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

Range Systems Selected By Gander Mountain For Academy Firing Ranges

Range Systems

New Hope, MN --(Ammoland.com)- Gander Mountain, the nation’s largest retailer of firearms, selected Range Systems Inc. to design, build, and install customized firearm training systems for their Gander Academy L-Range facilities across the country.

Each Gander Academy L-Range is a unique destination experience offering the highest level of firearms training ever made available to the public at wide-spread and convenient locations.

To date, Range Systems has completed live-fire ranges for Gander Academy® in Minnesota, Wisconsin (two locations), Florida, Texas, and Kansas with additional sites being planned for the near future.

From concept to design and execution, Range Systems worked closely with Gander Mtn to develop live-fire ranges that met their high standards and expectations for range safety, technology, and customized systems. These ranges are unparalleled in safety to provide a family-friendly environment for the novice to the advanced enthusiast interested in developing and improving their firearms proficiency.

Range Systems Selected By Gander Mountain For Academy Firing Ranges

About Range Systems
Range Systems specializes in the design and manufacture of live fire shoot houses, ballistic containment systems, indoor and outdoor firing range equipment, and other specialty equipment for small arms and tactical training required by the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and the security industry worldwide.

Northern New Jersey Adds An Indoor Shooting Range & Firearms Training Facility

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- A new, state of the art, indoor range had its grand opening this past weekend in Morris County.

RTSP is a modern spacious, complete firearms training facility, including a range and retail store, conveniently located on Route 10 in Randolph, NJ. The mission of RTSP as described by one of its owners, Rick Friedman, is to educate people to safely own and enjoy firearms for hunting, sporting and defensive purposes. Among the four owners, Rick, Dieter Decuba, Brad Tremaroli and Peter Miscia is combined experience in law enforcement and firearms instruction. Their goals for RTSP include providing firearms training that will build strong skills and promote responsible firearms ownership.

The first step in the three year process of bringing a facility like RTSP close to home, was finding a location that would be range-friendly, which could have been quite a hurdle given the current gun climate in the New Jersey. The location on Route 10 was being developed at the time and the owners discovered the land on which the complex was being built had originally been zoned as a range in the 1960s and 70s. When they went to the landlord and presented the idea of building the range within the new complex they discovered the landlord is a hunter himself and he readily gave his consent to the partners to build. Permission to begin construction was then approved with the full support of the town council as well as the local police department.

The partners began planning what is now RTSP, a beautiful, spacious state of the art shooting, teaching and retail facility.

The Range
The range itself is 25 yards long and consists of nine ports all with electronic keypads and turning targets. Each port is large enough to accommodate more than one shooter at a time as would be ideal when teaching, and there is plenty of room on the bench for firearms, ammunition and shooting gear without feeling crowded. The entire area behind the shooters is clear back to the large ballistic rated viewing windows which are set in the rear wall of the store. A staging table is set just below the windows inside the range.

Jointly designed by Action Target and Carey Ventilation, safety and healthy air quality were top concerns when outfitting the range. Action Target’s shooting stalls are designed with an impenetrable barrier between the shooters to stop handgun rounds when fired even at point blank distance. The range is equipped with a negative pressure, lead free HEPA filtration system designed and maintained by Carey Ventilation. The system directs an even air flow down range past the firing line and away from the shooters, allowing for the best possible, contaminant free environment for an indoor range.

The range is also a contained environment with an outer door leading from the store to the range, then opening to an inner space which leads to the range door. It’s impossible for both doors to be open at the same time offering a safer atmosphere overall.

The Training Center
The training center includes a spacious 30 student classroom where a variety of classes are set to begin this month, running on a two week schedule – they will include for example, First Steps Pistol and Utah CCW classes. A full schedule of classes will be available on the website at www.rtsponline.com and the offerings will continue to expand to meet the needs of the members and interests of the customers.

Plans to build a five room Simunition Shoot House on the premises are also in the works. Simunition provides realistic training situations to individuals and teams to improve tactical skills and conditioned response to fear. Used as a training tool since the 1980s to help law enforcement officers, military personnel and emergency response teams it is now available to civilians at qualified ranges in the area.

There will also be classes and events planned for women and taught by women. Look for them on the class schedule in December/January.

The Retail Store
The store is open and inviting, offering a woman friendly and family friendly environment. Included in the merchandise are shooting and self defense products specifically for women. A “kitchen” corner with chairs and a table offers customers a place to relax and take a break or have a cup of coffee with other members or friends. It is obvious much thought was put into creating a comfortable space for customers right down to the restroom facilities.

As the store just opened, the inventory will be built up over time and the owners will stock the store based on input from their customers .

Membership and Pricing
Now for some details – RTSP is easy to get to. It’s located on Route 10 in Randolph close to Route 80 in Morris County. There is ample parking right in front of the range entrance. The weekday hours are Monday through Wednesday and Fridays from 10 am to 8pm, Thursdays from 10 am to 10 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6pm and Sundays 10 am to 5pm. Additionally, members only have hours from 8am to 10 am on Saturday and Sunday.

Membership costs $350 for the year which includes unlimited access to the range and a store discount (excluding firearms). Additional family members can be added on for $75.

The range is open to non members at $20 an hour for handguns and $25 for rifles. All calibers up to 50 BMG can be fired at the range. Only slugs are allowed to be fired from shotguns. A variety handguns are also available for rental.

Visit: www.rtsponline.com

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

Golden State Second Amendment Council Logo

California - -(Ammoland.com)- There will be a public hearing this Friday, November 18th in the Board of Supervisor’s Chambers at 10:00 a.m.Santa Cruz to consider the Los Altos Rod & Gun Club‘s proposal to add a new 1-story 3,200 sq ft clubhouse.

This is nothing more than ANOTHER attempt to use zoning regs to shut down the Los Altos Rod & Gun Club.

