Ready, aim, shoot

The Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce is seeking out those comfortable handling a pistol in a shooting competition for this year’s fundraiser.

“We thought it was different,” said Lisa Knetsche, Chamber of Commerce board chairperson. “There’s lots of dinners, silent auctions. We thought this might tap a different segment of the community, that might enjoy a friendly competition.”

For the first time, the chamber is hosting the Chamber Steel Challenge at the Sugar Creek Range in Lancaster on May 6. 

According to the website for the Sugar Creek Range, a steel challenge is a competition which involves shooting steel targets. 

Cost to participate is $200 for a team of four. The cost includes a continental breakfast, a box lunch and T-shirt. Shooters must be 21 years or older; spectators, which are welcome at the event, must be 13 or older. 

There will be five stations with five targets which each participant will try to shoot — two attempts at each target. Individuals will be scored separately, but the team score will be the one in the rankings.

Scoring will be based on speed and accuracy. Each participant will be required to bring a .22 pistol that holds at least 10 rounds, 100 rounds of ammunition and a case for their weapon. Weapons will be required to be in cases when not in use. Foam earplugs will be provided, but shooters are encouraged to bring their own hearing and eye protection, if possible. Eye protection is required for all shooters and spectators who aren’t wearing sunglasses or regular glasses.

Entry forms can be printed out from www.sugarcreekrange.com; they must be mailed or delivered to the Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce, 105 East Walnut Street Danville, KY 40422, by April 28. Cards are only accepted if you call the chamber offices at (859) 236-2361, ext. 120, or go by, Knetsche said.

Registration may be accepted the day of the shoot, if there is space available, but that is not guaranteed, Knetsche said.

Competitors must be at the range by 7:30 a.m. and the competition is anticipated to start at 8 a.m. and should run through about 1 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

Following the competition, there will be a demonstration using Thompson Submachine Gun; then, individuals will be allowed to buy ammunition and try their hands at shooting a full-auto MP5 and a full-auto MP7 carbine.

“The guns are kind of rare,” Knetsche said, and explained they are being loaned by a private owner. “Most people would not have the opportunity to shoot them. It’s an added bonus of fun. This is an opportunity for gun aficionados to get to see guns they wouldn’t normally get to handle.” 

To shoot the MP5 or the MP7, ammunition will have to be purchased for $1 a round. Proceeds from those sales also benefit the Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce.

Knetsche said funds raised by the Chamber will go to benefit the various events the organization supports: business after hours events, leadership programs for adults and youth, the Young Entrepreneurial Academy, workforce development, the Teachers Academy, and their advocacy work for businesses.

For those not interested in participating in the shooting event but still interested in donating, Knetsche said they welcomed donations.

SO YOU KNOW

To enter in the Chamber Steel Challenge, visit www.sugarcreekrange.com, and look under upcoming events.

Forms can be printed out and must be mailed or delivered to the Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce, 105 East Walnut Street Danville, KY 40422, by Friday.

Cards are only accepted if you call the chamber offices at (859) 236-2361, ext. 120, or go by.

The Chamber Steel Challenge will be May 6 at the Sugar Creek Range at 1033 Perry Rogers Road Lancaster, KY 40444.