Arizona Becoming an Outdoors Woman Event - April 20-22 2012

Arizona Wildlife Federation

Arizona --(Ammoland.com)- Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is a non-profit, educational program offering hands-on workshops to adult women.

We encourage a supportive environment conducive to learning, making friends, and having fun.

No experience is necessary and BOW is for women of all ages and fitness levels. Dr. Christine Thomas at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point held the first workshop in 1991. Today, there are over 80 workshops held in more than 40 states, several Canadian provinces and New Zealand.

In 2012 the Arizona BOW program will celebrate its 17th year. The venue is Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott. Dates are April 20-22nd and September 7-9th. We will begin Friday noon and end Sunday noon. Participants choose four classes from a field of 32. Subjects range from rappelling to fishing to geocaching. Lodging is in rustic cabins but they have full bathrooms and electricity. Meals are provided and cooked by the camp staff. The focus for the weekend is learning in a comfortable atmosphere.

In addition to learning new activities, BOW participants are also treated to a variety of evening entertainment. We will have a game and wine taste, featuring wild game dishes and samples of our now famous prickly pear margaritas. Night fishing and fly tying will be available as well as featured speakers with live critters as special guests. Saturday night is lots of fun with a fund raising raffle, silent auction and ‘talent’ from the participants.

Many of the classes offered are basic outdoor knowledge. Arizona has life zones from desert to alpine, you can learn about them in Arizona Wildlife and Habitat. There is a basic land navigation class, a birding class and a tracking/animal identification class. A perennial favorite is “I’m Lost, Now What?”

Shooting is also offered. Before going to the range to shoot, the student must take a firearms safety class. Then, she may take, handgun basics, shotgun or rifle marksmanship. All of these classes are taught one on one with AZGFD hunter education volunteers. But for many, BOW is more that just learning a new skill.

There are many reasons why women come to BOW. For some, it is just some ‘ME’ time. A different take on a girlfriends weekend away. BOW is a great way to enjoy camaraderie with other women and maybe learn a new skill. Perhaps fly-fishing seems appealing but the cost prohibitive especially for recreation untested. At BOW, you can try it before you buy it. We provide equipment and expert instruction for fly-fishing, archery, canoeing, shooting and more.

Many BOW participants are looking for a little adventure, a baby step outside their comfort zone. They might choose to learn the hunting class or warm water fishing. Have a fear of heights? Want to conquer it? Take a rappelling class or the high ropes and jump from a 60’ Ponderosa pine. The safe, supportive atmosphere of a BOW workshop is the ideal place to grow.

Still others are looking for like-minded women to network with. There is a growing group of BOW graduates that go turkey hunting together every spring. Single moms might want the skills to safely take their families camping or fishing or geocaching. At BOW she can learn those skills and find a friend to go with.

The Arizona Wildlife Federation sponsors the Arizona BOW program with lots of help from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Our instructors are volunteers and all are experts or professionals in their field. Cost is $245 and includes lodging, meals and most classroom materials. The registration is available online at www.azwildlife.org or you can call 480-644-0077.

Laura Torres-Reyes Of Team ITI Takes Home High Lady Title At 2012 IDPA Triple Crown First Jewel

International Training Inc

SHACKLESFORD, VA --(Ammoland.com)- Team International Training, Inc. (ITI) member Laura Torres-Reyes took home the High Lady title at the IDPA Triple Crown, held at the Universal Shooting Academy in Frostproof, FL February 4th, 2012.

“I was really looking forward to this match as this year’s first jewel of the Triple Crown,” commented Torres-Reyes. “Toni (Honey Bunny) did a phenomenal job engineering exciting, challenging stages with over 30 movers within 10 stages!

My heartfelt thanks to the tireless dedication of the Safety Officers and staff in making the match such an enjoyable experience.”

Torres-Reyes’ next competition will be at the 2012 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor Nationals in Springfield, MA from February 22nd through 26th, 2012.

• Follow Team ITI on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamITI
• Watch videos of ITI on YouTube: www.youtube.com/wwwitiwsicom

About G4S International Training, Inc.
G4S International Training Incorporated (ITI) is the training division for G4S. Founded in 1989; ITI is committed to providing benchmark security training programs emphasizing professionalism, quality, customer service, and a fair price. ITI conducts both mobile and fixed site training in security assistance and security service programs for the U.S. Government, U.S. military, corporate America, and now private citizens. For more information on ITI or any of their courses, log on to www.g4siti.com.

About Laura Torres-Reyes
Laura Torres-Reyes first started her shooting career five years ago when she decided to practice to qualify for a deployment as a Medical Commander for the Air Force. She is currently serving as an Active Duty Air Force Colonel (0-6). Torres-Reyes, a Bronze Star Medal recipient, specializes in Occupational Medicine and practices as a Physician at Fort Detrick, Maryland. She currently competes in IDPA as an SSP EX and has earned over thirty High Lady and High Military State Championship titles in her past four years of competing in IDPA. Prior to being on Team ITI, Torres-Reyes competed as a member of Team Smith & Wesson for two years.

Team GLOCK’s Randi Rogers Kicks Off 2012 Season Opener with Win

Glock Pistols

SMYRNA, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The 2012 competitive shooting season is official here, and Team GLOCK has started the season out right – with a win!

Team GLOCK’s Randi Rogers opened the season by winning or placing high in every division she entered in the Georgia State Steel Challenge Championship, held Feb. 3-4 at the Griffin Gun Club, in Griffin, GA.

Steel shooting offers a port of entry to competitive shooting that is far less daunting than practical shooting; it provides an excellent starting place for young or beginning shooters. The tournament features eight steel challenge courses of fire and requires a minimum of 195 rounds to complete each division.

Reigning IPSC Ladies Standard World Champion, Randi Rogers took the Production Division’s Overall Championship title, as well as finishing fourth overall in the Open .22 Division and third overall and High Lady in the Open Division. Rogers competed with a G34 and a G17 Open gun both worked on by S&J Custom.

“This was by far my best finish at a Steel Challenge match,” stated Rogers. “I always have a wonderful time competing, and am very excited to have started off the season with such a high note.”

“Our shooting team continues to showcase their talents and demonstrate the diversity of the GLOCK pistols,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing Gary Fletcher. “After her dominating finish at the World Shoot last year, Randi continues to place at or near the top of the standings in every competition she participates in. All of us at GLOCK, Inc., congratulate Team GLOCK for a fantastic start to the new season and look forward to another great shooting season.”

Randi Rogers will next compete in the USPSA Florida Open, held Feb. 17th, in Frostproof, FL. Tori Nonaka will compete at the IDPA North Carolina Iron Man, held Feb. 11th in Prospect Hill, NC.

Sheriff Campbell Welcomes Youth Shooting Program to Leon County FL

Scholastic Steel Challenge

Leon County, FL --(Ammoland.com)- Sheriff Larry Campbell along with Scott Moore, national director of the Scholastic Steel Challenge (SSC), is proud to announce an exciting new training opportunity for Leon County Sheriff’s Office (Fla.) Explorer Post 15.

Explorer Post 15 will be the first Explorer Post in the country to organize and participate in competitive steel shooting competitions, facing off against other Explorer Programs at the state level, as well as the national level.

Four person teams of Explorers will compete in the Scholastic Steel Challenge where they’ll be timed to 1/1,000th of a second as they shoot four stages of five fixed steel plate targets each. The four best of five runs for each shooter will be added to determine the individual’s time, and all four individual times will be combined for the team’s time.

Strictly supervised by certified range officials for safety and to make sure competition rules are adhered to at all times, Scholastic Steel Challenge competitions give Explorer Post 15 participants the opportunity to challenge other Explorer Posts from across the state, as well as compete for state and national titles.

Sheriff Campbell said, “As the charter Explorer Post in this new endeavor, the Explorers in Post 15 are excited and motivated to bring this opportunity to other Law Enforcement career minded youth across the state and nation.”

“This important new training opportunity will help us build future leaders of our community while at the same time better preparing these motivated youths to strive for excellence in all they choose to do, including pursuing a career in Law Enforcement.”

Explorers from Post 15 are looking forward to representing both their Sheriff and the citizens of Leon County in Scholastic Steel Challenge competition. For more information on SSC visit www.ScholasticSteelChallenge.com.

The Explorer program is aimed towards youth between the ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in choosing a career in Law Enforcement. For more information about this program contact the Prevention and Resource Unit at (850) 922-3323.

Sig Sauer Academy

SIG SAUER

EXETER, NH --(Ammoland.com)- In nearly every course we are asked a common question: What can I do to improve?

The response is the same nearly each time. If you are not conducting dry practice, you should start now.

Dry practice is simply practicing and developing your firearms skills without live ammunition. You can train nearly every part of your firearms manipulations minus the flash and bang of the muzzle and the cycling of the action. Dry practice is—in our opinion— one of the most beneficial methods of training with your firearm.

I put together a simple routine to help develop your basic pistol manipulations. This routine is a 5-session basic dry practice routine to get you started. This routine will cover topics learned in our 101 to 104 handgun courses. I encourage you to add to this routine and develop your own consistent with your level of training; what you create is limited only by your imagination.

©2012, SIG SAUER Academy

When conducting your dry practice I recommend the following equipment:

1.  A safe training area
2. Designated clear and safe weapon with 3 empty magazines
3. Inert training rounds (10)
4. Two targets
5. Shot timer (optional)

Your dry practice should be conducted 3-5 times per week and last no more than 20 minutes. I often work through the scheduled session and repeat if any time remains. When conducting the training, I work at 50% or less speed, focusing more on consistent, perfect practice repetitions over speed.

To get started, you will need to make your weapon clear and safe. Remove all live ammunition from the area or room in which you are practicing. Select a safe direction to point your weapon and hang your targets. Set your timer and conduct a visual and physical inspection of your weapon again. Then, perform the scheduled session. Just like any other skill development, consistent training is the key to success.

DRY PRACTICE ROUTINE

Day 1

• 10x – Draw, focusing on each count (access, withdraw, drive)
• - Single trigger press to 4 inch target, cycle for reset, perform scan and access, then work back to the holster
• 10x – Draw and double trigger press to 4 inch target
• 10x – From ready position ¡V double action press to 4 inch target
• 10x – From ready position ¡V single action press to 4 inch target
• 10x – Draw, strong hand only single shot to 4 inch target
• 10x – From ready position ¡V support hand only, single shot to 4 inch target

Day 2

• 10x – Draw, double trigger press to 8 inch target
• 15x – Primary malfunction clearance ¡V two handed
• - Draw, single trigger press : tap, rack, access, one single trigger press
• 15x – Tactical Reloads:
• - Draw, single trigger press, tactical reload (retain magazine), access
• 15x – Emergency Reloads ¡V start with empty magazine, slide locked open
• - Attempt one trigger press, conduct emergency reload, one trigger press

Day 3

• 10x – Pivot 90 degrees in each direction ¡V double trigger press
• 10x – Turn 180 degrees in each direction ¡V double trigger press
• 10x – Sidestep each direction, double trigger press ¡V 8 inch target
• 10x – Each direction ¡V moving forward and reverse ¡V multiple shots on 8 inch target

Day 4

• 10x – Transitions between two targets ¡V single shot on each ¡V 4 inch target
• 10x – Transitions between two targets ¡V double trigger press on each ¡V 8 inch target
• 10x – Transitions between two target ¡V three trigger presses on each, combination between 4 inch and 8 inch targets
• 10x – Transitions between two targets ¡V three to six trigger presses on each target

Day 5

• 10x – Draws focusing on each count of the draw (access, withdraw, drive)
• - Single trigger press to 8 inch target.
• 10x – Timed draws ¡V start with a comfortable time and reduce by tenth of a second as you improve.
• - Single trigger press to 8 inch target
• 10x – Repeat draws focusing on each count of the draw (access, withdraw, drive)
• - Single trigger press to 8 inch target

About SIG SAUER, Inc.
SIG SAUER, Inc. is the largest member of a worldwide business group of firearms manufacturers that includes J.P. Sauer & Sohn and Blaser GmbH in Germany and Swiss Arms AG in Switzerland. This global network of companies gives SIG SAUER a world-class firearms knowledge base, unparalleled design expertise, and extensive manufacturing capacity, enabling the company to respond quickly and effectively to changing market conditions and the needs of its military, law enforcement, and commercial markets worldwide. SIG SAUER is an ISO 9001: 2000 certified company with over 370 employees. For more information on SIG SAUER or any of its products, or the SIG SAUER Academy, log on to www.sigsauer.com

LWRCI Tactical Training Announces All Exclusive LWRCI Two Day Carbine Course

LWRC Tactical Training Division

Houston, Texas --(Ammoland.com)- LWRCI Tactical Training Division brings you an intense Two-­-Day Carbine Operator Course.

The classes will be held the weekend of February 25 – 26, 2012 and costs $499 per person.

This program is designed to lead students from basic to advanced weapons handling skills during the progression of training.

All brands of carbines are welcome and LWRCI carbines are available to rent on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited, so hurry online to register.

All LWRC rifle owners will receive an exclusive 10% discount for using their weapon during the course.

Register online at 360tacticaltraining.com/lwrci, and find a detailed list of course topics, equipment lists, course details and eligibility.

This is a unique opportunity to work with multiple instructors who are subject matter experts.

All instructors are current and former military from the US & Canada. Do not miss your chance to train with this exceptional team of instructors.

LWRCI Tactical Training Announces All Exclusive LWRCI Two Day Carbine Course

Contact Information:

Selena Garza
360 Tactical Training
1106-­-A Witte Rd.
Houston, TX 77055
713.984.9921
selena@360tacticaltraining.com
360tacticaltraining.com

Ken Pfau (center), who has led FNH's immense support of 3-gun, celebrates with Mark Hanish (left) and Tommy Thacker following the 3-Gun Nation Championship Finale in Las Vegas.

3-Gun Nation

Las Vegas, NV --(Ammoland.com)- For most folks, winning the 3-Gun Nation Championship Finale meant one thing—holding up that big check for $50,000 from Leupold Tactical Optics and NBC Sport Network.

