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October 23rd, 2011
This year at the Deep Creek Rifle Range, near Missoula, Montana, the All National Guard Team conducted two very popular (and effective) marksmanship clinics. First, in the spring, All Guard Team members ran an Across the Course (XTC) clinic with individual instruction and live fire at the 200, 300 and 600 yards. Instruction covered shooting positions and techniques /strategy for the various distances involved in XTC matches.
This fall, in conjunction with the sold-out Long Range and F-Class Regional, the All National Guard Team held a long range clinic — which was sold-out as well. In attendance were competitive shooters, Army National Guard sniper teams ,and long-range hunters. With over 50 civilian and military shooters present, the program included basic instruction followed by coached shooting at the 800-yard and 1000-yard lines. Before the shooting began, instructors explained the positions used in sling shooting and F-Class, and also explained the hardware competitors need for these disciplines. The clinic continued with discussions of ballistics and wind reading strategies. For the live-fire portion of the clinic, students were grouped into pairs, with one All Guard Team member assigned to each pair. This worked well — while one student was shooting the other could observe the coach’s instructions.
The All Guard Team provides this service as part of its mission to improve marksmanship among the civilian population. The Remington-Bushmaster Team headed by Ken Roxburgh, and the USMC Rifle Team, can also provide instruction for shooting clinics.
October 22nd, 2011
 It’s Sunday, October 22nd in Australia, on the other side of the International Dateline. That means that the World Long Range Rifle Championships (WLRC) has concluded. The last major event was the Palma Cup Match, the most prestigious event in full-bore competition. The 2011 Palma Match has been completed with Team Great Britain the clear winner with a total Aggregate of 7027-651V. That’s 35 points ahead of South Africa which took second with a score of 6992-651V. (Interestingly had exactly the same V-count, for Center hits). Team USA captured the Bronze Medal, finishing third with a total of 6980-655.
 Yanks Finish Third
Our friend Kelly Bachand, one of the Team USA Palma shooters, reports: “I’m a very proud member of the 2011 bronze medal winning USA Palma Team! There was very, very stiff competition and the conditions on the range tested our coaches and shooters thoroughly. After two long days of shooting we found ourselves bested by Great Britain and South Africa. While we did not win gold, this was still a tremendous accomplishment for our team, and I was very proud to shoot alongside the best rifle shooters in our country and from around the world.”
Link for Match Results
Preliminary results for the Palma Team Match and all the 2011 World Championships events are available online. For results for both individual and team events, visit the WLRC Results Page.
October 22nd, 2011
 SGT Glenn Eller of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit has won the Gold medal in Men’s Double Trap at the Pan American Games. Eller started well, hitting 49 out of 50 targets. Eller then shot a perfect 50 targets in his second round and 48 targets in the third round for 147 targets total. That was a new Pan American record, and just one target less than the world record. Eller’s total score of 195 targets (including the Final) smashed the existing Pan American record of 187 targets, and again, was just one target shy of the world record.
Needless to say Eller put up an amazing performance — one of the best ever by a Trap shooter. Eller’s Gold marks the twelfth shooting medal for the U.S. at the Pan American Games, and sixth Gold medal. Eller’s win was especially impressive because he had to overcome two trigger-related malfunctions in the Final. “We were fortunate to have good conditions and the Jalisco Hunting Club is the nicest venue in the Americas,” commented Eller. Puerto Rico’s Jose Torres won the silver medal with 136 match targets and 49 targets in the final for 185 total targets. Luis Da Graca of Brazil won the bronze medal with a perfect final of 50 targets for 182 total targets.
 Kim Rhode Wins Women’s Skeet Gold Medal
Four-time Olympic medalist Kim Rhode added yet another major victory to her resume, winning gold in Women’s Skeet at the Pan American Games. Rhode ran her first round with a perfect 25 targets in Women’s Skeet. Rhode, currently ranked #1 in the world in Women’s Skeet, continued to shine with two rounds of 24 targets for a total of 73 targets headed into the final. By the time she was finished, Rhode, the first American nominated to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team, had set a new Pan American qualification and final record with 98 total targets. The silver medalist was Francisca Crovetto of Chile (89 targets) and the bronze medalist was Gil Melisa of Argentina (88 targets).
Rhode, who switched from Women’s Double Trap to Women’s Skeet after her original event was removed, has medaled in every major world championship in both events. Rhode’s grandmother passed away while the team was en route to Mexico. Rhode said, “I’d like to dedicate this medal to my grandmother because she taught me to work hard and stick with it.”
For more information on Team USA shooters at the Pan American Games, visit USAShooting.org.
