By: Aaron Kohler, Rifle Range Chairman
Antwerp Conservation Club is very pleased to announce our fall rifle raffle, and new for this year, we will be giving away 2 rifles. The 1st prize is a WW2 M1 Garand and 2nd prize is vintage Marlin 22lr and the 3rd prize is $50 cash.
After hearing about this raffle I was very interested in learning more, so I contacted club president Gary Mabis, and asked a lot of questions.
Aaron: Tell me more about what you are raffling off.
Gary: Our first prize is The U.S. rifle caliber 30 M1, better known as the M1 Garand. This rifle was built in 1943 by Winchester, it was issued in WW2 and more then likely saw action in Korea as well. This rifle has been inspected by the staff of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) and repaired if need be, declared safe for use, and sold (as surplus) to qualified civilians. the winner of either rifle will have to go thru the background check at a local FFL gun dealer
Aaron: What is the 2nd place rifle your raffling?
Gary: This is wonderfull Marlin 22lr bolt rifle, made in the late 30’s (we believe) that belonged to a founding member of our club, and was offered to us for any use that betters the club, so we thought a 2 gun raffle.
Aaron: Gary, I know the reason for the raffle is to raise cash for the club, but what does the club do with these funds?
Gary: These funds allow us to keep our membership dues at a minimum, we are less then half the cost of most other local clubs. We put on public events like our 4th of July event, our youth interduction to firearms and offer our facilities at no cost to the Ohio department of nature resources to hold hunters education classes.
Aaron: Gary, if people want to know more about the Antwerp Conservation Club or this raffle, how do they get more information?
Gary They may contact me at garyamabis@gmail.com or our rifle range chairman Aaron Kohler aaron.kohler@yahoo.com or visit antwerpconservationclub.com. We will be at the Flat Rock Festival where you can see these prizes, purchase tickets and learn more about our wonderful club.
Aaron: Is there anything else you want to mention about upcoming events at the club?
Gary: Yes. The Antwerp Conservation Club is sponsoring a Youth Shooting Day at the Club September 29 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Through a grant from the Division of Wildlife, the Club is able to provide this activity free of charge to area youth. Participants will be able to learn how to shoot BB guns (ages 5 and up), 22 caliber rifles (ages 8 and up) and shotguns (ages 10 and up). All participants will have one on one instruction while on all firing ranges. A firearms safety course will also be provided before anyone can go to the ranges. Ammunition and firearms will be provided. Please do not bring your own firearms.The Club will also be providing hamburgers and hotdogs free of charge.
Saturday October 13th is our charity 3 gun tactical type match, this is our 2nd year of supporting Toys for Tots of North East Indiana, please come out, even if your not shooting, and help us support a great charity.
The Conservation Club is located at: 17814 Township Road 53, Antwerp, Ohio 45813