However, for this year’s finalists, a pair of teammates came in with an entirely different plan.

Tommy Thacker and Mark Hanish are splitting their collective 3GN Championship purse, a check for $50K, a Brownells check for $2,500 and a Barrett MRAD rifle package complete with a Leupold Mark IV and a BORS system. The first and second place prizes combined for a value of approximately $60,000.

And if that isn’t remarkable enough—they’re giving a big chunk of that haul away to charity.

Thacker and Hanish, in the name of Team FNH USA, will donate $10,000 to both the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a charity FNH USA has worked with extensively, as well as the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a favorite charity of 3GN Host and Team FN member Mark Wills.

“We have informed Barrett of our plan to share the first and second place prizes, and make the $20K total in donations to SOWF and CMNH from Team FNH USA,” Hanish said.

“Tommy and I were blessed to be at the top of the 3-Gun Nation Finale, and we feel Team FNH USA can do more good by selling the MRAD and using the money to help some great charities. Besides, it would be impossible to split the rifle, and difficult to arrange visitation with both of us living in opposite ends of the country!”

Barrett's Brian James (left) and Brownells' Pete Brownell (right) present 2nd place prizes to Mark Hanish.

The all-FNH final, for Team FNH USA, in effect realized a dream the team members had shared since the company went “all-in” in its support to the game, including its key role as a sponsor of 3-Gun Nation.

“Mark and I decided as soon as it was nailed down that I was in the big show we would split it if we went one and two (in either order),” Thacker said. “We have been a team from the start and there was no reason to move away from that. I was happy with it, as Mark was the one person I didn’t think I could beat in the Shoot-Off format. He is very tough in Shoot-Offs.”

“When Tommy and I both made the final round, we had already won!” added Hanish. “We accomplished what we had set out to do, which was to represent FNH to the best of our abilities and make it an all-FNH Finale. I was focused and determined through the opening bouts, then the Finale felt like another day on the range shooting with my teammate and one of my best friends. After Tommy had won the Finale, I was truly ecstatic for him. He is a great shooter and an even better individual. Tommy has put more into the sport of 3-Gun than anyone over the past couple years, and he truly deserved to come out on top.”

Like most 3-gunners, Thacker and Hanish each have full-time jobs that limit their practice time, making their Shoot-Off runs against an extremely deep field even more impressive. For Thacker, the difference-maker came through focused practice and visualization techniques. Thacker found a “coach” in longtime friend AJ Williams, built shooting boxes like those used in past 3GN Shoot-Offs, took a guess at what the Shoot-Off stage might comprise (guessing wrongly, we might add), and then went through two focused practice sessions that forced Thacker to relearn the way he approached the Shoot-Off, building a base on accurate, one-for-one shooting and building speed from there.

“I stretched and visualized what the run would be, how I would approach it and how it all would play out,” Thacker said of his final practice run in Virginia. “True to form (Williams) would not let me go at it on the first run; instead it was a smooth approach going one-for-one on every target. After that first run I looked at AJ and told him I had a 26-second run in me and I was going to get it today. At that point he said he was ready when I was. I visualized a fast run with all the footing and hits, stretched and asked for the timer. AJ started me with the timer and off I went, one-for-one on the shotgun, one-for-one on the rifle, two misses quickly made up on the pistol and it was over. I looked back at AJ for the time and he was laughing, my first thought … the timer didn’t work. Well, he was laughing at the time. I shot a 25.36, which is more than 2.5 seconds faster than my best run to that point.”

Thacker then knew he was ready, and after limited but dedicated Shoot-Off practice rounds he didn’t touch a gun again until the competitor practice session in Las Vegas the morning of the Finale.

“I packed up and didn’t touch a gun until the Wednesday practice session,” Thacker said. “Total rounds less than 350, lots of visualization and prayer not only for myself but I prayed for all of the competitors along the way and one last time just before the event. I asked that every competitor have the ability to shoot to the best of their game for the finals. I knew I was ready and I wanted everyone to perform at the highest level.”

Despite intense work schedules, limited practice time and the immense hype surrounding the 3GN Finale, Hanish and Thacker stood out in Las Vegas—not for winning, but in their demeanor all day on Wednesday. After viewing both competitors in their morning practice session, and again interacting with the other competitors leading up to the main event, both of the FN shooters were extremely calm and confident with the largest payday in the history of the sport on the line.

“At the highest levels of competition, especially in the Shoot-Off format, the advantage is gained through mental preparation and conditioning,” Hanish said. “I was very calm during the event because I am confident in my abilities. I had no worries about matching up head-to-head with anyone on the shotgun and pistol, my only concern was the rifle portion. All of the 3GN Shoot-Offs boil down to the rifle, and getting into a good position with the rifle can make or break your run. I stepped in the box knowing that I could win every run by shooting to my ability. I also had an advantage in having more Shoot-Off experience than everyone in the field (outside 3GN) with the possible exception of Mike Voigt. I have previously won the top 16 Shoot-Off at the USPSA Nationals, and the American Handgunner World Shoot Off Championships. Having 15 years of high level Shoot-Off experience was definitely a huge advantage.”

“I was completely stress free,” Thacker added. “I wasn’t shooting for the money, that money wasn’t mine. If I won it I was splitting it up anyway, so there was never any pressure there. I wanted the title, I wanted to prove that I am one of the best shooters out there and that is exactly what I did. Under adverse conditions all season and having an extremely demanding job, wife and four children waiting in the wings, I did it. I accomplished in one season what some will never do, and I did it with prayer, giving, caring and compassion for everyone around me, not by being a paid full-time shooter. My job is not to shoot, it is to keep new products fresh and innovative and making sure that deliveries are on time so our salesmen can deliver them to the market place.”

The 3GN Finale capped what, at times, had been a difficult season for both Hanish and Thacker. After posting some of their worst career finishes early in the 2011 season, each competitor rallied, in his own way, and came into the 3-Gun Nation Championship shooting his best 3-gun of the year. Their late-season runs set-up for interesting stories to watch heading into next season’s highly anticipated 3GN Pro Series.

Team FNH USA's Mark Hanish was pumped up following an early-round victory at the 3GN Championship.

“I am very excited about my 3-Gun future,” Hanish said. “I worked extremely hard to be better prepared physically for 3-gun shooting. I am over 50 pounds lighter than I was at the start of the season. My physical conditioning has paid huge dividends over the course of the year, and now some focused practice and preparation should make for a great 2012. The challenge for Tommy and I is getting the time to dedicate to be prepared for the matches. Many times we shoot a match, pack up the gear, only to open it the morning of the next match—sometimes a month later. We have different roles for FNH, but we are both focused on our primary job responsibilities.”

“What a wild ride this year was for me,” Thacker said. “I have had several of the worst finishes I have ever had in 3-Gun. Several that I was very surprised I even made the top ten and at least one that I didn’t. My work schedule has been terrible for the last six months and I couldn’t give up helping the team with whatever it was they needed. I didn’t turn that off until the final match when I knew that I had to put work aside and focus on the match. It was my time and I had to give it one good shot to prove my talent to myself. I still made sure the team had what they needed but not like the past. I pointed fingers and basically said there is your stuff don’t ask me anything else.

Thacker and Hanish proved to be a powerful combo in 2011. Can they repeat in the 2012 Pro Series?

“Honestly I thought that the Shoot-Off could very well be my last 3-Gun event, Thacker continued. “With the FNS launch and a lot more involvement in the corporate side of FNH USA, I was thinking that shooting would have to take an even further removed second stage than before. For those who know what I do and how I show up and shoot matches, you think how can you get even further removed and still compete. Well, that was my issue, so I had already decided that I could finish up the Shoot-Off in style and go out exceeding my goal of making the top 16 for the year. Now I am more confused than ever. I am at a tough spot right now. Do I keep on like I am or get serious about the sport and put some real effort into it, now that’s a good question…TBD.”

Come March, look for Tommy to be right back in the mix at Ancient City for the first event of the 2012 3GN Pro Series. Just like the all-FN final, for the blue team, it’s all part of the plan.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Cpl. Josh Webb, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, assists an Army advocate, commonly known as a Center of Influence, Jan. 5 at the San Antonio Gun Club. The COIs were invited guests of the Army and took part in the festivities leading up to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Shotgun team started off the New Year in Texas displaying their skills as part of the week’s long worth of activities leading up to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Jan. 3-7.

The team hosted dozens of civilian Army advocates, commonly known as Centers of Influence, at the San Antonio Gun Club. COIs guide young people down the right path towards their future and provide them with all of the information that the Army and ROTC offer our nation’s youth.

“The COIs are some of the most influential people students, juniors and those thinking about their future look to for advice and guidance,” said Cpl. Josh Webb. “It’s important that we display the professionalism of the Soldier so these influencers can go back to their local areas and provide all of the answers to the questions those contemplating a future with the military are asking.”

First-time and experienced shotgun shooters received instruction from USAMU Soldiers, including 2008 Olympic Gold Medalists Sgt. Glenn Eller and Sgt. Vincent Hancock. Soldiers urged the importance of safety and assisted them in establishing a proper firing position before allowing the spectators the opportunity to pull the trigger and have some fun on the range.

“It was very cool,” said Pete Anders, the Chief of Police at Millersville University, Pa. “They asked me what I did for a living and knew that I have shot a lot of targets, but this was a different style of shooting. I got a rhythm going but lost it before the friendly competition they had for us. They were fantastic instructors.”

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, already a qualifier for the 2012 Olympic Games, and Staff Sgt. Mark Weeks performed their jaw-dropping shotgun demonstration, blasting everything from six or seven clay targets at a time to heads of lettuce, tomatoes and shaving cream out of the sky.

Amid the demo and clay pigeon shooting under the direction of Olympic Champions, Anders’ said that his long-standing appreciation for the Army grew even fonder.

“I continue to be impressed with the great young men and women of America and that is just reinforced by coming down here,” he said. “Going to see some of the wounded warriors, with their spirit and drive to continue on, is humbling.

“In talking to these guys from the USAMU, they showed us what they are teaching those headed over to combat, and it’s awesome. It’s a statement of America-we’re in good shape.”

While training the war fighter, researching and developing new weapons initiatives, and competing at the highest levels are the foundations that distinct the USAMU from other units in the military, Soldiers understand how important their reach into communities across the country is to Army accessions.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Staff Sgt's Josh Richmond and Mark Weeks, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, perform a shotgun demonstration Jan. 5 at the San Antonio Gun Club. The USAMU hosted dozens of civilians from around the country as part of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Week festivities. Besides the demo, Soldiers assisted civilians on the firing line, providing instruction to experienced and first-time shotgun shooters.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

“It’s really simple-recruiting and accessions enhance the combat readiness of our Army,” Webb said. “Who knows when we may help recruit the next great leader, Olympian, or war fighter and ensure that our future Army is as strong as it is today?”

GunWerk's Busy Start to 2012 Shooting Schools

GunWerks

Burlington, WY --(Ammoland.com)- We are looking forward to an exciting year! Trade shows are in full swing.

Look for us in our new booth, with all the new products!

After trade shows we move right into Shooting School training courses. We kick off in San Angelo Texas March 1st with Western Lands Outfitters. We booked two classes full, so we added another for the 5th and 6th. This year, we are adding the option to hunt one of the many exotic species available. Food and lodging is included.

The combo Shooting School/Hunt has been a very popular combination. We’ve joined forces with Cabela’s and Frontier Outfitters to offer a two day shooting school combined with a two day antelope hunt in New Mexico starting August 24 through the 27th. We will train for two days using Gunwerks shooting systems, then take the gear to the field to test your skills. For info, click here.

The most exciting Combo will be in South Africa this August with John X Safaris. Imagine an opportunity to learn from the Gunwerks crew, then spend a week on safari applying your skills on over 700,000 acres of land open to free ranging game. In between Shooting Schools, the Gunwerks crew will be filming clients for TV and DVD production (we’ll try to fit in a little hunting for ourselves!) Click Here for more information on this exciting opportunity!

Gunwerks will be traveling to Canada this spring. First to Calgary, Alberta then to Kamloops, British Columbia. Our exclusive Canadian distributor, Grouse River Outfitters, has arranged two excellent locations for our Canadian premier training events in April.

We are doing our fourth year at Western Lands Outfitter’s Ensign Ranch location in Utah near Evanston. This is our high mountain course with steep angles and tricky winds. The food is always the best, we usually put on a couple pounds!

Our last location is a new one for us. Near Flagstaff Arizona, we’ve found the perfect location for an Ultra Long Range Shooting School. In addition to our standard shooting systems, we will be shooting big guns at ranges out to 2000 yards! We will teach a special course with a focus on multiple wind calculations and other Ultra Long Range techniques.

We will also feature training courses at our location near Cody Wyoming. We offer dates every month from May through October. Spend your summer vacation in Cody and take in the sites. Tour the Gunwerks facility, and shoot on our own private range. Click Here to visit our Shooting School Page.

To visit with a Gunwerks rep about booking, please call us directly at 307.762.3240 (toll free 877.GUNWERKS). Email us at CustomerService@gunwerks.com, Visit our website www.gunwerks.com

Sincerely,

About:
100 years ago the elite makers crafted the best rifles in the world as a complete package with sights calibrated to custom ammo to match its drop.

Like those amazing firearms of the past, Gunwerks shooting systems are calibrated for our custom ammunition. Unlike all conventional firearms, our long range shooting systems are capable of precision shooting at all ranges from zero to 1000 yards! Conceived and tested in the rugged Absaroka mountain range west of Cody, Wyoming. Visit: www.gunwerks.com

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Col. (P) Walter Piatt (left), commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School, attaches the Army Superior Unit Award streamer to the colors of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Jan. 28 as Lt. Col. Dan Hodne (right), commander, USAMU, looks on. The Army awarded the ASUA to the USAMU for distinguishing itself for extraordinary accomplishments in raising the Army's overall combat readiness through outstanding devotion and superior performance in executing its wide-ranging mission.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Even for the “Home of Champions,” the Army’s prestigious Marksmanship Unit where achieving the highest degrees of sustained excellence is expected, 2010 proved to be a year like no other, marked by historic firsts and bests.