All interested persons are invited to provide comments to the Zoning Administrator either at the hearing or in writing.

If you decide to write a letter, deliver it to the GS2AC Meeting on Thursday, November 17th at Harry’s Hoffbrau. We will have people who will deliver the letters in person to the board.

If you can personally attend this meeting, please show up in business attire – no camouflage or BDUs, please.

For local people who plan to mail a letter, be sure it is in the local mail by tomorrow morning or it may not be delivered in time.

Los Altos Rod & Gun Club

We also recommend sending an email to Frank Barron, the project planner at pln782@co.santa-cruz.ca.us

Remember the meeting is at 10:00 am sharp. We recommend showing up earlier to ensure you get a seat.

There have been overtures made by the Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District to object due to noise, litter, tree damage and lead pollution.

This is the same Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District that advises everyone to protect themselves from attacking mountain lions by hitting them with their hats.

GS2AC Mountail Lion Fighting Article:

About the GS2AC
The Golden State Second Amendment Council is an independent firearms rights organization dedicated to the advancement of the right to keep and bear arms in California. Formerly organized as the NRA Members’ Council of Silicon Valley, we have reformed ourselves as an affiliation of Second Amendment activists in order to do those things a Member’s Council generally can not. In summary, there is a void to be filled in the firearms rights community and we seek to fill it.
Our core concern is that the Second Amendment community must go on the offensive if we are to retain our right to bear arms in this state. Visit: www.gs2ac.com

SIG SAUER

EXETER, NH --(Ammoland.com)- A brief lapse of attention can alter the course of your life or someone else’s life in an instant.

That’s why it’s imperative that we carry a first-aid kit anytime we are out on the shooting range.

Here are a few helpful tips on how to set yourself up for success.

1. Obtain the training necessary to successfully deploy and utilize the med kit on both yourself and someone else. Know your kit and how to use it before you NEED to!
2. Get a med kit that is simple to use in a stressful situation, yet yields maximum benefit. It needs to be lightweight, compact, durable and easily accessed.
3. Keep a tourniquet (preferably two) readily available and ensure that you and your shooting partners know how to use them.
4. Practice, practice, practice! Deploy the tourniquet with both dominant and non-dominant hands and apply it to yourself and others. Want to learn more? Contact us and get the information on our “Bullets and Bandages” course.

Don’t bet your life on training that’s ‘good enough’, come to SIG SAUER Academy and get the best.

About the SIG SAUER Academy
The SIG SAUER Academy is located on 150+ acres in Epping, New Hampshire. In operation since 1990, the SIG SAUER Academy’s world renowned instructors provide courses for law enforcement, military and responsible citizens worldwide. Facilities include state-of-the-art shooting ranges and tactical training areas. www.sigsaueracademy.com.

Hawaii Concealed Carry

Hawaii -–(Ammoland.com)- Councilman Tom Berg’s resolution urging the City of Honolulu to open a shooting range in Kalaeloa is moving forward.

The location for the proposed range is on property that will be turned over to the city from the US Navy, which was previously home to a military shooting range at Naval Air Station Barber’s Point.

Following the base’s closure, the area has been largely undeveloped, and Councilman Berg has proposed restoring the former shooting range for public use.

The resolution was passed in committee, and the next hurdle will be consideration by the full council on November 2, at Kapolei Hale. The hearing will start at 10:00am, and your help is needed. The best way to demonstrate support for this resolution is by registering to speak at the meeting.

Comments will be limited to three minutes, so a full-blown speech isn’t necessary. Just compose some notes and inform the council members that you strongly support the resolution, along with some of your reasons for doing so. For those who won’t be able to make it to the meeting, your testimony can be submitted in writing for the council’s consideration. A form letter expressing support for the resolution can be found here.

If you’re so inclined, feel free to change the wording of the form letter to better suit your particular details, or compose one of your own. Obviously, a heart-felt personal letter will have a more positive effect on the council than a form letter, but the most important thing is to provide your testimony in one way or another. We need to demonstrate to the council that many, many people support opening another range.

Details on how to submit your written testimony or sign up to speak at the meeting are available at Councilman Berg’s website.

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

Self-Funding Shooting Ranges

Action Target

Provo, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- While the top-level view of a commercial indoor shooting range may appear simple and direct, the economic reality is often the opposite.

If one were to take the cost of a range based on today’s market value and implement a state-of-the-art range featuring approximately ten lanes, the initial investment would be well into the millions.

A range costing a million dollars would require $50,000 in range fees just to cover the interest payment alone. If a range yields $10 per participant for each hour of range time, five hundred shooters would be necessary to simply cover that interest.

In addition to start-up fees, heating and cooling of the facility can be substantial when variables like airflow and heat are factored in.

Expenses that add up quickly
Another five hundred shooters —if not a full additional thousand— would be necessary to cover the cumulative cost of operations and physical utility bills. This does not include costs associated with labor, maintenance, or any other expenses, causing the cost of an operation range to accumulate.

Making Your Good Range Great
Over the past 26 years of leading the industry, the men and women of Action Target have learned that an indoor range in and of itself is not as viable a solution as an indoor range used in conjunction with a retail store. However, a guiding principle sometimes forgotten is that a good range validates a good store. A good range makes it possible for a store to perform a service that dealers and stores without a range cannot perform. Clients can test firearms prior to making their purchase. Rental or lease programs are realistic possibilities, allowing for more informed decisions to be made. A singular offering like an on-site range provides a service unavailable elsewhere, meaning you are selling not only the firearms, but also a rare service–your expertise.

Your ability to provide a critical service as an expert in the shooting industry, in conjunction with the services of a range, allows you to train and demonstrate that which you sell. A range also gives the opportunity for relevant, adjacent offerings, such as personal protection classes, concealed carry classes, and other things not available from people who would need to rent or borrow a range. With this in mind, reconsider the economic validity of building or purchasing a range.

