Shooting enthusiasts drawn to Coast Rifle and Pistol Club Published Oct. 9, 2007 By Airman David Salanitri 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Nearly 50 years ago, shooting enthusiasts in Harrison County founded the Coast Rifle and Pistol Club. Now, as in 1959, active-duty and retired military members are drawn to the club. Of the current membership of more than 900, nearly one-third are -- or have been -- in the military. Of those, 95 are active-duty Air Force members assigned at Keesler. The club's facility 5.7 miles north of Interstate 10 on Highway 67 includes three firing ranges of up to 350 yards for rifles and pistols, two skeet ranges and one trapshooting range. Hours are daylight to dusk year round. For those interested in pitting their marksmanship against that of other members, combat pistol tournaments are the second Saturday of every month and combat rifle tournaments the third Saturday of every month. Attendance at safety briefings offered every Saturday and Sunday is a prerequisite for membership. Dues are $100 per year. "Our club bylaws include promoting safe shooting and community involvement," said Kenneth Hablitzel, the club's combat pistol chairman and a member of the faculty development staff in the 81st Training Support Squadron. The club's emphasis on safety, said Air Force retiree Carol Ortego, is the main reason he joined. "You can trust other members here," said Ortego, a civilian training specialist in the 333rd Training Squadron. "You don't have to worry about going out to the range and someone not being safe." For more information, call or e-mail Hablitzel, 228-377-0297, kennth.hablitzel@keesler .af.mil.