NEW FORMAT FOR 2023!
This year we've made some changes. We are removing the usual cardboard & pasters and switching to steel targets! You'll also get to learn some vehicle tactics! Plus, there are more fun changes!
Enjoy a full day of shooting at Tactical Defense Institute, one of America's premier firearm training facilities, along with your friends from Buckeye Firearms Foundation and fellow pro-gun supporters.
If you've never been to one of our Blasts, you're in for a real treat. If you have, then you know what to expect ... a full day of shooting fun at the world famous Tactical Defense Institute (TDI) in southern Ohio.
Proceeds will support the Buckeye Firearm Foundation and it's FASTER Saves Lives Program!! You can read more about the FASTER Program by clicking here. THIS YEAR, 10% of the gross from this year's BLAST will be donated in memory of John Murphy to the Semper-Fi Dog Rescue charity. John, 48 years young, passed away on November 10th. He was a long time member of the Isaac Walton League and a volunteer at many previous Buckeye Blasts.
Meet Buckeye Firearms Foundation volunteers, gun rights defenders, and sport shooting enthusiasts from all over the state.
One year we had a supporter travel all the way from Ireland to come shoot with us and share the freedoms we enjoy here in the U.S. and too often take for granted.
Pete Thompson and his fellow Isaac Walton League Pistol Team, along with TDI instructors will help set up the stages and run the scenarios while the Buckeye volunteers oversee the festivities. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun!!
COST: $140 per person. A maximum of 60 spots are available. For most of our events, you may cancel and receive a refund (less a $15 processing fee per registered attendee) up to 3 weeks before an event. No refunds within 3 weeks of an event.
Event Description:
This all-day event is a combination of IDPA-style scenario shoots and basic tactical training. If you are familiar with IDPA, you know what to expect. If not, don’t worry. It’s designed to be fun for everyone, from beginners to advanced shooters. Most shooters at this event will be IDPA novices. Everything will be explained and demonstrated step-by-step throughout the day.
You will be shooting at picture targets, steel plates, and steel silhouettes on the range and in live fire houses.
Itinerary:
8:00 - 8:30
There are a lot of administrative things we need to accomplish before we can begin the fun so PLEASE BE ON TIME!!! Plan to arrive by 8:00 a.m. SHARP!!
THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO HANDLING OF FIREARMS BEHIND THE FIRING LINE.
Parking helpers will tell you where to park when you arrive. After you have parked, please take your CASED OR HOLSTERED handgun and equipment to the lower range (the open area with the picnic shelter and large storage building nearby) for a mandatory handgun handling evaluation by the instructors, who will inspect your equipment and assess your ability to properly draw and present your handgun. After your assessment, you will case your firearm, take your gear, and head to the classroom.
The classroom is the main building with the American flag in front. Here you will check in and sign a Release of Liability form, after which you will receive your name tag, squad assignment, Blast Stages map, and descriptions of each of the stages.
8:30 - 9:30
We will have a quick welcome and introductions, followed by an overview of the day’s events and instruction on proper gun handling. You will go to the range and get into your assigned squad. Each squad will have about 10 shooters plus Range Safety Officers (RSOs) and one or more representatives from Buckeye Firearms Foundation. Each squad will follow their squad leader to one of the stages to begin the fun.
9:30 - 12:30
The morning’s events will include three stages. Each shooter will get one or more chances to shoot each stage. After each stage is complete, everyone will rotate with their squad to the next stage. Again, everything will be explained clearly as you go, so just follow your stage leader's instructions and have fun!!
12:30 - 1:15
A yummy, catered lunch with deserts and beverages is included in your event price or you are more than welcome to bring your own. Please note that these are your only options as you won’t have time to eat off-site.
1:15 - 1:30
Depending on how close we are to schedule, we’ll try to fit in an ammo demonstration with water jugs and the Tueller 21-foot attack drill, which is always a "blast"!! We’d also like to take a group photo, so please stick around until we’re done.
1:30 - 4:30
The afternoon will proceed just like the morning, with shooters completing three new stages.
4:30 - 5:00
We will conduct our closing ceremonies, give our high fives, atta boys, and "There's always next year's" and head off into the sunset.
Pre-Event Checklist:
Equipment Checklist:
Note on holsters — You may use a strong-side belt, paddle, or inside-the-waistband holster which allows re-holstering with one hand. You may NOT use a shoulder, ankle, cross-draw, fanny pack, chest/belly band, or thunderwear/smartcarry type holster.
Please note that TDI DOES NOT allow the use of Blackhawk Serpa holsters or any holster that requires your trigger finger to disengage a holster locking mechanism.
Lodging Options:
Comfort Inn
7525 US-23
Piketon, OH 45661
(740) 289-3000
Shawnee State Lodge
St. Rt. 125
Friendship, OH
(800) 282-7275
Murphin Ridge Inn
750 Murphin Ridge Rd.
West Union, OH
(937) 544-2263
Dogwood Farm B&B
7070 St. Rt. 125
West Union, OH 45693
(937) 544-5227
You may also be able to find an airbnb in the area!