Sippican Rod and Gun Club promotes safety, fellowship

Nothing beats a hot breakfast and an afternoon of shooting guns . . . at least that’s how members of the Sippican Rod and Gun Club feel about their Sundays.

People from all over the South Coast gather to the clubhouse, which was built in 1830, to share stories about anything and everything going on in the area.

Sure, they like to talk guns too.

Advice is free, and the members are always happy to share knowledge about what they know. For the novice, this is helpful. Buying a gun is a decision much easier made after chatting with a few people who have direct experience and can lend some solid insight.

“Members of the club are men and women from all walks of life,” says former club president and Rochester resident John Stroscio. “We have carpenters, dentists, lawyers, stay at home moms and retired members. Everyone feels welcome here.”

After breakfast, it’s off to the ranges. Trap shooting—using a shotgun to shoot clay discs or “pigeons” that have been thrown into the air—has its own range. Three others include a 25 yard pistol range, a 100 yard range and archery area.

This June, the club will host its second annual “Shoot for the Cure to End Cancer,” which runs in association with the Relay for Life organization. Those involved take part in various shooting events ranging from trap shooting to target shooting, using small caliber rifles and handguns.

Rochester resident and club president Dale Williams says he is anticipating an even bigger turn out this year.

“We have a lot of fun here,” he says. “We have numerous events throughout the year, including the cancer awareness competitions, Boy Scout events, military weapons days and cowboy-style shooting events.”

Yet beyond the hot breakfast, the charity events and good times is safety.

“The paramount focus at the club is and always has been ‘safety first,’” Williams says. “Members are required to take part in gun safety courses, and there are range rules in place that are strictly followed at all times to ensure a safe and accident free environment.”

Carrying on the tradition of sport shooting, hunting and an appreciation for the responsible use of guns themselves, is something the members of the club take very seriously as well. The club plays host to several events annually that invite children to take part and learn about sport shooting in an educated, safe manner.

It’s all part of providing a place for the next generation of members to enjoy the sport.

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