Medford Rifle and Pistol Club

On-Line Newsletter

 

Fullbore Rifle Practice

We will shoot at 300 yards this Wednesday the 13th

On the Camp White Rifle Range at 5 PM.

22 rounds or less from either prone or bench.

After the practice we will have a 5 shoot varmint match.

Prizes to be given.

Frank 541 899 6872

 

 

 

THE COMPETITION/RESERVE RANGES AT THE SPORTS PARK

WILL BE CLOSED

BEGINNING THIS THURSDAY MORNING

FOR THE

OREGON SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP/OREGON OPEN MATCH

PREPARATIONS.

 

WORK WILL BEGIN AT 0900. VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED.

 

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD, THANKS.

Tom Howard <howardts@charter.net&gt;

 

 

 

 

The historic Remington plant in Ilion, NY.

Operations Sep 11, 2017   Share

Gun Manufacturer Lays off 55

The layoffs are due to an industry-wide market turndown.   Contributor: Associated Press

 

ILION, N.Y. (AP) — Local officials say the Remington Arms Co. has laid off 55 workers at its upstate New York plant.

Ilion Mayor Terry Leonard tells the Observer-Dispatch of Utica that he received a call from the plant manager on Thursday.

Leonard says the Ilion plant layoffs were due to an industry-wide market turndown.

The Madison, North Carolina-based firearms and ammunition manufacturer laid off 122 workers at the Mohawk Valley plant

in March. Before those layoffs, Remington’s Ilion plant employed about 1,100.

Leonard believes the company will remain in the town. He says when he worked for the manufacturer

there were "ups and downs" that related to shifts in supply and demand.

Remington did not return a request for comment Friday.

 

Medford Rifle and Pistol Club

On-Line Newsletter

 

 

Saturday’s STEEL CHALLENGE has been Cancelled

All, as much as I hate to cancel any match I going to have to this month due to the unhealthy air quality.

It doesn’t appear to be clearing up and not expecting it to in the near future.

I would like everyone to know that next month we will be having a side steel shotgun stage.

Thanks

Rick Isner

 

 

 

However

Klamath is having a second steel match this month

This Sunday Klamath will hold a sec steel match .

Sign in 900 start 930 4 stages for rim fire and center fire guns. 

For more information  contact huntchukar <huntchukar@gmail.com>

 

 

Great Moments In Sportsmanship: Vere Hamer

by Paul Nordquist – Tuesday, August 29, 2017

SUBSCRIBE

When Vere Hamer saw the preliminary result bulletin for the 1938 National Smallbore Rifle Championship at Camp Perry, OH, he headed directly to the challenge window. The result bulletin listed Hamer as the winner of the Championship Aggregate making him the 1938 National Smallbore Rifle Champion. Hamer, from Woodstock, MN, had already won the National title in 1930―but he knew he hadn’t pulled it off in 1938.

Vere Hamer challenged his own score when he knew the numbers on the board where higher than he actually shot—costing him the championship.

Vere Hamer was a deliberate, methodical wind doper and he knew he had run out of time in the last match, managing only 39 shots in the allotted time instead of the required 40. He was also a hard holder and the scorers had given him a double on a doubtful shot in a tight group. So, Hamer challenged his own Championship winning score―and he won, losing 10 points and allowing Bill Woodring to win his third consecutive National Smallbore Championship. Woodring remains the only person to win three consecutive National titles.

The next year, 1939, Hamer came back to again win the National Smallbore Championship―this time without a scoring challenge―becoming the first to win the title under the new “3200” point format. Needless to say, the win was a popular one.

In his 1939 win Hamer used an unusual rifle, one made by the famous barrel maker (and 1929 National Smallbore Champion) Eric Johnson of New Haven, CT. The rifle featured a quarter-inch bolt lift and was referred to as the Johnson Straight-Pull rifle. Hamer’s performance testifies to the excellence of the design but, for economic reasons, only a very few were ever produced.

Vere Hamer exemplifies the very best traditions of the shooting game―an honesty that challenged his own incorrect, but winning score even at the cost of losing a National Championship―a unique occurrence with a unique rifle by a true champion.

Editor’s note: Material for this article was gathered from the October issues of American Rifleman for 1930, 1938 and 1939, and from an article in the June 1997 Precision Shooting by Omer R. Hamer (Vere Hamer’s nephew).