October 21st, 2011
Match Report by Jamey Williams
In late September, the Deep Creek Range in Missoula, MT hosted its Second Annual Montana Long Range and F-Class Regional. Like last year, the match was a sell-out with 51 shooters. Competitors cames from all over the nation, from Pennsylvania to Oregon. The conditions at the range were some of the best ever and the scores of the shooters reflected this. Many folks shot personal bests at this match — some are likely to move up in their NRA classifications.
This year the match sponsors included US Tactical Supply and Bryan Litz’s AppliedBallistics.com. Both sponsors generously donated terrific prizes that were given out at the awards ceremony. The attendance at the two-day event was nearly an even split of sling shooters and F-Class shooters. Newcomers are always encouraged to sign up and try their hand at long-range shooting, and there were a handful of first-time competitors. The Army National Guard was well-represented with 19 soldiers, spread between the F-TR rifle Division and the Match Rifle/Palma Rifle Divisions. Most of the soldiers competing in the F-TR division were using their issued M24s and M110s.
Last year, SSG Allen Spiker, SFC Bob Evans and Nicole Hagedorn all established NRA National Records (in their respective categories) for their performances at the Montana LR and F-Class Regional (report from 2010: Record Broken at Deep Creek Range). This year, SSG Allen Spiker raised the bar, eclipsing his previous record with a pending new record. In the Palma Rifle division, Spiker fired a 1088 – 48X (1100 – 110X possible), beating his previous record mark by one X.
The Deep Creek Range is located within 30 minutes of the heart of Missoula. The range complex is surrounded by mountains and pine trees, with great western scenery. Deep Creek also has some unique qualities. Most of the ranges in the Northern Rockies are noted for their challenging conditions, but traditionally, the Deep Creek range affords the shooter some of the best conditions they are likely to encounter anywhere. In addition to the NRA High Power records that continue to be established there, the Montana Northwest 1000-Yard Bench Rest Club is frequently in the shooting news — records seem to be broken every season. If you are interested in attending any of the F-Class or High Power matches there in 2012, contact Jamey Williams at jameydan [at] gmail.com, or visit HellgateCSA.org.
October 20th, 2011
Great Britain’s Richard Jeens won the Individual World Long Range Full-Bore Rifle Championship in Brisbane, Australia with a final score of 725-49V. (A “V” is a center-ring hit, equivalent to an “X” in American matches). Ceremonially hoisted in the air by his fellow competitors at the awards ceremony, Jeens was all smiles, having earned a title he’ll retain until the next World Championships in 2015. Jeens topped a field of 374 shooters from seven countries. Andre Du Toit of South Africa took the Silver Medal after a shoot-off for 2nd/3rd position against bronze-medal winner David Luckman of Great Britain. CLICK HERE for complete results.
Finishing 5th overall in the Three-Day Aggregate, Jeens had to rely on his shooting skills (plus a little bit of luck) to win the shoot-off (the top ten competitors after three days of competition advance to a final shoot-off.) The little bit of luck came by way of the winds during the 1,000-yard phase of the competition. Long Range shooters usually deal with all sorts of conditions, but the day’s wind was enough to knock a few of the favorites (such as SGT Sherri Gallagher) out of the Top Ten. Nonetheless, it was a well-deserved win, and we congratulate Richard on his achievement. Looking at Richard’s winning rifle, we surmise his victory settles the question whether a thumb-hole stock will work for long-range prone shooting — it seemed to suit Jeens just fine.
Jeens wasn’t the only hot-shooting marksman from Great Britain in the competition. Fellow Brit David Luckman shot a 723-68V, matching South African Andre Du Toit for the second highest score (Du Toit then prevailed in a shoot-off for second place). Only 4 Vs behind her team-mate Luckman, Great Britain’s Jane Messer finished fourth with 723-62V. Notably, three women finished in the Top 10, led by Messer, with Americans Trudie Fay and Nancy Tompkins in sixth and tenth, respectively. Heading into the final day of the Individual Championships, Nancy’s daughter SGT Sherri Gallagher was in the lead, but she dropped points in the very windy conditions on the last day.
With the individual side of the competition complete, all that remains is the Palma Match. Here are the final individual scores:
Photo Credit: US Palma Team member Dave Cloft. Report by Lars Dalseide for The NRA Blog.
October 20th, 2011
NRA Competitive Shooting is introducing a simple, low-cost, “novice-friendly” form of competition for shooting clubs, businesses and civic organizations. This NRA’s new NRA Club Champion Challenge program is designed to provide low-key, fun matches with affordable equipment. These events will encourage your members to try a variety of disciplines and courses of fire.
“New grassroots programs such as the NRA Club Champion Challenge are the best way to get shooters, new and old alike, out on the firing line,” said Mike Krei, Director of NRA Competitive Shooting. “This is a recreational and fun event. We want everyone to be able to grab guns out of their closet and come to the range and shoot.”
