Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association

ABOUT CTAGA

The Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association (CTAGA) was founded in 1957 in Wichita, Kansas as a not-for-profit corporation, organized for the purposes of serving the interests of collectors and shooters of antique and antique-replica firearms and to help preserve the craftsmanship and the history of the arms of our forefathers for the enlightenment and enjoyment of future generations.

MEETINGS

Regular monthly club meetings feature a program, in which various aspects of collecting, shooting, gunsmithing or firearms history are discussed by knowledgeable members or guest speakers. The program is followed by reports by club officers and announcements concerning upcoming events and other information of general interest to members. Finally, a business meeting is conducted to transact any old or new business.

SHOOTING RANGE

CTAGA maintains a shooting range near Benton, KS for the use of club members. Regular shooting matches for members are held at the range each month, featuring a variety of competitive events in rifle, pistol, and shotgun. Occasional long-range invitational matches and other special events are held at the range during the year as well. All matches are shot with original or replica firearms. Cartridge guns must be chambered for an originally black-powder cartridge.

GUN SHOW

CTAGA sponsors and manages the biannual WICHITA GUN SHOW, the largest gun show in Kansas. Since proceeds from the gun show support all of the club's activities, all members are expected to assist in putting it on.

RENDEZVOUS

Each fall since 1976 CTAGA has hosted the Kansas State Rendezvous, a festive, three-day gathering of muzzle-loaders and their families to commemorate an 1830's fur-trade rendezvous. A somewhat less structured rendezvous is also hosted each spring. It is customary for participants to dress in period clothing, and many camp in the primitive style of the period. These events draw participants from far and near to enter shooting contests, to camp, to trade, and to enjoy the good fellowship that typify the rendezvous.

COWBOY SHOOTS

Cowboy action shoots have been regular events since 1992. Participants, individually and in teams, engage in a variety of action-shooting scenarios. A large western-façade town has been constructed for this purpose. Participants dress in period attire, and some set up period camps as well.

MEMBERSHIP

To gain membership in CTAGA, a person must first obtain sponsorship by a member in good standing. Sponsors are responsible for apprising prospective members of the application procedures as well as of the benefits and obligations membership entails. CTAGA has much to offer to its members; in return it is expected that members be active supporters of both the club's objectives and its activities. To that end, full membership in the CTAGA will not be granted to the applicant until after a one-year probationary membership and a 70% affirmative vote by the CTAGA members at large.