More than 80 women traveled in October to Cross Timers, Missouri, from 19 different states to participate in shooting clinics, stage walkthroughs, social activities and two different matches at the 2023 A Girl & A Gun Fall Festival. The Team Pistol Challenge and Multigun Challenge took place at the beautiful Lucas Cattle Co. range with 83 female competitors tackling 14 stages over three days.
The 2023 A Girl & A Gun Fall Festival included the only all-ladies 3-gun match in the nation.
Rangemaster Adam Willcox designed and built the stages with fun and technical maneuvers in mind. The Team Pistol Challenge featured six stages that competitors tackled in two-women teams. The Multigun Challenge included 3-gun, 2-gun and single-gun stages in square bays and natural terrain throughout the Lucas property. His exceptional team of 18 Range Officers ensured the event was fun and safe.
In the Team Pistol Challenge, each team fired more than 300 rounds throughout the day. As for the Multigun Challenge, competitors fired more than 175 rounds of rifle, more than 175 rounds of pistol, more than 150 rounds of birdshot and 10 slugs. Carbine targets ranged from as close as 10 yards to as far as 700 yards.
Both matches were preceded by three days of training to help competitors learn the sport of 3-gun under the guidance of Cindy Coker, along with Janna Brown, Sydney Rockwell, Tennille Chidester and Derrick Dumont.
Competitor Eileen McIntee said, “Being the only all-woman multigun match in the country, [Fall Fest] allows new shooters to come out and compete with only ladies. In this environment, a veteran shooter can really help to guide and support a newbie. New friendships are forged, and plans are made to see one another at the next match. The beauty of Fall Fest is that it is about so much more than just shooting.”
Cullen Cooke was a Range Officer at Fall Fest for the first time. “I was blown away at how great of an event this was,” he said. “This was absolutely the most fun match I have ever worked, and I want to thank everyone involved for all you do and letting be join the team this year. It was amazing.”
Jennifer Jackson drove 1,700 miles over a six-day trip to compete in the A Girl & A Gun Fall Fest. She said, “Never could have dreamed that in my mid-40s I’d start shooting pistol, shotgun and rifle competitively. This year I had my first ‘clean’ stage meaning I didn’t miss any targets, including a 150-yard rifle plate, I finally hit some of the aerial clays, I improved my handgun accuracy and I conquered my fear of shooting slugs mixed in with bird shot on a stage. By far, the most amazing and surprising part for me is the community that is A Girl & A Gun. That says a lot about the amazing women that are a part of this organization.”
“From the pros to the first timers. Such great attitudes. Not giving up. Fighting through malfunctions. Attacking weird and new shooting positions (aka prone downhill on my stage) and embracing a new sport. It was amazing,” Range Officer Daniel Wood said. “It was a blast and hopefully I’ll be there for more. To the ladies who shot the match, outstanding job. I hope you continue to shoot in this sport I’ve come to love so much.”
Range Officer Jody Tippett said, “For four years I’ve worked the A Girl & A Gun Fall Fest. It’s my favorite match of the year and I don’t even shoot it. Seeing these ladies cheer each other on, the excitement and determination they show just makes my heart swell. Robyn Sandoval and Adam Willcox put on an incredible match! The ladies seemed to love every stage. It’s always nice to see the ladies return each year, but love seeing new ladies coming out to compete for the first time. I could go on, but I’ll just say that I’m already looking forward to next year.”
“We were honored to offer two great match experiences to our ladies,” Robyn Sandoval, the executive director of A Girl & A Gun said. “In addition to the camaraderie of women coming together to enjoy a sport they love, the event had challenging stages, talented staff and a wonderful prize table thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.”
Vortex, Walther, Glock, USCCA, Magpul, Fiocchi, NightForce, Hunters HD Gold, Gun Goddess, Mossberg and many other industry leaders contributed more than $114,000 worth of prizes for the A Girl & A Gun competitors.
TEAM PISTOL CHALLENGE LEADERBOARD
- Irons: “Shake & Bake” Janna Brown and Sydney Rockwell, 291.35
- Open: “Michigan Mafia” Sheila Hoekstra and Shannan Chada, 280.36
- Split: “Dirty Harrietts” Angela Berring and Chelsie Creps, 361.63
MULTIGUN CHALLENGE LEADERBOARD
- Tac Ops Winner: Janna Brown, 648.99
- Modified Tac Ops Winner: Tennille Chidester, 850.10
- Limited Winner: Stephanie Schafer, 1164.98
- Open Winner: Dianna Muller, 711.83
- PCC Winner: Stefanie Crain, 769.80
- High Junior: Alexandra Hirsch, 1776.40
- High Military/Law Enforcement: Ursula Williams, 919.79
- High Senior: Eileen McIntee, 905.91
- High Super Senior: Patricia Johnson, 833.81
See the full results of the Team Pistol and Multigun matches at the Practiscore website.
Next year's A Girl & A Gun Fall Fest will take place October 4-6, 2024, held once again in Cross Timbers, Missouri, at the Lucas Cattle Co. range. Learn more at agirlandagun.org.
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