2025 Golden Triangle Across the Course Matches

May 16, 17 & 18

Hosted by the Golden Triangle Gun Club HP Juniors

Match Director: Kristen Morton

E-mail to: GTGC.HP.Jrs@gmail.com 

Phone: 409-781-0891

Match Program:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vkkY3Sk7NhcQGP4tKZ8ACGEkGus2s2Uzj9T4xjIA2wM/edit?usp=sharing

Online Entry Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCm7Vm3G1naIHKVErHSRJElPtc2hSVre-6kT-du0-rEd9ShQ/viewform?usp=sharing

Mail in Entry Form:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X24JTUJuYC9xa_K5ClrjPrpznUzWO14WXiciZvwpiLE/edit?tab=t.0

The Beaumont area experienced between 4-7 inches of snow between the evening of Jan. 20th to morning hours of Jan. 21st.   Volunteers ensured that the range was prepared for the freezing temperatures and snow prior to the winter storm arriving.   Here are some photos of the range covered in snow, a very rare and ununusal occurrence:

Dedicated members of The Golden Triangle Gun Club, Howard and Debbie Maxwell, have been recognized for their unwavering dedication and commitment to 4H Shooting Sports. Their journey began over 30 years ago when they first started working with the 4H youth, and since then, they have consistently stood the test of time, remaining actively involved in the program. 

Howard and Debbie have poured countless hours into this initiative, traveling many miles to support and nurture a remarkable community of young shooters. Their passion and perseverance have not only enriched the lives of the youth but have also contributed significantly to the growth and success of the 4H Shooting Sports program. Under the guidance of this dedicated duo, participants engage in disciplines such as air-rifle, air-pistol, and .22 rifle shooting. Their commitment extends beyond these areas, as they played a vital role in launching the 4H archery program, providing essential supplies and support to the leaders who have helped the program flourish into its current state. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the growth and success of shooting sports within the community.

GTGC proudly serves as the home range for Jefferson County 4H shooting sports, with Howard leading as the head coach and Debbie managing their various activities. The dedication of volunteers like the Maxwells is crucial for the success of 4H and various other youth programs. Their commitment helps foster strong leadership within initiatives that empower the youth. It is through these programs that today's young people are equipped to uphold and advocate for the principles of the 2nd Amendment, ensuring a bright future for these rights. The Golden Triangle Gun Club takes pride in supporting such vital leadership and community engagement.

Today’s YOUTH hold the future of the 2nd Amendment !

COMPETITION MATCH SPOTLIGHT: "SHOOTING THE AR-TACTICAL RIFLE"

By:  Andy Legg

Do you have an AR-style rifle (AR15 or AR10) and want to shoot it at distances past 100 or 200 yards? If so, continue reading…..

Does your rifle have a bipod and a 15X or less scope, and can you shoot that rifle 3 MOA or better at 100 or 200 yards?  If so, you should be able to participate in the Golden Triangle Gun Club (GTGC) Mid-Range Prone matches, shooting in the AR Tactical Rifle discipline. 

Similar to F-Class competition, AR-Tactical Rifle is a newer shooting discipline that is shot as part of the GTGC Monthly Mid-Range Prone matches. The full name of the discipline is ‘NRA-MID RANGE (PRONE) TACTICAL RIFLE (AR)’ and can also be referred to as “Rule 23 Tactical,” referencing the chapter governing its rules in the NRA High Power Rulebook.  The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) refers to the discipline as AR-Tactical.

What is a Mid-Range Prone Match?

Mid-Range prone matches consist of shooting prone (on one’s belly) at bullseye targets at distances from 300, 500, and/or 600 yards.  AR-Tactical Rifle is one of several disciplines available to shoot in Mid-Range Prone matches. Other disciplines include F/TR, F-Open, Service Rifle, and Any Rifle.

A competitor will shoot a total of three matches consisting of sighters and 20 record shots in a block time of 22 minutes for each match. For the first match, unlimited sighters are allowed, and in matches 2 and 3, two sighters are allowed before shooting the 20 shots for record.

