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May 8th, 2014
 Team Smith & Wesson shooter Julie Golob has a message for this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11th). Julie writes: “While some are using Mother’s Day week to push a gun control agenda, I’d like to encourage moms to ‘Take a Moment’. Talk to your kids about firearms safety. Help them learn what to do around firearms and have an open, honest discussion about guns and gun safety.
I truly believe that, no matter if you are pro-gun or anti-gun, everyone should know and understand the basic rules of firearm safety. It is equally important for parents to have the discussion about guns and what to do if your child finds one. Both the NSSF’s Project ChildSafe and the NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program are excellent. They offer resources for parents, educators, and child care providers to help ensure kids stay safe.
Julie encourages all who read this to share the message. So far, on Facebook, the “Take a Moment” image has been shared 639 times, and seen by 66,112 people. That’s the power of the internet. Julie says: “Thank you all so much for helping me spread the importance of firearms safety.”
May 6th, 2014
 USAMU Service Rifle shooter/instructor SSG Brandon Green set a new national record this past week, shooting a 500-33X in the individual Aggregate, National Match Course (NMC) with metallic sights. Green was near-perfect in the 200-yard Rapids, shooting an amazing 100-9X. Green was shooting a Tubb 2000 bolt-action rifle chambered in 6XC. He set the new record using Norma factory ammo. Yep, this was factory 6XC ammo, right out of the box.
National Record Score Card of SSG Brandon Green
SSG Green is the current NRA High Power National Champion and Interservice Rifle Champion. He and the rest of the USAMU rifle team have trained hard for the 2014 season. Yet Brandon joked about his record-setting performance, noting that the record was shot with his “back-up” gun. On his Facebook page, Brandon posted: “500-33X NMC. Not positive, possibly a record [Editor: Yes it was.] Not too bad for a #2 gun.” Not too bad indeed, Brandon. Congratulations on this achievement. This bodes well for Green’s goal to win a second straight National High Power Championship at Camp Perry this summer.
Note: After setting a National Record with 500-33X during the individual match with his Tubb 2000, SSG Green followed with a 498 the following day using a Service Rifle during the team match. Remarkable.
File photo of Green with Service Rifle (posed publicity photo).
May 1st, 2014
 Twenty-two years ago Larry and Brenda Potterfield launched the NRA Round-Up, a special program designed to raise funds for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA). To date, MidwayUSA Customers have contributed nearly $10 million dollars to the NRA-ILA National Endowment for the Protection of the 2nd Amendment.
“On January 2, 1992 we started asking our Customers at MidwayUSA if they would ‘Round-Up’ their order to the next higher dollar and let us donate that money to the NRA-ILA. Our Customers overwhelmingly said yes and to date they have donated nearly $10 Million,” said Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA. “The actual donations have never been spent, but each year, NRA-ILA spends five percent of the interest to fight anti-gun legislation.”
At the 143rd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Indianapolis last weekend, Larry and Brenda Potterfield presented a ceremonial check to NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox for $9,892,195.82, the total amount of money that has been donated by MidwayUSA Customers since 1992.
April 30th, 2014
 Alliant Techsystems (ATK or Alliant) is merging its aerospace/defense operations with Virginia-based Orbital Sciences. At the same time, ATK plans to spin off its sporting arms, ammo, and outdoor gear operations into a separate, stand-alone business. ATK sells sporting products under numerous brands including Alliant Powder, Blackhawk, Bushnell, CCI, Champion, Federal Premium, RCBS, Savage Arms, Speer, and Weaver Optics. The new Alliant sporting business will operate from Utah, while the merged Orbital-ATK aerospace business will be managed from Virginia.
According to the Washington Post: “The separation of ATK’s core segments gives it the opportunity to focus on its sporting goods sector, which has grown to a $2.2 billion business through several mergers and acquisitions over the past decade. The company manufactures commercial sporting equipment for hunters, shooters and law enforcement agencies.”
