Over the last few years, I have been engraving the serial numbers on the Holster badges our pistol shooters earn, as part of their training to compete in any of the action divisions.
The standard badge is for the semiautos, which is needed if you want to draw from the holster. We are over the 6000, even better when you add the cowboy badge to it, which is another 836. They have a different one as their guns have different safety issues to master. You only get the one badge per style but some of the cowboys and ladies need both and you must go through a lot of work to both earn them and keep it; mine is number 1674.
Not every country has a course along these lines, but Pistol NZ does, with the help of trainers in our members clubs, this is done because we have always known safety is important, especially now more than ever, everything and everyone is under the spotlight.
As you can see by the numbers, we have been doing this for a long time and this training is because it was decided it was necessary. It is very important to understand we know the sport and the different styles. In my opinion, we are experts in handling firearms safely with the knowledge that’s been built from many years and many thousands of rounds fired. Both in practice and competitions here and overseas.
have had the honour to represent New Zealand and Pistol NZ at four world shoots and five Australasian competitions. I have learned many things at every match, which feeds back and is used to improve coaching and training.
We also have range-officers who are our referees, they oversee the running of both the shooter and the match on the ranges while we train and compete, everyone works hard to keep things both safe and always following the rules. To hold a pistol endorsement, we must do a minimum of 12 shoots per year, every year. Licence holders’ own firearms for sport or hunting and safe handling is paramount. No one is at risk or needs to fear any firearm I own.
My thanks for the following people as they have the lowest badge numbers, which means they were there at the start, and more importantly are still active members today. Rod 1, James 3, Bill 4, Barry 6, Jeff 9, Tony 10, Ken 12, Alan 14 and Wally 16. Not many sports have this kind of long loyal service.
