ASHLAND — Gary Stevens graduated to “Super Senior” status after moving up to the most advanced age division in a recent practical shooting competition.

“I am now a Super Senior — which is from 65 until you’re dead,” he said with a grin.

A veteran competitive shooter and supporter of the Ashland Gun Club, Stevens won his division during the most recent U.S. Practical Shooting Association Area 8 competition in Fredericksburg, Va. Fellow club member Randy Click of Johnson County also came out on top in the senior division.

“I started back in ’87 ... eons ago. And, I met Gary shortly after that,” Click said, explaining he has “kept a finger on it,” since then although he decreased his match shooting for a few years to follow his son’s pursuit of Boy Scouts, football and basketball.

The men said the sport provides them a way to stay active and engaged in life. Stevens said practical shooting is also just fun.

“It’s a little hard to describe. It’s not your normal standing-there-shooting-at-a-target kind of shooting. It’s more run and gun,” Stevens said, noting he and Click competed in the production division, using firearms that can be purchased by anyone.

For recent matches, each has been aiming a 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P model, which is a departure for Stevens, who normally competes with a Smith & Wesson Model 1911.

“You don’t have to go out and spend a lot of money to do this. Basically, you need a holster that meets regulations, mag pouches and extra mags,” Click said, later adding safety training and plenty of practice are also a crucial investment for anyone considering competitive shooting.

Safety is always a critical part of the game, Stevens and Click agreed.

“In most sports you have to bump the ump or something to get thrown out. In our sport, if you break any safety rules you are done for the day,” said Stevens, who has worked with all new members of the club to make sure they understand the importance of procedures designed to keep all shots in the general direction of targets and away from officials and spectators. In competition, Stevens said shooters sometimes have to run backwards to get to their next set of targets, but must adhere to safety rules and always have their firearms pointed down range as they maneuver.

Click said practice at home is important.

“In the ’90s I would come home every day and shoot 300 rounds with my wife, Lori,” he said, adding competition from his spouse was largely responsible for his own evolution on the firing range.

The men said they have been inspired by the performance of female shooters in their club, often citing a desire to match or beat Betty Jo Ratliff as they discuss competitions. Stevens said female shooters make the best students because they don’t tend to bring bad habits to the firing line and listen closely to those who have experience.

At 65 and 56, respectively, Stevens and Click laugh at the idea of a training regimen to stay in shape for their sport, although they don’t deny physical condition is important. Stevens shook his head and smiled while explaining he adheres to a training diet including food from McDonald’s and Wendy’s. Click said he is hiking and biking, as well as doing aerobic activities to stay in shape and hopefully shed 15 to 20 pounds.

With health concerns including diabetes, Stevens said shooting will remain a major part of his life after his retirement from the Administrative Office of the Courts in December.

“I spent a career running around with my tailfeathers on fire,” said Stevens, who is also retired as a Kentucky State Police trooper. “I am a firm believer that you can’t sit around and read obits in the Ashland Daily Independent. You need to stay active in something. Keep your mind busy. Keep your hands busy.”

Stevens said the club is looking for people who want to get involved in competitive shooting.

“Our club is based around competition. I don’t want to sound snooty, but we want people who can be involved,” Stevens said. “The range fairy doesn’t come in and set things up and tear them down. We want people who want to work, shoot and be part of our club family. I think that is the reason this club has survived, because everybody is involved. We have turned down a lot of people who just want a place to shoot. Your sweat is more important than that $50 for a membership.”

For more information about the club or to watch videos of members, including Stevens and Click, in competitions, visit ashlandgunclub.com.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.