Ft. Ross Gatling gun shoot - Sunday November 7th 2010 10AM - 2PM
From the flyer:
"The “Big Bang” is not just a scientific theory. It’s also a term used by some who have attended to describe the annual Ft. Ross Gatling gun shoot held at Hither Hills Farm on the first Sunday of every November.
In the last event, there were 9 different Gatling guns, a few automatic cannons from a similar vintage, and a great deal of lead sent downrange. The 12 lb cannon that started the event was something else to hear. And what it did to the engine block of the car it hit was…well, you had to see it for yourself. Very humbling when you think of Pickett’s charge at Gettysburg, PA. And there were quite a few additional mortars and cannon for a cannoneer kind enough to let us take our turn at the lanyard.
Bring your easy chair, a hat, warm clothes, rain gear, and maybe even a lap blanket for although the weather has been fabulous the last five years for this shoot, you just never know about November in PA. Your toes can freeze in the mornings and you want to pull off your long-johns in the afternoon.
Did I mention they provide lunch and earplugs? And porta-potties? And no admission fee? Does life get any better than this when you’re shooting? Just let me know if it does…
So make sure you do your fall clean-up on Saturday and do something for yourself on Sunday, November 7, 2010. Getting there by 9:30 a.m. is a good idea so you can pick your spot on the hillside for the show starts at 10 and ends around 2-3. And bring your camera too, for those with the big guns are real gentlemen. They’ll even take your pic standing by their gun."
This page was taken from the Skirmish Line May-June 1995:
"Fort Ross, nestled in the hill country overlooking Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River, is the site of the Middle Atlantic Regional matches each skirmish season- including the regional picnic match held each July. Owned by Charlie and George Smithgall, the property first was used as a practice range for the 3rd US Regular Infantry in 1972. 1978 saw the first regional skirmish hosted there; and it has been home range to the region ever since.
The most outstanding feature of Fort Ross- its most recognizable landmark - is the Revolutionary War-style blockhouse with a commanding view of the range. According to Charlie, the structure started out to be a hut patterned after those used by the Continental Army at Valley Forge. Sometime during the construction, however, "things sort of got out of hand," and the blockhouse was patterned after one Charlie and some of his friends saw at Fort August, Maine, during the Revolutionary War Bicentennial recreation of Benedict Arnold's march to Quebec.
Although the firing line at Fort Ross offers only 10 company match positions, the property makes up in atmosphere what it lacks in size. Its quiet, rural setting, surrounded by working farms, lends a sense of peacefulness not often found in the modern world. Because it is a small range, matches held there tend to be informal and friendly, with a lot of visiting back and forth between units that get "lost" easily in the sprawl of a large campground like the one at Fort Shenandoah.
Camping is done on the basis of "pick a spot that appeals to you" - under the trees by the blockhouse, or the fields alongside the entrance road. The entire camping area is within easy walking distance, making visiting and swapping lies about the day's accomplishments the evening activity of choice for most skirmishers and their families. The only restriction to the property is that barns are off limits.
On Saturdays, the fare offered at the food trailer is augmented and complemented by baked goods prepared by neighboring "scenic Amish" families. As mentioned earlier, the highlight of the season is the regional picnic in July- more food than even skirmishers can consume at an unbelievably low price!
Because there is only one 100 yard position at Fort Ross, all company match competition, except revolver, takes place on the 50 - yard range. In a region that boasts of member organizations as competitive as Harlan's Light Cavalry, the 2nd New Jersey Cavalry and the 69th New York and frequently hosts units like the Chartiers Valley Guards, Chiswell's Exiles, the 7th Virginia Infantry and the 44th New York, the struggle for gold can be intense.
If you're one of those people who longs for skirmishing "the way it used to be," consider paying a visit to Fort Ross this season. It is really worth the trip. In Pennsylvania, they don't have to "put the fun back into skirmishing"- it has been there all along!"
Re: Ft. Ross Gatling gun shoot - Sunday November 7th 2010 10AM - 2PM
Re: Ft. Ross Gatling gun shoot - Sunday November 7th 2010 10AM - 2PM
Re: Ft. Ross Gatling gun shoot - Sunday November 7th 2010 10AM - 2PM
Original "C" mag :) Actually holds 104 rounds.
[IMG]http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/6...0061105099.jpg Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]
Re: Ft. Ross Gatling gun shoot - Sunday November 7th 2010 10AM - 2PM
Tomorrow: Mainly sunny. High 51F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Dress in layers. Bring a chair if you want to sit. Morning will be cold.
Don't forget to set your clocks back.
Facebook page says that it starts at 10:30 AM.
Bring your own ear protection if you have a preference. They'll have ear plugs for anyone else.
Re: Ft. Ross Gatling gun shoot - Sunday November 7th 2010 10AM - 2PM
Re: Ft. Ross Gatling gun shoot - Sunday November 7th 2010 10AM - 2PM
Re: Ft. Ross Gatling gun shoot - Sunday November 7th 2010 10AM - 2PM
Cool Pics, thanks. Wish we could have made it, looks like a good outing.
Dale
Re: Ft. Ross Gatling gun shoot - Sunday November 7th 2010 10AM - 2PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dk99358
Cool Pics, thanks. Wish we could have made it, looks like a good outing.
Dale
It's always the first Sunday in November.
Next year it's on Sunday November 6th, 2011.
You can put it in an electronic calendar as a recurring event or just enter or write down next year's date now. It is a great family event.
American Rifleman TV was there filming for an upcoming special on the Dillon Gatling gun. The special should air in 2nd quarter 2011.
http://www.dillonaero.com/