 

 

10 Quitest States in the Union

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released its “Firearms Commerce in the United States, Annual Statistical Update 2017” in August. NFA information is included in the figures, and the information is dissected by state. Here’s a look at the top 10 suppressor-owning states. Figures from the 2016 report are in parenthesis and put the increase in perspective.

242,859—Texas (165,499 in 2016)
85,998—Florida (61,015)
63,021—Georgia (49,357)
52,495—Ohio (30,714)
50,647—South Carolina (23,451)
48,903—Louisiana (25,203)
48,118—Alabama (30,849)
44,014—Virginia (31,205)
42,406—Utah (26,039)
40,485—Arizona (28,942)

Nationwide there are 1,360,023 citizens who own suppressors this year—as of April, the last month included in the report. In 2016, for comparison, that number was 902,805.

 

 

 

 

 

Medford Rifle and Pistol Club

On-Line Newsletter

 

 

 

 

NSSF Rimfire Championship Link

www3.nssf.org/rimfire/championship/?utm_source=bulletpoints&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=rimfire

 

 

MRPC  Fullbore Rifle Practice

 

It is only to be 90 degrees this Wednesday   8-30-17

so we will shoot on the Camp White Range

from 600 yards at 5 PM.

If the smoke will let us see the targets

Firing 22 rounds or less

From either a prone or benchrest position

 

Frank 541 899 6872

 

 

FYI

Soft Drink Machine at the Indoor Range is broke.

It will be a few weeks before it can be fixed

 

 

“Repeal 719” Ballot Referendum Initiative

                                                                   August 24, 2017    From Bill Post, Oregon House District 25

I know that many in Oregon are VERY upset that SB 719 passed.  Therefore a group of us are working to repeal it via the ballot.  We need your help. 

Why are we doing this?

·         SB 719 calls for the forced confiscation of property by the police with no due process, no accusation of a crime let alone conviction of a     crime.

·         It allows people with no mental health credentials to make assessments of another’s state of mind and

it allows people with no mental health credentials (judges) to punish people they have never met or spoken to.

·         Furthermore it actually forbids judges from considering assessments of the respondents mental health by people who actually DO have        mental health credentials.

·         The law allows a judge to confiscate every firearm in a household because one person there has ever has a DUI conviction.

·         The law provides no help whatsoever for a person who has been accused of being suicidal.

            In fact, an amendment that would have called for some minimal intervention was not even considered.

·         The law provides NO protection for people who are living in the household of a person who has been accused of being a danger to others.

·         The law provides no guidance for the police who are tasked with confiscating the firearms of the person who has not been accused of or          tried for a crime.

·         The law allows 24 hours for the respondent to turn over firearms even though in many cases that is not possible. That 24 hour window is       clearly a time of extreme danger in the event the respondent actually IS a danger to self or others.

·         The law defines no provisions for determining how many firearms the respondent has, or how to assure they have all been seized and lastly    and probably most importantly to me:

·         Governor Kate Brown stalled signing this bill into law which greatly limits the amount of days to gather signatures, thus depriving        Oregonians of their constitutional rights.

 

So, what do you do and how can you help?

 

Below are the links for the two sided petition sheets.  They need to be printed back to back.  So, first download each (they are pdf files) then print the first sheet, turn the paper over and print the “cover sheet” on back.  Once you have filled a sheet out (read the instructions carefully on the cover sheet and down below on this page) send them in to the addresses listed.

 

Here are the two sheets to download to go gather signatures:

10 line petition sheet Repeal 719

Cover Sheet to print on back of petition sheet

Mail completed sheets to any of these:

Teri Grier	Bill Post	Mike Nearman
94342 Sether Street Ln	5135 Lacey St N	2570 Greenwood Rd S
North Bend OR 97459	Keizer OR 97303	Independence OR 97351

PLEASE read the instructions CAREFULLY!  Every page we have to toss out means starting over again!!

Instructions for Circulators

Only active Oregon voters may sign a petition. Ask each signer if they are an active registered voter in Oregon.

A single circulator must personally witness all signatures collected on any one signature sheet. After witnessing each signature on a sheet, use a pen to sign and date the circulator certification.

Initial any changes you make to the date you signed the certification. A complete list of allowable circulator certification corrections is provided in the Circulator Training Manual available at www.oregonvotes.gov

 It is against the law for circulators to:

Circulate a petition containing a false signature.

Make false statements to any person who signs the petition or requests information about it.

Attempt to obtain the signature of a person who is not qualified to sign the petition.

Offer money or anything of value to another person to sign or not sign the petition.

Sell or offer to sell signature sheets.

