Abilene Clay Sports

08/15/2026

Here is legendary FBI Special Agent Henry Sloan shown in 1947. While Sloan was not a competitive s***t shooter, he heavily influenced early FBI training facilities, by constructing s***t fields as part of the FBI fi****ms training program. S***t was used as a tactical training tool teaching FBI agents how to master rapid target acquisition and moving targets. Sloan was a legendary pioneer of the early FBI and the driving force behind modern fi****ms instruction at the FBI Academy in Quantico. Born in 1907, Sloan began his law enforcement career in the early 1930s as a state trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was a member of the "Original 50"—the very first training class of the newly formed Texas Highway Patrol.

Sloan joined the FBI as a Special Agent in 1935. Following World War II, the National Rifle Association appointed him to revive and manage the inactive National S***t Shooting Association which had been put on hold during the war. Because of his involvement with the FBI, he directly assisted with the technical production of the classic 1960s TV series, The FBI.

Sloan passed away on June 18, 1975, at the age of 67 after suffering a fatal heart attack. His passing came just four years after his official retirement from the FBI.

Steve Ellinger

08/15/2026

$1000 top shooter prize!

08/14/2026

I am pleased to now also be writing on a regular basis for the Upland Almanac Magazine! Here is my first article. Enjoy!

08/13/2026

08/13/2026

COMING AUGUST 19th!

08/12/2026

The Wi******er Repeating Arms Professional Exhibition Squad of 1907.

While touring together on behalf of Wi******er and using Dupont Smokeless Powder, this five-man team of elite marksmen shattered the existing world record by breaking 496 out of 500 flying clay targets. Team members were:

Fred Gilbert: From Spirit Lake, Iowa; widely recognized as one of the greatest natural shotgun experts of his era, scoring 98/1

William R. (W. R.) Crosby: An elite competitor who shared multiple world-record distinctions, scoring 100/100

Mowell (J. M.) Hawkins: One of the absolute top-tier professional touring shots in the nation, scoring 99/100

John R. Taylor: Hailing from Newark, Ohio, and famous for his consistent "straight" perfect score runs, scoring 100/10

Lee R. Barkley: The renowned crack shot of the Watson Park Gun Club in Chicago, scoring 99/100

J. Mowell Hawkins and Lee R. Barkley used Model 1897 Wi******ers with Fred Gilbert and William R. (W. R.) Crosby used Parker side x sides, but only loaded with Wi******er cartridges and DuPont powers.

During the early 1900s, and prior to stadium sports, competitive shooting was heavily associated with affluent social clubs, prestigious country estates, and high society. Wealthy community leaders, local politicians, and merchants traveled to these exhibitions. It was a prime opportunity to be seen in public, and socialize. Major shoots often concluded with lavish evening banquets, parades, or community barbecues.

These traveling Wi******er exhibition shooters were in Leesburg, Florida to promote the sport of competitive trapshooting across the country.

Steve Ellinger

08/11/2026

John Olin presents a custom made scroll engraved shotgun to General Curtis Lemay as an award tor being selected as the 1957 Wi******er Outdoorsman of the Year. LeMay was a U.S. Air Force general who fundamentally shaped American strategic airpower during World War II and the Cold War. Known for his aggressive tactics, iron discipline, and relentless leadership, he served as the fifth Chief of Staff of the Air Force from 1961 to 1965. General LeMay mandated that every U.S. Air Force base construct and man at least two s***t fields as part of a quality of life measure and that each base compete in s***t on a worldwide basis. LeMay was also the running mate with George Wallace in the 1968 Presidential campaign.

Steve Ellinger

08/10/2026

It’s been a hectic 9 days here but it’s time to head back to Texas! Leaving 3-1/2 miles of trap fields, and 1600 acres of trap, s***t and sporting clays shooting! Over 4 million targets thrown! Clay Target Legends is honored to be a part of this prestigious event, the 127th year of the Grand American!

Steve Ellinger

08/10/2026

Here is a rare photo of active members of the Scioto Gun Club from 1900. The club was actually based out of Portsmouth, Ohio, south of Chillicothe along the Scioto River. The Scioto Gun Club eventually merged with the Chillicothe Gun Club.

Steve Ellinger