Professional Documents
Culture Documents
3 Note from the President 26 What the He#% was That?! 4 Offhand Shots from the Editor 28 Olympic Shooting 6 Shooting Sports
Always Going for the Gold
11 Training
30
32 GCA
Gets Mail
36 38 42
Larry Makes Me Laugh Glossary for Gunners Where In The World Is "Machine Gun" Kelly Now?! The Best Shot
18 Firearms
Spotlight
Patricia Silverman
44
GCA FELLOWSHIP
Send in your articles,
jokes, tips, hints, stories, Submissions and Contributions: We welcome you to submit shooting activities, articles, stories, and photos for publication in Hot Brass. pictures, recipes, GCA pays for submissions and contributions with "AGI Bucks." all those things you These coupons are redeemable dollar-for-dollar towards the tell your friends. purchase of any AGI product or AGI video course. We pay for stories and articles we print by the word: 100-300 words = 20 AGI Bucks, Lets share it with 300-500 words = 50 AGI Bucks, 500+ words = 100 AGI Bucks. the world.
Articles and stories must be submitted in MS Word or MS publisher format. Photos: Electronic photos must be submitted in a jpeg format with a resolution of at LEAST 640x480. Print photos are accepted but AGI cannot return any printed photos and all submitted photos will become the property of AGI.
Copyright GCA 2011. All rights reserved. Hot Brass Magazine is published and produced by GCA and distributed solely to current GCA Members. No part of this newsletter may be copied, reproduced, rented or transmitted for any reason without the written permission of the copyright holder. Contacting GCA: GCA, 351 Second Street, Napa, CA 94559, 1-800-435-GCOA (4262), Fax 707-253-2135, www.GunClubOfAmerica.com Subscriber Information: Missing or Damaged Issues: If an issue of Hot Brass is lost in the mail or arrives damaged, simply contact GCA at 1-800-435-GCOA (4262) for a replacement. Change of Address: If you move or change your mailing address contact GCA at 1-800-435-GCOA (4262) so we can update our mailing list.
Gene Kelly
President, GCA
The GCA is trying out something totally new, a one day event called SHOOTFEST.
The Sacramento SHOOTFEST, to be held on October 8, 2011, is the first of what we expect to be many regional events across the country. The participation and success of the upcoming event will help set the number of future events. SHOOTFEST will provide yet another opportunity for GCA members to get together, have FUN (one of our four Pillars of Membership) and experience a number of new or different styles of shooting that you may not normally participate in. If through this event you find a particular type of shooting that lights you up, then we can help you find a local shooting group and get more involved; this will be a great introduction. During October SHOOTFEST, held in Northern California, members will experience a full day of Fun and GCA Fellowship. Eight shooting stages will provide you with an introduction to: Cowboy Action Shooting IPSC (tactical handgun) Tactical Carbine (M-4 style) Rimfire Silhouette - Rifle Speed Steel Handgun Accuracy Shooting Target Kids/New Shooter Range .22 Rimfire Shotgun - Wing Shooting Bonus Stage = To be announced!!!
This event includes 8 shooting stages with guns and ammunition provided!!!, professional instruction, a box lunch and will conclude with a BBQ dinner. Come and participate, win prizes and try new shooting styles! Contact us at 1-800-435-4262 if you are interested in helping put one on in your area or if you are not yet a GCA member and wish to join. Join now so you can be a part of SHOOTFEST 2011!
Limited Opportunity. Maximum number of attendees allowed! All inclusive full day cost: GCA Brass Members: $147 GCA Silver Members: only $97 Minimum Shooter Age: 14 Where: Sacramento Valley Shooting Center, Sloughhouse, CA (near Sacramento) When: October 8, 2011 Time: Shooting starts at 9am until 5pm with box lunch provided and BBQ dinner to follow.
Pre-Registration Required No sign-ups on day of event. To sign up, call 1-800-435-4262 or go to:
www.GCAShootfest.com
3
Offhand Shots
from the Editor
By Lene Landis, Hot Brass Editor
Aurora Keen
One high school teammate was Morgan Craft. We would love to talk to her family too one of these days! Morgan wound up being named to the Junior World team and will travel to Belgrade, Serbia in the fall for the International Shooting Sports Federation championships--representing Team USA in International Skeetimpressive! Plus, she just received a 4 year College Shooting Sports Scholarship. Congratulations Morgan! As for Aurora, she ended up placing 3rd for the overall, securing the bronze medal for the Scholastic Clay Target Program women's international skeet competition. Fantastic!!! I am going to suspect Morgan is a good role model, and the competition will urge Aurora to new heights. I am going to keep my eye on thembut I think we can learn a lesson from both. Practice, practice, practice and you will be amazed at the places youll go!!! Having just come from the USA Shooting Center in Colorado Springs, it is clear shooters like Aurora have a framework in place to go all the way if thats what they choose. There are excellent training facilities and dedicated coaching staff available throughout the country. We talked a bit about the scholarships out there for shooters and I will not be at all surprised to hear her name in the future one way or another; she also has a website for her country and Christian music at www.aurorakeen.com. It never fails to impress me how kind, patient, and good natured our shooting kids are. It is a great discipline. It is also worthy of note how many grandparents have started those kids in shooting. Congratulations grand people! Statue depicting Olympians in front of USA Shooting Center, Colorado Springs, CO 4
Arriving at the USA Shooting Center, Jack, editor of GunTech, GCAs Silver member monthly magazine, and I headed in two different directions and still wound up in the same place: the indoor pistol and air rifle range. Bob Foth, Paralympic Coach and Olympic shooter who medaled at the 1992 Games in Barcelona, spent time answering questions and showing the target system. His dedication to helping wounded soldiers and civilian disabled shooters is impressive. He has 3 resident paralympic shooters at Colorado Springs. While I was taking photos of the range, Jack and Bob Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, arrived for essentially the same purpose. They have a tremendous amount of information on the USA Shooting website and Bob M. gave us permission to reprint a couple of things I felt would be of great value to competitive shooters or those who want to be. We have included the "Ticket to Train," an essential guide to developing skills as a shooter, a download from USA Shooting. Did I mention Bob Foth also trains coaches? By the way, at SHOT Show, Gene interviewed Kim Rhode, 4 time Olympic medalist in shooting . . . yes, FOUR time medalist. The interview ran in a recent GunTech. We anticipate talking to her in Hot Brass as she works toward her FIFTH medal! To back up a bit, we also visited Darrell Holland, his wife Rosita, and son Jonathan in Oregon. You can visit them as well at www.hollandguns.com. If you dont know Darrell from American Gunsmithing Institute videos, youll get a very good idea of how he operates through his articles and long range shooting services. The Hollands have built a business that revolves around shooting and utilizes the whole family. If youre a long range shooter, Im sure you know his name. If youre interested in long range shooting, get to know his name. Take a look at our article and youll understand why. And . . . we also saw the guys at Cerakotefantastic process!!! I think thats covered in an upcoming GunTech too. So pitch in people, dont be shy . . . e-mail me at Lenee@gunclubofamerica.com with your articles, jokes, tips, hints, stories, shooting activities, pictures, recipes, camp songs, all those things you tell your friends. Lets share it with all y`all. Well be heading up to Napa next week for the online GCA membership meeting which occurs the second Wednesday of every month. It will have taken place by the time you get this so we hope to see you on the next one . . . yep, the places youll go!!! PS: We have a new camera at Hot Brass so of course I had to try out all the settings to the tune of 500 photos. It will be useful to capture the motion of all the shooters we find, and give us some Hot Brass covers to wow. I have to show you a photo of where I am, untouched by any photo program. My father was a photographer so I feel like some things are picked up by osmosis, but this light show came straight from the Man Upstairs.