Volunteering to embark upon its first sustained deployment of unit personnel since Vietnam and its first effort to train indigenous Soldiers; greatly expanding its marksmanship training program; and showcasing the very best of Army Soldier skills at unprecedented levels in marksmanship competition, winning an unparalleled 27 championship titles in world, national, and interservice matches are just some of the accomplishments made by the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in 2010, earning the Army Superior Unit Award, a first for one of the military’s most unique units.

“This unit has made a profound and lasting impact on the readiness of the war fighter,” said Col. (P) Walter Piatt, commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School. “In earning the Superior Unit Award, it reflects the readiness and relevancy that the (USAMU) brings to the Army. The contributions of this generation of Soldiers in our Army in Iraq and Afghanistan and their success have been in large part due to this unit and how they have instilled readiness throughout our force.”

The unit distinguished itself for extraordinary accomplishments in raising the Army’s overall combat readiness through outstanding devotion and superior performance in executing its wide-ranging mission. 2010 also saw a continuation of its nearly half-century tradition of leaving its stamp on the Army’s precision long-range small arms. With its proven track record of the M21 and M24 sniper rifles, the USAMU Custom Firearms Shop enabled its rapid provision of technical and user evaluation feedback that assisted the Army in adopting a new sniper weapon system capability.

Its Squad Designated Marksman Rifle emerged as the unanimous top choice during the Maneuver Center of Excellence Rifleman Configuration Study. To add to these achievements, the unit coached, mentored, and produced the 2010 Army Soldier of the Year, who also served as the Army’s first-ever female Soldier to earn this prestigious title.

“This unit’s efforts to obtain the highest degrees of precision and accuracy in world-class marksmanship competition directly translate to our efforts in raising Army marksmanship proficiency and supporting broader Army small-arms research and development initiatives,” noted Lt. Col. Dan Hodne, USAMU Commander. “When it comes to all aspects of marksmanship, our Army needs and expects us to be the absolute best in the world.” The unit continues to aspire to new heights and expectations. In 2011, the USAMU hosted the first International Paralympic Committee World Cup to ever take place in the entire Western Hemisphere that brought hundreds of Paralympic athletes from around the world to Fort Benning to showcase courage, determination, inspiration and equality in shooting sports.

Earlier in the year, the unit hosted its second consecutive World Cup in two years which stood as the largest international shooting sports event to ever take place on the continent as dozens of shooters earned coveted quota slots to the 2012 Olympic Games. By dramatically expanding its marksmanship training outreach, the unit established itself as a primary source and main proponent for marksmanship training in the Army.

In 2012, the unit looks to take it a step even farther. In Afghanistan, the unit is prepared to assist in the creation of the Afghan National Army Marksmanship Instructor Branch. A handful of Soldiers will represent the unit, the Army and their country at the Summer Olympic Games in London followed by the very first active-duty Soldier to ever compete in the Paralympic Games.

In March, the unit will host the annual U.S. Army Small Arms Championship, the premier marksmanship training event in the military, and the inaugural Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships. The USAMU intends to make this innovative event the largest multi-discipline, shoulder-to-shoulder collegiate and junior shooting sports championship event to ever take place in the United States as it brings four prestigious competitive shooting sports championship venues to the USAMU’s world-class facilities simultaneously.

In addition to the increasing number of Soldiers it will train in 2012 the USAMU is preparing to welcome 24 new members to the family with the creation of the Wounded Warrior marksmanship instructor group and Paralympic section upon approval by Army headquarters as part of the “Total Army Analysis.” This novel approach to giving the Army’s wounded combat veterans a chance to continue to serve will enhance the combat readiness of the Army, highlight the notion of ability rather than disability, and serve as an inspiration for those who relish the chance to continue service to their country as a Soldier.

“I am grateful to the Army for bestowing the Army Superior Unit Award on this extraordinary unit made up of remarkable people,” concluded Hodne, “I am even more grateful for the opportunity to serve with such an incredible team of Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members who enable this unit to accomplish its wide-ranging mission in a manner and with a strength like no other.”

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Team DPMS Member Bruce Piatt Wins Annual Houghton 2-Gun Challenge

DPMS Firearms

St. Cloud, MN --(Ammoland.com)- DPMS Firearms, LLC is proud to announce that Bruce Piatt, a Team DPMS member since its inception in 1998, was the Tactical Division winner of the 2011 Annual Houghton 2-Gun Challenge.

The match was hosted by the United States Military Combat Weapons Team in honor of the late Captain Andrew Houghton and was held at West Point on April 22-23, 2011.

About Team DPMS Member Bruce Piatt: Throughout his shooting career, Piatt has proven himself as a top competitor in a wide range of pistol, rifle, and shotgun events.

With several World and National Championship titles combined with consistent top finishes in international shooting events, Piatt has demonstrated his abilities in multiple shooting disciplines. He currently competes with DPMS rifles and accessories.

About DPMS Firearms:
DPMS Firearms, LLC, is an industry leader in providing quality AR-style rifles, components and accessories. No other company offers more styles or configurations of AR rifles. DPMS provides choices for high-power and small-bore shooters by offering rifles and assemblies chambered in 204 Urge, 223 Remington, 5.56×45 NATO, 243Winchester, 260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8×43 SPC, 30 Remington AR, 308 Winchester and 338 Federal. More information about the company can be found at www.dpmsinc.com.

From Left to Right - Nick Mertz, Ryan LeBoeuf, Peter Eiberger, Brad Fullbright, Will Hemeyer and Theo Miller

Midway USA

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- Held in Kentucky’s historic cave region, the Mammoth Sniper Challenge match consists of two-person teams competing with primary and secondary shooters/firearms for an overall combined score across six main stages of fire.

Two of the six members from Team MidwayUSA that attended the match placed in the Top 10. Peter Eiberger and Will Hemeyer placed first in the Regular division and sixth overall.

Hemeyer used a custom Remington 700 and Eiberger used an SI-Defense .308 AR comprised entirely of parts available from MidwayUSA.

“This was our third time shooting this match and it is critical in a team-style match that the team members have great communication,” said Will Hemeyer, Reloading & Ammunition Technical Specialist. “It’s important to make a target engagement plan and stick to it, not to mention time management when engaging targets and good field tested data so you know how your rifle ammunition combination will react at long ranges.”

The Mammoth Sniper Challenge is a 3-day, long-range precision team match with targets of varying shapes and sizes and ranging in distance from 10 yards to nearly 1,000. The combination of movement, shooting, and awkward obstacles tested the skills of every two-person team. The six stages vary between known distances and unknown distance targets. Only two of the stages allow the use of provided rangefinders; all others require field-expedient range-finding methods.

Other Team MidwayUSA members were Brad Fullbright and Theo Miller, who finished 32nd overall, as well as Ryan LeBeouf and Nick Mertz, who finished 44th overall. Congratulations!

About MidwayUSA
MidwayUSA (http://www.midwayusa.com) is a family-owned catalog and internet retailer specializing in Just About Everything℠ for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting. Now celebrating our 35th Anniversary, Larry and Brenda Potterfield turned their passion for shooting sports into a career in 1977 by opening a small retail firearms store that would eventually become MidwayUSA. MidwayUSA is still owned by the Potterfield Family and Customer Satisfaction is still our Number One Goal.

For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit our website or call 800-243-3220.

For more information about the Mammoth Sniper Challenge, visit their website or call 770-634-2144.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division is unveiling the NRA Club Champion Challenge, a new recreational shooting event for people of all ages and skill levels held at the local clubs and ranges.

Geared towards local shooting clubs, ranges, and civic organizations, the NRA Club Champion Challenge encourages recreational and experienced shooters to try a variety of disciplines and courses of fire. This friendly form of competition promotes participation amongst club or range members as they battle for awards and bragging rights.

“New grassroots programs such as the NRA Club Champion Challenge are a fantastic way to get shooters of every skill level out on to the firing line,” said Mike Krei, Director of NRA Competitive Shooting. “This is a fun, recreational event is designed to encourage participation and introduce people to competitive shooting or new disciplines.”

To hold an event, organization must choose at least three of the fourteen offered courses of fire. Designed to fit almost any range, the courses of fire range from air rifle to hunting rifle to tactical pistol and skeet shooting. Materials provided by the NRA include Championship belt buckles for the winners and medals for the other top shooters.

The NRA Club Champion Challenge is designed for all shooters, from beginners up to expert-level competitors. Through the NRA Club Champion Challenge, participants compete side-by-side, promoting sportsmanship and the ability for seasoned competitors to mentor those who are less experienced.

Fees for the NRA Club Champion Challenge are just $10 per competitors and $5 for juniors. Any club or organization may participate as NRA membership is not required to either hold or compete in an event.

For more information on the NRA Club Champion Challenge, including program standards and courses of fire, visit www.nraclubchamp.com or contact NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division at 1-877-NRA-MATCH or compadmin@nrahq.org.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

International Training Inc

SHACKLESFORD, VA --(Ammoland.com)- G4S International Training, Inc. (G4S ITI), a training company of G4S, and providers of benchmark security training programs to the U.S. Government, U.S. Military and corporate America, will be hosting an Advanced Hostage Rescue Course at its Virginia Campus taught by Redback One March 12 – 16, 2012

. This course is designed to teach tactical law enforcement officers the tactics, techniques and procedures of advance hostage rescue. It is taught by all former Tier-1 members of Australian and U.S. Army Special Operations. All instructors have extensive real world operational experience.

Students will be constantly assessed and coached throughout the course in the following areas:

• Safety
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Individual Skills on the Range and in the House

Simmunition FX marking cartridges are utilized for periods of this course. Students are encouraged to bring department issued Sim weapons (these are also available for rent through Redback One).

On the completion of this course, each student will receive a certificate of completion and a certificate of accomplishment that details the learning objectives and competencies met during the course. All students will be vetted prior to attending this course by supplying a copy of current LE credentials to Redback One.

Course Curriculum:

• Equipment & Weapon Selection
• Principles of Close Quarters Battle & Hostage Rescue
• CQG Tactical Shooting Package
• Approach Techniques
• Multi-Team & Multi-Entry Points
• Room Combat Techniques
• Planning Considerations
• Emergency & Deliberate Assaults
• Staging Area Routine
• Vehicle Assaults
• Internal Movement, Communication & Limits of Exploitation
• Handling Hostages, Suspects & Detainees
• Use of Noise Flash Diversionary Devices
• Manual & Ballistic Breaching Techniques
• Assaulting Through Glass & Smoke
• Low Light Assaults Using White Light
• Intro to Silent Entry Techniques Using NVG’s and Lasers

Minimum Equipment requirements: Carbine / Sub gun, Pistol, Shotgun (opt), Magazines, Assault Equipment, Sling, Helmet, Weapon Mounted Lights, Belt, Holster, Combat Uniform, Assault Boots, Gas Mask, Ear Protection, NVG / Laser (if issued).

Ammunition:

• Carbine: 1,000 rounds
• Pistol: 500 rounds

If you would like to book this course for your department or send personnel to this course, please contact the Sales & Training Coordinator by email Giselle@redbackone.com or by phone +1 (757) 318-1024 to discuss your departmental requirements.

For more information, please view the full course description located on our website. Cost per student is $995.00.

About Redback One
Redback One is a combat training institute offering both core and advanced level instruction for the military, law enforcement and civilian sectors. Our instructors are experienced veterans with a knowledge base that encompasses combat marksmanship; counter terrorist training, executive protection, motorcade and convoy operations, SWAT techniques, K9 tactical deployment and precision rifle shooting. We recognize the need for a progressive curriculum that can sufficiently address the multi-faceted, high-threat environment that today’s soldier or law enforcement officer encounters during engagement. We provide a comprehensive approach to training that instills core fundamentals and fortifies students’ knowledge of advanced operational techniques. In the interest of addressing specific client needs, we have developed course offerings at several skill levels and work in tandem with existing mission profiles to provide specialized cost-effective training solutions. http://www.redbackone.com/

About G4S International Training, Inc.
G4S International Training Incorporated (G4S ITI) is a training company of G4S. Founded in 1989; G4S ITI is committed to providing benchmark security training programs emphasizing professionalism, quality, customer service and a fair price. G4S ITI conducts both mobile and fixed site training in security assistance and security service programs for the U.S. Government, U.S. military, corporate America, and now private citizens. For more information on G4S ITI or any of their courses, log on to www.g4siti.com.

USA Shooting

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --(Ammoland.com)- Kevin Neuendorf has been named the Director of Media & Public Relations for USA Shooting and will oversee all public relations activities for the National Governing Body (NGB).

He’ll be assisted by Katie Yergensen, a USA Shooting staff member since 2010.

USA Shooting was chartered by the U.S. Olympic Committee as the NGB for the sport of shooting in April 1995 and oversees Paralympic shooting programs in the United States as of 2008.

Kevin Neuendorf Named Director of Media & Public Relations for USA Shooting

Bolstered by a six-medal performance in 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Games, USA Shooting enters 2012 looking to equal or better those results when the 2012 Olympic Games get underway in London in July. Based on performances in 2011 that included 40 appearances and 24 medals in World Cup finals, the potential of the USA Shooting Team has been recognized.

“The ability to assist USA Shooting with their communications needs, to work alongside a great group of athletes and staff and the fortune to return to the Olympic Movement during an Olympic year, was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Neuendorf.

“The shooting sports have been a part of my life since childhood and I’m anxious to further my knowledge of the industry and to expand the outreach and impact that USA Shooting can have among shooting enthusiasts.”

Neuendorf spent nearly 10 years as communications manager for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) before leaving in late 2010 to become the Communications Director for the World Series of Boxing (WSB) Americas. Neuendorf assisted in the communications strategy for the newly-developed professional sports organization and helped broaden the impact of the new league and its four U.S. based franchises.