Write, alter, correct, clarify or obscure any information about the signers unless the signer is disabled and requests assistance or the signer initials after the changes are made.

Accept compensation to circulate a petition that is based on the number of signatures obtained.

Warning Violations of the circulator requirements may result in conviction of a felony with a fine of up to $125,000 and/or prison for up to 5 years.

Instructions for Signers

Only active Oregon voters may sign a petition. Use a pen to sign your name, as you did when you registered to vote.

Provide the date you signed the petition, your printed name and residence address. Only you may complete this optional information.

Initial any changes the circulator makes to your printed name, residence address or date you signed the petition.

 It is against the law for signers to:

Sign another person’s name under any circumstances.

Sign a petition more than one time.

Sign a petition when you are not qualified to sign it.

We will have a single signer, downloadable petition on our “repeal 719” website soon.

The next part that we could really use help on is the signature verification process.  Once petitions begin to come in, you can volunteer to verify signatures against the voter files.  It’s an EASY, web based process that anyone (that means you Grandma!) can do, and a great way to get involved!!  If you’d like to volunteer please send an email to: mike@repeal719.com

Remember our deadline is 5:00 pm on October 5, 2017 so time’s a wastin’!

 

LASTLY and very, very important:  You can DONATE to help us do this thing!!  We have created a Political Action Committee (PAC is name “Repeal 719 PAC”) for which your Oregon Political Tax Credit can be used ($50 per person, $100 per couple).

Click on THIS DONATE NOW button below and help us get this on the ballot!!

 

This is the link to the actual bill itself which if anyone asks, you can provide to them.

Senate Bill 719

So, now you have ALL that you need to get going!!  As soon as we have the “Repeal 719” website up and running, we’ll let you know, for now, you have all that you need to get started collecting signatures.  PLEASE read the instructions CAREFULLY!  Every page we have to toss out means starting over again!!

 

 

 

What You Should Know About .22 Rimfire

by Michael Bussard – Wednesday, August 16, 2017

This article was first published in Sept. 2010. The author is former NRA Publications Technical Editor. 
Images copyright American Rifleman

In the subconscious mind of most shooters, the .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle rimfire cartridges form part of the bedrock of shooting sports. Their ubiquitous availability, affordable price, consistent quality and wide product range are taken for granted. Few shooters stop to consider the many difficulties inherent in the design and manufacture of these cartridges.

If you set out to design a self-contained cartridge that is difficult to make and suffers from numerous design shortcomings, it would be the humble .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle (.22 rimfire).

Design Shortcomings 
On a good day, the ignition potential of the .22 rimfire priming system is weak. Because there is no anvil, the lead styphnate rimfire priming compound requires the addition of ground glass as a frictioning agent. Ground glass is not "bore friendly," but without it, .22 rimfire priming will not function. And, to date, no lead-free priming compounds suitable for .22 rimfire have been found.

Ignition begins on the side of the case where the rim is crushed by the firing pin; there is no flash hole to focus the ignition gasses into the center of the powder charge. Failure to press the priming compound reliably and evenly inside the annular rim cavity can lead to misfires and high variations in muzzle velocity. 

It is important to remember that the .22 Short and Long Rifle cartridges were originally designed for and loaded with easily ignited black powder. However, smokeless propellants have dramatically different ignition requirements and burning characteristics. Propellant makers soon found that the .22 rimfire design was not friendly to early smokeless propellants. They struggled for decades to find suitable smokeless propellants and the search continues to this day.

Essentially, the .22 rimfire requires unique smokeless propellants with a high energy content that are easily ignited and burn progressively. Limited case capacity dictates a dense powder with a small flake or ball configuration. Propellants with large flakes, sticks or coarse grains cannot be used as they will not drop uniformly through the holes in .22 rimfire plate-loading machines.

To facilitate ignition, .22 rimfire bullets must be heavily crimped into the case mouth to increase shot-start forces. Of necessity, this deforms the bullet. However, even on a good day, only about half of the propellant in a .22 rimfire cartridge burns completely.

The weak case head is the Achilles heel of the .22 rimfire cartridge. For this reason, Maximum Average Pressures (MAP) of .22 rimfire ammunition must be kept below 24,000 psi. Rimfire cases must have enough spring-back to assure consistent extraction in blowback-operated semi-automatic guns, yet remain soft enough to prevent splitting. This is a narrow margin that also eliminates steel as a .22 rimfire cartridge case material. Design parameters require all rimfire cartridge cases to be rimmed. Necked rimfire cases require several additional production steps which adds considerably to their cost. Rimfire cartridge cases cannot be reloaded.

