The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1916-01-27
MEET MONDAY TO
REVIVE RIFLE CLUB
Kennewick Men Plan to Fall in
Line with Preparedness Pro-
gram-New Law Helps

gram-New Law Helps
At the present time there is an un-
precedented revival thruout the coun-
try in rifle shooting, brought abuot
by the enactment of law by congress
last year authorizing the free issue
of rifles and ammunition to rifle clubs
organized by civilians. Under this act
ten citizens in any locality can or
ganize themselves into a government
rifle club and adopt bylaws approved
by the secretary of war. The club
then affiliates with the National Rifle
association Of America and is issued
by the war department one new Krag
rifle for every five members Of the
club and 120 rounds of ammunition to
each member annually for use on the
rifle range. The work Of organizing
the clubs, looking after them, issuing
decorations and medals, and classify
ing their work, was put in the hands
of the National Rifle association Of
America by the war department, and
this organization has suddenly sprung
into prominence thru its cooperation
with the government by the organiza-
tion of these clubs.
Within the last year the association
reports that it has completed the or
ganization of over 400 clubs, not only
in the United States proper, but in
Porto Rico, Canal Zone, Alaska and
Hawaii. Over a million and half
rounds of ammunition has been issued
to these clubs during the year and
about 5000 rifles. The possibilities
of this movement are unlimited and
depend only upon the securing OF
range facilities where such clubs can
carry on their work. With this object
in view congress will be asked at this
session to provide for commission
to investigate the entire subject OF
range construction from national
defense standpoint, survey the entire
country and recommend a permanent
national policy of range construction
and localities where such ranges
should be constructed. In addition
the National Rifle association will ask
for national charter and an annual
appropriation of $4,000 from con-
gress to assist it in carrying on the
work as it should be done.
Some six or seven years ago rifle
club was organized in Kennewick and
a charter secured from the National
Rifle association. A range was con-
structed under the hill leading to the
Highlands, west of town. The few
members of the club became enthus-
iastic riflemen and their target prac-
tice was held weekly. At that time,
however, the Highlands were begin
ming to become settled and the high
power bullets tipping over the heads
of the farmers frightened them and
compelled the club to abandon the
range. Since that time the club has
lain dormant. This preparedness talk
all over the country has revived in
terest and an attempt is being made
to reorganize the local club. To get
the matter started a meeting has been
called for Monday night in the Com
mercial club rooms when the organic
alton will be renewed. Every man in
the valley who is interested in shoot
ing is invited to be present and be-
come charter member.
Guns may be purchased from the
government for individual use for
$3.50, and the ammunition costs but
$500 thousand, outside of what the
government furnishes. A range site
has been selected south of town, CIV
ing ranges from 200 to a thousand
yards.
Two-thirds of the business men in
town have signified their intention OF
joining the club and no doubt there
will be many others show up Monday
night. Anyone over sixteen years OF
age who is interested in shooting or
who desires to improve his marks
manship, is invited to be present.