Upamanyu Biswas
The 2012 action thriller ‘Jack Reacher‘ depicts the titular character’s hunt for a talented marksman who guns down five civilians in Pittsburgh across the Allegheny River. Subsequently, James Barr, an ex-Army sniper and an associate of Reacher, is brought in for the murders. As the protagonist examines the details behind the crime, several elements arise that don’t line up, suggesting evidence of foul play in the mass murder. Reacher continues to pursue the clues, ultimately ending up at the Hinge Creek Gun Club Range, a shooting range in Ohio. Run by ex-gunnery sergeant Martin Cash, the establishment plays a pivotal role in shedding light on the identity of the real killer while also helping the former military police investigator gain an ally in the process!
The Real-Life Counterpart of Hinge Creek Gun Club Range
The Hinge Creek Gun Club in ‘Jack Reacher’ is a fictional shooting range created by Christopher McQuarrie, who wrote the film based on Lee Child’s 2005 novel ‘One Shot.’ In the book, the shooting range where Reacher meets Cash is in Kentucky, while the film depicts Hinge Creek Gun Club Range as an Ohio-based establishment. While seeking answers for James Barr’s reckless murder spree, the protagonist arrives at the place intending to find the shooting scores of his ex-military pal. However, in doing so, Reacher comes across the identity of the real killer and acquaints himself with the experienced gun range owner, Martin Cash. Although reluctant at first, the ex-gunnery sergeant helps the veteran investigator find the truth while also forming an alliance to bring the actual murderer to justice.
Interestingly, a shooting range with a similar name can be found in Kentucky, where the novel’s gun club is located, known as Knob Creek Gun Club. Touted as one of the few outdoor shooting ranges in the state, the establishment offers a variety of weapons as well as classes to demonstrate their use. While its name is similar to the Hinge Creek Gun Club Range, both of them are situated in entirely different states. Therefore, they are separate establishments without any significant connection. The filming of the scenes set in the Hinge Creek range took place at the McDonald Sportsmen’s Association, located at One Sportsman Way in Midway, Pennsylvania. It is a rifle range where people can also engage in archery in the wilderness. It is a not-for-profit organization where conservationist principles drive the business.
In the narrative, Reacher stumbles upon the gun range and its owner while trying to determine Barr’s innocence and lack of involvement in the massacre. The eponymous protagonist showcases his marksmanship abilities, which have become rusty over the years, while trying to win Cash’s confidence. The two gradually form an understanding owing to their military history and their stubborn need to make things right no matter what the cost. Thus, the Hinge Creek Gun Club Range is the setting of several scenes that become pivotal in the latter half of the film. However, despite its surface-level parallels to real-life establishments, it remains a fictional gun club, albeit with a counterpart in Pennsylvania.
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