SUBURBAN PISTOL LEAGUE HISTORY

Suburban Pistol League

Ralph DeCicco

League President

The Suburban Pistol League has been conducting NRA Bullseye matches for more than 50 years.  The league was home to several teams over those years, currently consisting of four: Newark Rifle and Pistol Club, Suburban Lawman, Union County Pistol Team, and Tri-Caliber Rifle and Pistol Club.

Newark Rifle and Pistol Club, established in 1932

At that time, we were shooting at Seton Hall.  At the time, there were too many members of the team, (over 20) so it was split into two: Newark 1 and Newark 2.  After a few years, Seton Hall closed its range and the league suspended the matches until a new venue could be found.  Shortly after, we were able to rent range time at the Kearny PAL.  In the 1990’s, the Kearny range was closed and demolished.  For a short time, we shot at the Bullet Hole in Belleville.  After that, we were able to hold matches at the Union County Pistol Range, where we still shoot today.  The Newark team currently has approximately 9 members.

When we originally moved to the county range, it was run by the Union County Parks and Recreation Department.  Now the range is run by the Union County Sheriff’s Department.  By special arrangement with the Union County Sheriff, the Suburban Pistol League has permission to use the range one night a week.