Maryland State Pistol & Revolver Championships
Sparrows Point, Maryland

"SHOOTIN' AND STUFF LIKE THAT THERE"

I think we can be justly proud of this Match, and be thankful for a number of reasons. First, the attendance of all you wonderful people; Second, nothing was left to be desired as to the weather, which was near perfect. Hot? Yes, but good shooting weather, as shown by the scores; Third, the clean sportsmanship of all; Fourth, your compliments of the Range and our conduct of the Match gave us cause to be proud; lastly, we are proud to be connected with the Bethlehem Steel Company, this Company having made all this possible.

The "figgers," scattered around on the following pages, tells the story of how you did and no foolin'.

Plaques for prizes, 537 of them, 156 Large and 381 Small.

A number of you competed here for the first time. We hope you liked us well enough to return.

Our Camp Perry Possible Club continues to be ultra-exclusive or something. I thought surely we would get some members this year. Period.

From what we heard, we know liked "Bob" Markle's Chief Range "Officering." The perfect coordination between "Bob" and Ford Edwards, who operates the Targets, contributes in no small way to the smooth running of the Match.

George Kuch, N.R.A. Referee, officiated flawlessly, as usual. His unbiased, business-like way of handling his assignment, cannot be improved upon.

Chief Statistical Officer, Sgt. "Jerry" Huesman and his Staff deserve a lot of credit for a hard job well done. Results were posted unbelievably soon after the firing of the Matches.

All the Range Personnel, Parking Detail and the Commissary Detail are members of the Sparrows Point Police Department. They all did it well.

Now I want to say a word about you all, wonderfully cooperative competitors. I thank you all for being here.

We had a distinguished visitor that we are always proud to welcome; one who is and has for years been deeply interested in the Shooter. One who has aided and encouraged many individuals and groups to reach their objective in the Shooting Game. He is none other than Gen. Milton A. Recford, my friend and your friend.

A number of the Officials of the Bethlehem Steel Company looked in on the Match and showed a lot of interest.

"Buck" Fisher and Wife drove here from El Paso, Texas, and he did not go home empty handed. Look over the figures, and that .38 Cal. Timed Fire World's Record. In all modesty I want you to know you can now legally call me "Tex." "Buck" made me a Temporary Citizen of the great State of Texas, and I have a Certificate all signed, sealed and delivered to prove it.

The Marine Corps was well represented, and several Branches of the Army also. The Navy? Meet C.P.O. Leonard Rizzolla. He left his imprint on the Score Board. The Marine Corps Schools .45 Cal. Team score, 1150, a New World's Record. An Rizzolla's World's Record in the Center Fire National Match Course.

Dr. Sowers of Fairmont, West Virginia, one of our stand bys, did not fail us. Our staunch friend, Chief Graenicher of the Mesta Machine Company, Pittsburgh, was with us again. Deputy Inspector Paul B. Weston, New York City Police Dept., was here and we were very glad to welcome him. And, by the way, have you read his book, "Target Shooting Today?" Yes, "Mert" Golden, L. W. Benton and Mrs. Benton, Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard, Dr. Lever, "Walt" King of Canton, Ohio, were here and it is hard to tell when to stop naming folks. Here are a couple I nearly forgot. "Bill" Kendall has returned and we were all glad to have him here again. "Square Deal" Coyne also showed up. Both good friends to have. I will lend "Bill" my hat any time and give him a page out of my book.

The children were great, and gave that Sand Box a grand work-out.

"Commercial Row" did a good business, Lew Sanderson of Detroit, the Pistol Grip man; George Shockley, repairs and actions; Gen. and Mrs. Van Orden of Evaluators; Bill Henry and Assistants of Colts; Bill Donovan of Hi-Standard; Helwig of Western; Webb of Western, and the boys with the ammunition and shooters supplies. Morrison, photographer, was on hand.

The "Fish Fry" was a complete success and the Band gave out for dancing that was enjoyed by a lot of you.

There was a Scope and Stand left on the Range and it will be returned to the owner if he or she will give us a description of same.

As a last word I want to thank all the members of my Department who contributed their efforts towards making this Range and Match what it is. And to you, the competitors, I can only say, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Marcus H. Miles,
Chief of Police,
Sparrows Point Police Dept.

Members of the Marine Corps Schools Pistol Team line up behind the trophies they won at the Maryland Twelfth Annual Pistol Championship Match held at Sparrows Point, Maryland last week. They swept the team matches and took six firsts in the individuals. Seventy-two plaques and awards in all. The shooters are (left to right): Master Sgt. Thomas R. Mitchell, Master Sgt. Vito Perna, Capt. John M. Jagoda, CWO Mark W. Billing, Sgt. William McMillan and Master Sgt. Charles Plante who is not in the picture.