2023 Buckeye Blast - March 26th ***SOLD OUT***

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.

Register Now! 

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:

• Make reservations at a hotel if you plan to stay overnight. Please see the list for lodgings below. Be sure to mention TDI and your NRA Membership, if applicable, for possible discounts.

• Plan your route in advance with Google maps or use your GPS. If you have any questions, call TDI at 937-901-6900 or email at tdiohio@gmail.com. Note: West Union is very rural, some cell phones will have no reception, and your GPS may not get you all the way to the facility. Look for the TDI logo sign at the driveway entrance when you get close.

• Pack for unpredictable weather. It’s an outdoor shoot and we shoot rain, snow, or shine. Bring a coat and, often the range is wet with mud and puddles, so don’t forget a good pair of boots. But then again, it is Ohio, so it may be blazing sun, dry, and 80° so bring lighter clothing too. In other words, be prepared for anything.

• Review the Universal Gun Safety Rules. Practice your techniques (with an unloaded, triple-checked, and/or roped gun, please), including draw, presentation, re-holstering, re-loading, and drawing/reholstering from concealment, in case you need to complete your stages wearing a coat or cover garment.

• Lastly, clean and lubricate your firearm. You may be firing hundreds of rounds and you want to be sure your gun operates smoothly and reliably all day. Some people bring a spare gun just in case - a smart idea!! You want to spend the day shooting, not fixing your firearm.

Equipment Checklist:

• Handgun with at least 3 magazines or speedloaders (any caliber)
• Holster (see note below)
• 300 rounds of ammo (minimum)
• Eye and ear protection (mandatory)
• Range bag for shooting gear and ammo
• Clothing for all possible weather (hot or cold, dry or wet)
• Rain poncho
• Rugged footwear (plus backup, waterproof footwear)
• Hat with brim (for sun and flying brass)
• Food and water for snacking (optional)
• Folding chair or stool (optional, if you don’t want to stand all day)
• Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, and other outdoor items as desired

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!