Range, Mollet del Valls, Barcelona. Sports references tell us the lead changed hands eight times between Bob and Armenias Hrachya Petikyan with the latter shooting 10.1 on the final shot for the gold, and Bob earning the silver. His demeanor shows he has honed that quest for gold into a full-time motivation to coach the Paralympic team at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Co. His Robert Foth, USA Olympian, future Paralympians adhere USA Paralympic Coach to that idea to plan your Photo courtesy of USA Shooting. work, work your plan as they have in place daily, weekly, monthly, 1 year, and 4 year plans. From microscopic detail to aiming for 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro, they are motivated. Bob has 3 resident athletes, 2 civilians and a veteran. He is proud of USA Shootings work with military programs and wounded warrior support; it is therapeutic for those termed able and disabled it is easier to shoot together with your kids or family than to play basketball, for example. All can compete equallyhitting the target endows you with an impartial grade. Theres no subjective or different treatment. The focus is all on ability and results. Bob worked for USA Shooting before becoming the Paralympic coach. He had also worked with people with disabilities in the Civilian Marksmanship Program. He is strong on the technical aspects of shooting, which is what guides the athletes in their 3, 4, or 5 hours of daily shooting. The program requires mental and physical focus, working on equipment, goal setting, and reading about technique and the sport.
THE GAME
The governing body is the IPC International Paralympic Committee. About 60 countries are involved in this sport. There are 2 classes, wheelchair and standing. Sub-classifications within allow athletes to compete against others with a different disability. There are 12 rifle and pistol events in the Paralympics. Shooting is from 10, 25, and 50 meters. Six events are open to both men and women, and 3 each separately. Athletes use .22 caliber rifles and air guns (primarily PCP, pre-charged pneumatic.) Ammunition: For 10m events held with an air rifle or air pistol, pellets with a diameter of 4.5mm (.177 caliber) are used. For 25m pistol events, and 50m pistol and rifle events, the 5.6mm (.22 caliber) rimfire cartridge is used. Target: For the Paralympic Games, five different targets are used depending on the type of gun. In major competitions, these targets are electronic for instant scoring. The standard target is a cardboard square with concentric white and black rings around a black center "10 ring" (or bull's-eye). In the final, the scoring can go up to 10.9 due to the "concentric scoring." 7
Games Coming Up
The acoustic, computerized airgun target The next big week for this sport is coming up shown at actual size! October 3-9, 2011 in Georgia at Ft. Benning. Ft. Benning and USA Shooting host the USA World Cup Paralympic Qualifier where competitors will try to win slots for the Paralympic Games in London in 2012. The last World Cup for 2011 will be in Sydney, Australia in November.
Since 1976, the Paralympics have shared the Olympic venue. There will be 12 events at the London Paralympics: five for air rifle, 10m range; three for .22 rifle, 50m range (men's and women's three position as well as the mixed free rifle prone), two for air pistol, 10m range (men's and women's air pistol), and two for .22 pistol (mixed 25m sport pistol and mixed 50m free pistol.) The London Paralympic Shooting Games will be held at the Royal Artillery Barracks (shown below) from Thursday, August 30, 2012 to Tuesday, September 4, 2012. Roughly 100 men and 40 women will compete in the 12 events.
Other Information
By the way, did you know the US Army Marksmanship Unit actively seeks out wounded warriors for their program? The warriors are an excellent example about what Army Strong means. Maybe you know someone who would excel in this position. Check out: http://www.usaac.army.mil/amu/index.asp A shortage of funding is always an issue, if you or someone you know is interested in helping, please contact Bob at bob.foth@usashooting.org If youre in the neighborhood, check out the Olympic Training Center at 1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO. It is open to the public and well worth the visit. 8
The USA Shooting website is a treasure trove of information. It has everything from resources for youth programs to records and rules for able-bodied and disabled shooters alike. You will also find various competitions scheduled all over the country at which you can utilize your shooting skills. Below is their "Ticket to Train" form which will help you focus on what you are attempting to accomplish by helping you keep a conscious record of endeavors, actions and ideas. This will be advantageous no matter what kind of competition you are in. Go to their website and look at "Resources," and then "Downloads" for more competitive tips.
www.USAShooting.com
Ticket to Train
Name: Date: Tng Year The purpose of this form is to help you focus daily on the goals you have set and the related daily activities you should do to reach the goals. You do not have to write a book; simply write down before each day's training session exactly what you are about to do. You must do this before you train--it is your "ticket" to the range. I. Before Training: Performance Goal(s) I am working on today:
What am I going to do today related to achieving these goals? 1. I will: 2. I will: 3. I will:
II. After Training: Did I work on the tasks above? If not, what do I carry to next session? Yes No
III. Notes:
10
Complete care and maintenance of your firearms is an important part in maintaining the value of your firearms, ammo, and firearm accessories. Preventing rust and degradation is a must. The casual firearm enthusiast need not spend hundreds on an advanced moisture prevention unit, just a few dollars and an hour of their time. Silica gel is a manmade desiccant whose main ingredient is sodium silicate. It is porous and extremely hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the surrounding air and holds it. Its properties allow each bead of silica gel to hold a large amount of moisture. Once the silica gel reaches its limit it can be baked in an oven, at 120C (250F) for about two hours to remove the moisture. Where do you find silica gel? Everywhere! Silica gel comes in little packets with many items you buy at the store, such as shoes, electronics or anything else that moisture may damage. If you have a furniture or musical instrument store close by, check with them. When they receive new products and items they usually come packed with very large desiccant packets that are just thrown away. Another great place they can be found is in kitty litter. Cat litter contains a lot of desiccants to absorb urine and smells. A large container of kitty litter can be purchased very cheaply and made into desiccant packets. Coffee filters and tea bags make great containers that will hold the desiccant and still allow moisture to be absorbed. Very large packets can be made from socks or pantyhose. Take a coffee filter and put about a tablespoon or more into the bottom, twist the top closed and either tape or rubber band it shut, so as not to lose any desiccant. It is better to make a lot of small packets instead of just one large packet because when the silica is packed tightly or too deep, the beads in the center will not be able to absorb any moisture. Either make many small packets, or some large ones and once a week or so (depending upon the humidity in your area) shake the packet to move the beads in the middle out toward the front and back. Since the level of moisture in the air varies with your location, some experimentation will be necessary to find out what size packets work best for you, as well as how often the packets will need to be "cooked." Try out some different litters, talk to furniture store owners, and keep an eye out for anyone giving away desiccant. Use your imagination, not your wallet. And remember, be proud of what you do, and put your name on your work. 11
The
Ultimate
STRAIGHT Shooter
Darrell Holland is not a complex man. Yep, thats a first-rate compliment. He is intense, focused and driven. Iconic aloofness? If thats what you see, well, you got fooled. He says what he means and means what he says. That simple. But that makes for a pretty short magazine article so we turn to Jack Landis, editor of GunTech, and mention to him that we want to describe Darrell as a person a little better for those who dont know him, and were struggling . . . so Jack gives his read: Darrell Holland is extremely intelligent, hardworking, innovative, constantly searching for newer and better ways to do the ordinary in an extraordinary way, and does not suffer fools gladly. If he likes you, youll know it. If he thinks youre less than honest or foolish, youll know that too. On the other hand, if youre a student or someone seeking information, he will take all the time necessary to make sure you completely understand his position or the course material. Jack noted, "Darrel invents about 10 things a day, and many of these have made it to market. There are still hundreds of ideas awaiting birth in the storage locker of his mind. He adds, Darrells focus in business is exquisitely accurate rifles and long range hunting. He is extraordinary at both and a superb instructor. His first priority is his family, wife Rosita, and son Jonathan. They all pitch in, which is why the family business has come so far. His work is the second 12
driving force - he loves what he does and figures if youre going to do it, it might as well be the best. He started out as a southern California boy, growing up in Pomona. At the age of 5, he was the proud owner of a Model 53 Winchester .22 purchased for $19 by his father from a pawn shop. Darrell shot snails, bugs, and birds before some lowlife stole his prized firearm. He was not deterred. He got another .22 and shot hundreds of rabbits with his Dad in Nevada while riding a step-through Yamaha. He mowed church yards for $5 a month and purchased a 30-30 Winchester 94 for $90; he went on his first big game hunt at the age of 12. He nailed a deer, and that meant less fishing trips to the reservoir were needed to feed the family. Darrell was hooked on hunting. Darrell has had a laser focus since he was young. At the age of 10-11, he read everything about guns and hunting. He read Warren Page, the Shooting Editor of Field and Stream magazine for 24 years, who also wrote the classic The Accurate Rifle and One Mans Wilderness. He read Jack OConner, who produced a whole secret stash of valuable material, including The Rifle Book. At 17, he challenged the Lassen College summer gunsmithing program and did so well he was bumped ahead to start the regular program even though there was a two year waiting list. He started the same day as our intrepid leader Gene Kelly. Darrell made the Deans list then began working at GunSite for Jeff Cooper.