While at the USOC, he helped manage media operations for Team USA at select events including five Olympic Games, two Paralympic Games, two Pan American Games and two World University Games. He also helped coordinate five Olympic Media Summits, an intensive three-day media session for 100 Olympic hopefuls. His involvement at the USOC also centered on working with the sport National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to secure exposure for the USOC, its member organizations and America’s athletes.

From 1997 to 2001, Neuendorf was the manager of media and public relations for USA Boxing, the NGB of Olympic-style boxing in the U.S.

Neuendorf is a 1997 graduate of the University of Idaho where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations. While at Idaho, he also worked four years in the university’s sports information department. He and his wife, Tina, reside in Colorado Springs with their children Hayley, Kyle and Carter.

ELEYELEY is a Proud Sponsor of the USA Shooting Rifle and Pistol Teams: ELEY Limited, manufacturer of the world’s most consistently accurate rimfire ammunition, has been the Official Sponsor and Official Supplier of .22 rimfire ammunition of the USA Shooting rifle and pistol teams since 2000. For more information on ELEY and their products, please visit www.eley.co.uk.

Winchester small logoWinchester Ammunition is a Proud Sponsor of the USA Shooting Shotgun Team: Winchester® Ammunition has been the exclusive ammunition sponsor and supplier of the USAShooting Shotgun Team since 1999. Members of the 2008 shotgun team brought home four medals from Beijing using Winchester AA International Target loads. Winchester is an industry leader in advancing and supporting conservation, hunter education and our country’s proud shooting sports heritage. For more information about Winchester and its complete line of products, visit www.winchester.com.

About USA Shooting:
USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org and on Twitter at twitter.com/USAShooting.

FNH USA

McLean, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The 2012 3-Gun Nation Championship Finale, sponsored by Brownells and sanctioned by NRA Sports, was held on January 18th during the 2012 SHOT Show.

The exciting conclusion of the FNH USA 3-Gun Nation Tour, presented by SureFire, was hosted at the Clark County Shooting Range in Las Vegas and brought together the eight best practical shooters in the U.S from a group of nearly 1,500 competitors.

Two members of Team FNH USA, Tommy Thacker and Mark Hanish, faced off against the other six best shooters in man-on-man elimination, then found they had to compete against one another Wednesday night. In the final round Thacker outshot Hanish to take the title of 3-Gun Nation Champion and the grand prize from Leupold Tactical Optics and NBC Sports Network.

“On behalf of FNH USA, we would like to congratulate both Tommy and Mark for their outstanding performance in Wednesday’s 3-Gun Nation competition,” said Ken Pfau, Senior Vice President of Law Enforcement Sales for FNH USA, LLC. “Since joining team FNH USA, both have demonstrated time and time again they are superior marksmen and great teammates. Their personal and professional dedication contributed greatly to their success on Wednesday and goes a long way in demonstrating FNH USA’s commitment to the shooting sports.”

“I am honored to compete against the best shooters in the sport of 3-gun,” said Thacker. “I couldn’t have achieved this without the support from all members of Team FNH USA and our company’s commitment to making 3-gun the premiere sport in the industry.”

“It was fantastic experience shooting against Tommy in the finale,” said Hanish. “In the man-on-man elimination format, anything can happen. You have to push yourself and your equipment to the absolute limit. Tommy’s performance was simply flawless and I’m pleased to see him take this year’s title.”

The members of Team FNH USA have decided to donate a portion of the 3-Gun Nation Championship prize to two charities. Donations will be made on behalf of the team to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. More details on the donations to follow.

FNH USA, LLC is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal S.A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for the military, law enforcement and commercial markets. A pioneer in innovative firearm technology since the days of John M. Browning, the company supplies a variety of products to customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Based in McLean, VA with manufacturing operations in Columbia, SC, FNH USA is responsible for all U.S.-based sales and marketing efforts. To learn more about FNH USA and its products, please visit www.fnhusa.com.

GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation

GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation

SMYRNA, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF), an organization of GLOCK, Inc., was founded in 1991 to introduce GLOCK SAFE ACTION pistol owners to sport shooting in a friendly environment.

GSSF stages indoor and outdoor competitions throughout the United States.

The competition stages have been designed to be easy to understand and operate with no requirements for fast draws, speed reloading, or physical movement. Competitors of all legal ages and abilities have the opportunity to compete against their peers in different categories for each model of GLOCK pistol.

All GSSF matches are family oriented, with competitors ranging from beginner to expert. These events are a great place to hone shooting skills, learn some tricks-of-the-trade and establish relationships with fellow shooters and industry professionals. GSSF members also receive the services of a factory armorer at every outdoor match, to make sure their GLOCK performs at its peak, with free labor and replacement parts when needed. The emphasis for every GSSF match is always on safe firearm handling, accurate shooting and good sportsmanship.

Competitors simply show up at the GSSF events with their GLOCK (as it’s the only firearm permitted to participate), factory ammunition and approved eye and ear protection. Then, they are ready to compete.

GSSF has a separate class for master-ranked competitors and modified (e.g., optically sighted) GLOCK pistols. There are also designated classes for adult females; male and female junior shooters; shooters challenged by a physical restriction; and senior and “super senior” (+65 years old) competitors.

While competitors must be a GSSF member to participate, their membership also provides them an opportunity to purchase a GLOCK pistol at a special price and attend a GLOCK Armorer’s course (if eligible).

Upon membership, competitors receive a membership card, a GSSF cap, two issues of the GLOCK Report, a copy of the GLOCK Annual and the opportunity to participate in special offers. GSSF is affiliated with the United States Civilian Marksmanship Program, whose benefits are also made available to GSSF members.

GSSF celebrated its 20th Anniversary 2011, and continues to welcome shooters ranging from young and old, law enforcement officers, members of the US Armed Forces and even first time shooters. More than 80,000 members have attended events during the past 19 years, including world champions who started their careers at GSSF matches and continue to return to compete, and introduce their families to the sport of competitive shooting.

Visit: www.gssfonline.com

FNH’s Tom Thacker's Victory In 3GN Championship Brings Largest Payout In 3-Gun History - Photo by Tim Walsh seanchaicom.com

3-Gun Nation

LAS VEGAS, NV --(Ammoland.com)- Before the largest crowd ever to watch a 3-gun match, and with the largest payday in the history of the sport on the line, eight of the country’s top 3-gunners stepped to the firing line at the Clark County Range here January 18.

With the famous Las Vegas strip illuminating the desert sky as the backdrop, the sport of 3-gun formally announced its arrival to the shooting industry, major media outlets and a national television audience.

And then one team stole the show.

Team FNH USA’s Tommy Thacker defeated teammate Mark Hanish in the final round of the 3-Gun Nation Championship Finale, sponsored by Brownells, to become the 2012 3-Gun Nation Champion, winning an unprecedented $50,000 from Leupold Tactical Optics and NBC Sports Network.

“Unbelievable,” Thacker said, trying to put the enormity of the moment into words. “The only thing I could think is I am so blessed and everything happens for a reason. The only thing I could think is to thank God. When you think about everything that happened, I don’t know how else to describe it. Coming into this, I knew everything was right. I was in the zone more than I’ve ever been, and after the first run, I knew I was going to win this thing.”

“On behalf of FNH USA, we would like to congratulate Tommy Thacker and Mark Hanish for their outstanding performance during the 3-Gun Nation Championship,” said Ken Pfau, FNH USA Senior Vice President for Commercial and Law Enforcement Sales. “Since joining Team FNH USA, both Tommy and Mark have demonstrated time and time again that they are superior marksmen. Their dedication to the sport of 3-gun contributed to their success in this final match and showcases FNH USA’s commitment to the sport of 3-gun.”

Leupold Tactical Optics and the newly launched NBC Sports Network teamed up to sponsor the $50,000
Cash Prize, the largest cash payout in the history of 3-Gun competition.

Thacker stormed out of gate with an opening round win over Phil Strader, getting off the eight-target shotgun station first before widening the gap with a strong rifle run across six steel plates. Thacker struggled on the 12-plate pistol rack before pausing for a moment, taking a breath, and regaining his composure to finish strong and advance to the semi-finals.

“I was pretty amped up for the first run,” Thacker said. “I was listening to the music trying to stay in the groove and relax. I was thinking ‘don’t let this stuff get to you. It’s a mental game now. Your skill set is not going to change.’ I played it over and over in my mind; I knew what I had to do.”

There, Thacker met up with Jeff Cramblit, a skilled 3-gun veteran who looked strong in his opening-round run. But Thacker again was dialed in and pulled ahead on a strong rifle run, building a lead he maintained through the pistol rack and on to the stop plate, setting up the Championship showdown with Hanish.

Team FNH USA's Tommy Thacker with his parents (center) and runner-up Mark Hanish (left). Photo by Patrick Kelley multigunmedia.com

For Hanish, the opening round began with a win over one of the game’s toughest young competitors, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Tyler Payne. Hanish jumped out to an early lead with a blistering shotgun run, while Payne ran his shotgun dry and was forced to reload from the staging box, helping Hanish build a huge lead early in the run. Hanish remained steady throughout the rifle and pistol arrays and was first to the stop plate to advance to the semi-finals.

There, Hanish met up against SureFire’s Mike Voigt, one of the most dominant shooters in 3-gun history. Hanish again jumped out with a fast shotgun run, while Voigt suffered a catastrophic mistake when he inadvertently left a shotgun popper standing. Not noticing the fault until after abandoning his empty shotgun and running halfway to the rifle position, Voigt scrambled back to the shotgun, made quick work with the rifle, then charged into the pistol rack at a furious pace. However, the lead was too much to overcome, as Hanish knocked over the stop plate to advance to the finals, setting up the showdown with his teammate, co-worker and friend.

Team FNH USA's Mark Hanish capped a brilliant run through the 3GN Championship with a 2nd place finish. Hanish took home $2500 Cash courtesy of Brownells as well as a brand-new Barrett MRAD Rifle with a Leupold Mark IV Optic and the BORS Sighting System. Photo by Patrick Kelley multigunmedia.com

“I was happy and excited for Mark to be there,” Thacker said. “At that point, it was win-win. I had nothing to lose. Mark was my greatest fear coming into the competition. It basically came down to what I had visualized.”

In the best-of-three final round, Thacker again looked dominating in the first bout, staying even with Hanish on shotgun and surging ahead on rifle before finishing strong on MGM’s Propeller plate rack, a wicked spinning target mechanism that tested the competitors’ accuracy and timing.

“After the first run, everything was in slow motion,” Thacker said. “When I got to the end and knocked down the stop plate on that first run, I knew I couldn’t be beat. I knew there was nothing going to stop me.”

After a brief break in the action, Thacker and Hanish again stepped to the starting box as the crowd noise began to build with each moment ramping up the anticipation. The horn screamed before each competitor hurled themselves toward the shotgun station. Hanish, as he had the entire night, leaned into the shotgun and ripped off rounds in seemingly one continuous bark of the SLP. Thacker dropped down with an FN SCAR into a barricade supported position and surgically fired Federal Tracer ammunition through the night, with fiery explosions bursting on disappearing rifle steel. And then for a moment, two Propeller plate racks spun in near slow motion before Thacker’s final plate stuck into the sand. Thacker then transitioned to the stop plate, squeezed the FNS trigger, and the bullet found it’s mark as the crowd erupted.

“When the stop plate fell on the last run and I knew that I had just become the 2012 3-Gun Nation Champion, I bowed my knee to give glory to God for my victory,” Thacker said. “Philippians 4:13 says ‘I can do all things though Christ which stregtheneth me.’ I am a true testament to that. My faith and mental preparation was the key to the victory.”

For finishing second, Hanish was awarded a Barrett MRAD rifle fitted with a Leupold scope and BORS system, along with a check for $2,500 from Brownells.

Mike Voigt's 3GN Championship run ended in a third place finish and $5,000 payday from Timney Triggers.- Photo by Patrick Kelley multigunmedia.com

Before the final run, Mike Voigt overcame a pulled leg muscle to narrowly edge out Jeff Cramblit in what was arguably the most heart-stopping bout of the night. For his third place finish, Voigt received a check for $5,000 from Timney Triggers. Cramblit’s fourth place finish netted him a $2,000 check from Stag Arms, along with a Stag Arms 3G Competition rifle.

Cramblit advanced to the semi-finals with an opening round win over Rustin Bernskoetter, one of the game’s brightest new stars. Voigt’s tournament began with a victory over Taran Butler, one of 3-gun’s most dominant Tactical Optics competitors.

For advancing to the 3-Gun Nation Championship Finale, Butler, Bernskoetter and Strader will each received a check for $2,000 from DoubleStar, while Payne earned a $2,000 payout from Shooters Connection.

The Las Vegas payouts totaled $67,500, with an additional $15,000 in product value. In all, 3-Gun Nation paid out more than $150,000 in cash prizes on the 2011-2012 3GN Tour.

The 3GN Championship Finale, sponsored by Brownells and sanctioned by NRA Sports, was the culminating event of the 2011-2012 FNH USA 3-Gun Nation Tour, Presented by SureFire. Spanning 10 major 3-gun events all across the country, more than 1,500 competitors earned scores toward the 3GN Standings. From there, the top 50 competitors qualified to the 3-Gun Nation Championship in November, a one-day Tactical Optics-only match that comprised the deepest field of 3-gun talent ever assembled. The top 16 shooters then battled in an elimination Shoot-Off, with the Final 8 advancing to the Las Vegas Rumble On the Range.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE:

• • Las Vegas Review-Journal Video
• • Las Vegas Review-Journal Photos
• • NRA Blog
• • Ammoland
• • NBC Sports Network

Hawaii Koko Head Shooting Complex

Hawaii Concealed Carry

Hawaii -–(Ammoland.com)-Fellow gun owners, Councilman Berg is at it again, and needs our help.

In response to the $15 per hour fee now being charged at Koko Head Shooting Complex, he has introduced two new bills, Bills 1 and 60.

