Powderhorn History

 The Powderhorn first opened in 1978 at 413 West Main Street in Hyannis, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The store was open Monday-Friday evening 6 - 9  p.m. and Saturdays 9 - 5. The 200 square feet of space held just firearms and related accessories.

 In 1983, the shop opened full time, 6 days a week. Two years later, The Powderhorn moved to Center Street, Hyannis, and increased to 800 sq. ft. At this  time, Mark started giving lessons in basic marksmanship, safety and Massachusetts firearm law. At the same time, we put in archery and initiated the law  enforcement business.

 By 1994, more space was needed again, and The Powderhorn moved to Barnstable Road, our present location. Fishing equipment was added in 1998  when Andy Little, a local expert in the field, came to work for the shop.

 Currently, our 4,000 sq. ft. of space is dedicated to providing the best in hunting, target shooting, archery, fishing, and law enforcement…and all related  accessories and educational opportunities. We offer an interactive, video shooting range for both archery and firearms. This high-tech shooting range is  available during normal business hours for those who want to hone their skills in either sport. The archery portion can be used with your equipment; the  firearms section is used with our guns, modified for use with this special technology. This facility is for rent by the half hour.

 Mark Cohen, the Proprietor of The Powderhorn, has been shooting since he was 8 years old. His Dad taught him to shoot and hunt. Together they hunted  on Cape Cod and throughout Massachusetts.

 In the early 60's, Mark was one of the Boy Scouts who shot at the indoor range at the local armory (site of John F. Kennedy's announcement as a  Presidential candidate) in Hyannis.

 Mark is familiar with hunting on Cape Cod, having hunted since boyhood with his dad, and on his own since he was old enough to do so - age 15.

 When in the Air Force after college, Mark was with Red Horse, a combat engineering squadron. He shot on the base pistol team and for one year was with  Cadre Unit, a training outfit which taught all the ANG west of the Mississippi River how to set up a perimeter, runway, mess tent and communications  network as well as how to run a convoy.

 In 1973 Mark was sent to Southeast Asia, where he was stationed in Northern Thailand and other places. Discharged in 1974, Mark worked in a local  wholesale business while planning The Powderhorn.

 In 1980 I was instrumental in starting the Juniors Program, which shoots at the Bass River Rod and Gun Club. It has been going strong ever since. I have  personally instructed hundred of kids, boys and girls, ages 9 - 18, in the safe handling of firearms and the fundamentals of marksmanship. This is a unique  opportunity for boys and girls to participate in a disciplined sport with possibilities for future competitions and scholarships. The Boy Scouts of America  Marksmanship Merit Badge has been earned by many boys through participation and individual mentorship within this Juniors program.

 The Junior Program meets every Thursday night beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Bass River Rod and Gun Club, Route 6A, Yarmouth Port. New shooters from  ages 9 - 18 are welcome to come by any Thursday night, year round. No pre-registration is necessary. New shooters should plan on arriving not later than  6:30 sharp. All equipment is provided. It generally takes about 30 minutes to shoot 25 rounds, which is the course of fire for the Juniors Program. As space  and time permits, participants may choose to fire another 25 rounds. In general, plan on spending 45 - 60 minutes at the range. Parents are encouraged to  remain and watch.

 The first night of attendance, young people should arrive no later than 6:30. The reason for this is that every new student is given an introduction to range  safety, range commands and the basics of shooting. Then they are able to participate safely in the shooting program that evening.

 The cost for the Juniors Program is $1.00 for each session. All equipment is provided.

 Many opportunities for growth exist in the shooting sports. Responsibility, concentration and physical prowess are some of the benefits. Currently one of my  Juniors is on the shooting team at Wentworth Institute. One of our best girl shooters was invited to the Olympic Training Camp. Five young men have gone  into various Special Operations units in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. All of hundreds of young people who have participated in the Juniors program  have continued to demonstrate safe and responsible firearms handling.