He taught defensive handgun shooting for a couple years. He also worked for Bob Loveless, the legendary knife maker who designed the Gerber Guardian boot knife, along with hundreds of others. Because Darrell loved hunting and accurate rifles, he catapulted into the world of custom stockmaking, rifle building, and stock work. He used beautiful woodbastogne and claro walnut from Don Cantwell. Eventually, what captivated Darrell was the business of "working rifles"matte finish, composite stocks, everything designed for accuracy, hunting, and reliability.
13
Some of Darrell's trophies hang proudly on the wall of his new classroom
LAST TIME WE LOOKED . . . It is the sort of thing that makes you understand the power of the American Dream. Last time we were at Darrell Hollands, this classroom wasnt here. His shop was cramped, he said, and he envisioned upscale classrooms. Rosita works on a project in the classroom. He started building it 2 years ago from the ground up. There is a seminar classroom and workshop, 5,000 square feet, with 800 upstairs. His heart and soul has gone into this, and probably Rositas blood, Jack and Darrell discussing a machine project. sweat and tears as she works behind the scenes. They are always working together, improving what they offer those who come to learn. It is clear that everything Darrell has done in the past has risen to this crescendo . . . but in music, that would indicate an ultimate end. Standing here, you have the sense Darrell is just getting started. Darrell runs approximately six 4 - day long range shooting classes with 4-12 people each. If that sounds like a laidback time at the cabin, its not. Youll have 3-4 hours in the classroom, then hit the range. This isn't your Grandpas stand and shoot at the target kind of deal . . . youre on the ground . . . and oh yes, you have homework at night. Youve basically got 12-14 hours a day of learning. Youll be home reading and practicing bolt manipulation. Most of the shooting is done between 300-800 yards . . . of course 100 yards is football field length, so it is clear you need to learn advanced skills to shoot 3 to 8 times that far. The included course syllabus, The Shooters Notebook, is a meticulous blueprint of what you need to know. Darrell also leads hunts, has two classes for reloading, and is the featured instructor on a number of American Gunsmithing Institute courses. His website is www.Hollandguns.com where you will find a wealth of information on long rang shooting classes as well as products like his soft sided gun case that is ideal for the serious hunter. These bags are designed to live up to Darrell's high standards and are on sale now, go check them out. Darrell's revolutionary Advanced Reticle Technology (ART) is currently available in Schmidt & Bender, Nightforce and Leupold scopes.
What is ART?
His website explains it thus: It lets you shoot ANY BULLET at ANY MUZZLE VELOCITY, under ANY ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION with ANY ZERO you choose. Darrell says this about lasers: A laser wont range in fog, sleet, rain, snow or on a target with poor reflectivity. Darrells rule: If I wont use it, I wont sell it to anyone else. Did we say he is a no-nonsense commitment kind of guy?
A semi-auto carbine in .45 ACP, designed and produced by Darrell Holland in the late 1980s. It uses 30 round Grease Gun magazines and field strips in seconds. Okay, heres a photo of the best thing Darrell ever did raise Jonathan, along with his wife, Rosita. That is to say, Darrell and Rosita raised this fine young man. Recently, he made Eagle Scout and graduated from high school. He helps with the family business, he hunts, and he is one motivated guy who has big footsteps to follow---he looks like he cant wait to embrace the challenge. 15
Be A MASTER HUNTER:
Learn the art of professional coyote hunting and improve ALL your hunting skills.
Darrell pulls out all the stops in this comprehensive course on his first-love: Calling Coyotes. NOTHING is left out. He shows you every angle and every step that you need to know in order to call coyotes successfully: camo, scents, callers, cover, stalking, ambush techniques, calling techniques, tracking, shooting positions, reading terrain, calibers, cartridges and more.
50% OFF!
4 Hour Course! 2 DVD Set
If you want to be successful hunting coyotes, watch this video, you WILL learn how to call coyotes. After all, Darrell has been perfecting his skills over THIRTY YEARS of calling! Not sure he is really that good? The proof is in the pudding and he has numerous first and second place wins in coyote-calling competitions! We have a MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE that it covers coyote calling from A to Z with nothing left out. DVD#MHSCDVD $49.95 ($9 S/H) HOT BRASS SPECIAL SALE PRICE: $29.95 GCA Brass Member Price: $26.95 GCA Silver Member Price: $23.96
AGI
To order any of these AGI instructional courses call 1-800-797-0867 or go to: www.AmericanGunsmith.com
AGI Video Courses provide a simple solution to the complex problem of needing to learn trade skills rapidly.
We have spent over 15 years and have invested millions of dollars to create courses that provide you with a clear, concise learning experience. Whether you want to totally disassemble and reassemble your gun, build a custom rifle or pistol, become a hobby gunsmith, professional gunsmith, machinist, welder, locksmith, or learn any of many other trades, we have created courses that provide you the knowledge and experience you want quickly at a fraction of the time and money it would cost you to learn it any other way. 17
How are you? Last week, we spent an afternoon with the Cub Scouts group of La Plata County Colorado! There was a big handful of kids that we talked to and played games with during their week long camp. They were such great kids! After we talked to the scouts about what we do, how to lead a healthy lifestyle, safety tips like wearing helmets, and the importance of exercise, we joined the scouts in different stations they had set up. We did a rubber-band biathlon, archery, teamwork wooden skis, first aid, etc. What a blast! After that we headed up to Alaska for a block of training at low altitude. We spent the first couple of days in Homer fishing with our parents. 18 Lanny and Tracy show their catches of the day
Lanny and Tracy demonstrate their archery skills for the Scouts.
