The La Junta Rifle Club
1947 - Present
The La Junta Rifle Club was started by Martin Andrew in around 1947. The meetings were held in his tin shop and the 100 yard range was in the arroyo behind his shop, using the bank for the backstop. There were seven original members: Martin Andrew, Miles Seat, Ned Wilson Sr., Bill Bradshaw, Lewis Shell, Bill Diehl Sr., and Del Searey.
The Club was moved to the airbase using an abandoned barracks for several years, then a move was made to the City of La Junta land, south of the Colorado Boys Ranch.
Later the property at Hadley Stations (now known as Hadley Park) was purchased and remodeled for an indoor range. A pit was dug and a backstop erected for a big bore range. After a few years the Colorado Department of Highways widened Highway 50, forcing the Club to sell.
On September 27, 1961 the Club purchased 40 acres north of the Fort Lyon headgates from John (Jack) and Edith Johnson for $1500.00. The Club sold sand and gravel from this land to make money to build the clubhouse and indoor pistol range.
The facilities now consist of the club house with an indoor 50 foot range for pistols and small bore rifles, trap and skeet ranges, outdoor pistol pit, 300 yard rifle range and an archery range.
Some interesting tidbits:
Annual meetings were held at the Blue Bird Café.
The backstop in the indoor pistol range is the original one that was moved from the airport location.
The big window on the north side of the club house was know as "Ned Wilson’s Window." It was installed so Ned could sit inside and watch the shotgun shooters shoot trap.
The stoves in the club house were donated by Martin Andrew.
The iron gate, "La Junta Rifle Club" was built by Falcon Industries.
Ted Sieble, Carl Eye, Frank Sherman, Carl Gearhart and Carl Leonard started the "Safe Hunter Course" in about 1960. The Club purchased 10 Anschultz single shot rifles to train the kids.
Dale Shoemaker was president of the Club from 1960-1970.
In the early years dues were $2.00 and you got 100 rounds of .30-06 ammo.
In 1960 dues were $6.00.
In 1967 Dean Zimmerman drove his pickup to the Lamar truck stop to meet Gene Sears (from Oklahoma). Dean gave him a check from the club to purchase a 1967 carousel trap. They loaded it onto Dean's pickup and he brought it back to the club.