Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
Wonderful Wife and moi got back from our Second Honeymoon last night, and I was still on vacation today....
So off to PGC most merrily went I.
Some skeet shooters had a competition going on Range 7, so I set up to shoot some trap on 8. I noted that a very attractive young woman in Beretta hat and vest was next to me.
After a couple shots, I knew this wasn't her first rodeo.
Her form was perfect.
She ran the round. Clays turned into dust most shots. She wielded her Beretta like Zorro did his rapier.
I introduced myself, mentioned this BB and asked a few questions. It came out that she was the Great Grand Daughter of Fred Etchen.
For those that came in late, Fred Etchen was one of the very first trapshooters inducted into the ATA Hall Of Fame. He was Champion at the Grand National more than once. Some trap folks still use a very tightly radiused grip he pioneered. Yclept the Etchen grip, it can be ordered from Wenig, etc.
Fred's son Rudy has been mentioned here. He shot competitively and won age classes at the Grand in every class from Sub-Junior to Senior Vet. He used an 870 to run 100x100 in trap doubles more than once.
No one else has ever done that.
Her father shoots trap on occasion, but is known better for running Joel Etchen Guns in Ligonier, PA. He stocks mostly target guns and has lots of happy customers.
He furnished her Beretta, a 682 series with nice engraving and a M/C stock cut to fit.
We chatted a few minutes and then shot some more. Rebecca missed few.
And here's the point I'm trying to make.
It doesn't take size, strength or Testosterone to be a shotgunner,even a top one.
Ms Etchen is young enough to look 16 when she smiles, which is often. I doubt she weighs 110 lbs. About 5'4", she is lightly built.
She has what is needed. Drive, commitment, and dedication. Good instruction helped, of course.
A top shooter has to be as committed as an Olympic Athlete. She seems to be.
And if only more of us Manly Men showed the same drive......
So off to PGC most merrily went I.
Some skeet shooters had a competition going on Range 7, so I set up to shoot some trap on 8. I noted that a very attractive young woman in Beretta hat and vest was next to me.
After a couple shots, I knew this wasn't her first rodeo.
Her form was perfect.
She ran the round. Clays turned into dust most shots. She wielded her Beretta like Zorro did his rapier.
I introduced myself, mentioned this BB and asked a few questions. It came out that she was the Great Grand Daughter of Fred Etchen.
For those that came in late, Fred Etchen was one of the very first trapshooters inducted into the ATA Hall Of Fame. He was Champion at the Grand National more than once. Some trap folks still use a very tightly radiused grip he pioneered. Yclept the Etchen grip, it can be ordered from Wenig, etc.
Fred's son Rudy has been mentioned here. He shot competitively and won age classes at the Grand in every class from Sub-Junior to Senior Vet. He used an 870 to run 100x100 in trap doubles more than once.
No one else has ever done that.
Her father shoots trap on occasion, but is known better for running Joel Etchen Guns in Ligonier, PA. He stocks mostly target guns and has lots of happy customers.
He furnished her Beretta, a 682 series with nice engraving and a M/C stock cut to fit.
We chatted a few minutes and then shot some more. Rebecca missed few.
And here's the point I'm trying to make.
It doesn't take size, strength or Testosterone to be a shotgunner,even a top one.
Ms Etchen is young enough to look 16 when she smiles, which is often. I doubt she weighs 110 lbs. About 5'4", she is lightly built.
She has what is needed. Drive, commitment, and dedication. Good instruction helped, of course.
A top shooter has to be as committed as an Olympic Athlete. She seems to be.
And if only more of us Manly Men showed the same drive......
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