A Model of Economic Viability
Supposing your range will consist of ten lanes, the last thing that you want to worry about it is the required maintenance. Any mechanical device follows a single objective rule—the more complex the device, the more expertise necessary in its service and maintenance. Just a few years ago, having an automobile with a motor, a carburetor, and a little common sense may have been the only necessary tool in order to adjust the carburetor. Today, however, the proliferation of computer controlled, microchip-fueled components makes it incredibly difficult to do so. Accidents or problems can necessitate repairs that are far more expensive now than they may have been ten or fifteen years ago.

The laws of physics hold domain over any space, including ranges where bullets are being fired. Combined with constant historical trends of human innovation, we can see that whenever someone builds something to stop a bullet, someone else will build a bullet strong enough to go through it. Thus, it is only a matter of time before an equipment failure or breakdown on a range occurs.

The value of simplicity, then, is clearly demonstrated. On a typical commercial range, there is no need for fancy, high-end target retrieval systems. The most cost-effective system on a range is a simple toggle switch on a track and a motor that takes the target down to a distance—this distance determined perhaps by a line painted on the wall or a line painted on the floor. This distance is determined and used as the operator runs the target down by holding the switch. As the operator brings the target back, they will run the switch until the target returns. While this may not sound like sufficient technology for training law enforcement, it truly is the only necessary mechanism for target retrieval.

If you are going to donate your commercial range to local law enforcement, understand what that could entail. Even with donations of use, local law enforcement agencies’ use of your range will be a small fraction of its cumulative use. You will not be able to properly maintain your range or even break even based upon the rental of that range with your law enforcement under typical circumstances.

*NOTE: This has been the first section of many Action Target White Papers being released to the public. All white papers can be accessed through our website. To read the rest of the Self-Funding Shooting Ranges White Paper, you can download the entire PDF document by clicking on the link provided.

About Addison Sovine
Addison is the Executive Vice-President and Co-Founder of Action Target. He has over 26 years industry experience and has personally designed, built, and maintained thousands of shooting ranges.

About Action Targets:
Action Target is a privately owned business headquartered about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City in Provo, Utah. For the last 20 plus years, Action Target has been the dominant force in shooting range equipment design and manufacturing for law enforcement, military, and commercial ranges around the world. We are proud of our commitment to deliver advanced firearms training products that help prepare our men and women in uniform for the heroic job of defending our safety and our freedom. Visit: www.actiontarget.com

Update Your Listing on the New WhereToShoot.org Website

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The National Shooting Sports Foundation last week launched a newly redesigned WhereToShoot.org, the web’s most comprehensive and frequently updated listing of shooting ranges.

The site allows anyone to search for a place to shoot in their area.

Visitors simply enter their state or zip code, and a list of shooting ranges is created. Searches can be further narrowed by selecting which shooting discipline you are interested in.

In addition to its popular search capability, the site now offers a number of other resources for shooters, including links to video tips, free printable targets, news about local shooting events and opportunities, safety information and more.

If you own a shooting range or if you’ve recently changed locations, NSSF encourages you to enter or update your range information free of charge. Coming soon: NSSF is currently developing a WhereToShoot.org-themed iPhone app, which will be available later this fall.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

EATONTON, GA --(Ammoland.com)- A new shooting range at Cedar Creek Wildlife Management Area will be available beginning Friday, October 14, 2011 for those interested in perfecting their target skills.

While this is the first shooting range located at the Cedar Creek WMA, which is located in the Georgia Piedmont near Eatonton, it is one of 17 shooting ranges currently available on public land in Georgia.

The Cedar Creek Shooting Range consists of a 10-position, 100-yard rifle/pistol range.

The Cedar Creek Shooting Range was first proposed in November 1998 by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.

Since that time, the U.S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR have worked together to plan for its construction. Support also was provided by the National Rifle Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited and Putnam County.

The Cedar Creek Shooting Range is located near the intersection of Hwy 212 and Bradley Road and will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday year-round (except for Christmas and Thanksgiving Day). The range also will close if the range attendant is not currently on site.

To learn more about the range, visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/conf/cedar-creek-shooting-range . For more information on archery ranges available in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/node/922?cat=1 .

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- Belleville, NJ –(Ammoland.com)- We all know people who are curious about the proper, safe, responsible and *FUN* use of firearms for target shooting. Some may be interested in eventually learning how to use firearms for self-defense and defense of their family.

The New Jersey Second Amendment Society in cooperation with Gun For Hire Training Centers and The Bullet Hole Firing Range is sponsoring “A Day at the Range for Beginners”.

This is an opportunity for you to become familiar with the proper handling of firearms in a safe and controlled atmosphere with experienced, certified instructors guiding you at every step. There will be a variety of firearms available for you to choose from, and the only cost to participants will be for the ammunition they use.

This event is open to anyone interested in learning how to shoot. We will start with basic safety instruction at Gun For Hire Training Center, and then move to the Bullet Hole for live fire instruction.

We will have both male and female instructors available. I would like to invite all who are interested to register. We will need to know how many people are attending. Depending upon the response, we may schedule additional events throughout New Jersey. I encourage parents to bring their children. Our instructors have experience with people of all ages.

*** Please Note***

Participants agree to hold harmless the New Jersey Second Amendment Society, Gun For Hire Training Centers, The Bullet Hole, and all sponsors of the event, their various boards of directors, members, employees, representatives, agents, successors and/or assigns, both collectively and individually from any liability of any kind resulting from participation in the event.

By registering for this event, you are agreeing to this stipulation.

More information and online registration: The NJ2AS presents “A Day at the Range for Beginners”

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- This summer Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) introduced S. 1249, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act.

This bi-partisan legislation will give states greater flexibility in using their Pittman-Robertson funds to establish safe recreational shooting areas.

