Albany County Pistol Club

07/16/2026

🚔 End of an Era 🚔

Around 1988 when I was a radio reporter for WTRY, I went to a press conference held by local law enforcement in Albany County.

While the big shots and politicians went ‘blah, blah, blah’… the ‘little shots’ like me hung in the back of the room.

Now, he wouldn’t remember this, but one of the ‘little shots’ was a good looking ‘kid’ in plain clothes, standing with guys in uniform.

I thought he looked like the Jason Priestley (Brandon from 90210)

He loooked at me and I looked at him and I said, ‘You a cop?’

He shrugged his shoulders and said, ‘Maybe.’

I said, ‘Man you could pass for high school. They should put you undercover like Johnny Depp and do some of that ‘21 Jump Street’ stuff’

He smiled and replied, ‘How do you know they don’t!’

It was Craig Apple.

I liked him that day and every day since because he is smart, has a sense of humor and is always kind to the media (even when we don’t deserve it)

Eventually he became Albany County Sheriff and has always won in a landslide.

As Sheriff he has set the tone of treating inmates with dignity.

A few years ago I reached out to Craig because I heard he was allowing a local preacher to come into the jail and work with inmates; keeping them on the right path.

Not only did he let me in and give me full access to the inmates and pastor, but the day I needed him at the jail he was on vacation with his family but drove in from a half-hour away to meet me there on a Sunday.

All I ever hope for with politicians and public figures is 4 simple words- “shoot straight with me”

Don’t give me BS, don’t duck me or lie.

Shoot. Straight. With. Me.

Craig Apple always did.

He just announced after winning election 4 times, he’s done after this term ends.

The little shot, who became a big shot, never forgot to be kind to the little shots and I speak for everyone in the local media when I tell you he will be missed.

- john

PS- he also likes German shepherds, if that ain’t the cherry 🍒 on the sundae 🍨

11/11/2024

The weekend of October 26th and 27th, 12-time National Bullseye campion Brian "Gunny" Zins presented a 2-day clinic. Brian is an amazing instructor who has a great presentation, many interesting stories about his 20-year service in the Marines, competitions and Top Shot TV series.

04/04/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iL_h2MrKqg

Twelve-time NRA Pistol Champion Brian Zins takes his tips from the five previous lessons and ties them all together into this final video on how to develop y...

09/27/2023

"BASIC" CONCEALED CARRY CLASS - ALBANY, NY AREA - If you hold a concealed carry permit, this class will give you the opportunity to become more knowledgeable, proficient and confident with your handgun, develop/practice the fundamentals of practical shooting and learn the safely and practical considerations of carrying a handgun and includes both classroom and range sessions.
Click the following link for more information and sign up today!
https://acpistolclub.com/event-5419110?fbclid=IwAR2SQSYxNlam8GyvnVcw6RRJkxYbmAQFm_onIORo_D7fQF4YM1QFMvYfnyQ

 A separate payment link will be sent once that minimum of 8 participants has been reached. Your $25 deposit will be required at that time. alance of $70 due on the day of the class in CASH ONLY PLEASE!

09/26/2023

NYS 18Hr. PRE-LICENSE PISTOL PERMIT CLASS:
The required course to obtain your New York State Pistol Permit.

The Albany County Pistol Club has been teaching NY pistol permit classes for over a decade. All instructors are NRA certified. Get started today, register for the required course with a professional, experienced team.

The Albany County Pistol Club has been teaching NY pistol permit classes for over a decade. All instructors are NRA certified. Get started today, register for the required course with a professional, experienced team.

09/15/2023

FYI

09/15/2023

Please check our website for upcoming classes
acpistolclub.com

05/11/2023

https://www.shootingillustrated.com/

Shooting Illustrated brings you the latest from the firearm industry, specializing in home and personal defense, concealed carry, long-range shooting and tactical fi****ms and gear.

01/31/2023

https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/5-hot-new-handguns-for-2023

SHOT Show 2023 saw the launch of dozens of new handguns, bringing fresh offerings to every corner of the consumer market. Here are five that stood out to our editorial team.

01/31/2023

https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/12-new-guns-for-2023

Here are some of the new guns slated for debut in 2023 that were shown off by 10 different manufacturers at the 2022 National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Show.