Gals-n-guns teaches basics of firearms and firearm safety

By John Peterson

This year marks the Menomonie Rifle and Pistol Club's 23rd annual Gals-n-Guns event. Originally launched as Women on Target, the event has evolved over the years into what is now known as Gals-n-Guns. Designed exclusively for women, Gals-n-Guns is geared toward those with little or no firearms experience. However, women with more experience are also encouraged to participate.

We focus on teaching the basics of various types of firearms, especially safety. It has been very popular with those who have attended, as we see many of them enroll again. So, if you are interested in learning about various firearms, don't hesitate because I assure you the experience will be easy, fun, educational, and safe.

Gals-n-Guns is not a fundraiser for the club. It is an educational event put on by the Menomonie Rifle and Pistol Club as a public service for the benefit of the community with the goal of increasing knowledge about firearms to promote “safe” legal handling and use for recreational hunting sports, shooting sports, and self-defense. 

Gals-n-Guns is an expensive event to put on because the cost of the ammunition is quite high. Last year, just under 6,000 rounds of ammunition were sent down range. In fact, the entrance fee doesn’t cover the cost of the ammunition each participant can shoot up. So, some of the ammunition, the lunch, raffle, door prizes, and all the other expenses required to present this event are donated.

This year’s shooting stations will include revolvers, .22 semi-auto pistols, 9mm semi-auto pistols, .38 Special center fire revolvers, .22 bolt action rifles, .22 semi-auto rifles, AR-15 rifles, military style rifles, military .22 training rifles, .50 muzzle-loading rifles, trap shooting with 12- and 20-gauge shotguns, non-lethal Byrna launchers, .22 bolt action target rifle raffle shoot, and archery (bow & arrow) shooting.

We are especially excited about the new Byrna launcher Station the Club added last year. The Byrna launcher is a non-lethal self-defense alternative in the form of a pistol that shoots various plastic balls with chemical agents that can render an attacker incapacitated for a short period of time. Thus, allowing you to safely escape a life-threatening encounter with an overwhelming attacker. 

Gals-n-Guns starts at 8:00 A.M. and ends at 4:00 P.M. Each participant can shoot at as many or as few stations as they want. There is no pressure for anyone to do anything they don’t care to do. We start the day out with a group safety meeting. Each shooting station has club member coaches to give each shooter individual assistance.

We take a break around noon for lunch. This year’s lunch is pulled pork and hot beef sandwiches, coleslaw, a bag of chips, a fresh cookie, and a beverage. Near the end of the lunch break, the raffle drawings are held. Then back to the shooting stations to finish out the afternoon.

We are inviting ladies from our local community and surrounding areas to join us on September 19th for a very fun, educational, and safe day at the range. This is a great mother-daughter experience or just a positive, memorable experience with friends or family.

Online registration is now open. The club limits Gals-n-Guns to just 50 participants. So, save your spot today. Find more information about the event and sign up on the club’s website at www.menomonierifleandpistolclub.org.

See you at the Range!