These two bills will be heard by the council on the 25th of January, so as in competitive shooting, speed is of the essence!

Both bills pertain to the charging of fees at Koko Head Shooting Complex, a topic which is near and dear to all our hearts.

Bill 1 would change the wording of the fees to exclude non-profit charities from the fee, while Bill 60 would clarify that the $15/hour fee is to be charged only when an organization requires a Parks facility to be open outside normal hours and staffed by an attendant.

These are good bills for the shooting public to support, so please don’t hesitate to send in your testimony, or if you’re available on Wednesday, 25 January at 10:00am, register to speak. The meeting agenda, details on how to register to speak or submit testimony, as well as the text of the two bills, can be found at the city of Honolulu’s website.

Mr. Berg has been appreciative of the hard work all of you have done in writing testimony for various bills relating to the shooting sports on Oahu. Please be sure to submit your comments. Even if you’re not going to win a Pulitzer Prize for your writing, it will at the very least demonstrate to the city council that there are a large number of people on the island who care deeply about their Second Amendment rights.

I will edit this post to add a sample testimony letter, once I’ve had a chance to write my own testimony. Thank you all for your past and continuing support.

About Hawaii Concealed Carry:
Hawaii Concealed Carry is a single-issue group formed with the mission to promote the restoration of Second Amendment rights contained within the constitution, the right of the people to keep and bear arms. We are a non-partisan group; our only care being, whether people support the right of self-defense and defense of others. Our philosophy is that through responsible use, education, communication, and understanding we can promote a safer environment for Hawaii residents, while reducing crime, and supporting our fundamental constitutional rights. Visit: www.hawaiiccw.com

Wounded Warrior Josh Olson Headed to Paralympic Games

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --(Ammoland.com)-  Showcasing courage, determination and inspiration, USA Shooting has announced the nomination of Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit to the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team contingent on the approval of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Olson is the first active-duty Soldier to be nominated for the Paralympic Games and first active-duty servicemember to ever be nominated to compete in shooting sports at the games.

Olson qualified for the team based on the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) two-part qualification system for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. On Jan. 15, the IPC announced that the U.S. earned a second participation slot per the minimum qualifying score (MQS) allocations. At the 2011 IPC World Cup in Sydney, Australia, Olson finished sixth in R3 (Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone). Earlier that year, he finished seventh in R6 (Mixed 50m Rifle Prone) at the IPC World Cup Alicante and eighth in R6 at the IPC World Cup USA held on Fort Benning.

Deployed to Iraq in 2003 with 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Olson was struck with a rocket-propelled grenade while on patrol, resulting in the loss of his right leg from the hip down. After spending 18 months at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Olson received his assignment to the USAMU.

During his time at the USAMU, Olson has become a pioneer and advocate for Wounded Warriors. He has led the effort to establish a Paralympic team at the unit, enabling wounded warriors deemed able to continue to serve on active duty to showcase the Army in support of recruiting and accessions while enhancing its overall combat readiness through the unit’s robust marksmanship training program.

“Sgt. 1st Class Olson is a trailblazer for our Army,” says Lt. Col. Dan Hodne, commander, USAMU. “His unique Army story speaks volumes of the notion of ‘ability’ rather than ‘disability,’ and exemplifies professional Soldiers who all must be ‘Army Strong.’”

Josh Olson

Olson is also heavily involved with “Operation Proper Exit,” where he aids other veterans recovering from injuries sustained during combat by visiting their place of injury in Iraq. In honor of his service and dedication to the country, Olson was awarded the Purple Heart from former President George W. Bush.

This is Olson’s first Paralympic Games nomination–he just missed the threshold in 2008, but has been a member of the National Paralympic Team for five years.

“I want to thank my family and friends for all the support, understanding and sacrifice; my coaches for the instruction and world-class mentorship; and finally, the U.S. Army for providing the opportunity to continue to serve and represent the USA on the world stage,” said Olson.

Consideration for the expansion of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit for Wounded Warriors deemed able to continue to serve on active duty as marksmanship instructors and Paralympic shooter/instructors is currently ongoing as part of the Army’s “Total Army Analysis.”

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Safariland.com

JACKSONVILLE, Florida --(Ammoland.com)- Safariland, a BAE Systems business, is pleased to announce the date of the Safariland Training Group’s 2012 Northeastern National Conference being held from May 18 – 21, 2012, in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Formerly known as the Less Lethal Conference, the program has been expanded to include a new line of lecture-based classes geared toward supervisors and investigators, as well as more specialized courses based on the demand for new training in the law enforcement industry.

Safariland Training Group will combine their traditional Monadnock® Baton and Defense Technology® courses with a new line of courses including Critical Incident Command, Patrol Rifle and Patrol Shield, Crime Scene Investigation, Crowd Management and Startle Response to an Ambush.

These courses have been developed with the experience of Safariland Training Group’s Instructors and the expertise behind Safariland’s product brands, such as Monadnock, Defense Technology, PROTECH and Forensics Source.

“We’ve geared the conference toward the ever-changing needs of the police community,” said Sandy Wall, Director of Safariland Training Group. “Our focus is to offer courses that are unique and challenging with personalized attention and hands-on instruction.”

The 2012 North-eastern National Conference is being held at the Radisson hotel in downtown Manchester, where there is a special discount room rate for conference attendees of $99 per night. Safariland has also significantly discounted many of this year’s conference rates to accommodate agencies that have experienced budget cuts. In addition, a special early registration discount of up to $75 off the regular conference rate is also being offered if applicants register by April 15, 2012.

Visit www.safariland.com/training for a preview of the conference schedule and to download the course offerings.

About Safariland
Safariland, LLC is a premier provider of law enforcement and security products and services, delivering a full-range of customer-specific solutions. Offering many of the world’s most recognizable branded products in the public safety market, Safariland is committed to saving lives. For more information about Safariland, please visit www.safariland.com.

National Sporting Clays Association

San Antonio, TX --(Ammoland.com)- Rumors have been circulating recently about gun thefts from vehicles around the country and at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio in particular.

Because we take very seriously the security of our members and patrons, as well as their property, we would like to address these rumors and offer some suggestions regarding better securing your firearms, whether you’re shooting at our club or elsewhere.

As has always been the case, gun thefts from vehicles and homes are a problem around the country, and San Antonio is no different – neither better nor worse. Some rumors suggest that San Antonio is experiencing an “epidemic” of gun thefts from vehicles at gun clubs or from vehicles of traveling shooters at restaurants or other businesses. We have no reason to believe this problem is greater than in the past or than in other cities.

As the largest gun club in the San Antonio area, and one of the largest in the country, we believe we at the National Shooting Complex are in a position to be aware of such an alarming trend, and it is simply not the case.

Many reports indicate that gangs are targeting the NSC parking lot, marking tires or placing stickers on license plates so they can later be identified by thieves. At a shoot last June, we and a commissioned officer investigated reports of marked vehicles and found no validity. There was no pattern or consistency among the marks that were identified to us, and we found that all the questionable marks reported to us were left there by manufacturers, tire services, or rental car companies. In fact, most marks were so worn or well covered that they could not have occurred in the parking lot.

We have read that because gun thefts from vehicles are so “rampant” in San Antonio that a police chief met with the 400 shooters at that event to warn them about the problem. That did not happen.

In some online discussions, the phrase “national event” has morphed into “National Championship” with implications that gun theft was a problem during that event. To be clear, in 2011, we had no reports of gun theft at the NSCA National Championship, the largest shooting event held annually at the National Shooting Complex. In previous years, we did experience some gun thefts during the National Championship, and we responded by implementing a number of procedures to eliminate as much risk as possible. We have 24-hour security on the grounds during events, and we have improved our gate security. For the past several years, we have also made 24-hour gun storage available at a very modest fee throughout all events so that shooters never have to leave their firearms in vehicles or hotel rooms.

While we can’t guarantee the security of your firearm if it is left in a vehicle on or off the NSC property, we will continue to improve our efforts to keep you and your property as safe as possible. We also offer some suggestions for securing your firearms and equipment while at the National Shooting Complex, at other gun clubs, or at any off-site amenities:

Use our gun storage facility. At a cost of only $5 per day during events, it is inexpensive security for your firearms. While they are there, we accept full responsibility for your guns.

Be vigilant. Know who is around you and who is able to see what is in your vehicle. Remember that rental cars, out-of-state license plates, bumper stickers and decals, and the items you leave visible in your vehicle can identify you as a tourist or traveling shooter, so exercise additional caution.

As soon as you leave the NSC, remove the brightly-colored mirror hangtag indicating you are authorized to be on the property during events. Place it out of view.

Consider how you and your vehicle look to thieves. Remember that criminals don’t have to mark your car at the gun range to identify you later as transporting a gun if you give the impression you’ve just left the range. Can other shooters identify you as a shooter when they see you at a hotel or restaurant? So can criminals. Having gun-related stickers on your vehicle, walking across a hotel parking lot with a gun case, or wearing your shooting gear into a restaurant makes your vehicle a target. What does a casual look through your vehicle window reveal? Make sure all shooting-related items are out of sight, even if they aren’t themselves valuable.

Insure your firearms. While insurance won’t keep them from getting stolen, you’ll be a lot less unhappy about losing your guns if they are adequately insured. NSSA-NSCA offers its members discounted gun insurance through SIAI.

Visit: www.nssa-nsca.org

USA Shooting

LAS VEGAS, NV --(Ammoland.com)- USA Shooting is proud toOlson announce the nomination of Sergeant First Class Josh Olson (Spokane, Wash.) to the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team.

Olson qualified for the team based on the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) two-part qualification system for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

On Jan. 15, the IPC announced that the U.S. earned a second participation slot per the minimum qualifying score (MQS) Allocations.

At the 2011 IPC World Cup in Sydney, Australia, Olson finished sixth in R3 (Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1). Earlier that year, he finished seventh in R6 (Mixed 50m Rifle Prone) at the IPC World Cup Alicante and eighth in R6 at the IPC World Cup USA.

Iraq War Veteran Josh Olson

While on patrol with his unit (101st Airborne division third brigade 1/187) in Iraq in 2002, Olson was struck with a rocket-propelled grenade resulting in the loss of his right leg from the hip down. After spending 18 months at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Olson received his assignment to the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in Fort Benning, Ga.

This is Olson’s first Paralympic Games nomination-he just missed the threshold in 2008, but has been a member of the National Paralympic Team for five years. Josh is also involved in the TROOPS F1RST Foundation and has participated in “Operation Proper Exit” where he aided other vets recovering from injuries sustained during combat by visiting their place of injury in Iraq. In honor of his service and dedication to the country, Olson was awarded the Purple Heart from former President George W. Bush

Upon notice of his nomination, an elated Olson recognized those who have helped him on his journey: “I want to thank my family and friends for all the support, understanding and sacrifice; my coaches for the instruction and worldclass mentorship; and finally, the U.S. Army for providing the opportunity to continue to serve and represent the USA on the world stage.”

National Paralympic Coach Bob Foth is anxious to now lead two talented athletes into competition in London. USA Shooting previously announced in December 2011 the nomination of Eric Hollen (Colorado Springs, Colo.) to the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Shooting Team.

“Olson has worked hard and overcome so many obstacles on this journey and will be a great teammate,” Foth said with enthusiasm and pride Josh lost his leg while serving his country and now has a chance to represent all of us in the highest level of international competition. His story of sacrifice and determination is so motivating for anyone who has met him.”

Sgt. 1st Class Olson will be in attendance at the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT) in Las Vegas, Nev., this week with the Troops First Foundation. For interviews, please contact USA Shooting Media and Public Relations Manager Katie Yergensen at katie.yergensen@usashooting.org. Josh will also be available at the USA Shooting press conference on Thursday, Jan. 19 in the Murano Press Conference Room at 11:30AM.

All team nominations to the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team are contingent upon approval by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

About USA Shooting:
USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org and Facebook.

Kim Rhodes to be at 2012 SHOT Show

USA Shooting

LAS VEGAS, Nev. --(Ammoland.com)- Members of the USA Shooting Team and staff will be represented at the 2012 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, Nev., at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, January 17-20.

The 34th SHOT Show, presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), will bring together over 60,000 firearm industry professionals including buyers, exhibitors, media and guests.

The theme of the 2012 show is “One Industry – One Voice.” Traditionally, exhibitors debut new products/services and strengthen industry relations. SHOT Show is an excellent opportunity for the Team to stay in touch with the outdoor industry and win the admiration of new fans.

Team members can be found not only at USA Shooting’s booth (L332), but they will also be visiting the following USA Shooting sponsors: ELEY (13707), Winchester (13129) and Kimber (11762).

The USA Shooting Team will host a press conference Eric Uptagraffton Thursday, Jan. 19 at 11:30AM in the Press Conference Room 3306, adjacent to the NSSF press room. The Team will discuss AOY Rhodethe importance and excitement of 2012-an Olympic year-and whatit means to the shooting industry. The following nominees to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team will also field questions and talk about their Olympic path: four-time Olympic medalist Kim Rhode (El Monte, Calif.) and Sergeant First Class Eric Uptagrafft (Phenix City, Ala.). Rhode and Uptagrafft will be joined by Paralympic team member Sergeant First Class Josh Olson (Spokane, Wash.).

Corrie West, USA Shooting’s Director, Marketing and Communications, commented, “USA Shooting is excited to be attending the 2012 SHOT Show and is looking forward to greeting attendees at the industry’s premier trade show.”

In addition to Rhode, Uptagraft and Olson, additional USA Shooting athletes available for interviews throughout the week will include: Vincent Hancock (Eatonton, Ga.), Keith Sanderson (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Sandra Uptagrafft (Phenix City, Ala.), Amy Sowash (Richmond, K.Y.), BJ Blanchard (Vidor, Texas), Matt Gossett (Springville, Ala.), Meghann K. Morrill (Boerne, Texas), Jon Michael McGrath (Tulsa, Okla.) and John Mullins (Port Orchard, Wash.). To arrange for interviews, please contact Media and Public Relations Manager, Katie Yergensen, at katie.yergensen@usashooting.org.