All .22 rimfire bullets tread a fine line between function and accuracy. The bearing surface of .22 rimfire bullets is the same diameter as the outside surface of the cartridge case. This makes lubrication of such bullets difficult as the case-diameter bullets must be lubricated on the outside where it may be wiped off or contaminated. Lubricants for lead, center-fire bullets are unsuitable for rimfire ammunition, and, unfortunately, copper-plating serves no ballistic purpose, does not eliminate the need for lubrication, adds cost and damages the bullets.

Case-diameter bullets also limit bullet shape, weight, balance and bearing surface. Another significant problem is that .22 rimfire bullets have an undersized, cupped base that the propellant gases must expand reliably and evenly into the rifling grooves for proper sealing and stabilization.

Headaches of .22 Rimfire Production
Centrifugal force is used to push the priming compound into the hollow rim of the cartridge case. This is accomplished by dropping a wet pellet of priming compound into the bottom of the cartridge case, inserting a closely fitting steel pin, then using the pin to spin the case at speeds of approximately 10,000 rpm for a few seconds. This is a tenuous process at best and frequently fails to completely fill the rim with priming compound.

                             

Preparing the small, wet primer pellet and inserting it in the cartridge case is hazardous hand work—part art and part training. The moisture content of the priming compound must be carefully controlled within narrow limits, otherwise the mixture will not work at all. The ground glass in the priming compound increases wear on the steel spinner pins and excessive smearing of the priming compound up the case sidewalls (a common problem) can adversely affect ignition and interior ballistics.

Ammunition makers also struggle continuously to find suitable rimfire powders. The ideal .22 rimfire propellant must be competitively priced and compatible with plate-loading systems. It must have a high energy content, ignite easily and burn progressively while leaving a minimum of unburned propellant. Very few propellant powders meet these requirements. 

Due to the weak ignition, powder residue from partially burned and unburned powder are constant problems—just ask any indoor shooting-range operator. The high ballistic performance required by many modern .22 Long Rifle loads places severe interior ballistic requirements on propellants. On the other hand, low MAPs can cause uneven expansion of the lips of the cup on the bullet’s base and poor accuracy. In some instances, high MAPs can blow the lips of the cup base completely out.

In order to obtain the high muzzle velocities advertised for many .22 Long Rifle loads, MAP limits must be pushed to levels that leave little margin for error given the weak case head. Also, the proper case hardness gradient must be maintained to prevent extraction and/or ejection problems in spite of variations in brass strip and tooling.

Rimfire .22 ammunition makers fight a constant battle with bullet lubrication. It is ironic that such a cheap cartridge requires highly specialized, micro-crystalline, synthetic-base waxes for lubrication and costly systems for application. Often, what works today does not work tomorrow due to minor variations in temperature, humidity, bullet hardness, propellant variations, etc.

Bullet hardness (antimony content) can be a particularly difficult problem as small variations can result in lead buildup of rifle bores and inaccuracy. Rough handling of .22 rimfire bullets on the factory floor can easily have an adverse effect on accuracy.

Crimping the .22 LR bullet into the case mouth properly remains a constant problem. Too heavy a crimp may push MAPs over the limit, adversely affect accuracy and cause leading. Too light a crimp may result in erratic breech pressures, high variations in muzzle velocity, excess unburned propellant and malfunctions in semi-automatic firearms. As if this were not enough, the driving knives on the crimping operation mangle the bullet. 

Overview of the Impossible
We have seen that the inherent characteristics of the .22 LR rimfire cartridge are its own worst enemy and the leading cause of its manufacturing difficulties. However, before we condemn its design, we must remember that the .22 LR rimfire cartridge is a product of the technology and art of the 19th century. With the benefit of today’s technology, ammunition makers produce safe, reliable, low cost .22 LR cartridges of average quality in mind-numbing quantities. However, they cannot produce a match load on demand. That is the art.

On the other hand, the .22 LR is nothing if not adaptable. Its repertoire includes instruction, training, practice, qualification, informal competition, formal competition, plinking, pest elimination, small game hunting and even personal defense. Few other cartridges are this versatile. And, that is why the .22 LR rimfire cartridge remains a bedrock of the shooting sports.

 

 

This information is provided to our members solely as a service.

The opinions expressed are not the official position of MRPC, its Board, Officers or Directors.

Each member is encouraged to conduct their own study of these matters.