 The announced merger of Alliant and Orbital, and the spin-off of the sporting business, should benefit Alliant shareholders. Alliant shares rose 8% yesterday. Alliant shareholders will own 53.8% of the new Orbital-ATK aerospace company, and Alliant shareholders will retain full ownership of the new spin-off sporting enterprise. Alliant’s current CEO and president, Mark DeYoung, will take over as chairman and CEO of the new sporting business.
Will the new Alliant Sporting operation continue to grow? Analysts believe that it will. Management has shown interest in building the company via more sporting industry acquisitions. Analysts believe the Alliant sporting division is poised for continued expansion. While Alliant’s aerospace operations have suffered in recent years from cuts in defense spending, the sporting division has seen impressive revenue growth.
According to StarTribune.com: “The sporting unit’s rocket-like growth has captured the attention of Wall Street analysts. Barclays Capital analyst Carter Copeland recently boosted his forecast on Alliant, noting that “over time … the sporting group has made a more significant portion of the total company’s sales and earnings. … The last seven quarters the business has posted average organic growth on a year-over-year basis of 23 percent.”
For those in the shooting community, the spin-off of ATK’s sporting operations is probably a good thing. The new company can focus on guns, ammo, and outdoor accessories, rather than aerospace programs with long development cycles. Likewise the new company should be more responsive to consumers, as it can adjust production to current market demands, rather than fixed government defense contracts. ATK officials stated that “the company’s Sporting and Aerospace/Defense businesses operate in two fundamentally different markets with very different operating dynamics, compliance requirements, customer sets and growth opportunities. As standalone companies, they will be more focused businesses, with clear and distinct strategic visions and objectives, additional operational flexibility and the financial strength to make the most of their unique opportunities in their respective industries.”
Under the terms of the transaction agreement, ATK will distribute ownership of Sporting to ATK shareholders in a spin-off transaction, following which, ATK shareholders will own 100 percent of Sporting. The spin-off will be immediately followed by a merger of Orbital with a subsidiary of ATK, with Orbital surviving the merger and becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of ATK. In connection with the merger, Orbital shareholders will receive 0.449 shares of ATK common stock for each share of Orbital common stock that they hold. Upon the closing of the merger, ATK shareholders will own approximately 53.8 percent of the combined company on a fully diluted basis and Orbital shareholders will own the remaining approximately 46.2 percent of the combined company on a fully diluted basis.
April 29th, 2014
The Sloughhouse Benchrest Shooters hosted the 2014 National Benchrest Shooters Association (NBRSA) 600-Yard and 1000-Yard National Championships April 23-27, 2014. The match was shot in generally good conditions at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center. Richard Duncan won the 1000-yard championship, finishing 8 points ahead of past Champ Richard Schatz. In the 600-yard Championship, Steven Raeder edged runner-up Wayne Courand. Bill Johnston set three, NBRSA 1000-Yard Heavy Gun Group Records* during the course of the match. Jim O’Connell reports that the sponsors were very generous again this year. Jim notes: “I think the big raffle winner this year was Bill Hubina who won a Nightforce scope and a Bat action. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for your support of the Sloughhouse Benchrest Shooters. Hope to see you again next year for the 2015 Nationals.”
File photo from past event.
The three linked MS Word documents include results of the 600-Yard Nationals, the 1000-Yard Nationals, and the F-Bench Match. Click and download these files to view complete Group, Score, and Aggregate results, with rankings of all the individual competitors.
NBRSA 1000-Yd Nationals Results | NBRSA 600-Yd Nationals Results | NBRSA F-Bench Results
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1000-Yard Overall Two-Gun Results
1. RICHARD DUNCAN – 13 (Nat’l Champion)
2. RICHARD SCHATZ – 21
3. BILLY COPELIN – 25
4. BRUCE BANGEMAN – 25
5. ROBERT HOPPE – 28
6. SHAWN GREENE – 30
7. BILL JOHNSTON – 34
8. GREG WILSON – 37
9. CANADA CUMMINS – 41
10. PETER WHITE – 44 |
600-Yard Overall Two-Gun Results
1. STEVEN RAEDER – 12 (Nat’l Champion)
2. WAYNE COURAND – 15
3. TOM ESSER – 28
4. DAVID LLOYD – 31
5. JOSEPH MCKEE – 41
6. GREG WILSON – 46
7. KENNETH SCHROEDER – 48
8. JERRY TIERNEY – 49
9. TERRY BALDING – 51
10. SHAWN GREENE – 56 |
*Bill Johnston set the following Heavy Gun records at the Nationals: Single Target Heavy Gun Group, 4.219″; Three-Target Heavy Gun Group Agg, 5.056; Six-Target Heavy Gun Group Agg, 5.899.
