My first experience with Paloma Ferrea Pistol Club (Iron Dove) was in the summer of 1975 when I wandered into “Shooters Haven” on McDowell St. in downtown Phoenix. I was recently from Florida and having read about this new phenomenon, I expressed interest as to where I might be able to get information about where and when matches took place. I quickly learned that I was talking to the club President, John Mahan. We also discovered that we had been at several Bulls-eye matches together over the years. I first shot an actual match in July out at the Buckeye Hills Recreation Area Range. I used a S & W. M29, .44 Magnum with open sights and 6" barrel. I was reloading 9 grains of Unique under a 250 grain cast bullet. My score was 18; 4 chickens, 5 pigs, 4 turkeys and 5 rams. I was “Hooked” on the then called “Short Range Pistol Silhouette”.

    The pistol Silhouette Range at “Ben Avery Shooting Facility” is a state of the art range with pneumatically re-set able targets for both N.R.A. Hunters Pistol and Long Range Pistol. The Hunters pistol targets are at 40, 50, 75 and 100 meters. These targets are 3/8” armor plate to accommodate center fire cartridges only. It is still possible to shoot .22 LR at these targets and the targets are adjusted to minim topple points. N.R.A. rules and regulations govern our registered matches.

    While our sport has now matured in the past 30 years or so, it continues to evolve with new equipment, better ranges, new sights, etc. The true spirit still resides in the basic pistol, revolver, and single shot with open sights. It is possible to join in the fun and shoot a box stock pistol and be competitive in your class. Later on, you can join the equipment race and compete in other classes. This is a very informal “Family” oriented sport and many families enjoy shooting together. We are a friendly and helpful group and many new shooters feel right at home on their first visit. Safety is our highest priority. Come out and join us for the most fun you can have with your Pistola.

Sandy