Annie Oakley Day

The BTSA inaugural Annie Oakley Day was held on June 23, 2019.  There were 23 participants, and even more volunteers, some of whom are competitive shooters, former military and law enforcement, and EMS. 

The morning started with a check-in and safety briefing, where the rules of safe handling of firearms were explained, and the expectations for the day were shared over coffee and donuts.  Everyone then proceeded out for the first part of their adventure. 

The ladies were taught how to safely handle different types of firearms, starting with .22LR handguns and rifles on the 100m/200m Rifle Range.  They then proceeded to the 50E Range, where they were able to experience all manner of handguns, with calibres ranging from 9mm to .45 cal.  After that, they were then rotated over to the 50W Range, where they were able to try out some rifles and shotguns of different calibres and actions. 

When we stopped for lunch, great conversations were had, and lots of questions were asked and answered. 

After lunch, the volunteers set up some sample action shooting stages from Steel Challenge and 3-Gun on the 50W Range, which most of the ladies tried their hands at.  For those a bit shy to try, they were able to go back to the 50E Range and continue trying the different types of handguns.  By the end of the day, some of the ladies who looked very apprehensive first thing in the morning, had huge smiles after trying these demonstration stages!  

Without our volunteers, we would not have been able to put on this amazing event.  We thank everyone for sharing their time and experience with the ladies.  We also issue a huge thank you to the members that allowed us to borrow from their firearm collection for the day.  

As for the participants, we have never seen such big smiles and heard such heart-felt thanks for providing the opportunity to learn and experience something most people will not take the opportunity to try.  

BTSA is committed to providing opportunities such as this to the general public, and we invite anyone interested to come out to our range for Annie Oakley Day, Young Guns, and Open House.  For further information for our line-up for 2022, please keep an eye on our calendar. 

Watch here for more information and to register.

Buffalo Target Shooters Association
PO Box 394
300, 8120 Beddington Blvd NW
Calgary Alberta T3K 2A8