NRA President Allan Cors’s favorite firearm is this unique M1 Garand, originally given to John C. Garand by the Springfield Armory. Images courtesy NRA Museum (top) and NRA Publications.
NRA President Allan Cors has a very special M1 Garand in his firearms collection. This unique M1 rifle was originally owned by none other than its inventor, John C. Garand. This historic Springfield Armory M1 rifle bears the serial number 1,000,000. This rifle, which came complete with a walnut-fitted case, silver-plated clip and gold-plated cartridges, was originally presented to its designer John C. Garand as a retirement gift in 1953. Remarkably, this gift was the only reward the famous gun designer received for his contribution to the Allied victory in the Second World War.
Upon his passing, Garand’s family offered the rifle for sale. As the M1 was one of his passions and realizing the extraordinary historic significance of this particular gun, Allan Cors made an offer on the M1. The Garand family accepted.
“I felt very good that they trusted me to do the right thing. Let’s face it: we are only temporary custodians of these things,” Cors said. “They are here in our hands for a while, and then they are passed on to the next generation.”
About John C. Garand
Jean Cantius Garand (January 1, 1888 – February 16, 1974), also known as John C. Garand, was a Canadian designer of firearms who created the M1 Garand, a semi-automatic rifle that was widely used by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps during both World War II and the Korean War. Garand’s fondness for machinery and target shooting blended naturally into a hobby of designing guns, which however took a more vocational turn in 1917. That year the United States Army took bids on designs for a light machine gun, and Garand’s design was eventually selected by the War Department. The U.S. government employed Garand as an engineer with the Springfield Armory from 1919 until he retired in 1953.
Credit: NPS Photo, public domain
In Springfield, Massachusetts, Garand was tasked with designing a basic gas-actuated self-loading infantry rifle and carbine that would eject the spent cartridge and reload a new round based on a gas-operated system. Designing a rifle that was practical in terms of effectiveness, reliability, and production, stretched over time; it took fifteen years to perfect the M1 prototype model to meet all the U.S. Army specifications. The resulting Semiautomatic, Caliber .30, M1 Rifle was patented by Garand in 1932, approved by the U.S. Army on January 9, 1936, and went into mass production in 1940. It replaced the bolt-action M1903 Springfield and became the standard infantry rifle known as the Garand Rifle. During the World War II, over four million M1 rifles were manufactured. The Garand Rifle proved to be an effective and reliable weapon and was praised by General MacArthur. General Patton wrote, “In my opinion, the M1 rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised.” Source: Wikipedia.com.
On December 15, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Montana) to become Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Congressman Zinke is a patriot and an outdoorsman. He served as a Navy SEAL from 1986 until 2008, retiring with the rank of Commander.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) praised President-Elect Donald Trump’s selection of Commander Zinke to be the next Secretary of the Interior. “In Congressman Zinke we have a true friend of American sportsmen who believes in the inestimable value of our public lands. We are confident Congressman Zinke will work to preserve and promote our hunting and related outdoor traditions. He is an American hero, a lifelong hunter and angler, and a true conservationist in the tradition of Teddy Roosevelt,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior VP and General Counsel. “The Secretary of the Interior is arguably the nation’s single most important position with regard to the management of federal lands, wildlife habitat, and natural resources. Competing interests must be balanced with what will be in the best long-term interest of the nation. We look forward to enthusiastically supporting his nomination in Congress and then working with Secretary Zinke to help him achieve that mission.”
“I can still remember the first time dad took me out hunting. I think every kid should have that experience, which is why I oppose shutting down the forest to target shooting. Hunting and recreational shooting are two very important outdoor activities shared and enjoyed by residents and tourists alike,” — Rep. Ryan Zinke
The NRA has announced a new summer event — a trade show focused on licensed “carry”, self-defense, and home protection. The new NRA Personal Protection Expo (PPExpo) will be held August 25-27, 2017 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is a 3-day educational and interactive experience for citizens interested in personal protection, concealed carry, and defense tactics. According to the NRA: “This all-new event will equip visitors with the products, training and mindset necessary to prepare and defend themselves and their loved ones when threats arise.”
Expo guests can attend educational protection/defense workshops taught by leading experts and instructors from across the country. The Expo’s Exhibit Hall will showcase firearms, shooting accessories, concealment gear, storage products, tactical gear, and home defense solutions.
The Expo’s concealed carry (CCW) workshops will cover concealment methods, holster selection, and tactics. Personal protection seminars will cover personal defense, situational awareness, product selection, and skills building. Home defense seminars will cover home defense plans, preventative security measures, and responding to intruders. For more information about the Personal Protection Expo, visit https://www.NRAPersonalProtectionExpo.org.
The Rockies, Great Lakes, and Northeast are bracing for a major storm this weekend, bringing cold winds, ice, and plenty of snow. Many Northern states have already seen lots of the white stuff. It seems like it will be a White Christmas for many. Does that mean there will be no more gun fun ’til spring? Heck no — just grab your snow shovel, load up your rifle, and go shooting. Here’s how Forum Member Nick (aka “ChevyTruck 83″) coped with winter’s fury back in 2012. Never underestimate the resourcefulness of a dedicated AccurateShooter Forum member….
