The 76 women that traveled to Missouri from 18 different states to participate in the 2024 A Girl & A Gun Fall Festival gained experience through shooting clinics, stage walkthroughs, social activities and two matches: the Team Pistol Challenge and the Multigun Challenge. The events took place at the Lucas Cattle Co. range located in Cross Timbers, Missouri, with the women competitors tackling 14 stages over three days of shooting in October.
Approximately half of the 65 Multigun Challenge participants were competing in their first three-gun match at the A Girl & A Gun Fall Fall Festival this year.
Nancy Grunnet, this year’s Pistol-Caliber Carbine division winner, said, “One of the best things about this match is how it brings together both new and seasoned shooters. It’s inspiring to watch everyone push their limits and to be a part of a community that fosters growth at all levels.”
Professional shooter Dianna Muller, the Modified Tac Ops winner and High Law Enforcement shooter, said, “I can’t say enough about the A Girl & A Gun Fall Fest, an all-ladies three-gun match. The stages were superb, the staff is unmatched and the prize table is ridiculously good. It’s not your normal three-gun match. If you need some practice before the match, you can train at Three-Gun University. Then there’s a one-day, two-person pistol-only match that is a hoot! Then two days of three-gun. Next year I hear they are having a two-gun division, so if you don’t want to mess with the shotgun, you can still play.”
Rangemaster Adam Willcox designed the stages with fun and technical maneuvers in mind. The Team Pistol Challenge featured six stages that competitors tackled in two-women teams. The Multigun Challenge boasted three-gun, two-gun and options stages in natural terrain throughout the Lucas property. Leading an exceptional team of 18 range officers, Wilcox and staff ensured the event was fun and safe.
“From the opening Pledge of Allegiance to the closing banquet, Fall Fest is a truly unique experience,” Theresa Schneider, who served on the match staff, said. “The community of women shooters encourage each other while pushing themselves to be their best, combined with an outstanding group of men who give their time and talent to make it happen by working tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable week.”
Andrea Reed of Austin, Texas, said, “This event holds a special place in my heart. It embodies the spirit of women supporting women. It breaks the barriers and limitations we have set in our own mind, revealing our true capabilities and our passion to grow in our endeavors.”
Darla Chilton, who was competing at her second A Girl & A Gun Fall Fest, said, “The laughter, smiles, waves and welcoming attitudes make you love the women you met and learn so much about their lives, the places they come from and where they are going. You learn how to shoot the great sports of three-gun and other shooting competitions, and to have the courage to compete with other women and men.”
Kim Skibbe of Indiana said, “I came to learn about three-gun; what I experienced was so much more. New friends and mentors welcomed me even though I really struggled with the skills. I left with a feeling of having had a great week of fun, accomplishment and eager to come back for more next year.”
In the Team Pistol Challenge, each two-woman team shot more than 300 rounds while wearing hilarious costumes. As for the Multigun Challenge, competitors fired more than 200 rounds of rifle, 200 rounds of pistol, 200 rounds of birdshot and a dozen slugs. Carbine targets ranged from as close as 10 yards to as far as 580 yards. Both matches were preceded by three days of training to help competitors learn the sport of three-gun under the guidance of Cindy Coker, with instructors Tennille Chidester, Jen Blake, Ursula Williams and Derrick Dumont.
Range Officer Jody Tippett said, “For five years I’ve worked the A Girl & A Gun Fall Fest. It’s my favorite match of the year and I don’t even shoot it. Seeing these ladies cheer each other on, the excitement and determination they show just makes my heart swell. Robyn Sandoval and Adam Willcox put on an incredible match. The ladies seemed to love every stage. It’s always nice to see the ladies return each year, but love seeing new ladies coming out to compete for the first time. I could go on, but I’ll just say that I’m already looking forward to next year.”
“I truly feel grateful for taking the leap and attending Fall Fest and not letting a second go to waste,” first-time A Girl & A Gun Fall Fest attendee, Silvia Arapicio of Illinois, said. “I’ve gained not only training experience and a couple matches under my belt, but I’ve gained a whole new three-gun family and friendships that’ll last a lifetime. I’m already signed up for next year.”
Ruger, Walther, Glock, Streamlight, Vortex, Crimson Trace, Magpul, Mantis, Savage Arms and many others contributed more than $150,000 worth of swag and prizes for competitors.
“We love welcoming new competitors to the shooting sports,” Robyn Sandoval, the president and CEO of A Girl & A Gun, said. “Fall Fest fosters the camaraderie of women coming together to enjoy shooting together and offers quality matches with fun stages, a talented staff and a jaw-dropping prize table—thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.”
Team Pistol Challenge Winners
- Irons: Pulp Fiction (Cindy Coker, Ursula Williams)
- Open: Tiger King (Tennille Chidester, Hannah Nichols)
- Split: Classy, Sassy and A Little Smartassy (Laurie Carlton, Marlis Kapellusch)
- Best Costumes: Pulp Fiction (Cindy Coker, Ursula Williams), Tiger King (Tennille Chidester, Hannah Nichols)
Multigun Challenge Winners
- Tac Ops Winner: Ursula Williams, 885.71
- Modified Tac Ops Winner: Dianna Muller, 851.03
- Limited Winner: Cindy Coker, 998.07
- Open Winner: Hannah Nichols, 746.74
- PCC Winner: Nancy Grunnet, 971.18
- High Military/Law Enforcement Three-Gun: Dianna Muller, 851.03
- High Senior Three-Gun: Shannan Chada, 1041.24
- High Senior PCC: Nancy Grunnet, 971.18
- High Super Senior Three-Gun: Francine Locke, 1683.02
- High Super Senior PCC: Sue Brozovsky, 1647.45
You can view the full results of the 2024 A Girl & A Gun Fall Festival Multigun Challenge at the Practiscore website.
Next year’s A Girl & A Gun Fall Festival will take place at the Lucas Cattle Co. range, October 10-12, 2025. Learn more at agirlandagun.org.
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