For more information, please visit www.shotshow.org or www.usashooting.org.

ELEY is a Proud Sponsor of the USA Shooting Rifle and Pistol Teams: ELEY Limited, manufacturer of the world’s most consistently accurate rimfire ammunition, has been the Official Sponsor and Official Supplier of .22 rimfire ammunition of the USA Shooting rifle and pistol teams since 2000. For more information on ELEY and their products, please visit www.eley.co.uk.

Winchester Ammunition is a Proud Sponsor of the USA Shooting Shotgun Team: Winchester® Ammunition has been the exclusive ammunition sponsor and supplier of the USAShooting Shotgun Team since 1999. Members of the 2008 shotgun team brought home four medals from Beijing using Winchester AA International Target loads. Winchester is an industry leader in advancing and supporting conservation, hunter education and our country’s proud shooting sports heritage. For more information about Winchester and its complete line of products, visit www.winchester.com.

About USA Shooting:
USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org and on Twitter at twitter.com/USAShooting.

HK Pro Shooting Team

Heckler & Koch

Las Vegas, NV --(Ammoland.com)- Meet Team Captain Jason Koon at the 2012 SHOT Show. Jason will be in the Heckler & Koch booth #13172, to answer questions about competitive shooting competitions.

In 2011 Heckler & Koch launch a shooting team to get involved and support shooting sports. The move marked HK’s first entry into the competitive shooting sports organized by the USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) and related sport shooting groups.

“We had an exciting year as this was our first major involvement in competitive shooting in the USA at this level,” said Mark Osborne, HK’s Director of Sales. “HK Germany has a European-based team but this is an opportunity for HK-USA and our American team to showcase what they can do.”

“One major advantage we have is that the HK guns our team members use don’t require much in the way of modification or tuning. Our team will be using their P30L pistols pretty much right out of the box.”

The team members participated at U.S. Steel Nationals, NRA Bianchi Cup, Steel Challenge World, USPSA Nationals, and a number of state competitions. The team will continue to use standard production-grade HK P30L models as their primary competitive pistols.

The shooting team will debut the MR556A1 rifle in 2012 3-gun matches.

About:
Heckler & Koch is the world’s premier small arms systems company and a major supplier to global military, law enforcement agencies, and civilian shooters. An international company with a manufacturing presence in Germany and the USA, Heckler & Koch is a transformative leader in design and manufacturing. Heckler & Koch provides technologically advanced firearms, logistical support, training, and specialized services with the highest standards of innovation and reliability to its customer base. Heckler & Koch’s well-known range of products include the USP series pistols, MP5 submachine gun, the MP7 Personal Defense Weapon, the G36 weapon system, HK416 rifles and carbines, and the recently introduced HK45 and P30 series pistols. US WEBSITE: www.hk-usa.com

Leupold Optics

BEAVERTON, Ore. --(Ammoland.com)- Leupold announces the addition of three premier long-range shooting competitors to its pro staff.

Mike Miller, Stan Pate and John Weil all compete in top-end shooting events using Leupold optics.

“We all know how critical optics are in order to be successful in the long-range shooting disciplines,” said Pat Mundy, communications manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “Having three highly accomplished shooters such as Mike, Stan and John added to our pro staff will continue to demonstrate the high performance and accuracy of our products.”

In the 2009 F-T/R Class individual world standings, Pate ranks third, Miller eighth and Weil tenth. Weil was shooter #1 on the 2009 USA F-T/R Gold Medal World Team. (F-T/R Class is defined as .308 scoped rifles fired off bipods at ranges up to 1,200 yards.)

A former police sergeant, SWAT tactical team member and sniper instructor, Miller is a highly decorated long-range rifle competitive shooter. He has won numerous national and world long-range shooting competitions including gold and silver medals in the F-T/R 2009 World Championships. Miller will serve as vice captain on the 2013 U.S. National F-T/R Team.

Pate’s shooting career began as a member of the Marine Corps’ Small Arms Training Unit. He is a past member of the North Carolina state pistol team and currently serves as team captain for the Savage Arms factory shooting team. For the past four years, Pate has represented the United States around the world as a member of the U.S. F-T/R Team. He has won numerous events and set records in national world long-range shooting events.

A competitive shooter for more than 20 years, Weil is a certified NRA Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection, Pistol and Rifle Instructor. He is also a USA/NRA International Advanced Shooting Coach. Weil has won several awards in USPSA/IPSC C-Class Open and Limited 10 shooting competitions. He currently competes in long-range F Class matches at both the national and world levels.

Weil and Pate are based in Oregon, while Miller resides in California.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the preeminent American-owned optics company, employs hundreds of people in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Beaverton, Ore. Family owned and operated, Leupold offers products that are sold worldwide to hunters, competitive shooters, American military warfighters, law enforcement personnel and wildlife observers. The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; trail cameras; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a Charter Supporter of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Foundation.

Band Of Brothers Running - not for their health but for their lives.

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- New Year’s is just behind us so it’s traditionally a time to be thinking about what to resolve to do better this coming year.

Keeping fit usually tops the list of promises we make to ourselves at the start of each new year, but it is also one of the most difficult resolutions to keep up with.

A workout designed around exercises that would benefit one of your favorite hobbies might inspire more commitment. What if each repetition in the gym (or basement) added some extra punch to your overall fitness when engaging in firearms sport or training?

Building a strong core is always an important foundation with any extended use of specific muscles groups as well as for endurance and balance. Basic floor exercises including crunches, scissor kicks and other exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles are going to be the foundation for everything else you do in your workouts. A fatigued body will rely on a strong core to ground it. But there are some exercises that pay specific attention to strengthening muscles that will be used when holding firearms out at arms’ length for long periods of time.

When I started taking more advanced shooting classes I started to think about how I could use my daily workouts to target the muscles used to sustain the long periods holding and maneuvering my firearms. I was already working with a personal trainer, Fabian Thorne at Built 2 Last Fitness (www.built-2-last.org), so we discussed how to include exercises in my training sessions to target the specific muscles used in shooting.

There are obviously many strength building exercises but here are three easy ones you can add as part of a regular program and that can offer results to reduce strain on tired muscles.

Hold both arms out straight to your sides and rotate them clockwise in small tight circles for 100 repetitions. Then do the same in counterclockwise motion. This will build strength in the muscles used when holding arms outstretched for great periods of time. Add hand weights as you increase your endurance.

In the next exercise, sit down and take a five pound dumbbell in one hand (or whatever weight is appropriate for you fitness level). Rest your wrist on the edge of your knee and move your hand up and down at the wrist. This movement will build strength in the wrists which help hold heavy objects in outstretched arms, where disproportionate weight is being held in one hand.

Balance is also as important as muscle strength when incorporating movement into training exercises. To improve balance, try alternate side forward leg lunges while holding five or ten pound dumbbells. Begin with eight repetitions on each leg. When returning to the center standing position after each forward lunge, include an arm curl and when doing lunges in the reverse direction include an arm raise as you return the leg to the center standing position. Repeating lunges several times on each leg improves balance and strength.

Generally, it can be helpful to train under the conditions you will find your mind and body subjected to in a particular situation. For example, law enforcement officers will train with firearms simulators to imitate situations where the mind will have to make a split second decision as to a threat and then take action. Training courses that teach shooting on the move and under stress are good ways to test how an individual will respond in an unusually difficult situation.

However, the best way to prepare physically is to be in the best shape possible. A regular exercise program to strengthen the core muscles, with special attention to the muscles used in shooting (as in the exercises listed above) may provide an advantage in combating muscle fatigue; for example, from holding a gun in an outstretched arm for a long period of time – possibly even hours as in police crisis situations.

If you enjoy your workouts as much as I do, then the added knowledge that the exercises you are performing may also benefit your shooting skills could give you that extra incentive to keep up the program this New Year.

(For more information on personalized sports targeted fitness programs contact Fabian www.built-2-last.org)

About Shari Spivack;
I am a wife, mother and firearms instructor who has my own passion for shooting, teaching and continuing to educate myself with all types of firearms in a safe and responsible manner. It is always my pleasure to talk to other women gun owners – please feel free to email me at Shari@shootstraightnj.com

National Rifle Association's Women's Programs

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association’s Women’s Programs Department is pleased to announce the launch of the Women’s Outdoor Adventure, an exciting new event developed by women, for women.

Scheduled for April 30-May 7, 2012 at the Rockcastle Shooting Center in Park City, Kentucky, the inaugural Women’s Outdoor Adventure is an eight-day shooting and outdoor event.

Aimed at introducing women to a variety of firearms, the Women’s Outdoor Adventure also features exciting outdoor activities as well as fun and relaxing social events.

“The Women’s Outdoor Adventure is an opportunity for ladies to foster their interest in shooting and the outdoors, all while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded women,” said Bill Poole, Director of NRA’s Education & Training Division. “We want the attendees to leave with a well-rounded knowledge of firearms and the desire to continue participating in the shooting sports.”

Attendees will enjoy the thrill of learning to shoot on the world-class ranges of the Rockcastle Shooting Center while receiving instruction from the country’s top female shooters and firearms instructors. From trying their hand at shooting rifles, pistols, and shotguns during exciting multi-gun competition, to the fun of sporting clays, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of shooting disciplines in a supportive, encouraging setting.

Cowboy Action Shooting is also on the agenda for the Women’s Outdoor Adventure, with attendees being transported back in time to the Old West on Rockcastle’s western town shooting range. Finally, attendees will take the NRA Personal Protection Inside The Home Course, designed to help women incorporate a firearm into their home defense plan.

In addition to time on the range, ladies will enjoy riding a zip line, canoeing, horseback riding, and playing a round of golf at the Cave Valley Golf Club. Other activities include touring natural caves in the area, a wine and cheese social at the Cave Valley Winery, a ladies hunting apparel fashion show, a cowboy-style cookout, and performances from local musicians.

Reservations for the Women’s Outdoor Adventure are made on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited to just 40 women. The deadline to register is March 15, 2012.

For more information on the Women’s Outdoor Adventure or to download the event application, please visit http://www.nrahq.org/women/woa.asp or contact Ann Marie Foster at 703-267-1413 or afoster@nrahq.org. You can also visit Ann Marie Foster at SHOT Show in the NRA Booth #14540.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation

Shelby Township, MI – -(Ammoland.com)- The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) along with the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) announced its plans today to support the ACUI 44th Annual Intercollegiate Clay Target Championships scheduled to be held March 27 thru April 1, 2012 at The National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, TX.

SSSF/SCTP has committed to over $450,000.00 to support the event.

SSSF/SCTP will contribute:

• $2,000.00 endowment for every collegiate team that participates in the 2012 ACUI Collegiate Clay Target Championship
• $4,000.00 of additional endowment money if the collegiate team is registered as a SCTP affiliated Team making that a total of $6,000.00 in endowment money.
• $3,000.00 of endowment money for division 1, 2 and 3 for each of the six disciplines for a first place team.
• $2,000.00 of endowment money for division 1, 2 and 3 for each of the six disciplines for a second place team.
• $1,000.00 of endowment money for division 1, 2 and 3 for each of the six disciplines for a third place team.

The events SSSF/SCTP will participate in are: American Trap, American Skeet, Sporting Clays, 5-Stand, Bunker Trap and Olympic Skeet.

“Over the past year, the SCTP Directors of Development across the United States have been focused on organizing several very successful Intercollegiate Clay Target Regional Championships,” said Jon M. McGrath, Chairman of the Foundation. “We look forward to helping promote the 2012 44th Annual ACUI Intercollegiate Clay Target Championship in San Antonio as well.”

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) across the United States, including participant registration, coaches, state coordinators, state and national championships, promotion, communications, websites, public relations and growth strategies. The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation exists to raise funding and other resources for Youth Development Programs in the shooting sports industry.

SCTP is a youth development program where adult coaches and volunteers model sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, and team work while using shooting sports programs to teach these and other positive life skills to SCTP athletes.

To learn more about SCTP call (586) 737-0805 or visit their website at www.shootsctp.org.

Laura Torres-Reyes of Team International Training, Inc.

International Training Inc

SHACKLESFORD, VA --(Ammoland.com)- Laura Torres-Reyes of Team International Training, Inc. (G4S ITI) won High Lady in the annual IDPA Postal Match, held globally from August through December 2011.

This year’s event, open to any classified IDPA shooter, drew in 2,338 participants. A Postal Match is defined as a match where all participants receive the exact same four stages with very specific set-ups.

The clubs then mail in their results. Torres-Reyes placed first out of 112 lady competitors.

“Mr. Ted Murphy did a fantastic job of designing stages that were fun and straightforward. With only four stages, there was very little room for error. You had to bring your best game balancing speed with pinpoint accuracy,” commented Torres-Reyes. “I was pleasantly surprised with the final results where I placed first [High Lady] out of 112 lady competitors. I shot the match in late December, so it was rewarding to confirm that my dry fire practicing during this winter season has improved my skills. I am excited to be heading into the 2012 season with a bang!”

Torres-Reyes can be seen competing in her next match at the IDPA Triple Crown I, held at the Universal Shooting Academy in Frostproof, FL February 4th through 5th, 2012.

• Follow Team ITI on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamITI
• Watch videos of G4S ITI on YouTube: www.youtube.com/wwwitiwsicom

About G4S International Training, Inc.
G4S International Training Incorporated (G4S ITI) is a training company of G4S. Founded in 1989; G4S ITI is committed to providing benchmark security training programs emphasizing professionalism, quality, customer service, and a fair price. G4S ITI conducts both mobile and fixed site training in security assistance and security service programs for the U.S. Government, U.S. military, corporate America, and now private citizens. For more information on ITI or any of their courses, log on to www.g4siti.com.

