In 1956, a group of rifle shooters got together to form what is now South River Gun Club. At that time, the club was known as Gate City Gun Club. The shooters were primarily bench rest rifle shooters. The Charter Members were T.C. Kennon, Gene Kline, Roland Roberts, Bill Woodward, Lee Sorrells, Sr., Dr. Jack Delk, Marion Key, Charlie Johnson, and G.J. Dye.
In looking for a place to shoot, they found a spot about 1/2 mile outside the Atlanta City Limits in an old abandoned rock quarry (behind what is now Moreland Avenue Shopping Center). The Club leased the property from the owner and stayed at this location for eight years. When this property was condemned, the members again started looking for a new site. This time, the favored spot was Panola Road, which is presently Fairington Condos at I-20. After contacting the owner, Mr. Raspass, they found him to be a very civic minded man and interested in their project to relocate the club. He sent machinery out to make a road to the shooting site. The Club was allowed to stay free of charge until the property was sold.
While there, the members built a 100 & 200 yard rifle range, one skeet and trap field, and a 50 yard pistol range with fixed targets. The skeet machines were hand cocked manual throwers, with the use of a 6 volt battery attached to a member’s car for release. In 1967, the Club received notice the land was being sold and they would have one year to relocate.