In Topics Volume 22, Issue 17 (1977), Safety Sid declared “Guns are Dumb”. But prior to introduction of strict gun laws, shooting and hunting was a common pastime. While some people enjoyed competitive target shooting at the Pistol Club others hunted to supplement their supply of food with kangaroo, goat, rabbit or duck - even the occasional Stubble Quail?

Leigh Creek Pistol Club

The Pistol Club building (shooting shed) and the shooting range was to the East of the town, on the edge of the old open cut (K Cut), and was pretty basic in 1964. The membership varied over time with people coming and going into the workforce, but the main body of dedicated shooters stayed and relocated to the new town with a new clubhouse and range. The old range was eventually upgraded to accommodate all the shooting events at the time, (except for air-pistol) and included 50m. Free Style, 25m. Rapid Fire and Ladies Match, 25m. Standard Gun and 25m. Centre Fire. The Club House was erected in the early 70’s. and was pretty basic (second hand, and relocated from the Coalfield) but did the job once we smartened it up. The old “dunny” was the only part that was never updated, but again, it did the job. We had the distinction of “training” a future Olympic shooter (Alex Taransky) who joined the club as a new comer. Not bad for a remote country club! Many a good time was had at the various social activities at the Club, and many away trips to other Pistol Clubs were enjoyed also. We attended shoots at Pt. Augusta, Whyalla, Woomera, Rocky River, Broken Hill, Adelaide, Port Pirie and Sydney. Some of the members who made up the Club were, Wally Mann, Jim Cassie, Peter Barrington, Trevor Schwartz, John and Helen Mitchell, Mary and Kevin Waters, Kay Byron, Peter Read, Hans Fassbender, Dick Ellis, Jim and Lorraine Walford, Alex Taransky, Roger Nutt, John Hender, Peter Mussared, Bob Tulloch, Jim Maddern, Don Scott, Brian Osmond, Malcolm Fisher and a few others that escape my memory now! A great sporting club, and equally great membership! - Written by Kevin Waters 2020.