The Club Champion Challenge is NOT a high-level competition using expensive, state-of-the-art hardware. The idea is to have fun with basic entry-level pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Any club or organization can participate and any range can configure a challenge. NRA membership is not required.
Club Champion Challenge Guidelines — Match Requirements
Here are some of the basic guidlines for running a Club Champion Challenge at your facility:
- Minimum of three courses of fire required. (Competitors must shoot all courses of fire.)
- All courses of fire (except shotgun) are adaptable to metallic/paper silhouette targets.
- At least two different firearm types must be used. (Rifle/Pistol, Shotgun/Rifle, Pistol/Shotgun)
- Firearm support options (sandbags, bipods, benches) may be used.
- Optics are limited to iron sights or scopes of 4 power or less.
- Competition firearms prohibited.
- No competitive shooting apparel. (Gloves, shotgun vest permitted.)
- NRA medals are awarded to category winners with the highest Aggs.
- Fees to NRA are $10 per adult shooter, $5 per junior competitor.
To sign your club up for a NRA Club Champion Challenge event, visit www.nraclubchamp.com. NRA Grants may be available for your event via FriendsofNRA.org.
Story by Karen Brinkman for The NRA Blog.
October 18th, 2011
 The 2011 Pan American Games are underway in Guadalajara, Mexico, and American shooters have already distinguished themselves. The Games opened on October 14th and will continue through October 30th, though the last day of shooting is Saturday, October 22nd. The Pan American Games, always held the year preceding the Olympic Games, have attracted athletes from 41 North-, Central- and South-American nations. For the latest shooting results and news, visit USAShooting.org.
Americans have already won Gold Medals in the competition. On the first day of competition, Two-time Olympian SFC Daryl Szarenski, a member of the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program, won gold in the 10m Pistol event, setting a Pan American Games record for total points with 681.7 points.
 On Monday, Oct. 17, Emily Caruso won the 10m Air Rifle Gold Medal, tying the Pan American record with a 396 score. In the Mens’ 10m Air Rifle, American Matt Rawlings set a new Pan American games record with his 696.7 score in the finals. (He had previously broken his own PanAm Games record in the qualifying round). Team-mate Jonathan Hall took the Silver Medal. Rawlings’ win and Hall’s second-place finish earned the USA two coveted quotas for next year’s Olympics. “I came here for the quota,” Hall said, “and I’m proud to bring it home to my country.”
The Trap and Skeet Shooters will be competing Oct. 18-21. The U.S. Team has high hopes for male Trap shooters Matt Gossett, and Jake Turner. Gossett, the current USA Mean’s National Champion, finished fourth at the 2010 World Championship. Olympic Gold Medalist Kim Rhodes competes in the Skeet event on Oct. 21, while fellow U.S. Olympic Team member Vincent Hancock goes for the gold on Oct. 22. Hancock won the men’s Skeet event at the 2008 Olympics. Also on the 22nd, the final day for shooting matches, Team USA shooters will compete in the Women’s 50m Rifle Three Position and Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol events. You’ll find complete match results on the official Pan American Games Website. In addition, USAShooting.org features shooter profiles, match reports, and Team USA photos.
October 17th, 2011
 The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) has issued a statement regarding the internet rumors that George Soros in some way controls Cerberus Capital Management, or the Freedom Group of companies. As we have stated in the Daily Bulletin, Soros has no connection to the Freedom Group or Cerberus Capital Management (a holding company that owns the Freedom Group). Claims that Soros is involved in Cerberus or the Freedom Group are 100% false. Here is the NRA ILA statement first issued on October 14, 2011:
From the NRA ILA:
Recently, an old rumor regarding Cerberus–the private equity firm that owns Freedom group, a holding company that in turn owns a number of firearms manufacturers, including Remington, Marlin, Bushmaster, and DPMS–was in some way tied to George Soros.
This rumor is completely false and baseless.
NRA has had contact with officials from Cerberus and Freedom Group for some time. The owners and investors involved are strong supporters of the Second Amendment and are avid hunters and shooters. In reality, at no time has George Soros ever been a part of the ownership group of Freedom Group or Cerberus, and as a privately-traded corporation, there is no possibility that he will be in the future.
This unsubstantiated rumor has caused a great deal of unnecessary concern for gun owners. NRA-ILA urges our members to take great care before repeating baseless rumors[.]
On July 12, 2012 the NRA-ILA posted a follow-up:
An old rumor has once again resurfaced alleging that Cerberus–the private equity firm that owns Freedom group, a holding company that in turn owns a number of firearms manufacturers, including Remington, Marlin, Bushmaster, and DPMS–is in some way tied to George Soros.
