Community, Competition, and Southern Hospitality
As the leaves begin to turn in Polk County, North Carolina, the Action Shooting International (ASI) monthly match at Polk County Gun Club continues to draw a loyal crowd of shooters who value camaraderie, challenge, and a touch of Southern charm.
Match Highlights and Stage Design
Club organizer Caton McBride shared that while no single stage stood out this month, the format continues to resonate with participants. “The shooters like the short quick stages the best,” Caton noted. “I try to set up the longest and hardest first. I get to the range early to set it up. The rest are easier as we usually move the same props around. The last stage is always the easiest and quickest.”
This thoughtful progression ensures accessibility for the club’s core group of 10–15 regulars, many of whom are senior shooters. “Most want a second match,” Caton added. “The majority are senior shooters with knee, shoulder, and pacemakers. I try to leave the kneeling out of most stages.”
Infrastructure and Growth
The club recently invested in a new building to store match equipment securely—a welcome upgrade after past incidents. “Our sticks have disappeared before and ended up shooting to pieces before a match,” Caton explained. The new space will house gear, a desk, and possibly even a coffee pot and grill, reinforcing the club’s commitment to both function and fellowship.
Caton is also exploring the possibility of adding a second monthly match. “I’ve been approached about a second match,” he said. “I’m going to ask the board next meeting for a trial run.”
Shooter Spotlight: Jim M.
One of the club’s standout participants is Jim Macaluso, who began shooting ASI in May 2024 through a 90-Day Temporary Membership and transitioned into a 1-Year Members. Jim’s shooting résumé spans decades and disciplines:
“I started pistol shooting in the early ’70s,” Jim shared. “Shot Bullseye in the ’70s and ’80s. Tried IDPA in the ’90s. Took time off from 2000–2010—golf took over then. Shot mostly trap from 2011–2020. Since then I’ve been shooting USPSA, ASI, PCSL, F-Class, and Benchrest rifle.”
His versatility is matched by his enthusiasm:
“I’m competitive in nature so all of the shooting disciplines intrigue me. My guns and ammo change with each discipline, so no one gun or ammo for me. I’ve always been a jack of all trades or ‘wheat in the wind,’ depending who you talk to.”
Jim’s experience and adaptability bring depth to the club’s matches, and his story reflects the inclusive spirit of ASI – welcoming shooters from all backgrounds and skill levels.
Club Culture and Community
Beyond the monthly match, Polk County Gun Club boasts a strong youth program, with top finishers at Camp Perry each year. Though the pistol range was seldom used in the past, ASI has helped breathe new life into it.
Caton also noted the upcoming anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s impact on the region. “One year anniversary September 27 of Helene and the damage it caused. Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are still not yet rebuilt,” he wrote, grounding the club’s story in local resilience.
Looking Ahead
With the interest in expanded match offerings, Polk County Gun Club is poised for continued growth. Caton extended a warm invitation after reviewing the Senior Classic announcement from Paul Bunyan Sportsman’s Club in Puyallup, Washington:
“Y’all are invited to come visit if you are in the area. Please share that with all the crew.”