More specifically, the legislation will help facilitate the construction and expansion of public target ranges, including ranges on federal land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

A companion bill, H.R. 3065, was introduced in the House last week and may soon be heard in the Environment and Public Works Committee. NSSF supports this legislation and encourages all sportsmen to contact their legislators and urge them to back this pro-shooting measure.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

NSSF Launches Redesigned WhereToShoot.org

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The National Shooting Sports Foundation today launched a newly redesigned WhereToShoot.org, the web’s most comprehensive and frequently updated listing of shooting ranges.

The site allows anyone to search for a place to shoot in their area. Visitors simply enter their state or zip code and a list of shooting ranges is created. Searches can be further narrowed by selecting which shooting discipline you are interested in.

In addition to its popular search capability, the site now offers a number of other resources for shooters, including links to video tips, free printable targets, news about local shooting events and opportunities, safety information and more.

If you own a shooting range or if you’ve recently changed locations, NSSF encourages you to enter or update your range information free of charge.

Coming soon: NSSF is currently developing a WhereToShoot.org-themed iPhone app, which will be available later this fall.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Hawaii Concealed Carry

HONOLULU, Hawaii -–(Ammoland.com)- I am pleased to announce that Honolulu City Council member Tom Berg is helping to introduce a resolution that will work towards opening a firearms training range on the West Side.

This is very important for ALL firearm owners to submit written testimony.

Don’t hesitate to act. Send in your testimony now.

Form letter can be found here!

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[E-mail and / or Contact Number]

Tom Berg, City Council
City and County of Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-3077
Committee on Parks and Cultural Affairs

Dear Voting Members:

I strongly support resolution 11-263 “Public Shooting Complex in Kalaeloa.”

Training with a firearm on a shooting range is a very critical part of learning to safely operate and handle firearms. It is so important that the state demands citizens have it prior to purchasing a handgun for any purpose. The problem is that currently we have almost nowhere to go and conduct this training.
Please help us solve this problem.

A lack of available training facilities is detrimental to the safety of the public, our families, and our children. It is of the utmost importance that we have additional places to educate ourselves and others on the safe and proper use of firearms. Ultimately, trained citizens are more responsible and are also less likely to be involved in a negligent discharges. Shouldn’t we work together to promote safety?

Lastly, Hawaii firearm ownership is rapidly on the rise. In fact, over the last decade, there were 224,130 firearms registered in our State. This trend of increasing firearm ownership means that every day there are more people and less park. Our only public range, Kokohead Shooting Complex, already has scarce hours and can’t support the public demand. Most importantly, Kokohead’s hours of operation are a burden for West Oahu residents. There is a clear need for a facility in West Oahu.

In the interest of public safety and recreation, I graciously request your support for this resolution.
Please vote yes for Resolution 11-263!

Mahalo,
[Your Name]

Testify In Person
Also, please make time to come out and testify in person.

We need butts in seats to be blunt.

I have provided you a sample written testimony, so at a minimum, at least send this in or write your own.

Tom Berg CITY COUNCIL
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813-3077
COMMITTEE ON PARKS AND
CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Voting Members:
Tom Berg, Chair
Ikaika Anderson, Vice Chair
Romy M. Cachola
Nestor Garcia
Breene Harimoto

AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
COMMITTEE MEETING ROOM
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
10:30 A.M.

SPEAKER REGISTRATION:

Persons wishing to speak on items listed on the agenda are requested to register by 10:30 a.m. in the interest of time management as follows:

• a. use the On-Line City Council Speaker Registration form available at http://www1.honolulu.gov/council/attnspkpca.htm;
• b. send a fax to 768-3827 indicating your desire to register to speak, along with your name, phone number and subject matter;
• c. fill out the registration form in person; or
• d. call 768-3820.

Each speaker is limited to a one-minute presentation.

Persons who have not registered to speak should raise their hands at the time the item is announced and they will be given an opportunity to speak following oral testimonies of the registered speakers.

WRITTEN TESTIMONY:

If you wish to submit written testimony:

• a. fax to 768-3827 or
• b. go to http://www1.honolulu.gov/council/emailpca.htm to email your written testimony.

By submitting written testimony, you are not automatically registered to speak. Refer to “SPEAKER REGISTRATION” procedures above.

If submitted, written testimonies, including the testifier’s address, e-mail address, and phone number, may be posted by the City Clerk and available to the public on the City’s DocuShare Website.

Any physically challenged person requiring special assistance should call 768-3820 for details at least one day prior to the meeting date.

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

Arms Room Receives Five Star Gun Range Status from NSSF

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The Arms Room, located in League City, Texas, is the most recent member range to be accorded Five Star status, the elite rating granted by NSSF.

The family-owned business has grown in five years from its origin as a 2,300-square-foot retail store to a 22,000-square-foot one-stop shop for experienced and new shooters.

Among its offerings are a 15-lane indoor range, a full-service retail store, an on-site gunsmith, gun rentals and full-time certified instructors.

Its many classes include a frequent offering of First Shots. Following his on-site inspection, NSSF Manager of Shooting Promotions Zach Snow said, “The Arms Room is a great model for those in the developing stages of opening a range and retail store.”

Visit: www.thearmsroomtx.com

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Natural Resources will temporarily close the Rose Lake Shooting Range in Clinton County for renovations on Thursday, Sept. 8. Work should be completed by Oct. 1. The renovations will include new concrete sidewalks and other improvements necessary to enhance safety and accessibility on the range.

Phase one includes earthwork for a new handgun shooting range. The trap and archery ranges will remain open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays during this timeframe.

The renovations are funded by a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, which is supported by annual revenues from development of state-owned mineral and oil and gas resources and federal Pittman-Robertson Act funds.