About Laura Torres-Reyes
Laura Torres-Reyes first started her shooting career five years ago when she decided to practice to qualify for a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She primarily competes in IDPA as an SSP EX and has earned 21 state and regional Ladies Championship titles and 25 state and regional High Military Championship titles. She has been serving for over 23 years on Active Duty in the Air Force. Colonel Torres-Reyes, a Bronze Star Medal recipient, specializes in Occupational Medicine. Prior to being on Team ITI, Torres-Reyes competed as a member of Team Smith & Wesson for two years.

The 1 Inch to 100 Yards Warrior Conference

Khyber Interactive Associates

Fort Mohave, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Khyber Interactive Associates, a world-class emergency response training, research and consulting company, today announced that the Reno (NV) Police Department will be the official host of the 2012 ’1 Inch to 100 yards Warrior Conference’ and Expo. The conference will be held August 14-17 in Reno, Nevada at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino.

According to Khyber founder Wes Doss, “Everyone at Khyber is thrilled that the Reno Police Department has agreed to be the official host of our annual 1 inch to 100 Yards Warrior Conference and Expo this year.”

Doss went on to say, “It is truly an honor to work with a dedicated professional organization such as the Reno Police Department. We feel that this partnership will be a huge asset to our conference and anticipate that the 2012 conference will be our best one yet!”

In 2010 the Reno Police Department assisted the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in supporting the ’1 Inch to 100 yards Warrior Conference’ and Expo. The department provided man power at the Expo site and at the offsite live fire range area. This year the Reno Police Department will be the exclusive host of the conference.
Reno PD will be providing dedicated logistical and staffing support to help make the 2012 ’1 Inch to 100 yards Warrior Conference’ and Expo a memorable one. Reno Police Officer and event liaison, Charlie de St. Maurice, had this to say about the conference.

“The Warrior Conference provides valuable training and networking resources that help agencies and individual officers grow and better provide a safer and more efficient service to the communities they are sworn to protect.”

The Reno Police Department Honor Guard will be present at the ’1 Inch to 100 Yards Warrior Conference’ Annual Mixer to post the colors and launch the event. Khyber and Reno PD will also host a two day tactical training vendor expo during the conference. The Expo will feature some of the largest and most reputable companies in the tactical industry.

Both the 1 inch to 100 Yards Warrior Conference and Vendor Expo offer great networking opportunities to vendors, attendees, and participating sponsors. The sponsorship cost and booth cost below the industry average and the conference and expo provides tremendous exposure for participants.

The last ’1 Inch to 100 Yards Warrior Conference’ was covered by Fox News and the Outdoor Channel. The Outdoor Channel taped an entire episode during the 2011 conference for the Shooting Gallery and is still being shown today.

This year’s conference will take place at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. The resort has standard, luxury summit, and grand sierra suites all at special rate for the conference. Travel is easy with direct flights from many airports in the United States and daily connections from international flights and shuttle service provided by the Grand sierra for the 1.5 mile trip from Reno airport.

For information on Khyber’s 1 Inch to 100 Yards Warrior Conference and for sponsorship and registration information, please visit www.warrior-conference.com . For additional information on Khyber Interactive Associates, please log on to www.khybertraining.com .

About the ’1 Inch to 100 Yards Warrior Conference:
The Annual 1 Inch to 100 Yards Warrior Conference and Expo, founded by internationally recognized trainer and tactical subject matter expert, Wes Doss is a unique event that offers military, law enforcement, first responders and private citizens the opportunity to receive and share vital information on state-of-the-art products, equipment and training. Attendees have the opportunity to take part in a variety of training sessions and live fire range courses. Training topics include active shooter response, edged weapons, tactical weapons, concealed carry tactics, less lethal, unarmed defense, tactical medical, K9 programs, breaching and much more!

About Khyber Interactive Associates, LLC:
Arizona based Khyber Interactive Associates (Khyber), founded in 1992, is a world-class emergency response training, research and consulting company recognized world-wide for delivering unparalleled tactical training services to Law Enforcement, Military, security and Private Sector clients. The company, led by world-renowned tactical subject matter expert, Wes Doss, has been providing comprehensive training and operational support to warriors in the United States, Canada, Central America, Asia and Europe for over two decades.

Khyber’s proven real-world training programs are designed to enhance the conditioning, mechanical skills and psychological performance of the warriors that they train. Khyber programs, available for both individuals and teams, are offered at select training facilities and host agencies world-wide. Khyber’s specialized services range from precision weapons and VIP security courses to defense tactics and K9 operations programs. For more information on Khyber, or to view the full range of programs that they offer, please log on to www.Kybertraining.com .

FNH USA

McLean, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Two members of Team FNH USA, Tommy “Tommy Gun” Thacker and Mark Hanish, have qualified for the 3-Gun Nation Championship Finale, Rumble on the Range, that will be held on January 18th during the 2012 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

This end of season invitational match carries a total prize purse of $50,000 and brings the top 8 shooters in the nation together in a man-on-man elimination format to see who will be named the top 3-gun shooter.

Broadcast coverage of the 3-Gun Nation Championship Finale will air on NBC Sports Network in a special March airdate.

Team FNH USA, Tommy “Tommy Gun” Thacker

“Tommy and Mark are two of the cornerstones of Team FNH USA,” said Ken Pfau, Senior Vice President of Law Enforcement and Commercial Sales for FNH USA. “Both of them are national caliber competitors and serve as outstanding representatives of the FNH USA brand.”

“It’s really exciting to be shooting against the best 3-gun competitors in the country,” observed Thacker. “We’ve all been shooting qualifying matches for the last 12 months all around the country so the roster of the 2012 3-Gun Nation Championship Finale reads like a who’s who in practical shooting.”

“I’m pumped to have qualified for the 3-Gun Nation Championship Finale,” said Hanish. “I’ve been working hard this season to excel in the man-on-man elimination format where anything can happen. You have to push yourself and your equipment to the limit and fight for every hit until the last shot is fired.”

FNH USA, LLC is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal S.A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for the military, law enforcement and commercial markets. A pioneer in innovative firearm technology since the days of John M. Browning, the company supplies a variety of products to customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Based in McLean, VA with manufacturing operations in Columbia, SC, FNH USA is responsible for all U.S.-based sales and marketing efforts. To learn more about FNH USA and its products, please visit www.fnhusa.com.

BEAVERTON, OR -(Ammoland.com)- Leupold^® Tactical Optics has made sure the 2012 3-Gun Nation Championship finale features one of the largest payoffs in practical shooting.  The Oregon-based optics manufacturer has put up a $25,000 first-place prize.  A matching offer from TV host NBC Sports brings the winner’s check to an unprecedented $50,000.

The Championship finale will be held at night, under the lights, in front of an invitation-only SHOT Show crowd in Las Vegas this January.  The match began in November, with a field of 64 competitors.  The top eight were selected to compete in the Championship match, which will take place Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Clark County Range.

“Supporting the 3-Gun community is an important part of our business,” said Kevin Trepa, Vice President of Leupold’s Tactical Optic division.  “Much of what we learn from these elite competitors translates directly into the feature sets in our premium tactical scopes.”

The eight finalists will compete in a man-on-man shoot-off using rifles, shotguns and handguns.  Leupold Tactical Optics will provide all the optics used in the shoot-offs.  The first competitor to knock down all the steel targets, including the final stop plate, wins the match.

The 2012 champion will receive his $25,000 prize check from Leupold at the Tactical Optics booth (#11962) on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m.  Invitations to the final shoot-off will be available at the Leupold Tactical Optics booth during the SHOT Show.

The 3-Gun Nation Championship is the culminating event of a 10-event series of matches comprising almost 2,000 competitors from across the country.  The 3-Gun Nation Tour is the only point series and qualification standard-setting body in the sport of 3-gun and is sanctioned by the National Rifle Association.

3-Gun Nation can be seen on the new home of Versus, NBC Sports.  Please check local listings for more information.

About:
Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the preeminent American-owned and -operated optics company, employs hundreds of people in its state-of-the-art facility near Beaverton, Ore., where rugged, dependable, high-performance Golden Ring^® optics, Mark 4^® riflescopes and Redfield^® Revolution^™ riflescopes  are designed, machined and assembled.  Leupold is a fifth-generation, family owned company whose products are sold worldwide to hunters, competitive shooters, American military warfighters, law enforcement personnel and wildlife observers.  The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; trail cameras; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.

Electronic Hearing Protection

Indianapolis, IN --(Ammoland.com)- If the student doesn’t surpass the teacher , the teacher has failed’ and EHP founder Denny Snyder has learned that having the best of the best for a pro staff insures the success of any company- and producing quality products at an affordable price helps too.

‘We have expanded the EHP pro staff with expertise covering all shooting disciplines- handguns, archery, shotgun, muzzleloading and rifles’ states Snyder. ‘Our staff is recognized in the shooting industry as experts in their own shooting disciplines. These guys can use any hearing protection they want and choose to use EHP as their hearing enhancement and hearing protection of choice’ adds Snyder. “This class of shooters choosing EHP- that says a lot.”

Bob Foulkrod- professional hunter, outdoor writer, host of Bass Pro Shops Hunting TV show.
Foulkrod has been inducted into the Bowhunting Hall of Fame and is the first hunter in history to kill all big game animals in North America during a five year period he named the Obsession Quest. From operating bear and caribou hunting camps, to conducting his own bowhunting school and giving seminars across the country, Bob Foulkrod is a well known name in the hunting public and hunting industry. The combination of his expertise as a bowhunter, rifle hunter, and big game hunting specialist is unsurpassed in the modern world.

JJ Racaza- Senior Lead Firearms Instructor, Dept. of Homeland Security
‘Top Shot’ finalist and firearms expert.

Racaza recently earned the silver medal at the 2011 IPSC world shoot in Greece making him the #2 shooter in the world and the #1 shooter in the USA. Racaza has placed in the top 3 in the US nationals for years. In addition, Racaza is a 2 time world speed shooting champion and dominates the USPSA Area 8 championship in Open class for practical shooting.

Dave Ehrig- Outdoor writer, “Mr. Pennsylvania Black Powder”
Dave Ehrig, “Pennsylvania’s Mr. Black Powder,” is the author of six books (MUZZLELOADING FOR DEER & TURKEY,) host of six videos, Contributing Editor for PA Game News, Maryland Deer Hunting Guide, Outdoors, Cabela’s Outfitters Journal, (Deer & Deer Hunting) Muzzleloading, correspondent for the Times/Shamrock Newspapers and Allentown Morning Call, and a noted contributor to many outdoors magazines. An award-winning outdoor writer, Dave has been elected five times to “Who’s Who in Education,” and is a past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association. He is a member of the Mason/Dixon Outdoor Writers, Professional Outdoor Media Association and the Outdoor Writers Association of America. He is the Chairman of the NMLRA Longhunter Big Game Awards Program. A past world record holder, Dave’s primitive pursuits with muzzleloading guns have taken him on hunts, photographic, and journalistic endeavors throughout all of the states and provinces in North America.

Bobby Hart- range rifle Gunmaker, Long range expert
Hart was born in to a family tradition of custom gun builders and gunsmiths. Hart is a 4th generation custom rifle builder. Located in Nescopeck, Pennsylvania, his small, family run business is known world wide to the hunting, shooting, military and law enforcement industries. Hart was a 5 Time Jr. Bench Rest Champion,1986 300YD Heavy Varmint Champ,2000 1000YD World Open Championship Light Gun, 2001 IBS 1000YD International Championships High Score. Hart specializes in long range shooting and hunting, custom rifle building, and reloading. He puts his heart into making it possible for the customer to make the “shot of their lives.

Julie Golob- Team Captain at Smith & Wesson, Shooting Sports consultant
It is hard to abbreviate Julie’s shooting accomplishments in a nutshell which makes Golob one of the best female shooters of all time. In addition to her long list of credits, Golob recently won the silver medal at the 2011 IPSC world championships in Greece.

• The First & Only Six Division USPSA National Champion In History
• 12 – Time USPSA Ladies National Champion
• 7 – Time Ladies World Speed Shooting Champion
• 4 – Time IDPA Ladies National Champion
• The Only Triple Crown USPSA Ladies National Champion
• US Army Female Athlete of the Year & US Army Marksmanship Unit Athlete of the Year
• 2 – Time NRA Bianchi Cup Ladies Open Champion
• 2 – Time International Revolver Championships Ladies Open Champion
• American Handgunner Ladies Champion
• 15 World, 22 US National in 7 Different Disciplines
• Winner of over 115 Championship Titles in State, Regional and International Competitions

“If you are a hunter, hearing those soft subtle sounds of leaves rustling from approaching game is important so you can prepare for the shot. Hear your game and protect yourself from the harmful affects of muzzleblast with EHP Electronic Hearing Protection. “

Check out the full line of hearing enhancement and protection products by EHP at www.ehphearing.com or call 1-(317)502-7942. For high resolution images, contact Denny Snyder at (317)502-7942 or e-mail denny@ehphearing.com.

Machine Guns Vegas Screenshot

Machine Guns Vegas

LAS VEGAS --(Ammoland.com)- Machine Guns Vegas (MGV) is now accepting reservations for its high-energy firearm experiences with new themed packages available at its opening in early 2012.

The packages will allow guests test out the guns used by the United States’ SEAL Team Six, make their “Call of Duty”gaming a reality, become a Femme Fatale, choose allies in the Mafia Experience, go back in time with WWII World at War and much more.

To make reservations, MGV has launched a new website (www.machinegunsvegas.com) to streamline the process so gun enthusiasts or firearm first-timers can browse the different firearms, ammunition and packages available to plan their desired experience.

