Bis-man Action Shooters

History of the BMRPA | Bismarck-Mandan Rifle & Pistol Association

The Bismarck-Mandan Rifle and Pistol Association (BMRPA) traces its roots back to 1966 when the Bismarck Revolver and Pistol Club organized. The club merged with the Missouri Valley Rifleman in 1981, and then changed its name to the Bismarck-Mandan Rifle and Pistol Association. Over the years, the BMRPA sponsored bullseye pistol, handgun, rifle silhouette matches and other shooting sports events. Bullseye pistol events were held at local police or National Guard ranges. Silhouette matches were held on public firearm ranges south of Bismarck. The BMRPA had a small but loyal following of competitive shooters. We always wanted to have our own club facilities so we could grow our membership base and expand the shooting sports opportunities in the region. However, it is challenging to grow an organization when you don't have club owned facilities.

Change began in 1992 when the BMRPA initiated a junior marksmanship program. The North Dakota Army National Guard (NDANG) and the Bismarck Parks and Recreation Department were extremely helpful in assisting the junior program by providing equipment and range access. The BMRPA also started leasing the NDANG range for adult shooting programs. The BMRPA still did not possess any shooting ranges and support facilities; however, by providing several additional shooting sports activities, the BMRPA was beginning to grow its membership and expand.

The BMRPA enjoyed a rather robust and dramatic change in 1999 when Marlin and Leanne Fried, owners of Gun City, a local gun shop in Bismarck, generously donated 50 acres of their family farmland near Moffit to the BMRPA. Members of the BMRPA excitedly broke ground on the outdoor firing range in 2000. After several years of vigorous efforts by the membership, the BMRPA began enjoying a full-fledged outdoor shooting sports facility. The Fried Family Marksmanship Complex (FFMC) outdoor range features a 16 firing point 1000 yard highpower range complete with target pits and a target shed; an 18 firing point 50 yard bullseye pistol range with 25 yard turning targets; a 300 foot wide covered firing line with target backstops at 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 yards; 13 concrete shooting benches; handgun and rifle silhouette ranges from 25 to 500 meters; a Cowboy Action shooting area; a club house; a picnic area; a maintenance shop; and an outdoor restroom. The BMRPA now had a place in which to expand shooting sports opportunities and programs, a place to call home.