While this range and the Dansville State Game Area shooting range are closed, the public is encouraged to visit other DNR-managed shooting ranges. They include Bald Mountain Shooting Range in Lake Orion, Oakland County; Island Lake Shooting Range in Brighton, Livingston County; Ortonville Shooting Range in Ortonville, Lapeer County; Pontiac Lake Shooting Range in Waterford, Oakland County; and Sharonville Shooting Range in Grass Lake, Jackson County.

The DNR-managed shooting ranges are open Nov. 16-Sept. 30 five days per week, Thursday through Monday. From Oct. 1-31, the ranges are open six days per week, Wednesday through Monday. From Nov. 1-15, the ranges are open seven days per week.

Range hours at Ortonville and Pontiac Lake are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At Rose Lake and Sharonville, range hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Range fees at Ortonville and Pontiac Lake are $4 per day for each shooter 16 and older. Children under 16 shoot free and must have adult supervision. Rose Lake and Sharonville have no fees. The Bald Mountain and Island Lake shooting ranges are operated under contract by Michigan Shooting Centers, LCC. Please call Bald Mountain and Island Lake for hours and fees or visit http://www.mishoot.com/.

For more information on DNR-managed shooting ranges, call the ranges or visit www.michigan.gov/shootingranges.

• Bald Mountain, 248-693-0567
• Island Lake, 248-437-2784
• Ortonville, 248-627-5569
• Pontiac Lake, 248-666-5406
• Rose Lake, 517-641-7801
• Sharonville, 734-428-8035

Shooters should bring eye and ear protection and approved targets with either a bull’s eye pattern or a depiction of legal game.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Action Target

Provo, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Action Target is widely known for constructing the toughest and most challenging shooting range projects in the world.

Working together as a team allows us to overcome various obstacles we face as we design, build, and create ranges for our clients.

For example, Action Target was approached by the Federal Reserve Bank to design and build a shooting range on the 17th floor of a major office building in Chicago, Illinois. When considering the noise, ventilation, and other items associated with a range, constructing a range in a skyscraper surrounded by offices was a challenge, but not an impossible task for Action Target. Through careful planning and execution, we created a .50 BMG rated shooting range complete with three lanes, stalls, and retrievers.

Action Target’s challenging builds don’t end there. When Chris Hart, Action Target Range Consultant of the South Central Territory, was approached with an equally challenging range project, he welcomed the opportunity by stating, “It’s not every day that you install a modern shooting range in a building from the 1800′s.”

Every commercial shooting range project requires two key elements to get it off the ground- passion and hard work. When it comes to Godfrey’s Indoor Range, Todd Godfrey had plenty of both in reserve when he embarked on this project. Todd, an officer with the Junction City Police Department, envisioned opening a commercial indoor shooting range to serve not only the citizens of Junction City and his fellow police officers, but also the soldiers stationed at neighboring Fort Riley.

Godfrey’s Shooting and Indoor Archery Ranges

In 2008, Todd toured Kansas City PD’s 30 lane tactical indoor range with ATI Midwest Range Consultant Chris Hart and Bill Provencher from Carey’s Heating and Air Conditioning, as the two companies worked together to build this range several years earlier. After viewing the range, Todd decided that Action Target was the partner to have. With a visitor’s pass from Action Target, Todd attended this year’s SHOT Show where he secured everything he needed to run his range business, from firearm distributors to inventory software (we are also happy to help all of our future range clients attend the SHOT Show with us).

For this commercial range, Todd secured some prime real estate in downtown Junction City–three vacant buildings totaling 20,000 sq-ft. on a main thoroughfare. However, this perfect location came with one catch–the building dates from the 1800′s. Building a range in a building this old would be challenging, but not impossible, for Action Target.

Using ATI’s detailed range drawings, Todd began building out the structure to accept the modern range equipment. His company (yes, Todd has three jobs!), Godfrey Construction and Renovation, LLC, installed new ceiling trusses and concrete work. He also remodeled the building with a new store front that includes a luxurious lounge area for those waiting to shoot.

To accommodate the expected high volume of shooters, Todd chose Action Target’s Total Containment Trap with Dust Collection Unit, Rifle Rated Ceiling Baffles, Digital Smart Target Retrievers with SmartRange Master Control System and Level III clear Ballistic Glass Shooting Stalls. To enhance the realistic training environment, he connected the SmartRange system to his P/A system so he can broadcast sound effects such as gunfire, screaming, and sirens. The range also has police light bars to simulate felony vehicle stops. Carey’s provided a fully automated range ventilation system guaranteed to meet all OSHA and EPA regulations.

Godfrey’s Indoor Range opened to the public on July 31, 2010 and was named Junction City’s 2010 Business of the Year within five months of opening. However, that wasn’t enough for Todd–he then got creative with his extra space and installed a state of the art 6,000 sq-ft. 3D archery range. To further service his range customers, Todd leases 4,000 sq-ft. of retail space to Quantico Tactical.

If you’re ever near exit 296 on I-70 west of Kansas City, do yourself a favor and stop by to meet Todd and his great staff and send a few rounds downrange while you’re there. Todd is currently available for consulting on range franchise opportunities and the construction of range facilities.

www.godfreysranges.com

Godfrey’s Shooting and Indoor Archery Ranges Facebook Page

Other recently completed projects include:

• Smith & Wesson Range – Houlton, ME
• Watts Bar Nuclear Range – TN
• Triad Gun Source Range – NC
• Denton County Sheriff’s Department Range – TX
• Atlanta State Penitentiary Range – GA

About Action Targets:
Action Target is a privately owned business headquartered about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City in Provo, Utah. For the last 20 plus years, Action Target has been the dominant force in shooting range equipment design and manufacturing for law enforcement, military, and commercial ranges around the world. We are proud of our commitment to deliver advanced firearms training products that help prepare our men and women in uniform for the heroic job of defending our safety and our freedom. Visit: www.actiontarget.com

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- In a 3-0 ruling issued this morning, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has reversed a lower court ruling and ordered that court to issue a preliminary injunction against the City of Chicago on behalf of the Second Amendment Foundation that prevents the city from banning gun ranges inside city limits.

