The Gastonia Police Department is hosting 28 law enforcement and military teams in its second annual Sniper Conference from Sept. 9-13 in Gastonia, North Carolina. Spectators are welcome to watch the events, to be held at the Gastonia Firearms and Tactical Training Facility.
“We’ve participated in enough of these events to know what makes one realistic, challenging and fair,” Capt. Steve Duncan said.
“You’ll be able to see a lot of the action,” said police spokeswoman Donna Lahser. “These challenging events test both physical and marksmanship capabilities of law enforcement and military designated marksmen, while they run through grueling obstacles, multiple crisis situations and required shots at various elevations and distances.”
Binoculars are recommended.
Sniper teams from as far away as Mississippi and Connecticut will take aim in 13 events designed to recreate realistic scenarios.
Sponsors include Bushmaster Custom, Smith & Wesson, Remington, Insight Tek Gear and Camelbak.
Admission is free, with parking and shuttle bus transportation to and from the firing range provided at the Gastonia Police Firearms and Tactical Training Center off Tulip Drive.
Spectators can also participate in three events:
The Glock Plate Challenge: Participants will have a total of eight rounds to knock down six, 8-inch metal plates. The fastest time wins the Glock Pistol of your choice. The entry fee is $20 per person, no preregistration is necessary.
Participants must be at least 21 years old, sign a liability waiver and a declaration of a clear criminal history before being allowed to shoot. Eye and ear protection along with other safety equipment will be provided at the event and required at all times.
Marksmanship Scoped Rifle Match: This is a three shot match. Participants will shoot one round from each of three positions: standing, kneeling and prone using an actual police sniper rifle. The range is 100 yards and the entry fee is $20.
Preregistration is required for this event and will be limited to the first 30 shooters. Preregistration is only available online at www.gastoniasniper.org.