Cub Scout photographs courtesy of Michael D'Anna www.mdannaphoto.com Now we head to Anchorage to train with the Anchorage Biathlon and Nordic Club. We will be training with kids at all different levels of biathlon and skiing. We've set up a schedule that will integrate the advanced juniors into some of our training sessions to help push them to become better. We've also set up clinics where we'll coach one on one with the intermediate to beginner level athletes. We are really excited to help the kids in this area with their dreams of becoming world class biathletes!! We will train in Anchorage until the end of the month, then head back to Colorado for another block at altitude before we hit the road again and head to Vermont for some summer racing and training. Hope youre doing well and having a great summer. Take care. Tracy & Lanny Barnes, US Olympic Biathletes www.twinbiathletes.com ______________________________
The first race on Saturday was a 7.5km sprint with two shooting stages and three 2.5km loops. The athletes battled through severe heat and humidity in Vermont which left the athletes exhausted and overheated after the 7.5km. Tracy only missed one shot out of the 10 total for the day. She was on her way to battling for the win, but fell before the finish and lost valuable time and had to settle for second place. Lanny missed one shot in both of her shooting stages to finish in 3rd place. Sunday's race was a pursuit format. The athletes started in the order they finished, but were separated by 30 seconds instead of the usual time back from the sprint race the day before. The athletes had an even bigger challenge than Saturday's heat. Rain soaked the moss covered asphalt Saturday night and into Sunday morning and left the trails slick and dangerous. With hairpin downhill turns, the athletes buckled down and held on tight while making the turns and hoping not to slide off the course on their roller skis. Lanny skied a conservative race and posted only one miss out of the 20 shots for the day, not only finishing in first place and taking the Pursuit Summer National Championship title, she was the best shooter on the day for men and women. Tracy struggled at the range on her first shooting stage, but battled back after that to finish second behind her sister. These races were the first of two race series that determine who will head to Europe in November for a chance at the early season world cups. The points the twins earned here put them in a great spot leading into the next set of trials in October in Utah. The best two of four races from this past weekend and the races in October will be used to determine the European Team for the winter. Check back on www.twinbiathletes.com for updates on the U.S. Biathlon World Cup trials and other races and competitions. The twins will now head back to Colorado for two months of hard training before the next races in Utah in October. Rather than being part of USA Shooting, they are part of Biathlon. These two are all around, competitive, tough outdoor athletes. Biathlon is a grueling sport, combining cross country skiing with target shooting. We will check in with them from time to time . . . in the meantime, you can follow their blog at: www.twinbiathletes.com. Donations are always welcome and appreciated!!!
21
Talking with people I worked with gave me a good idea of how the world functions. When I came across the movie Shooter, I found a story line that was just too close to the truth. What I saw seemed too real and I wanted to be able to protect myself!
I went to a pawn shop and bought a gun. It was a Savage 64 in .22LR and I made my first rule If I could not hit what I was aiming at I would have to give it up. I found a local shooting range, Jims Pistol Arrow, and since it was .22LR he allowed me to shoot the rifle indoors. I started getting hits and then I found out that my local Sheriff allows the public to use his range once a month. I started shooting there which extended my range to 50 yards and occasionally to 200 yards. Then I was given a Remington 700 in .308. I bought a 10x mil dot scope for it, and a Harris bi-pod. I could not shoot the .308 inside, so I was shooting that at the Sheriffs outdoor range as well. Not having been raised with guns, I did not know how to care for them. Because I did not clean and oil the Savage, soon it needed repair and I had to find a gunsmith. I almost ended up sending it to Savage for there turned out to be only one gunsmith in the area. He ultimately did repair the Savage. The Savage 64 in .22LR that started it all The bug caught me. I liked guns and wanted more; more than that, I wanted to be able to take care of them. Searching online I came across the American Gunsmithing Institute. Still not sure this was for me, I called and talked to Cheri who became my guidance counselor. I tried the Practical Gunsmithing course, passed it, and with the agreement of my partner, I enrolled in the Master Gunsmithing Course. Through this course I have had the honor of meeting some of the best Craftsmen in the world, Darrell Holland - Master Machinist, Master Gunsmith, Master Instructor; Robert Dunlap - Master Gunsmith and Master Instructor; Ken Brooks - Master Gunsmith and Master Instructor; and Gene Shuey - Master Gunsmith and Master Instructor. The one who goes most unrecognized is Gene Kelly, who came up with the idea and found a way to bring these great Craftsmen together. He also made it possible for those of us who love working on and shooting guns to belong to the Gun Club of America. Along the way Patricia built an AR-15 and got an AR-7. Patricia's AR-7 Survival Rifle, originally designed for the US Air Force, is shown here. Did you know it floats?
22
When one of my friends heard that I was becoming a Gunsmith he gave me a project gun to work on. It was a Ruger 10/22 with a pitted barrel and a broken rear sight. I stripped the barrel, re-blued it, and replaced the rear sight. I also replaced the parts someone had removed when trying to make it into a select fire .22LR. Turned out I liked the gun and ended up buying it from him. I have an AK-47 in the making and got another Remington 700 this time in 22-250; can you tell I watched Calling Coyotes like a Pro . . . My partner has a Glock 22 in .40 S&W and on my list is a 1911 in .45ACP. Guess you can tell that I have become addicted to guns. As a part of the Master Course I received a Silver membership in the Gun Club of America. There I found I was not strange, there really are others out there who love guns. After my free trial offer ended I started my paid subscription to the GCA. I got a chance to attend the Bash in Carson City and had a blast. I took Darrell Hollands long range shooters course while there, and learned a lot, so much so that I got the Most Improved Long Range Shooter Award. Seriously, though, the Bash was a life changing experience. We had the opportunity to interact with Darrell, Bob, Ken, Gene S. and Gene K. to name a few.
Remington 700 in .308, 10x mil scope with a Harris Bi-pod
Also at the Bash I had my first exposure to the wonderful world of full auto. Now addicted to full auto, and unable to pay the steep entry price, I found a Slide Fire Solutions Stock for the AR-15. Changing the fixed Stock AR to a Carbine style AR, I was able to put the SSAR-15 on my AR-15. Even though it has a semi-auto trigger group it does allow for the feel of select fire and is a whole lot of fun to shoot. Well, I passed the exams for the Master Level Gunsmithing course and, after haggling with the BATFE and my local zoning people, I have an FFL and a business, P&P Gunsmithing, LLC. located in Wauchula, FL. My business is growing and I find that once people get a chance to see my work and get to know me, more work comes my way. I am confident my business will continue to grow. Editors note: Patricia is pretty dedicated when she starts something - she whetted her appetite with the AGI Practical Gunsmithing Course, and went on to take the Master Gunsmithing Course which includes pistol, rifle, rimfire rifles, shotguns, welding and machine shop. She also took the Law Enforcement Armorer's Course. She passed them all, of course, and can be counted on for input in the monthly GCA web meetings. Congratulations on becoming a Professional Master Gunsmith and starting your own gunsmithing business Patricia! __________________________ If you have an interest in becoming a Certified Professional Gunsmith like Patricia call AGI at 1-800-797-0867.
CA School Code # 2800501 This institution has received approval to operate from the Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (Bureau). The Bureau has determined that this institutions operational plan satisfies the minimum standards listed in the Educational Code section 94915 (b). 23
All the AGI courses made available to you this month in Ho Darrell Holland. Get exclusive step-by-step video instruction an
Learn how to make hand loaded ammunition tailored specifically for long range shooting. Youve heard the stories of unbelievable accuracy and shooting with "custom" ammunition. Perhaps youve even built your own favorite load. Now you can learn to surpass anything commercially available with this course from AGI. GUARANTEED! Riflesmith and competitive shooter Darrell ofAGI AMERICAN GUNSMITHING INSTITUTE fers over an hour of step-by-step instruction in the manufacture of superior ammunition. Another great course from Darrell Holland with a ton of information that will enhance your capabilities. 71 min. DVD#3214 $39.95 ($7 S/H) GCA Brass Member Price: $35.95 GCA Silver Member Price: $31.96
VIDEO
24
ot Brass are instructed by none other than Master Riflesmith nd take advantage of these GCA Members Only Special Offers! Learn how to get Maximum Performance from your rifle - SUPER TUNE IT!
Long Range Shooting Course teaches you how to consistently hit targets from 300-800 yards!