Joining SAF in the original lawsuit were Action Target, Inc., the Illinois State Rifle Association and three Chicago residents, Rhonda Ezell, William Hespen and Joseph Brown. Their attempts to obtain a temporary restraining order against the gun range ban were twice rejected by the district court. The Appeals Court ruling is severely critical of the lower court’s ruling.

“This is a significant victory that could have strong implications well beyond the Chicago city limits,” said SAF Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “The court is making it clear that cities cannot adopt firearms ordinances that are so deliberately restrictive that they make it impossible for citizens to exercise their rights under the Second Amendment.”

Immediately after last year’s landmark SAF victory in McDonald v. City of Chicago, the city adopted a handgun ordinance that required special permits and mandated range training, but banned gun ranges inside city limits. The city argued that citizens could fulfill their training requirement by visiting a suburban range.

In today’s ruling, written by Judge Diane S. Sykes, the Appeals Court observed, “It’s hard to imagine anyone suggesting that Chicago may prohibit the exercise of a free-speech or religious-liberty right within its borders on the rationale that those rights may be freely enjoyed in the suburbs. That sort of argument should be no less unimaginable in the Second Amendment context.”

In a concurring opinion, Judge Ilana Diamond Rovner noted, “the city may not condition gun ownership for self-defense in the home on a prerequisite that the City renders impossible to fulfill within the city limits.”

“What the city tried to do, as the court ruling noted, was thumb its municipal nose at the Supreme Court’,” Gottlieb stated. “City governments, no matter how much they abhor the fundamental right of citizens to keep and bear arms, cannot use clever legal devices to prevent the exercise of that right. As Judge Rovner noted, the city must come to terms with that reality’.”

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and an amicus brief and fund for the Emerson case holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

Texas State Rifle Association

Houston, Tx --(Ammoland.com)- Today SB 766 by Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) passed the Texas House on Third Reading and is now headed to Governor Perry’s desk.

TSRA sponsored Shooting Range Protection Act, SB 766, was authored in the Senate by Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls). His chief of staff, John Bennett and our volunteer legal consultant Charles Cotton wrote the language.

In recent years, a disturbing trend has developed which serves to undermine safe and responsible gun ownership and use. Frivolous lawsuits are being filed against sport shooting ranges and their owners, often in an attempt to shut down a safe range so the land can be sold to developers. Lawsuits have been brought based on fraudulent claims alleging bullets leaving the range property often from many miles away.

Such suits are generally groundless but a frivolous lawsuit threatens the existence and operation of these small businesses. The overwhelming costs and legal fees tied to a frivolous lawsuit are precisely why years ago the Texas Legislature passed legislation to protect firearm manufacturers and dealers. This same protection has now extended to safe shooting ranges.

Reasonable access to sport shooting ranges is absolutely necessary in order to maintain all firearms skills whether the skill is tied to self defense, hunting, competitive shooting, or general recreation. Many of the private and public ranges around Texas are used by law enforcement as well as the general public.

SB 766 will go a long way toward protecting safe ranges while preserving the ability to present a legitimate claim in court against an unsafe range.

Major Thank You’s go to Rep. Jason Isaac and Senator Craig Estes!
Major thanks to Rep. Jason Isaac, Senator Craig Estes, John Bennett, and Charles Cotton. Special thanks need to be addressed to Chairman Todd Hunter of House Calendar’s Committee and Speaker Joe Straus and staff for their patience and encouragement. Also, special a thanks to Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and staff in the Senate.
If you’re reading this message you must be a member of the Texas State Rifle Association. If you’re not you should be! Join, renew, or upgrade at www.tsra.com or call 512-615-4200

Keep the Faith,

About:
The Mission of the Texas State Rifle Association is to protect and defend the inalienable rights of the individual Texan to acquire, possess, transport, carry, transfer ownership and enjoy the right to lawful use of firearms for self preservation, for the defense of family and property and the common defense of the Republic and the individual liberties of the people. Visit: www.TSRA.com

Texas State Rifle Association

Houston, Tx --(Ammoland.com)- SB 766 by Texas Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) is being sponsored in the Texas House by State Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs).

This necessary legislation is on the House calendar for Tuesday. Please send email and please call.

Explanation: Public policy in the State of Texas allows law-abiding, eligible citizens to obtain a concealed handgun license to carry a handgun for self-defense. Currently there are over 400,000 Texans with a license. Included in the DPS training course is the requirement to demonstrate proficiency on a shooting range.

Texas hunters also require access to close shooting ranges to maintain rifle and shotgun proficiency to ensure ethical and safe hunting practices.

Reasonable access to sport shooting ranges is absolutely necessary in order to maintain all firearms skills whether the skill is tied to self defense, hunting, competitive shooting, or general recreation.

In recent years, a disturbing trend has developed which serves to undermine safe and responsible gun ownership and use. Frivolous lawsuits are being filed against sport shooting ranges and their owners, often in an attempt to shut down a safe range so the land can be sold to developers. Lawsuits have been brought based on fraudulent claims alleging bullets leaving the range property often from many miles away.

Such suits are groundless but even a frivolous lawsuit threatens the existence and operation of these small businesses. The overwhelming cost and legal fees tied to a frivolous lawsuit are precisely why years ago the Texas Legislature passed legislation to protect firearm manufacturers and dealers. This same protection should be extended to safe shooting ranges.

These small businesses provide a community service and are often used by local law enforcement agencies.

SB 766 will go a long way toward protecting safe ranges while preserving the ability to present a legitimate claim in court against an unsafe range.
Contact Link for Texas House Members

At the very least contact your own state representative and urge that person to support SB 766 on Tuesday’s calendar. Support shooting range protection in Texas!