 

 

Medford Rifle and Pistol Club

On-Line Newsletter

 

 

Haven’t heard for Sure

but with the

Heavy, Unhealthy Forest Fire Smoke

I suspect the MRPC Fullbore Rifle Shooters will not be shooting today

And

if it doesn’t blow away by Saturday

there’s a good chance the IDPA Pistol Shooters

may also cancel their event this Saturday

 

Plumbing is being done at the Indoor Range Today

Should be completed by 6pm

 

 

 

http://www3.nssf.org/rimfire/championship/?utm_source=bulletpoints&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=rimfire

 

 

 

 

Medford Rifle and Pistol Club

On-Line Newsletter

 

 

Haven’t heard for Sure

but with the

Heavy, Unhealthy Forest Fire Smoke

I suspect the MRPC Fullbore Rifle Shooters will not be shooting today

And

if it doesn’t blow away by Saturday

there’s a good chance the IDPA Pistol Shooters

may also cancel their event this Saturday

 

Plumbing is being done at the Indoor Range Today

Should be completed by 6pm

 

 

 

http://www3.nssf.org/rimfire/championship/?utm_source=bulletpoints&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=rimfire

 

 

 

 

Medford Rifle and Pistol Club

On-Line Newsletter

 

 

August

GENERAL  CLUB  MEETING  

WEDNESDAY 7pm  8-16-2017

Speaker/Presenter   

Keith Skinner   “Wundur Pig”

Target Stands & Holders

http://wundurpig.com/index.php

 

 

 

FULLBORE RIFLE PRACTICE

will shoot this Wednesday (16th)

at the Camp White Rifle Range at 5 PM.

22 rounds prone or bench at 600yds.

Frank 541 899 6872

 

 

 

MRPC 

USPSA  

MONTHLY MATCH
August 20^th    8am

Sports Park Reserve and Competition Ranges

 

Help Set Up Saturday Morning

For more information  cle150@att.net

 

 

 

Ruger has issued a Product Safety Bulletin for certain Ruger Precision Rifles due to the potential for interference between the aluminum bolt shroud and the cocking piece (also known as the firing pin back). Although only a small percentage of rifles appear to be affected and we are not aware of any injuries, Ruger is firmly committed to safety and is offering replacement aluminum bolt shrouds for affected rifles in order to eliminate the possibility of such interference. View Safety Bulletin PDF

• Safety Bulletin Overview

• Bolt Shroud Replacement

This Safety Bulletin does not apply to Ruger Precision Rifles with polymer bolt shrouds.

Ruger Precision Rifles (regardless of caliber) that have an aluminum bolt shroud and fall within the following serial number ranges are potentially affected: 1800-26274 to 1800-78345 or 1801-00506 to 1801-30461.

Description of Issue

Some Ruger Precision Rifles may experience interference between the aluminum bolt shroud and the cocking piece (also known as the firing pin back). In rare instances, the interference can disrupt the firing mechanism and cause it to not function properly.
Possible results of this interference are light primer strikes or, in extreme cases, the rifle may not fire when the trigger is pulled. If the rifle fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, it may fire when the bolt handle is subsequently lifted.
In rifles where this condition exists, it often resolves itself as the parts wear and the interference is reduced.

How to Determine if Your Rifle is Affected

If your rifle falls within the serial number range above and has an aluminum bolt shroud, it is potentially affected.
Look up your serial number below and verify if that is the case.
Although all rifles with aluminum bolt shrouds within the above serial number range are potentially affected, most rifles will never experience this issue. However, if you have ever experienced light primer indents or failure to fire while shooting or dry firing your rifle, you should obtain a replacement bolt shroud, which Ruger will provide FREE of charge.
Alternatively, if you have fired more than 100 rounds through your rifle with no issues or concerns (light primer indents or failures to fire), your rifle is unlikely to be affected and no additional action is necessary.
If you are not sure whether your rifle has exhibited any light primer indents or failures to fire, or are in any way concerned about the safety of your rifle, please sign up for this offer and we will send you a FREE replacement bolt shroud.

What to Do If Your Rifle is Affected

If you believe your rifle is affected or are unsure if your rifle is affected, you can request a FREE replacement bolt shroud by by filling out the form below. You will be asked to provide us with the serial number of your rifle and contact information so we can send you a replacement bolt shroud with installation instructions.

