The Kingsburg Gun Club, located in Kingsburg, California, has a rich history rooted in community
engagement and the promotion of shooting sports. Established as an unincorporated association, the
club was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization on April 23, 1948. The founding members,
including President Oscar Hammarsten and Secretary Gordon N. Lee, aimed to promote trap shooting,
rifle marksmanship, bait and fly casting, and other outdoor sports on a competitive basis. They
envisioned that any monetary proceeds derived from these activities, such as initiation fees, dues, or
shooting match participations, would be applied to the betterment of the Kingsburg community after
covering the club’s expenses.
By the end of its inaugural year, the club had constructed four trap houses and was already hosting
events that attracted large crowds. In fact, the demand was so high that participants would line up their
cars and turn on their headlights to continue shooting after dark. This led to the installation of
floodlights, making Kingsburg Gun Club the first in the United States to have lit trap fields.
In its early years, the Kingsburg Gun Club quickly became a prominent venue for shooting events.
Notably, it hosted the California State Shoot in 1954 and 1955, attracting participants from across the
state. The club’s facilities and commitment to the sport made it a preferred location for such significant
events. After a brief period of hosting the event at other venues, the California State Shoot returned to
Kingsburg in 1960 and 1963. Since 1970, the Kingsburg Gun Club has been the consistent host of the
California State Shoot, solidifying its reputation as a central hub for trap shooting enthusiasts in the
region.
Over the years, the club has expanded its facilities to include a clubhouse, a walk-in cold room, and
additional trap fields to accommodate the growing popularity of the sport. The Kingsburg Gun Club is
also home to the California Trap Shooting Hall of Fame, further cementing its status as a premier
destination for trap shooting enthusiasts.
From 1970 to 1990, the Kingsburg Gun Club experienced a period of remarkable activity and community
engagement, particularly during the annual California State Shoot. This era was marked by significant
participation, with the club hosting the event each year throughout the decades. Attendance figures
during this time were notable, with the 1990 shoot attracting 1,151 participants, and subsequent years
maintaining strong numbers, such as 1,080 in 1991 and 975 in 1992. A highlight of the State Shoot week
was the traditional prime rib dinner held on Saturday evening. This event became a cornerstone of the
community’s social calendar, drawing not only participants of the shoot but also residents from the
surrounding area. The dinner featured live music and dancing, fostering a festive atmosphere that
celebrated both the sport and the camaraderie of the Kingsburg community.
The success of these events was due in large part to the dedication of individuals like Robert Terry, who,
since 1984, trained and supervised pullers for the state shoot. His tireless volunteer work at the
Kingsburg Gun Club contributed significantly to the smooth operation and enduring popularity of the
shoots during this vibrant period.
Throughout its history, the club has maintained its dedication to fostering good fellowship and
citizenship among its members and the broader community. The Kingsburg Gun Club is member-run and
operated, emphasizing the protection, support, and promotion of the timeless sport of trap shooting.
Trap shooting is open to the public every Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM
to 12:30 PM, unless otherwise posted. This accessibility reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to
community involvement and the promotion of shooting sports.
Members of the Kingsburg Gun Club enjoy access to the club’s facilities for shooting, as well as outdoor
activities such as camping and boating on the scenic Kings River. This access adds to the club’s appeal as
a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
In recent years, the club has become a hub for youth involvement in shotgun sports. The introduction of
the California State High School Clay Target League State Tournament has brought new energy and
excitement to the club. This initiative, has helped promote the education of youth in shotgun sports and
fostered a sense of community and sportsmanship among young shooters.
Over the decades, the Kingsburg Gun Club has evolved, but its core mission remains unchanged: to
promote shooting sports, foster community spirit, and contribute positively to the Kingsburg area. Its
longstanding tradition of hosting significant shooting events and its commitment to public engagement
continue to make it a cornerstone of the community.