Fort Hill Rifle & Pistol Club

Fort Hill Rifle & Pistol Club traces its roots back to Company 842 of the Maryland Minute Men, formed during World War II. After the unit was deactivated in 1944, members wanted to keep shooting together, so they organized the club and obtained their NRA charter in October of that year. What started as a handful of shooters from the disbanded militia company has grown into a regional shooting institution.

"The name Fort Hill Rifle Club was picked, not because it was named after the high school, but because it was in a geographical location close to the homes of the members."

Geographic Service Area: - All of Allegany County and Garrett County, Maryland - Bedford County and Somerset County, Pennsylvania (south of PA Turnpike) - Mineral and Hampshire County, West Virginia (north of Route 50) - Portion of Morgan County, West Virginia (west of Highway 522)

To Join: 1. Obtain application from current member 2. Get signatures from two members in good standing 3. Submit $25 application fee (covers background check) 4. Complete range orientation 5. Provide proof of NRA membership

• •Current Wait Time: Approximately 2 years

• •How to Get References: Shoot in a league. FHRPC specifically designed their league structure so new shooters naturally meet members and earn character references through competition.

Non-sanctioned match focusing on tactical firearm operation under stress. Shooters compete against themselves, not each other.

What You'll Do: - Maintain muzzle discipline at all times - Engage targets tactically - Execute planned and unplanned reloads - Diagnose and clear malfunctions - Shoot on the move, using cover and concealment

• •Firearms: .22 semi-autos through .45 ACP (revolvers allowed with speed loaders)

• •Targets: Paper, plastic silhouettes, and steel plates

• •Ammo: Setup designed for ~50 rounds (pistol) or 20-30 rounds (rifle stages)

Some shoots now include rifle stages requiring transition between rifle and pistol. You'll need a sling and holster for these.

Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) affiliated and NRA league. Scores eligible for CMP sanctioned matches and NRA recognition.

Sanctioned Matches: - EIC - Garand - Springfield - Carbine - RF Sporter - Vintage sniper - 80-shot service rifle

Courses of Fire: - 800 aggregate regional courses - 600-yard prone matches during high-power season

Shot at 50 yards with 30 targets on an 8.5" x 11" sheet. Goal is to cut the X in each target.

NRA Rules and Regulations govern all matches.

• •Match Times: Tuesday 10 AM & 6:30 PM
• •Qualification: 10 matches to qualify for NRA classification, club picnics, and dinners
• •Fees: Determined by match coordinator

40-shot match (10 shots each at 40, 60, 77, and 100 meters)

• •Targets: 1/5 scale metallic silhouettes—chickens, pigs, turkeys, rams

• •Any 22 LR rifle (no sight restrictions)
• •Standard velocity ammo only
• •Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) required except during firing line prep
• •Eye and hearing protection strongly recommended

• •Stance: Standing/offhand/unsupported (exceptions for inexperienced shooters)

• •Eligibility: NRA membership NOT required. Shoot at least 7 matches for end-of-year raffle eligibility.

Members with 25+ years of continuous membership earn life member status: - Exempt from yearly dues - Key for facility access - One vote in annual elections - Eligible to hold elected office

• •Note: Life membership category dropped for anyone joining after 2015. Pre-2016 members treated under original life membership rules.

The club operates on the O'Neal farm property on Morningside Drive in Cumberland. Recent maintenance and improvements include: - New padlock installation (2025) - Wall removal and replacement projects - 48 concrete blocks received for wall replacement - Combination access for clubhouse door

• •Dues Payment: December 31 annually. Pay at P.O. Box or drop off at lockbox on Morningside Drive.

Mailing Address: Fort Hill Rifle & Pistol Club, Inc P.O. Box 1242 Cumberland, MD 21502-1242

• •Email: [email protected]

Check the website for downloadable 2025 calendar and current wait list position.