How to Determine if Your Bolt Shroud Has Been Replaced

Newly manufactured Ruger Precision Rifles will begin with serial number prefixes 1802 and 1803. Thus, if you have a Ruger Precision Rifle with a serial number beginning with 1802, 1803 or higher, your rifle is not affected.
Replacement bolt shrouds of the new design are easily identified by the presence of a round dimple on the angled surface directly behind the firing pin back. If your bolt shroud has this mark, it was manufactured with the new design and no further action is needed.
Note: Some rifles have been fitted at the factory with replacement bolt shrouds that do not bear this dimple. Please use the serial number lookup to verify whether your rifle is potentially affected.

August 6, 2017

A Look at those Firearms Safety Rules

Purchasing a gun comes with great responsibility.

Some folks are better than others about practicing the four simple rules of firearm safety.

Don’t let the mistakes of others become your downfall.

1) All Guns are always loaded
2)Never let the muzzle cover anything which you are not willing to destroy
3)Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target
4)Always be sure of your target

1) All guns are always loaded.
This seems easy to remember, right? Well, even the most seasoned gun owners forget this one. A gun owner out of Fresno ignored this rule and now serves as a tragic example. Read here.

2) Never let the muzzle cover anything which you are not willing to destroy.
The same story listed above can be used as an example, but this year’s what-were-you-thinking moment comes out of Oklahoma. In this story, an ex-volunteer cop shoots a man when examining a pistol. Read and watch here.

3) Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
In 2011, Tex Grebner provided video gold to those wondering what rule number three looks like and why it’s important. Even during the draw, keep that finger off the trigger. Watch here. Luckily, Tex made a full recovery.

4) Always be sure of your target.
Growing up a hunter and shooter, this rule was driven home by countless stories of hunters accidentally shooting their hunting buddy or dog. If you aren’t sure about your target – let it go. I love a good coyote hunt, but I don’t think this is how they are supposed to go. Read here.  

These rules are critical to remember and practice. Complacency often gets the best of us, and that’s when accidents occur. Nobody explains the rules like Clint Smith. [WARNING] Here’s a video with conviction behind it: Firearms Safety Rules.

~KJ

Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma, but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter, and knows his way around a bass boat. Whether it’s making his way to British Columbia for elk or training with pistols, Jarnagin always seems to find a gun in his hands and adventure on his mind.

 

 

 

2017 NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championships

FAIRFAX, Va. – The National Rifle Association continued the proud tradition of the NRA National Matches, hosting the 2017 NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championships in March at the Desert Sharpshooters Rifle Club in Phoenix, Arizona, and in July at Chief Wa-Ke’-De Rifle Range in Bristol, Indiana.

For more than 100 years, the NRA National Matches have represented the pinnacle of competitive shooting, drawing the best military and civilian marksmen, professionals and amateurs alike, from across the globe to showcase their shooting skills and earn their place in history. The NRA congratulates the following individuals for their championship performances in our premier smallbore shooting competition:

2017 NRA National Conventional Prone Champion
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Hank Gray

2017 NRA National Metric Prone Champion
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft

2017 NRA National Conventional 3-Position Champion
U.S. Army Spc. Patrick Sunderman

2017 NRA National Metric 3-Position Champion
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mike McPhail

Additionally, the NRA congratulates the recipients of the 2017 Iron Man awards. The Iron Man awards are presented to the highest scorers of the combined conventional prone, conventional position, and metric position championships.

The 2017 Iron Man award recipients are:

1st Place: U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mike McPhail

2nd Place: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. George Norton

3rd Place: U.S. Army Spc. Patrick Sunderman

The NRA thanks the following sponsors for their partnership in supporting this year’s championship: Berger Bullets, Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT), ELEY Ammunition, Krieger Barrels, Lapua, LensPen, OTIS, SIG SAUER, SK, and Vihtavuori. In addition, the NRA thanks the St. Joseph Valley Gun Club in Bristol and the Desert Sharpshooters Rifle Club in Phoenix for their support in hosting the 2017 NRA Smallbore Rifle Championships.

For more information about the NRA Smallbore Rifle Championships, NRA National Matches, and other NRA Competitive Shooting programs and events, visit http://competitions.nra.org.

About the National Rifle Association
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Five million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit http://nra.org.

Contact: nragomedia@nrahq.org; (703) 267-1595

Medford Rifle and Pistol Club

On-Line Newsletter

Local Fullbore Rifle Practice

 

Looks like it is going to be another hot week.

We will NOT shoot this Wednesday August the 9th.

