Shooting Sports Community Mourns The Loss Of Dale Kaufer

by
posted on November 2, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
kaufer-2.jpg
Copeland Funeral Homes

With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Dale Kaufer on Thursday, October 21, 2021. He was a longtime range official at the National Matches and at the NRA National Police Shooting Championships, as well as a lifetime NRA member. Kaufer was 77.

Kaufer grew up in Pennsylvania and after he graduated high school, he served in the U.S. Army. After his time in the service was up, he moved back to his hometown of Corapolis, Pa., where he married and had a daughter.

For many years at Camp Perry during the NRA National Pistol Championships, Kaufer was the range director. He was a skilled shooter and also worked as a firearms instructor.

As reported by Tim Grant of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Monday, November 1, Kaufer worked for more than 20 years as a sheriff's deputy assigned to Pittsburgh International Airport, primarily handling and training bomb-sniffing dogs. He retired from that role in 1997.

Many competitive shooters who knew Kaufer from attending the National Matches turned to social media to express their condolences. Here are a few of them.

"Rest In Peace my friend. A life well spent and ended too soon!"

"Dale was a great guy. Always nice at Perry. Will miss you Dale."

"Sorry to hear of Dale's passing. He will be missed."

"Remember him well. Worked with him."

Services for Kaufer were conducted over the weekend and earlier this week, including bagpipes played by a close police officer friend. Instead of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Dale's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. See the full obituary for Dale Kaufer at the Copeland Funeral Homes website.

Dale Kaufer

Legends: Dale Kaufer
January 16, 1944 - October 21, 2021

Latest

2001 National Matches 1
2001 National Matches 1

Familiar Faces, Fresh Records: 2001 National Matches

The 2001 National Matches saw Brian Zins continue his pistol dominance, David Tubb win a record ninth high power title and Gallagher earn a third long-range crown.

All About Range Week 2027 at Staccato Ranch Vegas

Staccato’s Range Week 2027 is a four-day live-fire event open to the public at Staccato Ranch Vegas.

New: Banish HD 762 INC Suppressor

Banish’s new HD 762 INC is a full-auto-rated, 3D-printed Inconel suppressor designed to cut back pressure on gas guns.

From Olive Oil Press to Olympic Podium: The Story of B&P

ARTV traces Baschieri & Pellagri from an 1885 olive oil press in Bologna to the Gordon Case system, Olympic medals and biodegradable Green Core wads.

Sollars Rallies, Bailey Holds On at 2026 NRA Georgia State Smallbore Championship

Larry Sollars and Simon Bailey won 2026 NRA Georgia State Smallbore titles in Conventional Prone and F-Class at River Bend Gun Club.

Karen Miles Rules Ladies Field at NSCA Nationals

Karen Miles won five Ladies titles at the 2026 National Sporting Clays Championship in San Antonio, including Main Event High Overall.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.