The GTGC monthly Mid-Range Prone matches are shot at the 600-yard line on the fourth Saturday of each month, with sign-ups closing at 7:30 a.m. Pre-registration is not required; however, contacting one of the Match Directors is Recommended.

What do I need to shoot AR-Tactical Rifle in a Mid-Range Prone match?

• You are allowed to shoot an AR-15 or AR10 style rifle in any chambering, from .223/5.56 up to and including .308/7.62 (including wildcats or Non-Standard Chamberings).
• The rifle should be equipped with a Tactical/Folding bipod (No F-Class or “Ski” Type Bipods).
• The rifle should have a maximum magnification scope of 15X or be adjustable to less than 15X. You could (but not recommended) utilize a red-dot or iron sights if so inclined, but at 600 yards, it is beneficial to use a rifle scope.
• AR Tactical Rifles have a Minimum “Trigger Pull” Requirement and should be at least 4.5 lbs. 
• The Maximum Allowed Weight for an AR-Tactical Rifle is 14 lbs., including the bi-pod and any optics.
• You will need 70 - 75 rounds of ammunition.  All ammo should be of the same manufacture/bullet weight and load.  Match Grade Ammunition is Recommended.
• A rear bag/soft roll can be used to stabilize the rear of the rifle, but for an AR-Tactical Rifle, the rear bag cannot have ears to hold the buttstock. 
• A verified 100 Yard Zero (for your rifle/ammo/scope combination) with an additional 18-19 MOA Elevation available (UP on Scope Elevation Turret from 100 yards zero) and known/necessary Elevation (i.e., “Come-Up”) for the distance of the match…..You should know how much to dial your scope up to be on target.
• A shooting mat, much more comfortable than lying on the ground. 
• A phone or tablet. All prone matches are shot on the GTGC ShotMarker electronic targets. You will need a phone or tablet to see where your shots are hitting on the target.
• An ECI (Empty Chamber Indicator) which will be inserted in the chamber of the rifle at all times unless you have been given commands for start of prep time or start of fire. If you do not have an ECI, you can purchase one for a nominal fee at the match but make sure not to remove your rifle from its case / bag until the ECI has been inserted.

Note that all rounds are single-loaded. Shooting with ammunition fed from a magazine is not allowed. This includes shooting AR 15s or other semi-automatic rifles.  All rifles must be single loaded for each shot.

Shooting AR-Tactical Rifle in the Mid-Range Prone matches is a lot of fun and one of the easiest shooting disciplines to get started with.  If you have an AR rifle and ammunition that can hit the bullseye target at 600 yards, you are able to participate.  

For the full set of rules for AR-Tactical Rifle, see the NRA rulebook, starting at page 74: NRA Highpower Rule Book

If you have any questions, email andy.legg@covestro.com

The article "Hearing Loss and Ear Protection" from American Cop highlights the risks of hearing loss from exposure to high decibel levels, such as gunfire and other loud noises. It explains different types of hearing loss and the importance of using proper ear protection. The article emphasizes the effectiveness of active electronic hearing protection in preserving hearing while maintaining situational awareness, and reviews various products designed for this purpose. It underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent hearing damage in noisy environments.

For more details, visit the American Cop article by Erik Gelhaus.

We're committed to ensuring that our club remains in top condition for all members. To achieve this, we have ongoing maintenance projects that are crucial for the upkeep and improvement of our facilities.  Current Projects:

• DD6 Drainage District Ditch #106 Slope Repair: 

This maintenance project was initially completed in December 2023. The project started upstream near the intersection of Ditch #106 with U.S. 69 and ran through the Club all the way downstream to its outfall at Hillebrandt Bayou. Unfortunately, two areas along this ditch suffered reoccurrence of slope failure due to heavy rains after a summer of severe drought. One of those areas was located on the south bank of the ditch located between the 100/200-yard rifle range and Action Range #1. Once again, DD6 workers have been out rebuilding and strengthening that slope, which requires both affected ranges to be shut down during the day.

On the bright side, DD6 supervisors also decided to perform scheduled mowing of the entire ditch at the same time to minimize future interruptions of range operations. All work, including re-seeding of the ditch slopes for erosion control, should be completed within the next couple of weeks.  This latest schedule revision by DD6 depends on crew availability and favorable weather conditions, both of which the Club doesn't control!