Long range shooting expert Darrell Holland takes you through a course of instruction guaranteed to improve your long range shooting skills. The initial discussion focuses on the rifle, ballistics, cartridges and bullets. Judging range and equipment calibration are covered, along with a selection of optics and range finders. Shooting techniques are covered from the point of both a hunter and a tactical shooter. We are so sure that you will benefit from this course that if you use the methods in this course and dont significantly improve your ability to shoot at long ranges, we will give you a FULL Refund - no questions asked. Exclusively for AGI customers we have developed and included a set of invaluable tables for calculating your long-range shots. 104 min. DVD#3224 $39.95 ($7 S/H) GCA Brass Member Price: $35.95 GCA Silver Member Price: $31.96
Retail Value: $179.80 Deal Price: $162.00 GCA Brass Member Price: $145.80 GCA Silver Member Price: $129.60
SAVE 50!
$ 25
go to:
www.AmericanGunsmith.com
Lessons Learned
Bullets are Bullets, Blanks are Blanks; Know the Difference. For a variety of reasons, I shouldnt have to explain this.
WARNING: Blanks are still to be considered dangerous. These are not toys!
26
Contributed by Dino Longueira Owner of Majestic Arms, Staten Island, NY Dino is shown here with Jack Landis, GCA Connection Editor at the 2011 SHOT Show
If you have a life lesson to share, write it up and send it (with pictures if you have them) to: GCA - HOT BRASS 351 Second Street, Napa, CA 94559, Attention: Lene Landis, or email Lenee@gunclubofamerica.com
GCA FELLOWSHIP
Send in your articles, jokes, tips, hints, stories, shooting activities, pictures, recipes, all those things you tell your friends.
On a lighter note . . .
From GCA Connection Editor, Jack Landis: We shared these pictures with our GCA Members back in the February 2011 Issue of GCA Connection Magazine. Thought it was worth sharing them with our new Brass Members also. At the beginning of the year I received a couple of captioned pictures that Dino's wife and acknowledged superior Joanne took while I was doing an interview with Dino for GunTech DVD Magazine. Since Dino apparently feels that he is now qualified to do humor as well as gunsmithing, I append these pictures here. Modesty, and my mothers injunctions against harming the helpless innocents of this world, prevent me from captioning them myself. 27
not even sure if we should put this one on the same page but here goes . . .
Olympic Shooting
In 1900, shooting live pigeons was an Olympic shooting sport. Now, the pigeons are clay. Since that time, the shooting competitions have been PC'd; no longer do they utilize human or animal target shapes. The shooters however haven't changed, they have just as many stories behind them, along with superb discipline, commitment, and training. There are a number of disciplines in modern day Olympics involving pistol, rifle, and shotgun. In another article in this issue, we take a look at the biathlon twins, who excel at the art of skiing and shooting. Anyone who has had to run and shoot knows it is almost a superhuman feat to instantly harness that calm spot inside allowing you to shoot without wildly flinch-pulling the trigger while your heart is pounding and your lungs are burning. Accuracy requires laser concentration and physical focus. The International Shooting Sports Federation governs worldwide events through the national bodies which govern each country. USA Shooting was born in 1995, chartered by the US Olympic Committee. It currently oversees the organization and management of programs and events at all levels, national to local. The ultimate outcome most of us enjoy are the athletes that represent the USA. Of course, there is the added bonus while watching the Olympics of admiring the superb abilities and back stories of all athletes who reach that level.
28
USA Shooting also has strong impact on the direction of shooting matches and programs at all levels, national to local. Their mission statement says it concisely: Prepare American athletes to win Olympic and Paralympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the US, and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Prior to this, the NRA handled training duties for over 100 years. The NRA came about in the US because Union officers were concerned about the poor shooting skills of their soldiers during the Civil War, and the rifle was the main focus. Although USAS receives some funding 2005 Korean Crown Trophy on display support from USOC, it relies mainly on individuals, corporations, membership dues and event fees. USA Shooting is a 501(c)3 corporation so donations are tax deductible. According to USA Shooting, the general public is the main support of their program. USA Shooting is based at the Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, CO, home to one of the largest indoor shooting facility in the Western Hemisphere. Athletes and coaches train here for a multitude of competitions, camps, and championship matches. Outdoor ranges are located about 25 miles away on 102 acres at the edge of the US Army's Fort Carson. Currently there are 15 eventssix for women and nine for men, divided among the 3 disciplines. Events include trap, skeet, air pistol and air rifle, and The Butterworth Trophy small bore rifle three position and prone. If youre interested in trying to qualify for the USA team, the policies and procedures are available on their website at www.usashooting.com Youth programs are in place at USA Shooting as well and college age juniors have the opportunity for scholarships. Paralympic Games have two classes of shooting. According to the International Paralympic Committee, the classifications are SH1, pistol and rifle competitors who do not require a shooting stand, and SH2, which are shooters who cant support the weight of the firearm and do require a shooting stand. The shooting classification rules are available as a pdf at http://www.ipc-shooting.org/Classification/ A Rising Star: Jamie Beyerle, who began shooting at 8 years old, is currently the worlds top ranked 3 position rifle shooter and has qualified for nomination to the 2012 Olympics in London. Upon approval by USOC, this will be her second Olympics. She has made an impressive improvement in earning 3 gold medals in World Cups after placing 4th in Beijing and credits Coach Dave Johnson, USA Shooting, Coach Tom Tomas, and the US Army Marksmanship Team.
29
30
Hunting and growing our own food can be a family bonding time. Many hunters and gardeners take pride in sharing their activities with family and friends, participating in the process of putting food on the table together. Instead of seeing the hunting trip as something that separates couples, it can be a time of bonding by joining the hunter, or finding ways to cook the catch. For those who want to go along but have no interest in actually killing an animal, consider being the trip photographer. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the benefits of hiking, or explore the surrounding area to locate unique stores or cafes. Or increase a hunters enjoyment of the sport from behind the scenes by discovering recipes for the bounty. In the garden, learn what produce thrives in your area and experiment with new varieties and methods of preparation. Hunting and gathering contribute to my enjoyment of nature. I feel something almost primitive at the very thought of hunting for food. As autumn approaches and my garden begins to ripen I know hunting season is just around the corner and I get in touch with a basic part of myself unlike anything else I know. ____________________________________ BIOGRAPHY: Dawn V. Obrecht is a medical doctor residing in Steamboat Springs, CO with her husband, Erik Landvik. She hunts, gardens, writes and sometimes practices medicine. Her first book, Mission Possible: A Missionary Doctors Journey of Healing was published in 2008 and is available on Amazon or her website: www.docdawn.com We have a wonderful recipe contributed by Dawn to share with you on page 21. Enjoy!!! 31
Dear GCA Members: For years we have looked for a Marlin lever gun buttstock with a raised comb to facilitate the use of scopes and Red Dot sights. We don't want to cob up our original stocks with wood or Bondo, just want an inexpensive replacement for field use. The originals are designed for iron sights and the combs are way too low to support a good cheek weld. This is annoying at best, and painful at worst, particularly in the '95 with heavy .45/70 loads. We have the opportunity to acquire some with a 1" raised comb for the centerfire guns (pistol grip & straight stock carbine) and the Model 39 rimfire guns in both configurations as well. Cost will be about $70 for this first run and they will require final sanding and finishing. We will probably include a deal of some sort on the AGI Stock Finishing course which includes finish.
ASAP
32
33
21 Gunsmithing Mini eLessons from the American Gunsmithing Institute Frequently Asked Firearm Questions and Answers e-book. GCA Silicone Gun Protection Cloth What are you waiting for? Industry discounts and much more!
