Local shooters do well in world competition
DILLINER – Eleven members of the “Hunting Hills Vintagers” attended the 17th Annual Vintage Cup, World Side-By-Side Championships and Exhibition Sept. 26-29 at Addieville East Farm in Mapleville, R.I.
The event attracted more than 200 shooters from across the world, competing in a 32-, 50-, and 100-target shoot to determine world champions in selected gauges of side-by-side hammer and hammerless shotguns. Small-bore competitions included .410-, 16-, 20-, 24-, 28- and 32-gauge shotguns. Additional tournaments were in 10- and 12-gauge hammer and hammerless shotguns and stopping and stalking rifle events.
Awards were given to the top shooter in each division, as well as the highest female shooters.
Pam Blaker of Carmichaels received two gold medals for first place in the ladies .410- and 16-gauge competitions. Blaker also finished second in the 28-gauge and third in the American Classics ladies divisions.
Rita McMillen of Rices Landing placed third in the .410-gauge and fourth in the 28-gauge ladies competitions.
Last year, Blaker won a gold medal in the 28-gauge competition. Blaker took home two trophies in 2011 for her first place achievements in the .410- and 28-gauge ladies divisions.
Two members finishing third overall were Randy Coss of Waynesburg, who was recognized in the .410-gauge division, and Jake Blaker, who placed in the 20-gauge division.
Receiving honorable mention was Bobby McMillen of Rices Landing, who finished sixth overall in the main event senior division.
The Hunting Hills Vintagers organized earlier this year to become a Pennsylvania chapter of the Order of the Edwardian Gunners.
The club also hosted two Vintage Shoots at their home base of Hunting Hills Shooting Preserve, one in May and one in August.
The Order of the Edwardian Gunners (the Vintagers) originated in 1994, when four friends who loved both side-by-side shotguns and the game of sporting clays decided to hold shoots for classic guns incorporating Vintage attire, fun targets, fine dining and good fellowship.
For more information, visit the Order of Edwardian Gunners website at www.vintagers.org or the Hunting Hills website at www.huntinghillspa.com.