The Perfect Escape

It feels like everywhere we turn we are overwhelmed with the same topics - whether its inflation, supply chain issues, gas prices or a number of other topics that dominate the news. It seems almost impossible to escape hearing somebody's take on it.

My recent weekend in Oak Ridge, TN was the exception! For the second consecutive year, the Oak Ridge Sportsman's Association hosted the annual Rimfire Challenge World Championship. The stages were fast, the shooters were fast, and the weather couldn't have been any better!

Anytime spent on the range is time well spent however as I reflect on the weekend it hit me that this weekend was the "escape from reality" that I needed. Everywhere I turned there were incredible conversations - from young kids competing in their first world match to those…well let's just say those that were much more experienced. The vibe was overwhelming positive - almost like the outside world was put on hold for the weekend!

As I drove home, it occurred to me more than once how special the range can be. There's a reason some refer to it as "range therapy." It's more than just putting rounds downrange. It's about the people and it always will be.

I overheard shooters discussing their strategy for various stages. Young shooters were asking the more experienced ones for their input and even vice versa. Many experienced shooters were asking younger shooters how they shot a particular stage after seeing another lightening quick time. It's rare to find competitors genuinely pulling for each other, regardless of whether or not they are sponsored by another company or not sponsored at all.

It's an infectious energy that comes from these matches - whether being inspired by the drive, determination, and ambition of junior shooter such as Kylie Wells or seeing the camaraderie of the father-son duo of Rick and Cole Busch - they are all fierce competitors but always willing to help when needed, always with a smile on their face, and always having fun!

If you've been considering becoming involved in the shooting sports, either as a competitor or a volunteer? Are you simply looking to find a community of like-minded people? I'd urge you to visit your local range and take a look at their upcoming events schedule. Also don't hesitate to reach out to us or our team shooters with any questions. In our experience, most competitors are more than willing to do anything they can to help you get involved. You just might find that "escape" you've been looking for.