This offer is not valid for existing Brass, Silver, Gold or Platinum GCA Members.
Call 1-800-435-4262
34
or go to:
www.JoinGCA.com/hb2011
The Fastest Method For Learning How To Operate A Lathe & Mill
A Complete Step-by-Step Machine Shop Course with Video Instruction by Master Machinist Darrell Holland
You will learn to operate a lathe, a mill and all of the support equipment used in a machine shop. We will take you from the very basics of what exactly is a .001 of an inch and how to measure it, to advanced set up and machining techniques. This course will even help you understand what equipment you need, what to look for when purchasing equipment and how to lay out your shop for maximum efficiency. This information will save you years of trial and error. Quite frankly, many of these techniques you would not be able to learn anywhere else. This complete course consists of 30+ HOURS of detailed video instruction. A truly comprehensive course that is equal to at least two years of machine shop classes, IF you could find the time and a Master Machinist to teach you! OVER 30 HOURS Plus as an added bonus youll receive: ON DVD! 1,013 page, two volume hardbound book set Machine Shop Practices Practice tool bit Machinist rule Lathe fishtail center finder tool (for threading) Quick reference pocket tap and drill chart Special 25th edition Machinery Handbook: Covers everything on materials, cutting speeds, You Get Everything Shown Here! calculations and equations, strength and properties of materials, heat treating, cutting fluids, and too much more to list. Truly the bible for the machinist. 2,543 pages. Special bonus: matching 25th Edition Guide. More information GCA Silver Members and tips on how to most easily use the handbook. 249 pages. SAVE 5 5 9 Written testing for your "Machine Shop Theory Certification" Steel & aluminum material for your test projects to receive your Practical Applications Certification. OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU. After watching $ this course you will be able to walk up to a lathe or mill, set up the tooling, and turn out precision parts. Take up to 90 days to review the course and ensure your satisfaction. If you dont feel that this is the best machine shop course ever offered we will and get a refund your money in full.
$
Lathe Course #MSLCOURSEDVD Mill Course #MSMCOURSEDVD General Machine Shop Course #MS3COURSEDVD $479.00 for each course above ($15 S/H) GCA Brass Member Price: $431.10 GCA Silver Member Price: $383.20
0 0 1 e v a S E FR E met
AGIs Certified Complete Machine Shop Course youll receive an adjustable, auto darkening solar-powered welding helmet. Hurry - supplies are limited!
Offer expires October 10, 2011. *Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers or discounts. Cannot be applied to any previous sales or offers. Promotion subject to change, while supplies last.
COMPLETE Machine Shop Course #MSCOURSEDVD ONLY $1,197.00 ($29 S/H) SPECIAL HOT BRASS PRICE: SPECIAL HOT BRASS PRICE: ONLY $1097.00 ONLY $1097.00 GCA Brass Member Price: $987.30 California School Code #2800501 GCA Silver Member Price: $877.60
___________________________
According to Larry:
Some statistics about Doctors: A. The number of physicians in the US is 700,000. B. Accidental deaths caused by physicians per year are 120,000. C. Accidental deaths per physician is 0.171.
Statistics courtesy of US Dept. of Health Human Services.
Some statistics about Guns: A. The number of gun owners in the US is 80,000,000. (Yes, that's 80 million!) B. Accidental gun deaths per year, all age groups, is 1,500. C. The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is .000188.
Statistics courtesy of FBI
:D
37
Action: Breech mechanism of a gun, by which it is loaded and unloaded. Automatic: Used to describe certain shotguns, pistols and rifles, which should be called "autoloaders." True "automatics" fire a rapid series of shots by a sustained trigger pressure on the trigger. Ball: Earlier term for "bullet," and still used in some military terminology. Ballistics: Science of projectiles in motion. Barrel: The part(s) of a gun through which passes the bullet or shot, traveling from breech to muzzle. Base Wad: Compressed paper filter inside a shotshell, varying in size and form. Battery Cup: Type of shotshell ignition form in which the cap or primer is held. Beavertail: Gun fore-end that is usually wider than it is deep, and generally hand filling. Belted Case: Cartridge case with a band or belt at base, just ahead of extractor groove, and on which case (otherwise "rimless") positions headspines in rifle chamber. Blueing: Rendering (ferrous) gun metals black or blue (brown, in an earlier day) by various chemical processes. Bore: The inside of the barrel of a gun of any kind and, in rifled arms, the dimensions, usually of the barrel before rifling. Breech: Rear end of the barrel bore, or generally the place where the back of barrel and action lie. Breech Bolt: The part of a breech that resists the rearward force of the combustion that occurs when a cartridge is fired. BT: Boat-tail, referring to the base-taper given certain bullets to give them greater efficiency at long ranges. Bullet: The projectile only, not to be applied to the cartridge. See also "Ball." Caliber: Bore or groove diameter expressed (in English) in decimals of an inch, otherwise in the metric system. Frequently compounded to indicate powder capacity of cartridge case; to show date of adoption; to show case length or to show proprietor, etc. E.g., 30-40, 30-06, 8x57mm or 375 Holland & Holland. Cannelure: Circumferential groove(s) around a bullet or cartridge case. In the latter refers to extractor groove, in lead bullets the lubrication grooves, in jacketed bullets the expansion point and/or where case is crimped. Cartridge: Commonly, today, the brass or copper envelope that contains powder, primer and projectile, but applicable to shot-shells, too, whether of all brass (not common) or paper and metal combinations, and sometimes plastics. CF: Centerfire (cartridges); those ignited by means of (generally) a separate and replaceable primer. Chamber: That part of the bore, at the breech, formed to accept the cartridge. 38
Choke: The constriction of a shotgun bore at the muzzle to various degrees, designed to control pellet charge spread at the target. Choke, Adjustable: Mechanical device of many designs, attached to the muzzle of single barreled shotguns to permit alteration of choke from "cylinder" (little or no bore constriction, throwing widespread, short range shot patterns) to "full" (the greatest bore constriction, throwing tight, dense patterns at long range), with any degree of choke wanted available (usually) between those settings. Grip: The part of the stock held by the trigger hand. Also, sometimes, "hand" or "wrist." Group: Number of shots fired into a target (number and range optional), usually with one sight setting. Cone: In a shotgun, the tapered area leading from the front of the chamber to the bore diameter proper. See "Throat." Corrosion: In a barrel, the eating away of the metal by chemical actions, as by rusting, powder or primer action, etc. Creep: The movement or drag of a trigger before it releases. Crimp: The bending inward, of the case mouth perimeter, in order to grip and hold the bullet, or to keep the shot charge in a shotgun case intact. Cylinder: In a revolver, a cartridge container that rotates (generally) around an axis parallel to and below the barrel. Die: In handloading ammunition, any of a number of tools used to size bullets or cases, seat bullets, etc. Double Action: Usually applied to revolvers, referring to one that is fired successively by simply pulling the trigger. This movement cocks the hammer, rotates the cylinder and releases the hammer, thus two (double) or more actions. Drift: The angle of movement, to right or left, away from the line of the bore, due to bullet rotation or spin. Ejector: Correctly, the device(s) at the barrel breech that throws the fired case from the chamber. See "Extractor." Elevation: Movement of a rear sight or telescope mount to alter the area of bullet impact at target or game. Energy: In bullets, the amount of work done, at given ranges, expressed in foot-pounds. Erosion: More or less gradual wearing away of rifling by combustion gas, heat and bullet friction. Extractor: Device that partially removes the fired cartridge case from the chamber when the breech is opened. See "Ejector." Firing Pin: A part of the action, actuated by the trigger, that hits the primer and fires the cartridge. Flintlock: Used on a muzzleloading gun fired by means of a piece of flint, held in the hammer or "cock" jaws, striking against a steel "frizzen." Incandescent particles of steel scraped from the frizzen fall into a "pan" holding powder. This ignited powder flames through the "touch-hole," thus firing the main charge. Fore-end: That part of the wood under a barrel (or fore-stock) as distinguished from buttstock. Also as "forearm." Gauge: Unit of bore measurement in shotguns, determined by the number of solid lead round balls, of the bore diameter, obtainable from one pound of lead. E.g., 12 gauges means a bore of such size that 12 lead balls of that size make a pound. Hammer: A part of the action (in some guns) actuated by the trigger. The hammer drives the firing pin against the primer, thus igniting the cartridge powder charge. H.P.: "Hollow point," a design feature of certain bullets. See "Mushroom." 39