See you all next week.      Frank

 

 

This Sunday August 13^th

Steel Challenge Match

Fast and Furious Fun

Come early to register and help Set –up  8:30am

 

New Shooters Welcome

Open to Club Members and the General Public

 

Entry Fee:   $15 includes range fee and raffle entry

 

5 Stages of Steel Targets, Shot 5 Times equals a minimum of 125 rounds

Rimfire or Centerfire Firearms, Semi-Auto or Revolver,

There’s even classes for 22 Rifles and Pistol Cartridge Carbines 

A class for all shooters and all firearms

 

Lots of Fun   Learn how to be Accurate and Fast !

 

Held at Reserve and Competition Ranges at the Jackson County Sports Park

South off the corner of Corey and Kershaw Roads. 

Do not pay at the Public Range Entrance, but tell the Public Range Entry Staff

that your coming to the Match.  The ranges are through the gate at the

south end of public ranges.

 

Dress for the Weather—Hats, Sun-Screen, Water

 

 

 

2017 NRA National

Precision Pistol Championships Results

by John Parker – Thursday, July 13, 2017

 

Above, starting from left: Second place SFC Adam Sokolowski, 2017 NRA National Pistol Champion Jonathan Shue and third place SSG Greg Markowski.

The NRA National Precision Pistol Championships have come to an end and we have a winner. Jonathan Shue is this year’s champion,

finishing with a score of 2638-126X. The match, held at Camp Perry, OH, July 10-13 had over 500 competitors in attendance.

2017 NRA National Pistol Champion Jonathan Shue shooting the Mayleigh Cup match.

Shue (Mebane, NC) also won the Citizen’s Military Pistol Trophy as High Civilian of the National Trophy Individual and Team Matches.

In second place overall was SFC Adam Sokowloski (Midland, GA) of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU). SFC Sokowloski’s score of 2636-124X additionally earned him the High Service award. Readers may remember earlier this year when SFC Sokolowski fired the first perfect score with iron sights at the NRA Bianchi Cup. His AMU teammate SSG Greg Markowski (Columbus, GA) finished in third place with a score of 2633-130X.

Last year’s champion Philip Hemphill (Hartselle, AL) earned two nods, High Police and High Senior. He finished the match with a score of 2618-108X. High Woman was Kimberly Hobart-Fleming (New Philadelphia, OH) with a score of 2536-78X. Juan Pena-Velasquez (Lawrenceville, NJ) won High Junior, scoring 2460-57X.

The Collegiate Champion was Christopher Miceli (Haymarket, VA) who finished with a score of 2518-78X. Grand Senior honors went to Steve Reiter (Tucson, AZ) with 2545-73X. The National Guard Champion was SPC Nestor Pena (Davenport, FL) scoring 2595-88X. High Army Reserve was SFC Keith Sanderson (Colorado Springs, CO) with 2625-117X. The High Air Force shooter was TSGT Terrence Sears (Belen, NM) with a score of 2575-79X.

For the Team Matches, USAMU Blue won the 4-Man Aggregate Championship scoring 3477-144X. Team members were SFC Patrick Franks, SFC Adam Sokolowski (also Team Captain), SFC James Henderson, SFC Lawrence Cleveland and SSG Greg Markowski. High Junior Team was NJ Gold Jr. with a score of 3048-37X. Team members were Trevor Houlis (Captain), Michael Perez Jr., Juan Pena-Velasquez, Tyler Nell, Connor Cherney, Devin Lacross and Coach Dorothy Speers.

In 2-Man teams, USAMU Gold was at the top with a score of 1712-53X. The team consisted of SFC Michael Gasser and SSG Ryan Franks. The High Junior 2-Man team was New York State Juniors with Heather Powers and Samuel Kwon finishing with a combined 1580-27X.

 

If you are interesting in looking into Precision Pistol Shooting,  Our local Precision Pistol Group (BULLSEYE) shoots every Monday night.  We shoot the 9-target rimfire (22LR) stage of a full match.  Set up is at 7pm, with shooting starting at 7:30pm and typically ending about 8:30pm.  Bring your ear and eye protection, your 22 pistols, at least 90 rounds of ammunition; and we’ll get you on the line.  Maybe next year, you’ll be on the award podium at the National Matches!

 

 

Practically Small ———Issues around Small Self Defense Handguns

Are single-stack, service-caliber compact pistols enough? Or are they, for many, "just right?" Left is the M&P9 Shield, bottom is the Remington R51 and top right is the Springfield Armory XD-e 9mm.

I re-address the question of "how small is too small" in terms of defense handgun selection periodically. Things change. Moving up from sub-compact, sub-caliber (in the minds of some), we move into the theater of single-stack compact service caliber guns.

