Kris Komsa of Fireball Holsters stands with his array of gun holsters for sale at the Brookfield Tri-District Conservation Club’s gun show.
The first time, Irv Weaver shot trap, he ended up with a black-and-blue shoulder.
“I thought I couldn’t even pick up a shotgun for a week,” he said. “But, it was fun. I enjoyed it. I really got into it.”
Weaver, a member of the Brookfield Tri-District Conservation Club, wasn’t a kid when he started shooting trap – he was a recent retiree. He’s now a devoted member of the club.
“I do my own reloading now,” he said. “It’s just an enjoyable experience to come out here. I don’t do any of the other ones (shoots). I just like doing the trap shooting. The reason being is you don’t have to be super accurate. You just have to point and hope that one of the BBs hits the clay.”
Weaver, of Champion, tendered the idea of holding a gun show at the club, which was held June 22. The club had never hosted one before. Weaver thought the gun show would raise awareness for the club, which has been around since at least 1952.
Member Charlie Raiti said the gun show turned into a reunion. He said he enjoyed listening to the older members – at this point, just about everybody is older – swap stories.
“This was a great idea,” said Raiti, of Transfer. “I think it should happen more often.”
Aside from gun sellers, vendors included an Amish baker, someone selling action figures and a gold-mining operation.
“I’m happy with the turnout,” Weaver said. “I’d like to thank all the people here that helped me organize, get things done. They really did a lot of work.”
Treasurer Burl Tingler, left, and President Neil Hane are long-time members of the club.
The ancestors, as club Treasurer Burl Tingler called them, who built the club, are gone and the current ruling generation is up in years. The club needs new blood, and not just young people, he said.
“You’d be surprised how many adults out there have never had a gun in their hand, have never shot it,” he said.
The club holds turkey shoots, trap shoots, black powder shoots and cowboy action shoots on its 200 acres, and an annual kids fishing derby the first Saturday in June. It has held archery events in the past, but there currently is no interest. It also has hosted concealed-carry and hunter education classes and, in the old days, was a hub for square dancing.
The members – there currently are about 80 – have worked hard to keep the place going and build it up, said Tingler, who has been shooting here for about 30 years.
“This is my favorite place,” Raiti said. “It’s just really nice and nice people.”
“I’m happy with this club,” Weaver said. “I get along with everybody.”
Anyone who wants to join the club or learn about it can talk to a member or attend the open meeting at 7 p.m. the fourth Sunday of the month.
Tingler also is selling tickets for a Sept. 14 chicken dinner. Call him at 330-506-7235 for tickets.