Lands: That portion of the bore remaining after the rifling or grooves have been cut. Line of Sight: A straight line from rear sight through front sight to target or point of aim. Lock: The firing mechanism of a gun. Magazine: Device or reservoir to hold extra cartridges, of many types and names. "Clip," once reserved for the slender metal strip from which cartridges are stripped into a magazine well, now refers to separate, detachable magazines also, as with those for autoloading pistols, many rifles and shotguns. M.C.: Metal Case, a form of bullet completely covered forward with copper or copper alloy (usually) jacket. Generally a military bullet type, and also termed "solids," and F.M.J. (full metal jacketed). Mid-Range: Usually used in connection with trajectory, referring to a point midway between muzzle and target or game. Mushroom: The capacity of certain bullets to expand on/or after impact, also the term given to some soft point or hollow point bullets. See "S.P." and "H.P." Muzzle: End of barrel opposite to breech; point from which bullet or shot leaves barrel. M.E.: Muzzle Energy. See "Energy." M.V.: Muzzle Velocity. See "Velocity." O.P.E.: Open Point Expanding, a type of bullet invented by Western Cartridge Co. Open Sight: Metallic rear sight having a flat, U- or V-shaped part which is sighted over, not through. O/U: "Over and Under," a 2-shot weapon, usually a rifle or shotgun or a combination of the two, with two barrels placed one on top of the other. Also "Superposed." Pattern: Of pellets from a shotgun, usually expressed as to many pellets within a 30-inch circle at 40 yards. Peep Sight: Metallic rear sight, usually mounted on or near the receiver or action of the gun, with the sighting part a hole, aperture or "peep," to be sighted through. Pistol: Said by some to derive from Pistoia, an early gun making center in Italy. Any small, concealable, short-barreled (2"-10") hand weapon, generally not a revolver. Pressure: The gas pressure generated in a cartridge on its being fired, usually expressed in (greatest) pounds per square inch Primer: In a centerfire cartridge, the small cup containing a detonating mixture, which is seated in a recess in the base of the case. In a rimfire, a similar mixture inside the folded rim of the case. Proofmark: Symbol or small device stamped in the metal of a gun to show that it has been test-fired for strength, etc. Pump Gun: Also called "slide" or "trombone action." Applied to shoulder arm with a tubular magazine, usually below the barrel, from which cartridges are fed to the chamber by a to-and-fro movement of a handle partially surrounding the magazine. Receiver: In a rifle or shotgun, the frame holding the action, lock, etc. Reticle: Crosshairs, a post, etc., in a telescope sight, adjusted to appear (correctly) in the same plane as the image or target. Erroneously "reticule." Revolver: A multi-shot handgun, using a revolving cylinder as a cartridge container. Rib: Usually, in connection with shotguns, a sighting plane above the barrel(s), may be a "raised" narrow box type, or "ventilated," a metal platform supported by pillars or stilts. Heat waves arising from a hot barrel into the line of sight are easier dissipated via a "V.R." 40
RF: Rimfire cartridges. Those containing their primer mixture in the rim, which is where they are struck by the firing pin. Rifling: Spiral grooving cut into the bore of rifles and handguns to impart spin to their bullets, thus assuring point-on flight and accuracy. Rim: The projecting edge of the base or "head" of certain cartridges. Scope: Telescope, an optical or "glass sight, usually magnifying the image, and containing crosshairs or other aiming device. See "Reticle." Sear: In a gun mechanism the part designed to hold the hammer or striker-firing pin at half- or full- cock. Single Action: Usually applied to revolvers, referring to one that needs a separate, manual cocking of the hammer before firing by pulling the trigger. See "double action." Sizing: In handloading cartridges, sizing (or resizing ) brings the fired cartridge case back to the (full or partial) dimensions of the new or unfired case. Bullets are also sized. Sling: Fabric or leather strap, of various designs, for carrying the gun or for use in shooting a rifle. Some serve both purposes. S.P.: Soft Point, a term used for bullets with partial metal jacketing, having some lead exposed at the top. SxS: Side by Side, a 2-shot weapon, usually a rifle or shotgun, with two barrels placed one beside the other. Stock: The part(s) of a gun designed to be held by the hand(s). Throat: Area ahead of chamber that tapers to join rifled section. Trajectory: Curved path of bullet in flight, a parabola. Twist: Angle of the rifling relative to the axis of the bore. Usually uniform, and expressed in turns or part-turns in so many inches. Less common, "progressive" or "gain" twist, usually starting at a rate at breech that becomes gradually faster. Velocity: Projectile speed, usually measured in feet per second (f.p.s.) at the muzzle and other distances such as 100 yards, 200 yards, etc. Wheel-lock: Used on a muzzleloading gun fired by means of a piece of flint or pyrites, held in the hammer jaws, which is held over a serrated steel wheel. This wheel, set in motion by a tensioned spring, protrudes through the bottom of the "pan" ( wherein powder has been placed) and bears against the flint. Sparks are created, as in the flintlock, and the gun is fired by a flame passing through the touch-hole. W&E: "Windage and elevation," a term used in connection with gun sights. "Windage" might more correctly be termed "lateral." WCF: Winchester Center Fire. WRF: Winchester Rim Fire. Zero: That sight setting which gives bullet group location relative to the aiming point desired, and from which subsequent changes in sight settings will be made.
41
I just returned from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil where I was invited to attend the Preliminary Draw for the World Cup 2012 Football (Soccer). I was there to work with the ISDS team (International Security and Defense Systems, Israel) in the unveiling of a brand new, never before revealed, security screening technology. The Qylar System Designed in the USA and Israel by a U.S. company, this advanced system will substantially reduce wait times in airport, stadiums, and at other security checkpoints while significantly increasing the level of security. It is Gene Kelly, GCA President, presents the Qylar System. intended to work as a self-serve station. Each person puts their things, (bags, briefcases, purses etc.) into a locker on one end of the device and it will simultaneously check for 5 different threats: weapons (using a combined X-ray and a computerized program), radiation, explosives, drugs, and chemicals. A computer does all the checking and, then if cleared, releases the locker door on the other end of the unit so that they can remove their belongings. To get to the exit locker door on the other side you walk through a metal and explosives scanner. The whole process takes only about a minute so the through-put of people increases easily by three to four times and the number of staff required goes down to less than half. Therefore they can afford to hire security staff who are able to spend the majority of their time watching and analyzing passenger actions/profiles and dealing with articles that the Qylar machine alerts on. This will greatly increase the actual level of security provided while reducing the amount of time spent waiting in security lines. While at the event, I was invited to a news conference with the most famous soccer player in the world, Pele. He is 70 years old and looks 50. I spoke with him briefly after the conference and 42
This is a photo I took of World Renown Soccer Player Pele and my longtime friend Leo Gleser, president of ISDS, Israel
found him to be very sharp and a real gentleman. My son Jacob returned from his People to People, Student Ambassador Program where he visited New Zealand and Australia just as I was getting back in the office for two days to work my tail off. I then left at 4am to go backpacking for 5 days with Jacob and two friends.