This rumor is completely false and baseless.
Following is a statement from Freedom Group, Inc., addressing the rumor:
Despite rumors to the contrary, Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., the firm which owns Freedom Group. Inc. (FGI), the holding company for such firearms manufacturers as Remington, Marlin, Bushmaster and DPMS, is in NO WAY affiliated with anti-gun activist George Soros.
George Soros has never been a part of Freedom Group or Cerberus. Further, as Cerberus is a privately owned corporation, run by sportsmen, shooters and firearms enthusiasts, we can say with great sincerity and certainty that George Soros will never be a part of the Freedom Group family of companies.
“If anyone should know whether George Soros is affiliated with either Freedom Group or Cerberus, it’s me,” said George Kollitides, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FGI. “I spent the last eleven years of my career at Cerberus and just recently stepped down to become executive chairman and chief executive officer of FGI. I did this in order to devote 100 percent of my time, effort and passion to a company I spent years building. I can emphatically proclaim, without the slightest of doubt, that George Soros has never, does not and never will own or be affiliated with Cerberus or Freedom Group.”
October 16th, 2011
 One of the most prestigious rifle competitions in the world is underway right now at the Belmont Shooting Facility, near Brisbane, Australia. Many of the best sling and irons marksmen (and women) in the world are competing for individual and team honors. American aces such as SGT Sherri Gallagher, Noma Mayo, Trudie Fay, Nancy Tompkins, Bob Gamboa, Bryan Litz, Robert Mead, and John Whidden are representing the Red, White, and Blue down-under, but they and their American teammates are facing stiff opposition from the Brits, South Africans, Canadians, New Zealanders, and the host Australians.
You can get complete individual and team results on the World Rifle Championships Website. Results are updated daily, so you can follow the action, which continues through October 22nd. Russ Theurer is also providing regular reports in our Shooters’ Forum.
 One of the best performances so far was turned in by Bryan Litz, Berger Bullets’ Ballistician. In the Senior Australia Team match last week, Bryan outshot every other individual on the course, nailing a perfect 200-26V to tie the Championship Record. This was a brilliant display of marksmanship by Bryan. At the Awards Ceremony after the match, Bryan received a long standing ovation from his fellow competitors.
You’ll find lots of match photos in the official match Photo Gallery. Plus, Facebook users can access hundreds of photos uploaded by members of the USA Young Eagles Team. Young American shooters have been performing well. Russ Theurer reports: “Team USA Red won the Under 25 Australia Team Match, while Team USA Blue came from behind at 1000 to place third. Young Eagle Joshua Lehn was high score shooter of the team match of all teams combined.” Below are photos of the Young Eagles from Day 5, the Under 25 match:
Photos courtesy USA Young Eagles.
October 15th, 2011
Our friend John Whidden accomplished another milestone in his storied shooting career. This time John topped an extremely competitive field of Palma shooters at the World Rifle Championships in Australia. Earlier today Whidden nailed a 100-13V on the final day of the Queen’s Prize Match to win the three-day event with a 399-46V Aggregate. (A “V” is equivalent to the “X” in American matches). John’s Day 1 score of 150-012V and Day 2 tally of 149-21V were enough to overtake early Palma Teammate Norman Anderson, and hold off the strong-finishing SGT Sherri Gallagher on Day 3.
When the dust had settled, John took the Queen’s Prize Match by a single point over runner-up Sherri Gallagher. In fact, Sherri and the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th-place finishers all had identical 398 scores, so V-counts were used as tie-breakers. Yes this match was that close.
By tradition, fellow competitors carried Whidden and his green John Deere-sashed rifle to the awards in a ceremonial sedan-chair. John seems to be enjoying the ride. The above photo was taken by fellow Palma Teammate Dave Cloft. Overall, Americans did very well in the Queen’s Prize Match, taking four of the Top 10 places. South Africa, a strong force at the last World Championship, had three shooters in the Top 10. Here’s how the Top 10 finished in the Queens Match:
1. John Whidden, USA: 399-046V
2. Sherri Gallagher, USA: 398-054V
3. Jim Bailey, Australia: 398-044V
4. Petrus Haasbroek, South Africa: 398-043V
5. Norm Anderson, USA: 398-043V
6. Colin Cole, North Arm: 398-039V
7. Andre Du Toit, South Africa: 397-048V
8. Johannes Du Toit, South Africa: 397-048V
9. Geoffrey Grenfell, Bendigo: 397-048V
10. Tom Whitaker, USA: 397-047V
It looks like the Yanks are picking up steam in the World Rifle Championships, which continue with both individual and team events through October 22nd. (We’ll have a report on the hot-shooting USA Young Eagles team tomorrow.)
Story by Lars Dalseide for The NRA Blog.
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