Ben Avery hosts shooting competitions

STAFF REPORT~ 2/22/2012

Few things are more closely identified with the 100 years of Arizona statehood than the cowboys of the Old West. That portion of Arizona history will come alive at this year’s Winter Range running through Sunday at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix.
Winter Range provides the backdrop for the Single Action Shooting Society’s National Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting. Over the past 20 years, the event has grown to be the world’s largest “Western Encampment,” drawing thousands of spectators and Old West enthusiasts. About 1,000 competitors representing 42 different states and five foreign countries will compete in nearly two dozen categories. The competitors, male and female, range in age from 12 to more than 80 years old.
This year’s Winter Range has been designated as an Official Centennial Event.
Cowboy Action Shooting™ requires that contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the days of the Old West: single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles, and period shotguns. Participants must also adopt a shooting alias appropriate to a character or profession of the late 19th century, a Hollywood western star, or an appropriate character from fiction, and then costume themselves accordingly.  
During timed events, shooters test their skills against steel targets set up within a course of 12 different stages, each featuring different scenarios and scenic elements, which this year will be based on events from Arizona’s colorful history.
In addition, this year will feature mounted shooters (Friday - Sunday only) testing their skills in their own arena.
In addition to the competitive events, Winter Range 2012 will feature displays of period militaria, exhibitions of western skills and crafts, a fast draw competition, and nearly 100 vendors offering everything from period clothing to antiques and reproductions.
Entertainment will include singers, cowboy bands, trick roping, trick horses, and various other forms of cowboy entertainment. A variety of food services will also be available, from authentic chuck wagon cooking to hot dogs. 
Daily event times for this year’s Winter Range are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. today through Saturday, with the final awards ceremony taking place on Sunday. Admission is free, but there is a $5 per vehicle parking fee which is used to support the Youth Assistance Foundation of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Posse and the Rotary Club.  
 
While in the shooting areas, spectators will be required to wear eye protection; sunglasses and corrective glasses are acceptable. Ear protection is suggested, especially for children.
Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located just west of the junction of I-17 and Carefree Highway (exit 223). Winter Range will occupy the western portion of the shooting facility grounds and can be easily located by the huge white tent that serves as the hub of this event.
   
For information, visit winterrange.com.