April 29th, 2014
Be courteous to your fellow Americans — there’s a good chance that they might be packin’. Over the past few years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of concealed carry licenses (CCLs) issued throughout the United States. In fact, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) the number of CCLs has risen 29% in the short period from 2010 to 2012 (see chart). We can expect this trend to continue, because Appellate courts have recently ruled in favor of expanded carry rights in California and other states. For friends of the Second Amendment, that is a good thing.
Comments by Gun Owners
I’m a Defensive Firearms Trainer and in my state and in my community the number of people seeking training to get certified to obtain their permits is constantly on the rise. — Chad K.
Good! America can only be safer with more law-abiding citizens carrying. I hope to see this figure increase steadily. — Matthew C.
Think about how much money those states that charge for permits make from those 9 million people each year. Maybe if New Jersey thought about that it would start to issue permits. — John P.
Bet the trend in violent crimes went down by at least the same rate. — Frank H.
Interactive Reciprocity Maps
Do you hold a Concealed Carry Permit or CCW license in your home state? Do you plan to travel to other states in the near future? Then you should determine whether other states will recognize your carry permit. You should study the law carefully so you understand your rights (and the limitations on your rights).
You can begin your research by consulting the Reciprocity Maps that are available online. There are many versions — and it’s wise to check more than one. We caution that not all the maps may be 100% up-to-date for all jurisdictions. We suggest you start with the map provided by USACarry.com. Read the detailed instructions.
April 27th, 2014
 What are the hottest-selling firearms in the “previously-owned” marketplace? As you might expect, the Remington Model 700 tops the list as the best-selling used bolt action rifle. The leading semi-auto rifle is the little Ruger 10/22 rimfire, followed by another Ruger, the Mini-14. Despite the high cost ($2K+ for the best examples) the Colt Python is the best selling used revolver. (People have realized that Pythons have proven to be good investments.)
These rankings were recently released by GunBroker.com. Every month, GunBroker.com publishes the Top 5 Best Sellers List for each major category of firearms sold on the popular gun auction site.
April 26th, 2014
 “Nine Acres of Guns and Gear — Are you ready?” Those were the words of NRA President James (“Jim”) Porter as he announced the official Opening of the 143rd NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. Porter then cut a red ribbon — with a little help from Brenda Potterfied and Eliza, her granddaughter (see photo at right).
During the opening ceremony, Porter told the waiting crowd: “As you walk around the exhibit hall today, keep this in mind — this is where freedom lives.” Along with NRA President Porter were NRA 2nd Vice President Pete Brownell, Executive Director of NRA General Operation Kyle Weaver, NRA Treasurer and CFO Woody Phillips, MidwayUsa’s Brenda and Larry Potterfield, and NRA Secretary Major James Land.
Report based on story by Lars Dalseide for NRABlog
After an exciting Opening Day of the NRA Convention, things heat up on Day Two, Saturday. Here are Six of the Major Happenings at Indianapolis today.
1. The Annual Meeting of Members
Thousands headed into the Sagamore Ballroom at 10:00 am for a review of 2013, where the NRA is headed this year, and how the NRA will promote pro-Second Amendment candidates in the 2014 Congressional elections.
2. The Wall of Guns
For $20 a ticket you earn a 1-in-100 chance of winning one of the more than 80 guns display in a custom rolling case built by Legacy Outdoors. Rifles, pistols, shotguns — the whole shebang.
3. The Survival Mindset: Are you Prepared Workshop
Kyle Lamb, a retired Sergeant Major from Delta Force, shares his experience from five tours in Iraq, serving his country. The Survival Mindset seminar will be held at 2:00pm in rooms 133-135.