We appreciate your patience and understanding as DD6 works to complete this important project.

• LTC South Wall Foundation Repair:

During last summer’s drought period, the south concrete block wall of the LTC Range and its foundation suffered settlement, causing them to lean outward. A contractor has been hired to stabilize the foundation and repair the leaning wall. This repair project focuses on strengthening the foundation of the wall to ensure its longevity and safety.

The repair project is expected to take approximately two to three days and should be completed by the end of next week (5/3/2024), depending on favorable weather conditions. The Silhouette and LTC ranges will be closed while workers are present during the work period.

• Restrooms:

We understand the importance of clean and well-maintained restroom facilities. We had the septic system pumped out last summer and cleaned out the sewer lines. Just recently, we replaced the worn-out water well pump and pressure tank supplying water to the restrooms. The flush valves on the fixtures were also adjusted to achieve maximum flow. However, members still report issues when flushing the toilets. We continue to investigate the issue to find solutions.

To ensure that all toilets are effectively flushed, and all waste is removed, it is recommended that you hold the flush lever down until the toilet bowl is completely emptied and refilled with clean water. It may be necessary to flush multiple times to help dislodge any stubborn waste. Remember to flush with the toilet seat down to prevent splashing and to maintain a hygienic environment. Following this recommended flushing procedure regularly will help to keep the toilet clean and free from waste buildup.

• Roadways & Parking:

Our volunteer team is actively maintaining our crushed rock roads and parking areas to ensure safe and smooth access for members and visitors. Regular grading and replenishment are underway to keep these areas in good condition and functional. The asphalt entrance road, in particular, continues to be a concern due to the high volume of traffic, especially from heavy haul trucks not authorized to use the road. We are working to address this ongoing issue and plan further improvements based on available funds.

• Electrical:

Work is underway to restore electrical service to the Silhouette Range. While most, if not all, other ranges already have electrical service in place, extending it to the Silhouette Range is crucial for implementing further improvements. This includes adding lights to selected ranges to facilitate future night shooting. We're actively working on this project to ensure it's completed efficiently. Although we don't have a specific deadline to share at this time, please know that progress is being made, and we'll provide updates as soon as possible.

• Security Cameras:

Patriot Security is currently installing cameras at all gun club ranges to enhance safety and security. The Board has taken this proactive measure to promote safety, deter theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access, improve incident resolution, enhance member accountability, and support training efforts. This investment in technology reflects our commitment to providing a safe, secure, respectful, and enjoyable shooting environment for all members and their families or guests.

We apologize for any inconvenience these projects may cause and appreciate your cooperation and support during this time as we strive to provide you with the best club experience possible.

Competition Match Spotlight: Experience the Thrill!

One of the highlights of being a member of our club is the exhilarating competition matches we host regularly. These matches are not just about showcasing skills; they're about camaraderie, sportsmanship, and having a blast!

Why Join a Competition Match?

• Fun & Excitement: The adrenaline rush you get from competing against others is unmatched. It's a chance to challenge yourself and have a great time doing it!
• Community: Our competition matches bring together shooters of all levels, creating a supportive and friendly community. You'll make new friends and learn from experienced shooters.
• Skill Development: Competing in matches is a fantastic way to hone your shooting skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced shooter, there's always something new to learn.

Today, we are shining the spotlight on IDPA, and the Category 5 matches held monthly on the Action Ranges. Andre Rosales is the Match Director, and Cary Walker is the Assistant Match Director. Together, they put on three great Saturday matches each month that include IDPA, and the CAT5 Multi-gun, Steel, Team Challenge, or themed-based fun competition.

Watch the highlights of the recent Category 5 theme match based on the 1999 movie “Heat,” starring Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Tom Sizemore, and Val Kilmer. Credit goes to Cary Walker, Assistant Match Director, for designing and building the match stages and producing the video. I hope you enjoy it and decide to join us at the next match!

[Click the Video image below to watch]

https://youtu.be/PV24f31IAII?si=OU3YF3L13GcJ8WqY