Contact Link for House Members

Join, upgrade, renew your TSRA membership at www.tsra.com or call 512-615-4200 during business hours. Our power is our membership, we need you.

Keep the Faith

About:
The Mission of the Texas State Rifle Association is to protect and defend the inalienable rights of the individual Texan to acquire, possess, transport, carry, transfer ownership and enjoy the right to lawful use of firearms for self preservation, for the defense of family and property and the common defense of the Republic and the individual liberties of the people. Visit: www.TSRA.com

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- On Thursday, SB 560, “Sport Shooting Range Protection” passed out of the Senate Judiciary II Committee thanks largely to the efforts of sponsor Sen. Andrew Brock (R- Davie, Rowan, GRNC ****) and committee chairman Sen. Buck Newton (R- Nash, Wilson, ****), both of whom deserve an immediate e-mail of thanks.

SB 560 is intended to close loopholes in our existing range protection law by extending the existing “grandfather” protection against noise and environmental complaints to ranges forced to relocate due to rezoning, annexation, condemnation or development.

A SMALL DARK CLOUD
After complaints that a range relocating to a different county might supersede existing ordinances, committee members of both parties, unfortunately, offered an amendment under which ranges which relocate to different counties may only do so if they meet the requirements of the new county. GRNC will work to remove the restriction. It should be noted that Sen. Newton argued vehemently against the amendment as just another anti-gun action.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
Contact: Things are moving fast in this session of the legislature. SB 560 could get a vote as early as TUESDAY. Immediately do the following two things:

CONTACT YOUR NC STATE SENATOR: Let them know they must vote for SB 560. To find who represents you, go to: http://www.grnc.org/contact_reps.htm. Deliver the message below.

THANK SENS. BROCK AND NEWTON: These gents are fighting for your rights. Let them know you appreciate it by contact them at: Andrew.Brock@ncleg.net, Buck.Newton@ncleg.net

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE TO YOUR SENATOR

Dear Senator ____________:

I am writing to express my support for SB 560, “Sport Shooting Range Protection.” Encroaching development is quickly eliminating ranges for sport shooters. It is vital and fair that this bill be enacted to protect existing ranges.

I urge you to vote for SB 560 and use all of your influence to help pass this important bill. I will be following the progress of SB 560 through the alerts of Grass Roots North Carolina.

Sincerely,

A Concerned North Carolina Voter

Find Your Representatives

• NC STATE House & Senate: www.grnc.org/contact_reps.htm
• FEDERAL Congressman: www.house.gov/writerep/
• FEDERAL Senators: www.senate.gov/

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

New Ohio Gun Range

Shooters Gun Shop & Indoor Range

Huron, Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- Shooters Gun Shop & Indoor Range is in the process of building an Gun Shop & Indoor Gun Range in Huron, Ohio on the corner of Bogart & Boos Roads (near Sandusky, Ohio just 2 minutes from the route 250 and route 2 intersection)

We will have 18 Pistol 25 yard lanes and 18 Rifle 100 yard lanes.

The 83,000 square foot building will house both ranges, Gun Shop w/ onsite gun smith, 27,000 square feet of rental space for sports related events and banquets,

Five 225 square foot cabañas, a full restaurant that seats 140 people and a catering kitchen. We are also considering ammunition manufacturing to be housed here also.

This is a new structure with state of the art Mancom targeting systems and dividers. Our web site is under construction but it is up with all the membership information. www.shooterswanted.com I have been working deals for members that belong to other clubs or firearms organizations please call me if you or your club’s members would be interested in joining.

Grand Opening is to be Thanksgiving weekend 2011 over $25,000.00 in door prizes and giveaways.

Thank You

About:
Shooters Gun Shop & Indoor Range is a Ohio Corporation established in January 2011. Its’ goal is to promote firearms safety and proper training of individuals who have the right to bear arms in the United States of America. Shooters Gun Shop & Indoor Range was founded and is headed by Robin Scott Goretzki President. As a Service Connected Disabled American Veteran Robin has put together a core staff of Veteran and non Veteran Americans that will uphold a law abiding Americans constitutional right to bear arms, freedom of speech, and the American way of life. Visit: www.shootersgunshop-range.com

Texas State Rifle Association

Houston, Tx --(Ammoland.com)- SB 766 will help to protect safe sport shooting ranges from nuisance lawsuits. There is no opposition to this bill; not from the counties, from cities, or even the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

As Texas grows, Texans are losing access to close sport shooting ranges and losing the opportunity to hone safety skills and enjoy the recreation of sport shooting.

It’s not too late to move this Senate bill out of Calendars and get it to the Governor’s desk this session but it needs to happen immediately!

Please contact the members of House Calendar’s committee one more time and urge them to set SB 766 on the House Calendar quickly. Remind them there is no opposition to SB 766. We’ve been told the bill is in Good Shape!

Help protect Safe Sport Shooting Ranges. Set SB 766 by Rep. Jason Isaac on the House Calendar immediately! The clock is running out!

Contact Info for House Calendars Committee Members

Please Contact Speaker Straus and the House Calendars Committee Members below! Two weeks until the end of Session until 2013.

ACT NOW!

House Speaker Joe Straus
512-463-1000
To send an email to the Speaker,click on link Speaker’s Email

Todd Hunter, Chairman
512-463-0672
todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us

Dennis Bonnen, Vice-Chairman
512-463-0564
dennis.bonnen@house.state.tx.us

Dan Branch
512-463-0367
dan.branch@house.state.tx.us

Byron Cook
512-463-0730
byron.cook@house.state.tx.us

Charlie Geren
512-463-0610
charlie.geren@house.state.tx.us

Jim Keffer
512-463-0656
jim.keffer@house.state.tx.us

Tracy King
512-463-0194
tracy.king@house.state.tx.us

Lois Kolkhorst
512-463-0600
lois.kolkhorst@house.state.tx.us

Eddie Lucio III
512-463-0606
eddie.lucio@house.state.tx.us

Allan Ritter
512-463-0706
allan.ritter@house.state.tx.us

Burt Solomons
512-463-0478
burt.solomons@house.state.tx.us

Vicki Truitt
512-463-0690
vicki.truitt@house.state.tx.us

John Zerwas
512-463-0657
john.zerwas@house.state.tx.us

Remember TSRA can’t act without your membership. We’re only as strong as our membership rolls. Renew, rejoin, or upgrade your membership today at www.tsra.com or call 512-615-4200.