The agency by which I was employed began issue of a "modern" semi-auto duty pistol in 1986. It was large, a 45 Auto, and was quite heavy – though it became heavier through design and model changes into the 1990s. The troops were often on the lookout for something that was slimmer, lighter in a smaller envelope than the uniform horse pistol.

After some years, an 8-shot 9mm was released. Having an alloy frame and working exactly as the issue gun worked, it was quite popular. The fact that we were on the cusp of the 1994 Clinton Gun Ban made it more popular as sworn peace officers didn’t have to bend a knee in the chief’s office to get permission to get spare magazines.

Time passed. A proliferation of states permitting "shall issue" concealed carry even moving into permit-free carry became the norm. Very, very small pistols are popular for the marginally involved, but many seek compact "double-stack" guns due to differences in the "threat profile."

Honestly, I wore a uniform carrying a revolver with 18 rounds of ammunition. With that rig, I answered calls for service, stopped violators, mediated domestics and rolled on gun calls. When we went to autos, we had 24 rounds in magazines plus one in the chamber. I carry seven more rounds than that after twelve years of retirement. I labor under no delusions that all that ammo will be needed.

Do you want to be armed solely with a six-shot .380 during a mass shooting even at the local shopping mall? Good. Chances are slim you’ll need the gun even in the commercial parking lot – one of the more likely places you’ll face danger.

The concept isn’t new — and this version certainly isn’t new — but the SIG SAUER P239 9mm is a great compact 8-shot pistol that, I believe, is still in production.

Still, what’s a good baseline? As we age, we become victims of various medical issues. Sometimes we’re compelled to go places, often against our will, where carry of firearms is frowned up or is outright illegal. Having a smaller, lighter package that’s still effective can be a handy thing.

How small can you go while still getting good handling and hits out as far as you may need?

For an example of a small, moderate capacity gun, the Remington 9mm R51 has a 3.4" barrel, is 6.6" long, is 1" wide and weighs in at 22 ounces.

Comparing it to another 9mm compact single stack, the S&W Shield: it holds 7 or 8 rounds in the magazine (the R51 holds 7). The Shield has a 3.1" barrel, is 6.1 inches long, is .95" wide and weighs 19 ounces. The frame of the Shield is a polymer, while the R51 is an aluminum alloy. The R51 is hammer fired and the Shield is striker fired – both have a consistent trigger press, first shot to last.

The XD-e on "The Test." It’s not the size of the gun or how many rounds it holds: it’s what your capabilities are with that gun.

The Shield I’ve fired many times across several samples. It’s a known quantity. I shot the Remington R51 on the Tactical Professor’s Baseline Evaluation, a fifty round course fired from 3 yards back to fifteen yards. I scored 488/500 with the little 9mm, a good performance.

Contrast those to the Springfield Armory XD-e: a 25 ounce trigger cocking ("double action") pistol that’s only an inch or so wide. The frame is polymer, the slide is forged steel. There’s a manual decocking lever reminiscent of the HK USP style: If the pistol is cocked, press down on the lever (while the muzzle is in the safest available direction) and the hammer is safely lowered into an intercept notch. Pressing the lever up – whether or not the gun is cocked – puts the safety on. The gun has a 3.3" barrel and a fiber-optic front sight.

Shootability? I set up and shot the "Test," the Hackathorn/Vickers bullseye drill, with the Springfield XD-e. The course is ten hits fired from low ready in ten seconds, from 10 yards on a B-8 repair center. My score was 92/100. Still, it’s a single-stack 9mm with a barrel just over three-inches long and I passed.

The new Safariland Pro-Fit Model 571 is designed for compact pistols like the Shield, the GLOCK 43 and the Springfield Armory XDS. Photo by Safariland.

A gun that’s been around awhile, the SIG-SAUER P239 is a neat hammer-fired trigger-cocking pistol, 8 rounds of 9mm. Unlike some of the newer guns, it has an alloy frame and is, these days, considered "old school." They’re still in production, when last I checked.

With that gun, I shot the FBI Bullseye course using Remington UMC 115 grain metal case ammo and the FBI-IP 1 target from LE Targets. I used the "decocking" feature to make all ten rounds (of thirty total for the course) "double-action" at 25 yards.

The score – 272/300 — was nothing about which to write home, but it would have kept me in the instructor school.

The smaller guns in service-cartridge format can do the job. Like any other firearm, it takes some effort.

– – Rich Grassi