Jacob Kelly in front of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia
We hiked back into the Hoover Wilderness, near Yosemite and the Sonora Pass, beautiful country. We were hiking at about the 8,500 ft elevation and I could certainly feel it. But, after a couple of days, I felt great! It was a great time, kind of the cap on summer before Jacob starts his Senior Year (!) of High School. While in the mountains I took the opportunity to test some of our survival skills and some new ideas and equipment that worked out great. I will pass this information along to you in a Jacob and Gene in the Hoover Wilderness future issue of GunTech DVD Magazine. During the entire 5 days we ate Freeze Dried Food from our Just-in-case units. Each case has a weeks worth of food (21 meals) for one person. However even with the two of us eating from the case we had food left over. I strongly recommend that you get these for your personal security/survival program and then use them for hunting or camping. That way you will rotate your stock (even though these are good for more than ten years) and be comfortable with the quality and taste of the food before you ever need it in an emergency. Knowledge reduces stress. My personal source is the Freeze Dry Guy 1-866-404-3663. Call him and tell him that you heard about him from me and he will give you a free sample of Freeze Dried Food and a Preparedness Manual. He will ask for a couple of bucks to cover the shipping. Well worth it. I recommend that as an absolute bare minimum you have one Just-in-case per family member. He has a full line of food as well. In September I will be in Israel for a special conference and the 30th Anniversary of ISDS. I have been their US representative for about 23 years. Meanwhile I am working on two new AGI courses and we are hosting GCA Shootfest, October 8th, 2011 at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center. This will be a one day event just for GCA members enabling them to have FUN and try out new shooting techniques. Look for complete details on page 2 or at www.GCAShootfest.com. Meanwhile every day we are working on growing the Gun Club of America and expanding the benefits and services we offer to you. Best regards, Gene Kelly 43
http://www.gunhavenranch.com/Women%20Only.html
I am also wondering as we develop a juniors program if we should segregate the genders? Any input you could provide would be greatly appreciated. 44
Deb Ferns of Babes with Bullets writes: Hi Lenee, Paul seems to have a good handle on what he is offering; I did check out his women only events. Here is my take: Many women want to learn from other WOMEN! That is why Babes with Bullets has been so successful in the last seven plus years. Women need to know that the female instructors teaching them can pass the expert test. Much of the Babes success is because Kay Miculek, Lisa Munson, Maggie Reese, Athena Lee, Annette Aysen, etc are all national and world CHAMPIONS besides being NRA certified instructors, CCW trainers and military and law enforcement trainers. I would recommend Paul consider a program that evokes camaraderie between the female students and the female instructors. Women think of a one-day event as work; they think of a three-day as adventure and fun. All that said, programs like Pauls are a great feeder system for the Babes with Bullets camp. I think he will have even more success with his day programs if he has women instructors who are nurturing and extremely well versed in how to empower women without overpowering them. Its a fine line and one that many men (MANY) dont quite get. Part of that is because I dont hesitate to touch a woman on her hips, her hands, her shoulders; all to get her into a proper stance or grip or just to get her to relax and focus on her sight picture. My husband, who is one of the best male instructors Ive seen yet, just cant do that comfortably and especially not with junior shooters. Paul was appreciative that Deb had taken the time to look over his program and realized what she said is beneficial. What I am hearing is Women Only means Women Only. That we should keep the genders segregated; classes, competition, juniors, everything. Whoa Paul!! I have to tell you I loved baseball and would have rather played against the boys because they were usually better! There should be options based on shooter's preference and ability! (Editors humble opinion.) I understand the comments about initial training and advanced training. It is my thought to leave matches co-ed. Perhaps I will leave the advanced classes co-ed, I guess I will run it by some of the women students and hear what they have to say. It would certainly be easier resource-wise. Probably more of an issue for some men, who think they know more and can shoot better than they can, and hate it when they get outshot by women. Since the skill set necessary to shoot well is not gender specific, they get quite intimidated by women who have developed that skill set. 45 My response to them is learn to shoot better!
Exactly! That goes for all of us! (Editors enthusiastic opinion!) Paul continues: I get the 'keep it fun' part, I am married to a Tigger and if it ain't fun she ain't playin. The plan is to develop many if not all the classes we offer as women only classes, cut out the technical jargon, and do more show and tell than yack, yack. At least that is the feedback from the classes I have been doing. I am aware of that and have been structuring the classes to follow that idea. The last Women's 101 class I did we all had a blast. One of the guns I brought to shoot was a Winchester 94 which tickled two of the women who loved the old "Rifleman"TV show. There was great jocularity had by all as they picked it up and pounded a metal gong at 100 yards with some regularity. There was some discussion as to how many shots Lucas McCain took at the beginning of the show, but it did not detract from being able to shoot an "Old West" lever gun. We had a visit from one of the other instructors teaching a men's class at the adjacent range wanting to know what all the laughter was about. It has always been our intention to develop a cadre of women instructors, but we are very much at ground zero with the effort of getting women involved in general. Both myself and the director of Gunhaven Ranch are committed to develop the facility to include juniors and women as a major component of what we do. We will make it happen, but again we are starting from the beginning. It is my hope to be able to turn over the women's programs to certified women instructors no later than 2013. While I enjoy teaching the women's classes, (you are so much easier to teach firearms to than the guys,) I want to focus on long range rifle shooting, advanced marksmanship, and doing what we call mini camps designed to teach folks about what it takes to get involved with competitive shooting, as well as building Gunhaven Ranch. Oh yeah, I have a gunsmith business to run also. Paul agrees there is frustration in not being able to align a proper stance as Deb pointed out with her own husband. He noted: I have no doubt that the more women we get trained in the use of firearms, and involved in the shooting sports, the better our prospects will be to find those who excel, are good communicators, and are willing to teach. In checking out their website, I was struck by this fact: Gunhaven Ranch is the culmination of a dream of a few visionaries. Two women, through their vision and dedication, have made Gunhaven Ranch a reality. Peggy Ulmer, on whose property Ruston Gun Club began in 1978, saw the need and made their property a part of the future that is Gunhaven Ranch. Chris King, on whose property Gunhaven Ranch has now expanded, placed her property in trust for the benefit of all as an educational and recreational property on which Gunhaven Ranch will exist for the benefit of future generations." And that is the beauty of it all my friends . . . we all teach each other. We all make each other better shooters, communicators, and friends. Lets keep it up. 46
GCA Members
BUG OUT
Save on Books!
30% OFF!
by: SCOTT WILLIAMS PAPERBACK - Rumpf # B-6488 List Price: $14.95 ($5 s/h) GCA Member Price: $10.45 Cataclysmic events strike sleepy towns and major cities every year. Residents face escaping quickly or perishing in rising waters, raging fires or other life-threatening conditions. By the time the evacuation starts, its already too late. Being prepared makes the difference between survival and disaster. Guiding you step by step, Bug Out shows you how to be ready at a seconds notice. Create an escape plan for where to go and how to get there, pack the perfect bug-out bag for the first 72 hours, find food, water and other necessities outside of civilization. Floods. Hurricanes. Pandemics. Earthquakes. Blizzards. Tsunamis. Wildfires. Riots. Bug Out includes detailed information on the best escape locations everywhere in the U.S.: the Pacific Coast, the Rocky Mountains, the Desert Southwest, the Heartland, the Lakes and Big Woods of the North, the Gulf Coast, the Appalachians and the Atlantic Coast. 312 PAGES PB
30% OFF!
www.JoinGCA.com