4. NRA Certified Instructor Update
With trainers brought in from all across the country, here you can discover how the best of the best engage their students, drive home the lessons, and promote safe shooting.
5. Refuse to be a Victim Training
Learn where to park, where to walk, how to handle your internet experiences, and burglar-proof the home. Kicking off at 1:00 pm in Room 232, Refuse to be a Victim is a 4-hour investment in living a more secure and protected life.
6. The Stand and Fight Rally
The NRA’s Stand and Fight Rally, the major event of the weekend, brings big names to the Lucas Oil Stadium for a Saturday night to remember. After leading political figures speak on behalf of gun rights, legendary country group Alabama (with 34 Billboard Country #1 hits) takes the stage.
Alabama Plays Hit Songs at the Grand Ole Opry
April 21st, 2014
Based on Report by Lars Dalseide for NRABlog.com
I first read about Lauren Phillips in 2012. Back then she part of a spitfire quartet known as the West Seattle/Vashon Thunderbirds. Fresh off her team’s NRA National Junior Sectional victory, she decided to start taking a more serious approach her shooting career.
Since then, she hit the road for matches in Fort Benning, Georgia, Anniston, Alabama, Camp Perry, Ohio, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. What did that travel catalog get her? How about a scholarship to the University of Nebraska and a spot in the National Junior Olympic Shooting Championships. Once she earned that Junior Olympics spot, well, let’s just say she’s been difficult to stop. So much so that she walked away with the overall Women’s Three-Position Rifle title yesterday.
To get a full breakdown of Phillip’s performance at the National Junior Olympic Shooting Championships, take a look at the press release from USA Shooting:
Phillips Dominates Women’s Three-Position Rifle at NJOSC
No one could catch Lauren Phillips. Before she even stepped on the line for the Women’s Three-Position Rifle Final at the National Junior Olympic Shooting Championships (NJOSC), Phillips (Seabeck, Wash.) already had the title in the bag.
Phillips, a freshman at the University of Nebraska, built a dominating eight-point lead over the closest competitor in the 66-shooter field. Champions at this year’s NJOSC are determined through a modified selection format similar to that of USA Shooting’s National Championships: Points are awarded points earned in each day of competition with Nebraska freshman Lauren Phillips takes a moment at the National Junior Olympic Shooting Championships additional points awarded for performance in the Final – Eight for first, seven for second and so on. Phillips finished fifth in the Final, but it didn’t really matter.
“The Qualification was just like I was planning for – build an early lead so it takes the pressure of the Final,” Phillips said. “That’s just what I did. Went in Day One with a personal best and Day Two two points lower, but stayed consistent…I went in gunning for a record Final but it didn’t happen today. There were some excellent performances by my fellow collegiates.”
April 20th, 2014
Texas-based CDNN Investments, a large vendor of firearms and accessories, regularly offers great deals on guns and shooting gear. CDNN acquires overstock and discontinued inventory from major manufacturers and then sells this merchandise at a deep discount (way below MSRP). Over the years, CDNN has also specialized in law enforcement “buy-backs”, acquiring large quantities of “previously owned” police handguns, many of which have fired very few rounds. In addition to the overstock and trade-in firearms, CDNN maintains a huge inventory of new magazines and other gun accessories.
Great Prices at CDNN on Ruger 10/22 Rifles and Ruger 22/45 Pistols
The latest CDNN 14-1 Catalog has been released, and we found some great deals on Ruger rimfire firearms. If you are looking for an inexpensive, reliable .22 LR rifle and pistol for plinking with the kids (or dispatching furry pests on the farm), here are some great deals. The Ruger 10/22 is a classic that can easily be upgraded with aftermarket stocks, barrels, optics, and even triggers.
CDNN Launches All-New, Easy-To-Navigate Webstore
For 2014, CDNN has completely updated its website. At CDNNSports.com you’ll now find a modern, secure shopping cart system, with user-friendly navigation. Up top are tabs for Firearms, Optics, Accessories, Gun Parts, Magazines, Ammunition, and Current Specials. You can search by brand or keyword, so it’s now much easier to find specific products, such as grips and magazines for particular brands of pistols.
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