays. When standing on any of the clay fields the sheer number of rounds leaving those bays around the curve is disturbing. And those rounds are usually just over our heads. The pistol bays were never intended to be used in the manner that they are set up now. Shooting sideways was never anticipated and it's a problem. If you doubt me come spend an afternoon on the fields when matches are going on.
@AppFan, the auto gate was something we have been asking for since forever. It makes it much more convenient to come and go, for members as well as the Fire Dept. You do know the lake is a water point for a couple of FD's??
I feel that this uproar over the closing will be a catalyst for much more member involvement that there has been in the past and personally that's a GOOD thing. The club has been controlled by the "good old boys" just about long enough. Some of those "old boys" don't even utilize the club for it's intended purpose any longer. They probably haven't shot in years yet want to sit in judgement and control what everyone else does there. Not right...... There have been positive changes lately but there is a core hanging on that need to move along.
Butter
Who’s in charge around here?
Staff member
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
FFL
Multi-Factor Enabled
If its such a problem, why hasnt anyone told the match directors? I cant speak for the other matches, but Im a little more invested in USPSA than some, and we set up to avoid anything that would go over to the shotgun direction.
When the buffalo match is going on, we will hear ricochets come over the pistol bays every once in a while. If I had a problem with it or thought it was a safety issue, I wouldnt mind talking to them about it. However, not once have I thought “ I hate those stupid rifle shooters”
When the county made the range turn the bays away from the park, it created a whole new ballgame. That was way before my time.
I suppose its just a matter of different opinions and generation thinking
The state USPSA match is being held in September, it will probably be raining lead on the shotgun field. (That’s sarcasm BTW)
There has not been one time Ive been on the range and felt unsafe. Ive seen unsafe things, but not felt unsafe
The subject HAS been addressed multiple times and it's always the same response, "it can't be us"...... And I don't think I said anywhere that I HATE anyone... I may think it's unsafe and not like it....
And the county didn't MAKE us turn the bays, it was done as part of a land swap deal. The ranges you refer to were never used for any competitions anyway so what's that point??
And let me be honest with you, I wouldn't shed a tear if the competitions were discontinued. The club is for MEMBERS and when a member can't use the 25 yard ranges on Saturdays because the "experts" are having a match sucks. How many of the competitors are MEMBERS versus non members?? No one seems to keep a count, conveniently.
Everyone wants non members cut from the clay fields, let's cut them from the entire range... Charlotte Rifle and Pistol has done it, I think we should also...
And the county didn't MAKE us turn the bays, it was done as part of a land swap deal. The ranges you refer to were never used for any competitions anyway so what's that point??
And let me be honest with you, I wouldn't shed a tear if the competitions were discontinued. The club is for MEMBERS and when a member can't use the 25 yard ranges on Saturdays because the "experts" are having a match sucks. How many of the competitors are MEMBERS versus non members?? No one seems to keep a count, conveniently.
Everyone wants non members cut from the clay fields, let's cut them from the entire range... Charlotte Rifle and Pistol has done it, I think we should also...
Last edited:
Yes I know who uses the lake. I don’t care that it’s an auto gate. I just don’t like how often it is left open.
I hope (and suspect) you’re right and this gets some fresh blood in there.
The only time it's "left open" is Sat, Sunday and Wed when non members are allowed. Has nothing to do with the lake....
Why blame anyone?? Are we talking about the auto gate or the red swing gate?? The auto gate closes after each vehicle unless someone authorized locks it open like on the weekend.
christyouthguy
Well-Known Member
Several of the comments above, particularly between @Bailey Boat, @AppFan, and @Butter show one of the greatest deficiencies of the club. RCWA is a divided organization. When the CQTAS shoots started I participated in several, and consistently heard (from a few persons) animosity against the "skeet shooters." Additionally, I have heard animosity from a few skeet shooters directed toward the rifle/pistol shooters. There were rifle/pistol shooters who claimed that their vehicles were being peppered with shot when they drove around the skeet range and there were skeet shooters saying they heard "shots getting out of the bays" during rifle/pistol matches. I personally witness Joe Early naming to pistol match directors that he was hearing shots leave the bays and Joe was cussed out for raising the concern. The board has a responsibility to address this division. The way most non-profits do this is via some sort of a mission statement. Without a clear and singular view of the purpose(s) of the club, this crap will continue.
Is the purpose of the club to serve the members or grow shooting sports?
or
Is the purpose of the club to serve the members and grow shooting sports?
It is clear that different members would answer this question differently....
Is the purpose of the club to serve the members or grow shooting sports?
or
Is the purpose of the club to serve the members and grow shooting sports?
It is clear that different members would answer this question differently....
I’m pretty much becoming a “get off my lawn” guy the older I get so I’d put me in the “serve the members” camp. In a perfect world I’d just find some land and do my own thing.
OP
@christyouthguy makes a critical point about unity of purpose.
Some clear divisions are evident at RCWA. We should ask why those divisions exist and what can be done to eliminate the divisions.
Some clear divisions are evident at RCWA. We should ask why those divisions exist and what can be done to eliminate the divisions.
