News Event On "The Gathering", January 2001

On Sunday, January 14, 2001 approximately 50 people gathered as guests of the Associate Gun Clubs of Baltimore at their firing range facilities near Marriottsville (Baltimore County) Maryland. They were hosted by approximately 15 members of the AGC clubs and other event organizers. The attendees were more than just interested members of the public, they were grass roots individuals who have been associated with groups and others who work tirelessly for firearm rights in the Free State, year after year. They brought their families, friends and an entire Boy Scout Troop to the event.

The event, an annual "Gathering" held at various venues in Maryland, was organized by members of Montgomery Citizens for a Safer Maryland (MCSM). MCSM is a grass roots membership group dedicated to education regarding personal safety, personal protection and the rights and responsibility that attend individual self defense. The overall host was Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore and the host charter club was the Monumental Rifle and Pistol Club. The combined AGC membership numbers approximately 4,000. Detailed information on the groups can be found at the contact points listed below.

The event started at approximately 11AM as guests arrived to check in at the Barnes Rifle Range, a 100 yard 100 point firing range. The 50 point Pistol range and the Trap range was also open to activities for the Gathering. Competition shooting, being conducted that day on the 10 point 200 yard rifle range, was observed by the attendees.

The event was structured to allow guests to inspect and discuss a variety of member owned firearms, some not ordinarily available to the average shooter. They then had the opportunity to shoot a firearm of their choice under the guidance of the owner and range qualified club members. The younger shooters, just too small to shoot the largest rifles, soon found their match on very suitable youth firearms, such as the .22LR Browning lever action rifle and Ruger 22/45 .22 caliber pistol.

Unique firearms present included rifles in caliber from .22 to .50BMG. The actions included; Flint Lock, Cap Lock, Rolling Block, Trap Door, Bolt action and Semi-Automatic action. The rifles covered the modern historic era of firearms, from the 1777 Charleville Musket to the AR- 15 and Barrett .50BMG. The pistol range had an equally impressive array of private firearms from the compact Beretta 85 to the full size Colt model 1911 and revolvers. Trap shooting was offered with a variety of loaned firearms and aided by club volunteer hosts on the manually operated "beginner" trap and the 5 station 16 yard automated range to shoot a string of 25 targets.

In mid afternoon the attendees gathered in Messick Hall, a modern meeting facility used by the AGC clubs, for a social event with hot food and beverages. Many of the firearms used during the day were present on display for educational discussion with their owners. Educational and safety literature was available to all. Brief remarks were presented by the hosts and organizers of the event. The Members of the Maryland legislature present at the event were introduced. Delegates Carmen Amedori and Don Murphy were complemented for their ability on the firing line and Delegate Murphy was presented with a suitable award for his range experience. He graciously accepted the "Big Bang" wind-chime award for the obvious big impression the shooting event had on him as shown by his indelible and long lasting grin as he left the firing line.

It was clear by the larger than expected attendance, the extra time spent on the ranges and the various comments that a good time was had by all. Most importantly, much was learned by all as many hundreds of rounds were fired in a safe and legal fashion without incident. The event, conducted as and open-house by invitation without cost to the guests, is expected to continue at various locations and from time to time in the future.

January 15, 2000
Robert (Bob) Culver, MCSM Secretary

Photos Of "The Gathering"