Took 40 UT Austin students to the range (update)

[MacPelto]

As a Texas-Ex, this is impressive. Great Job.

I don't remember the club back in the early 80's, when I was there.

This may have been asked, but are you fully funded? Does the school chip in any money? Or do you self fund from dues and ammo sales?

Just curious.

Good luck and Hook-em Horns!

Thanks, man.


We mostly self-fund, but there is an endowment that we can tap into, again it's a matter of figuring out how...

Paperwork is a pain.

Mac

 

[hillbilly]

Outstanding.

Keep it up.

Does UT have any sort of competitive air rifle club team?

hillbilly

 

[MacPelto]

Yep, we do air rifle, air pistol, 3-position smallbore rifle, bullseye pistol, and rapid fire pistol. We're trying to build a team for participation in NCAA matches.

MAc

 

[TexasRifleman]

We mostly self-fund, but there is an endowment that we can tap into, again it's a matter of figuring out how...

If there is any way to get donations to you let me know. PM or otherwise.
Also a Texas Ex.

 

[clark98ut]

Ditto...I wouldn't mind chipping in a few bucks. I graduated in 98 and had no idea there was even a range on campus...

-Dan

 

[ZeroX]

This topic makes me wish more than ever that the on-campus range here at IU wasn't shut down.

 

[NickEllis]

Fantastic

Great job guys, inspiring. Let us know if fees become an issue, I as well would be willing to chip in. Or just PM me.

 

[trav58]

I walked by y'all on the West Mall last week on the way to class, but you're right, when I'm walking by I just try to tune all the solicitation out and get to where I'm going. By the time I realized you were talking about the pistol club I was already past.

I'm in the NROTC and shoot at the range every once in a while, I'll be sure to introduce myself next time.

Keep up the good work.

 

[sturmruger]

You guys are doing a great job at pulling in people to the shooting sports! Keep up the good work.

 

[CentralTexas]

Now-

We need the Austin paper, UT Paper, TV News, Texas State Rifle Association and the NRA to cover this and or a future event.
Have a raffle or giveaway of a .22 rifle to get interest (or coverage) and I'll kick in $50 towards it.
I must say congrats to the organizers, this is a great success! Kudos!
CT

 

[bnelson2943]

ZeroX

Let these guys serve as an example. Maybe you can be the one to start the movement to reopen your college range? Don't just "wish" do something about it.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Update Thurs Apr 6:

Between last Wednesday and this Wednesday: approximately 70 shooters have visited the UT range for the first time, of which only a handful have formal shooting training, and over half have never handled a firearm before.

I'll have to check with MacPelto as to how yesterday ended up, but we've picked up around 10 dues-paying members in five working days. Approximately 350 flyers handed out thus far, and we're starting to get folks coming in who haven't even seen the flyers, but just heard of us through word of mouth.

No backlash yet, only negatives are a few folks who've declined flyers with assorted "Sorry, we don't believe in guns comments." I usually like to respond with something along the lines of "You should really consider being more open to new experiences while in college," etc.

Between the coaches who've been affiliated with the range for years and provide the institutional memory, and the fresh-blood we're starting to pull in, things are looking pretty good thus far. An unused range is an awfully bleak place.

-MV

 

[Spreadfire Arms]

matthew,

hope you like your CMMG lower! anyway if you want to get a bunch of UT students are 21 years of age and older to shoot full auto you can look at the link here:

http://www.spreadfirearms.com/class3shoot.html

for insurance reasons all shooters would have to be at least 21 since its full auto. however we can probably come up with a different class for the 18+ crowd, like a tactical handgun or AR class.

 

[Daniel T]

"Sorry, we don't believe in guns..."

You ought to reply something like "Oh, I know where you're coming from; I don't believe in hammers." Then snap a picture of the confused look on their faces.

Good job guys.

 

[txgho1911]

On Backlashes.
Any of the help including the two of you rabble rousters also students or staff? From some of the rumor mill accross the country logical conservative / libertarian thinking and activities earn some people failing grades and worse.
Any chance any of you may be facing that in the Liberal Capital of TX?

 

[TheDutchman]

any PICS

 

[MacPelto]

On Backlashes.
Any of the help including the two of you rabble rousters also students or staff? From some of the rumor mill accross the country logical conservative / libertarian thinking and activities earn some people failing grades and worse.
Any chance any of you may be facing that in the Liberal Capital of TX?

We're students. Personally, I have not experienced anything in class, or any backlash at all. I am currently taking a class with a professor who is well-known for his left-wing activism, including TV appearances, magazine articles, so forth.
He has never done anything unprofessional in my class. When he makes comments, he is always very clear that it is his position and no more. When he frames a question in loaded terms, he always acknowledges it without having to be called on it. I wear my club t-shirt to his class all the time.


Mac

 

[chorlton]

I thought the ROTC range had been closed! Wow, I may have to check that out...
Good job though, guys. Thats exactly the way to teach understanding and show how much fun it can be. No politics, just sport