We admire the fortitude of Forum Member Nick who braved wintry December weather to enjoy a day at the range in his native Pennsylvania. A little snow on the ground couldn’t stop this intrepid shooter, who brought snow shovel and arctic gear to his range session. Folks, here’s a true “hardcore” fan of shooting! Despite the “relentless snow”, Nick reports that “at least it wasn’t windy”. Nick shot a variety of long guns, including his .22LR rimfires, a .223 Rem, and a .308. Not daunted by the cold, Rick said it was fun to “play like a kid once in a while.” That’s the spirit!
Nick reports: “There was no wind to speak of — just relentless snow. I’ll tell you what — it’s awesome to get out and play like a kid once in a while.”
Nick’s foray into the winter wonderland really puts things in perspective for “fair-weather” shooters. After viewing Nick’s Forum thread about his snowy range session, fellow Forum member DennisH observed: “I will never complain about our super hot sugar cane fields in south Louisiana ever again! We can hold matches 12 months a year. I have NEVER had, owned, or used a snow shovel.”
With the NRA Moving the National High Power Rifle Championships away from Camp Perry starting in 2017, the CMP has stepped into the breach, offering a new series of rifle matches in the first part of the June 2017 National Match Schedule. The new CMP Cup Individual Matches, CMP Cup Team Match, and EIC Rifle Match will provide rifle competitors an opportunity to participate in the type of matches that have been fired on the shore of Lake Erie since 1907.
In the opening week of the National Matches schedule, June 26-30, 2017, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will lead off the competitions with CMP Service Rifle and CMP Match Rifle events, called the CMP Cup Matches. The CMP Cup series includes a CMP Four-Man Team Match, three days of CMP 800 Aggregate Matches (2,400-point Overall Aggregate), and wrapping up with a CMP Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) Service Rifle Match.
NOTE: The New Matches (Marked as CMP CUP WEEK) Will Be Held June 26-30, 2017:
“We are pleased to announce the introduction of new CMP service rifle and match rifle events during the first phase of the National Matches, previously occupied by other events”, said Mark Johnson, CMP Chief Operating Officer. “It is our mission… to host competitive rifle and pistol matches befitting our nation’s best shooters at the permanent home of the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.” The CMP’s expansion of marksmanship events at Perry began in 2016 with the Legacy Series events for vintage and modern military rifles.
BACKGROUND: NRA MOVES RIFLE EVENTS to INDIANA
The NRA has announced that it is moving the National High Power XTC Rifle Championship, Mid-Range Championship, and Long Range Championship away from Camp Perry, Ohio, starting in 2017. These matches will henceforth be held at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. These changes are subject to final approval by the NRA Board of Directors in 2017, but we do not anticipate a change. That means if you want to compete in both CMP and NRA rifle matches, you would need to go two different venues, located 280 miles apart, in two different states.
On July 14, the CMP will fire its second set of National Matches rifle events including SAFS for Rifle, the CMP National Trophy Rifle Matches, and CMP Rifle Games Events, which conclude July 25. The final event, CMP National Rimfire Sporter Match, will be conducted on Saturday, July 29.
For more information about the National Matches, including the finalized 2017 calendar, visit the CMP 2017 National Matches website.
UPDATE DEC. 16, 2016: The latest Daily Giveaway is for Sierra Bullets. Multiple winners will receive a box of Sierra projectiles. CLICK HERE to enter.
This is DAY THREE of Powder Valley’s 12 Days of Christmas Promotion, which started on Monday. Each day, now through December 23rd, Powder Valley will give away valuable products. You get a chance to win by visiting Powder Valley’s Facebook Page and posting a comment. Winners will be selected by lotter from those who posted a comment.
You’ll definitely want to get involved today! For December 14th, Powder Valley is giving away Lapua Brass and Bullets. That’s right, you could win a box of ultra-premium Lapua cartridge brass or a box of super-accurate Lapua bullets. Today Powder Valley will be giving away twenty (20) boxes of brass and forty (40) boxes of bullets. Now that’s a bonanza.
On the Tenth day of Christmas Powder Valley gave to me: Santa’s Lapua stash for reloaders in need! Santa says give away 20 boxes of brass and 40 boxes of bullets! (excluding .338 cal.)
What is your favorite Lapua bullet/brass and why? Caliber, grain weight, etc.?
Multiple winners will be chosen! Persons who visit Powder Valley’s Facebook Page and comment on today’s Lapua Giveaway will be entered to win.
Here’s a cool Christmas Gift item — a high-quality 70-page coloring book featuring firearms. If you have kids or grandkids that enjoy shooting or hunting, this could be a fun, interactive gift. (Heck we know some adults who would enjoy it too.) Offered by Top Shot Champ Dustin Ellermann, Full Metal Coloring features quotes from famous people and shooting tips from ace shooters such as Jerry Miculek and Bryan Zins. The WideOpenSpaces Blog says: “Forget abstract designs or run-of-the-mill shapes. Instead, get your hands on this cool coloring book full of guns.” The price is $11.99.