Packages include:

• The Compound – For the ultimate in VIP experiences, this package allows guests to showcase their skills on 16 different firearms while enjoying the world’s first “Gun Lounge”; an ultra-discreet VIP experience for groups featuring two completely private firing lanes, a private waiting lounge with plush furniture, large plasma TVs, iMac, complimentary refreshments and a separate entrance. Guests will experience 50 rounds per firearm with a M60 and five different handguns of their choosing as well as 125 rounds each on five different semi-automatic and five different full automatics. Package price: $699
• Full Auto – Shooters will go full force with this fully automatic machine gun package. Package includes eight different machine guns of the customer’s preference and 50 rounds of each a squad automatic weapon (SAW) and a M60. Package price: $399
• World at War – The firearms of WWII laid the foundation for many of the modern weapon designs we see today. For this package, you are issued some of the most popular firearms used during World War II including the 1911 pistol, a MP 40 submachine gun and the M3 submachine ‘Grease Gun.’ Package price: $119.95
• The Mafia Experience – The weapons of choice for Mobsters have ranged from the Thompson submachine gun during the Prohibition to shotguns and suppressed pistols favored by famous hit men. This package allows guests to experience the .22 Suppressor, rounds with the infamous Thompson submachine gun and shotguns. Package price: $99.95
• Femme Fatale – Femme Fatale (French for “deadly woman”) is designed for first-time female shooters. Ladies will have the chance to show off their skills with an UZI fully automatic machine gun and choose whichever handgun they desire to complete their experience. Package price: $89.95
• SEAL Team VI – This is the chance to experience the firearms used by SEAL Team Six in the covert operation that took out Osama bin Laden. Guests are issued 20 rounds with a .22 Suppressor, the HK MR556 rifle and the choice of a squad automatic weapon (SAW) or a M60 machine gun. Package price: $129.50; with M60 upgrade: $159.95
• Call of Duty – This package channels the inner gamers, designed to bring the popular “Call of Duty” videogame to life using some of its most popular guns including the Colt M4, FN Scar assault rifle, an AK47 and Beretta M9. Package price: $159.95
• Hand Cannons – For the handgun enthusiast, the hand-cannon package allows guests to shoot some of MGV’s favorite handguns including five rounds on each the Raging Judge, the Desert Eagle .50, .44 Magnum Revolvers plus 20 more rounds of the customer’s choosing. Package price: $89.95
• SAS – Special Air Service (SAS) is a corps of the British Army tasked with special operations in time of war and primarily counter-terrorism in peacetime. Package features use of the C8 assault rifle, M4 short barrel, the Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun and the SIG P226 full-sized pistol. Package price: $159.95

All packages include targets and a MGV t-shirt; additional packages can be found at www.machinegunsvegas.com. Also, to book outdoor shoots and weddings call 1-800-SHOOT.

About Machine Guns Vegas
The plush, high-energy appeal of a Las Vegas ultra lounge meets the thrill of a high-tech firearms experience when Machine Gun Vegas (MGV) opens its doors early 2012. The first-of-its-kind attraction will offer guests the chance to shoot a variety of firearms in a safe, contemporary atmosphere. No alcohol will be served at Machine Guns Vegas. Located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, the 10,000-square-foot facility will feature 16 shooting lanes where guests can securely test their skills with a vast selection of machine guns, handguns and other exotic firearms. MGV will have the world’s first “Gun Lounge” an ultra-discreet experience. Machine Guns Vegas is located at 3501 Aldebaran Avenue, and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit machinegunsvegas.com. Follow MGV on Twitter @VegasOnFullAuto, or become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/machinegunsvegas.

Free Americans Buy 10,800,000+ Guns in 2011 ~ Message Don't 'F' with USA

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Recent statistics released by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) report that for nineteen straight months, and that includes all of 2011, American men & women bought over 10,800,000 plus firearms.

This number based on the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System, better know as NICS, and is the adjusted NICS data derived by the NSSF research division subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Utah for carrying concealed weapon (CCW) permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

The final number, of 10,800,000, is considered conservative by experts because the this number does not account for the multiple purchase of guns at the same time or the guns bought and sold legally, person to person by US residents, which rightly so, do not require a back ground check.

Ten Million new gun owners, in just 2011, should be a wake up call to our current President who continues to play dumb that his hate of bible clinging, gun toting American Values, like hunting & owning guns will not be tolerated. His and Eric Holder’s “under the radar” plan to sell guns to evil Mexican Gun Cartels in an effort to set up the Second Amendment as the fall guy now has ten million people angry at him.

If just one current Presidential candidate (Ron Paul aside..) could prove his sworn support for the Second Amendment, and the constitution for that matter, and rally our forces behind him he would be swept into the white house on a massive wave of support. Can you, lol.. say Ted Nugent?

So what does 10,800,000 look like?
The guns purchased by American men & women in 2011 is more than one gun for every active duty military member in the worlds fourteen largest armies combined.

• Russia     Russian Federation    1,027,000
• North Korea 1,106,000
• South Korea 687,000
• Vietnam 455,000
• India 1,325,000
• China 2,285,000
• Iran 523,000
• United States 1,468,364
• Republic of China 290,000
• Brazil 327,710
• Pakistan 617,000
• Egypt 468,500
• Cuba 49,000
• Ukraine    129,925
• Above Total = 10,758,499
• *Source Wikipedia: http://tiny.cc/tl4d8

If you assume an average length of each gun as two feet that would be 4090 miles of guns.  That is fourteen times the length of the Grand Canyon and all most twice as long as the Mississippi River and 17,280 times higher than the Empire State Building.

I could not find a picture of 10,800,000 guns but here is what 10,800,000 firecrackers look like:

Hello, I am an Ammo Horder?
So let assume each new gun owner buys 2000 rounds of Ammo (a single brick of 22lr is 500 rounds and my kids can burn that up in an afternoon) , times that by our conservative estimate of 10,800,000 firearms your get 21,600,000,000…that is Billion with a “B”.

That is a lot of lead and other raw materials and you wonder why we are paying so much for Ammo these days? And I see no let up in sight because if you are like me you think to yourself that when the liberal news media reports that some guy is stopped at the airport with “1000 Rounds on him”.. that dude was almost out of ammo?

Ammunition retailer Frank Brownell of Brownells.com, predicts “[2012] will most assuredly be another year for the growth of ammunition sales. An astronomical year of ammunition sales” .

This is the one sector of our national economy that I would agree to a Federal Stimulus package, maybe each US family can get a tax credit to purchase 10,000 rounds of ammo as a part of emergency preparedness program.

Speaking of America Industry
American gun manufacturing is one of the first and last great US industries.

It was Eli Whitney, yeah the guy who made the cotton gin, who was one of the first manufacturers in the world to carry out standardization of manufactured parts.

As early as 1798, Eli Whitney had turned his talents to the manufacture of firearms. He had established his machine shops at Whitneyville, near New Haven, CT and it was there that he worked out the principle of standardization or interchangeable parts.

Standardization is the foundation of all large-scale production. Manufacturers produce separately many copies of every part of a complicated machine like firearms on an assembly line. Standardization also allowed current owners of guns to order and replace any broken or lost part, taking it for granted that the new part would fit easily and precisely into the place of the old.

In effect the manufacture of firearms is the spark that brought to life American Manufacturing and it is that same industry today that still makes almost all its products in the USA, using raw materials, machinist and labor to turn out some of the best made products on earth, namely Guns. Guns made by American workers in American factories for American consumers.

Guns and Freedom
Guns and gun ownership represent the core of elements of freedom and of the constitution. Without the Second Amendment there would be no protection for all the other god given rights we are reminded of in our Bill of Rights. Just as we teach our children the value of voting or free speech we should also be teaching them.. get ready, aim and fire, repeat.

I am glad to see so many of my fellow Americans decided to exercise their right to keep and bear arms over the last year and I hope we continue to see record growth in gun ownership in the year to come. America, Hell Yeah!

Advanced Tac Pistol/Rifle Operator DVD

Panteao Productions

Columbia, SC --(Ammoland.com)- Panteao Productions introduces a new DVD in the Panteao Documentary series of videos called 2011 IDPA World Championship.

Panteao announces a new video from Paul Howe. As a follow up to the Tac Pistol Operator and Tac Rifle Operator videos, we bring you back to the CSAT (Combat Shooting and Tactics) training facility in Nacogdoches, TX for Advanced Tac Pistol/Rifle Operator.

In this installment, Paul takes you to the next level of your one-on-one training with him. You will review working with barricades, using vehicles as cover, dealing with full and partially exposed targets, the hallway pie, masking targets, and more.

You’ll also review the 100-7 Drill, the Line Drill, and the 25-Yard Diagnostics.

The DVD is expected to start shipping on January 10th. Panteao website subscribers will be able to watch the video online by the 10thas well. DVD pre-orders are being accepted on the Panteao website now.

Visit the Panteao website at www.makeready.tv

About Panteao Productions
Panteao Productions is a video production company that produces instructional videos from the top firearms instructors in the world. For more information about Panteao, visit www.panteaoproductions.com. You can follow Panteao on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

USA Shooting Nominates Eric Hollen to the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team

USA Shooting

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --(Ammoland.com)- Eric Hollen (Colorado Springs, Colo.), the recently announced 2011 USA Shooting Paralympic Athlete of the Year, can now add another accolade to his resume.

In accordance with the U.S. Paralympics Shooting Team selection procedures, the quota that Hollen won from the 2011 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup Sydney earns him a nomination to the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team (pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee).

“I am so proud of Eric and all he has accomplished. Despite a long, hard trip, short acclimation time and the pressure of knowing it was the final opportunity to win a quota, he got the job done in Sydney,” said National Paralympic Coach Bob Foth.

USA Shooting's Eric Hollen

Hollen was an addition to the U.S. Olympic Training Center (OTC) Resident Athlete roster in 2011. At the IPC World Cup Sydney he won a bronze medal in P4 Mixed 50m Free Pistol. Then, in P1 Men’s 10m Air Pistol, Hollen shot 557 match points to tie three shooters, but was confident in his finals ability.

Coach Foth commented, “His finals have really come together and the competitive situation brings out his best.” Hollen fired 98.1 points in ten-shots to secure the silver medal. The historic part, however, came from the 2012 Paralympic quota that Hollen won along with the medal. This is the first-ever Paralympic quota won in USA Shooting’s history per IPC’s new quota distribution system.

An elated Hollen said, “I am so thankful to be part of such an amazing program and to the people who have helped me reach the next step to my ultimate goal-Coach Bob Foth, Coach Ray Arredondo, Sean McCann, Dave Johnson, Sergey Luzov and many more.”

Hollen”Eric is an Army Special Forces veteran who has taken advantage of the unique opportunities available as an OTC Resident Athlete-the amazing support and intangibles that come with being in a high performance environment with focused athletes,” emphasized Coach Foth.

Hollen will remain at the OTC in Colorado Springs, Colo., to continue his preparations for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. To request an interview with Eric Hollen, please contact USAS Media and Public Relations Manager Katie Yergensen at katie.yergensen@usashooting.org.

About USA Shooting:
USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org and Facebook.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Data recently released by the National Center for Health Statistics shows that in 2008, the number and per capita rate of firearm accident deaths fell to an all-time low.

There were 592 firearm accident deaths (0.19 such accidents per 100,000 population) in 2008, as compared to 613 accidents (.20 per 100,000) in 2007.

In 2008, the chance of a child dying in a firearm accident was roughly one in a million.

Firearm accidents accounted for 0.5% of all accidental deaths; well below the percentages accounted for by motor vehicle accidents, falls, fires, poisonings, and several other more common types of mishaps.

Firearm suicides rose in 2008 because total suicides rose, but the percentage of suicides accounted for by those misusing firearms remained steady, at just barely over half. This is down from about 60% during the 1980s and early 1990s. The firearm suicide rate remained at just under 6 per 100,000, as it has been every year from 1999 forward. Contrary to claims made recently by some gun control advocates, firearm suicides among children are extremely uncommon, and in 2008, fell to an all-time low.

Firearm homicides (including self-defense, but excluding lawful shootings by police) declined in 2008. More recent data reported by the FBI, shows that criminal homicides declined in 2008, again in 2009, and again in 2010, to a 47-year low.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

SIG SAUER Academy

EXETER, NH --(Ammoland.com)- How many of us have ever experienced a range session were no matter how hard we try it seems the target moves out of the way of the bullet a millisecond before the shot impacts?

We spend a lot of our hard earned money on expensive pistols that never seem to hold up to their end of the deal and do their job, which is hit the target they are aimed at!

Dylan Kenneson - Instructor - Sig Sauer Academy

Unfortunately for a shooter nowadays the excuse that a modern manufactured, out of the box handgun is “off” is generally not the case.

Subjects that are often overlooked or misinterpreted when dealing with handguns and precision should be looked at before the equipment is blamed.

There are only two things needed to make a successful shot, Stabilizing the Muzzle on the target (referenced by the sights) and Pressing the Trigger to the rear without adding extra movement to the muzzle. Directly related to the fit of the pistol to the shooters hand it is often neglected when a handgun purchase is made.

Would you by a pair of shoes that aren’t comfortable? Trigger Finger Placement on the trigger is important. If the index finger lands on the side of the trigger because of improper fit the possibility for unwanted movement taking place as the trigger is pressed can cause a miss down range.

With this statement being made the other subject is sights. Sight Picture, or how the sights are viewed on the target when the front and rear sights are aligned is a topic sometimes misunderstood by the shooter.

It is important to know where the bullet will impact in relation to your sights. Sights are often broken down into two types, point of aim/point of impact (commonly called “combat” sights) and traditional target sights (or six o’clock hold). Mixing a target hold with combat style sights will generally result in shots impacting low, and vice versa.

Keep these subjects in mind next time you find yourself cursing at your gun for not hitting the target!

About SIG SAUER, Inc.
SIG SAUER, Inc. is the largest member of a worldwide business group of firearms manufacturers that includes J.P. Sauer & Sohn and Blaser GmbH in Germany and Swiss Arms AG in Switzerland. This global network of companies gives SIG SAUER a world-class firearms knowledge base, unparalleled design expertise, and extensive manufacturing capacity, enabling the company to respond quickly and effectively to changing market conditions and the needs of its military, law enforcement, and commercial markets worldwide. SIG SAUER is an ISO 9001: 2000 certified company with over 370 employees. For more information on SIG SAUER or any of its products, or the SIG SAUER Academy, log on to www.sigsauer.com