I’m talking about the automatic gate. I’ve used my key card all of once in the 3 years that we’ve had them because the gate is always open. I couldn’t care less if it’s open, locked, or barricaded. I was simply stating the fact that it’s always open when I go.
christyouthguy
Well-Known Member
I tend to be a person who wants the club to take care of it's members and grow shooting sports. The reality is that if RCWA didn't allow non-members to shoot trap/skeet, I wouldn't be as heavily involved in shooting sports as I am. My middle school and high school shooting teams practiced at RCWA which got me into the sports. Ideas for growth:
1) Hold members only shooting times on the clay target side (for example: every Saturday from 8AM-12PM)
2) Hold a free club wide (members only) "iron man" type shoot once a year. 1 stage of 3 gun, 1 Stage of USPSA, 1 stage of precision shooting Rifle, one round of 5 stand, 1 rounds of skeet, 1 round of trap. Advertise it to both "sides" of the club, provide a free meal, and have the annual meeting the same night. Weight all 6 events the same and have a RCWA "Iron Man"champion
3) Create a mission statement and values statement for the organization
4) Publish all board minutes publicly
5) Petition the secretary of state to update the by-laws without a quorum of members present.
etc...
1) Hold members only shooting times on the clay target side (for example: every Saturday from 8AM-12PM)
2) Hold a free club wide (members only) "iron man" type shoot once a year. 1 stage of 3 gun, 1 Stage of USPSA, 1 stage of precision shooting Rifle, one round of 5 stand, 1 rounds of skeet, 1 round of trap. Advertise it to both "sides" of the club, provide a free meal, and have the annual meeting the same night. Weight all 6 events the same and have a RCWA "Iron Man"champion
3) Create a mission statement and values statement for the organization
4) Publish all board minutes publicly
5) Petition the secretary of state to update the by-laws without a quorum of members present.
etc...
Butter
Who’s in charge around here?
Staff member
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
FFL
Multi-Factor Enabled
I stand corrected on the bay reconstruction. I never said YOU hated anything. Its the X group doesnt like the Y group mentality.
There is a record that is kept on how many members shoot USPSA. As competitors sign up they’re asked if they’re a member or not. Maybe finding the right people to ask is the problem.
I joined the club because I was a non member and got to shoot at a great facility. If competitions on the pistol bays and skeet field help the club grow, count me in. Cue the “we dont need competition to grow the club”
Im out, deuces
Last edited:
I am firmly in the “competitions support and grow the shooting sports and help protect our 2A rights” camp (although I have nothing to do with the club in question here). We should all be on the same side here. I don’t shoot clay sports or black powder or cowboy action but I love that some people like doing those and I hope they are similarly happy that precision 22 and bullseye and USPSA and steel challenge and PRS and 3gun and everything else are attracting new shooters and giving us opportunities to try other disciplines as well.
“I’ve got mine” (place to shoot) seems a bit selfish to me. Not to or about anyone in particular. I don’t remember who wrote what in the thread and I don’t care.
Maybe if the club keeps all of its ranges busy with members all the time already a case could be made that that’s a higher priority than competitions (or guests). But if there is capacity to support competitions without keeping members from being able to shoot, then it is a no brainer to me.
“I’ve got mine” (place to shoot) seems a bit selfish to me. Not to or about anyone in particular. I don’t remember who wrote what in the thread and I don’t care.
Maybe if the club keeps all of its ranges busy with members all the time already a case could be made that that’s a higher priority than competitions (or guests). But if there is capacity to support competitions without keeping members from being able to shoot, then it is a no brainer to me.
Are you saying that people are violating the 180* rule on those first (first as youre coming up the road) pistol bays and that bullets are coming up to the clay ranges?
Not a member, but I will say that I THINK that allowing non-members to shoot clays has resulted in a handful of people BECOMING members.
Or maybe Joe was just letting them shoot there all the time cause he liked them.
First, those 'bullets' are shards and can beat a boomerang at making wild flights so in my book everybody is to blame as well as the other for the 'unsafe' lead flying over and around. That's why we wear eye protection, isn't it?
Second, I am a non-member and plan to remain so. I shoot matches and only matches unless I am invited to a test session by a member. Several years ago I was a member of a nearby club and left due to the politics, bickering and most importantly lack of funding to certain disciplines over others. I now shoot at 5 clubs that hold matches of my interest and the negatives are all the same. We are just as divided as we choose to be and if one thinks closing the door aids their cause so be it. I have been to the point of saying the hell with shooting, selling all my guns and take up any thing that does not require kissing somebody's rear but I do enjoy my shooting and thank those that are kind enough to let me and my fellow shooters enjoy another day at the range.
Second, I am a non-member and plan to remain so. I shoot matches and only matches unless I am invited to a test session by a member. Several years ago I was a member of a nearby club and left due to the politics, bickering and most importantly lack of funding to certain disciplines over others. I now shoot at 5 clubs that hold matches of my interest and the negatives are all the same. We are just as divided as we choose to be and if one thinks closing the door aids their cause so be it. I have been to the point of saying the hell with shooting, selling all my guns and take up any thing that does not require kissing somebody's rear but I do enjoy my shooting and thank those that are kind enough to let me and my fellow shooters enjoy another day at the range.
Last edited: