Piedmont Handgunners Assoc.

Piedmont Handgunners Association started in 1979 when eight shooters—Don Heckler, Woodrow Johnson, Dick Jones, Mont Mendenhall, Milford Miller, David Motsinger, Glenn Shelton, and Jim Weaver—decided they needed a place to practice together for NRA Hunters Pistol matches. They held their first practice sessions in Dick Jones's cow pasture. Within a month, Mont volunteered property near Colonial Country Club, and the club affiliated with the NRA and NCRPA.

The club has grown dramatically since then. In 1981, they hosted North Carolina's first-ever State Hunter's Pistol Championships. Two years later, they held the NRA Hunters Pistol National Championships. By 1984, their team was competing at Camp Perry's National Trophy Matches—and beat both North Carolina state teams.

Today, PHA operates on 78 acres (60 original acres plus 18 purchased in 2015) with multiple dedicated ranges:

• •Pistol bays for handgun training and practice
• •High power rifle range (200-yard) with tactical bays added in 2010
• •5-stand shotgun range (installed 2007)
• •Dedicated .22 rimfire range (added 2015)
• •Bench rest facilities

PHA hosts 11 regular match types, with most running monthly or weekly:

Non-members can participate in public events; contact the match director for gate access details.

Cost & Access: - One-time joining fee: $400 - First-year dues: $150 (total: $550 to join) - Annual renewal dues: $150 (membership year September 1–August 31) - Gate hours: 6am–8:30pm daily - Shooting hours: 8am–sunset daily - Open 365 days per year

Guest & Family Policy: Members can bring spouses, children, and up to two guests. If a spouse completes the orientation tour, they can bring guests and visit without the primary member. No minimum age for children—parents decide. Members are responsible for their non-member guests.

"PHA is the friendliest shooting club in North Carolina."

New members complete three steps: 1. Fill out online membership application 2. Pay $550 (mail in payment) 3. Complete orientation tour and safety shoot

Orientation tours are offered regularly. New shooter handgun classes are available—contact Brad Grimes or Richard Moore for details.

PHA formed as a non-profit in 1983 with 85 shareholders who purchased the original 60 acres for roughly $40,000. Those original shareholders receive their annual dues paid by the club as property rent. In 2010, recognizing the need for expansion, the club formed PHA Range II with 100 stockholders holding $100,000 in reserve funds for potential critical land purchases.

The organization now has over 1,000 members and continues to grow. Their mailing address is PO Box 891, Lexington, NC 27293. The physical range is located at 10346 S. NC Hwy 150 in Linwood, NC 27299.

PHA maintains affiliations with: - NRA (National Rifle Association) - NCRPA (North Carolina Rifle and Pistol Association) - Missouri Bullet (club members get discount code: piedmont-gc)

Members can purchase club merchandise through the PHA Members Store, including t-shirts, hoodies, caps, sweatshirts, and apparel ($15–$39). Custom orders with names or design modifications are available.