Product Description: Filled with humor, history and iconic images, Full Metal Coloring appeals to military, veterans, shooting sports athletes and hunters. Amusing quotes by Aristotle, Walter Cronkite, Wyatt Earp and more. Shooting tips by Jerry Miculek, Brian Zins, Jim Henderson and more!
Great news for shooters –Bill Gravatt (former owner and President of Sinclair International) has joined the team at Creedmoor Sports. Bill will work with Creedmoor on product development, customer service, and other key tasks, bringing his decades of experience to Creedmoor’s operations. Creedmoor Sports is a company on the rise — it now offers a full line of ammunition, and in recent years Creedmoor has launched its own successful “brick and mortar” retail stores.
Bill has worked in the shooting and reloading industry for over 25 years. His vast knowledge of “all things shooting and reloading” will help Creedmoor expand its product line and serve hand-loaders. Bill Gravatt commented: “The folks at Creedmoor Sports remind me of the great team I had at Sinclair International. They are all driven in pursuit of exemplary customer service, they create well-made products, love to shoot, and just enjoy the daily satisfaction that comes from helping fellow shooters enjoy their sport.”
Greg Kantorovich, owner and President of Creedmoor Sports, tells us: “We are excited to have Bill working with us in many areas including product innovation, content production, reloading expansion, and consulting with our management team.”
“Bill brings a passion for people, product, and process that is second to none. In the short time we have been working together he has helped us raise the bar on becoming a better company to serve our customers. Myself and my team are excited for the future of precision rifle shooting and what Creedmoor will continue to bring to market.”
About Creedmoor Sports, Inc.
Creedmoor Sports produces rugged, well-built equipment for precision-driven rifle shooters. Creedmoor offers products for centerfire, smallbore and air rifle/pistol disciplines, as well as hunting and recreational shooters. For more information, visit CreedmoorSports.com.
Do you really know (and understand) the gun laws in your home state? Do you know when the use of deadly force is allowed? Do you know if the “Castle Doctrine” applies in your state or whether your state has a “Stand Your Ground” law in effect? If you ever carry a firearm for self-protection, you should know the answer to these and other important questions. Thankfully there are some excellent, up-to-date resources that explain the gun laws in five key states: Colorado, Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas. These gun law treatises, published by U.S. Law Shield, provide the text of important gun laws, along with expert commentary from experienced attorneys. The books provide clear explanations of gun laws in easy-to-understand language.
Gun Law Seminar Programs in Eleven States
In addition to its Gun Law books (offered for five states), U.S. Law Shield conducts legal seminars in 11 states across the country: CO, FL, GA, KS, MO, NJ, OH, OK, PA, TX, and VA. At these Gun Law Seminars, you can ask questions and get state-specific answers from Law Shield Independent Program Attorneys in each jurisdiction. CLICK HERE to find a seminar in your state.
Top Shot Champion Dustin Ellermann is not just a great shooter. He also directs a Christian-oriented youth program in Texas. In the spring of 2017, Dustin’s Camp His Way team will be offering weekend marksmanship camps for youngsters and teens. Dustin tells us that there are still a few spots available for the Kids’ Camps on February 25-26 and March 25-26, as well as the Teen Camp on March 11-12, 2017. These two-day Camps make a great holiday gift for youngsters. The programs are conducted at Camp His Way outside of Zavalla, Texas. For more information, visit Marksmancamp.com.
These weekend Marksmanship Camps are specially designed for kids aged 9-13 and teens 14-18. The Christian-oriented two-day camps focus on safety, marksmanship skills, and team building. Campers enjoy a host of fun skill-oriented activities: Airgun Shooting, Archery, Blowguns, Knife Throwing, Paintball Games, Slingshots, Tomahawk Throwing, and of course Rimfire Rifle Marksmanship with a variety of rifles. The Rimfire Rifle Marksmanship program features Volquartsen Custom Rifles, S&W M&P 15-22s, Ruger 10/22s, Savage bBolt Actions, and Henry Lever Actions.
The Kids’ (ages 9-13) Marksmanship Weekends cost $270. Teen (ages 14-18) Camps are $300.00. These fees include all ammo, equipment, meals, lodging, team t-shirt, and one adult guest spectator. Parents are welcome to attend and spectate, but participation in marksmanship activities is limited to the kids at this time. CLICK HERE to reserve a spot — a few openings are still available.
Notice the young campers always wear ear and eye protection when shooting firearms. That’s as it should be. We wish adult shooters, including benchrest, smallbore, High Power, and F-Class competitors, followed this important safety practice.
Credit: NPS Photo, public domain
We admire the fortitude of Forum Member Nick who braved wintry December weather to enjoy a day at the range in his native Pennsylvania. A little snow on the ground couldn’t stop this intrepid shooter, who brought snow shovel and arctic gear to his range session. Folks, here’s a true “hardcore” fan of shooting! Despite the “relentless snow”, Nick reports that “at least it wasn’t windy”. Nick shot a variety of long guns, including his .22LR rimfires, a .223 Rem, and a .308. Not daunted by the cold, Rick said it was fun to “play like a kid once in a while.” That’s the spirit!