Keep the Faith,

About:
The Mission of the Texas State Rifle Association is to protect and defend the inalienable rights of the individual Texan to acquire, possess, transport, carry, transfer ownership and enjoy the right to lawful use of firearms for self preservation, for the defense of family and property and the common defense of the Republic and the individual liberties of the people. Visit: www.TSRA.com

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division is hosting the “Pyramyd Air” Air Gun Range during the 2011 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Sponsored by Pyramyd Air, the Air Gun Range will be open from April 28 to May 1 in room 315 (city side) of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

“Pyramyd Air is pleased to be sponsoring the Air Gun Range this year,” said founder and owner Joshua Ungier.

“We’re focused on increasing the number of shooters and involving people of all ages in the shooting sports. For Pyramyd Air, it isn’t just a business – it’s a passion.”

As sponsor for the Air Gun Range, Pyramyd Air has promised to stock the range with air guns for all ages as well as pellets and target traps. Additional equipment will be provided by Air Arms, AirForce, Air Venturi, Beeman, Crosman, Evanix, Gamo, IZH-Baikal, Sam Yang, Stoeger and Umarex.

The Air Gun Range will operate during the following hours:

• Thursday, April 28: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, April 29: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, April 30: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 1: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Pyramyd Air

The Pyramyd Air Air Gun Range is open to all ages at $1.00 for every five shots (minors must be accompanied by an adult). The firing line will be supervised by NRA Certified Instructors and Coaches who will also provide assistance and instruction.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for first time or inexperienced shooters. Our team of instructors will be there to provide one-on-one assistance, and hopefully all attendees will walk away with a desire to continue their involvement in the shooting sports,” said Air Gun Program Coordinator Jessica McClain.

Additional activities at the Pyramyd Air Air Gun Range will include demonstrations of the .50-caliber Sam Yang Dragon Claw air rifle (10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) and a display of new air guns, products and electronic targets.

For more information about the Air Gun Range at the 2011 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, please contact Jessica McClain at 703-267-1477 or jmcclain@nrahq.org. For additional information on the 2011 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, please visit www.nraam.org. To learn more about Pyramyd Air, visit www.pyramydair.com.

Where To Hunt And Shoot - That Is The Question

Bass Pro Shops

Springfield, Missouri - -(Ammoland.com)- One of the biggest challenges to most hunters is just finding a place to hunt.

If you don’t own land or lease land, it probably means finding a good spot on public land. The time to start looking for it is right now.

Your state wildlife agency can provide information on areas close to home and those with the best opportunity for deer, turkey, upland game, or waterfowl. Other sources include National Wildlife Refuges, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land management.

Large timber companies are also a possibility. Some allow hunters to purchase passes to hunt company-owned land. Some military bases and federal installations also allow hunting opportunities.

Another great resource is Hunt and shoot.org.

Hunt and Shoot.org, developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the shooting, hunting and firearms industry, helps new or experienced hunters and shooters find the information they need.

Hunt and shoot.org provides access to helpful resources and links to searchable state-by-state databases that will help hunters and shooters connect with where to go and how to stay involved with hunting and shooting.

Now is the time to get out and find your next place to hunt and shoot.

Larry Whiteley is host of the award winning Outdoor World Radio. For more tips, log onto www.basspro.com

About Bass Pro Shops Group:
Bass Pro Shops -56 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 109 million people annually, international catalog and internet retailing, American Rod & Gun wholesale division selling to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide, Outdoor World Incentives also selling Bass Pro Shops gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America and a restaurant division with 26 locations.  For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com.  To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO

Stalls with lighting, keypads, barricades, and signal lights, including Photo Eye Beam Security.

Action Target

Provo, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Action Target is excited to announce the completion of the Shooters Edge Commercial Shooting Range and Retail Store located in Piney Flats, TN. This facility offers 5 Star accommodations and a clean and well designed atmosphere with extraordinary customer service.

Having the help and dedication of Joseph Bush, Don Reimer, Action Target Great Lakes Territory Manager Jason Snell, Project Manager Bryan Dahlberg, Bill Provencher from Carey’s Heating and Air Conditioning and many others, allowed us to create a range that is innovative, effective and accommodating to all types of shooters.

Equipment provided and stalled by Action Target includes the following:

• Tactical Baffle Layout: Provides for realistic training, including movement and shooting from any given point on the range with full errant round containment.
• 360 Degree Turning Target Retrievers: Perfect for decision making drills, qualifications, and tactical training. Also, includes Master Control for RSO.
• Track Runner: A running target that moves back and forth the width of the range.
• Shooting Stalls: Installed stalls came with lighting, keypads, barricades, and signal lights.
  Photo Eye Beam Security: Ensures all civilian shooters remain behind the firing line.

Congratulations Shooters Edge for a beautiful facility and phenomenal shooting range!

Other Recently Completed Projects

• Martin CSO – Robb Anderson
• PA State Police Academy – Matt Brinkerhoff
• Shelby County Sheriff’s Department – Jason Snell
• Fairfax County Law Enforcement Academy, VA – Mike Stillwell
• Odessa Police Department, TX – Aaron Ludwig
• Appleton Police Department, WI – Chris Hart

If you are interested in our products and are in the Great Lakes area, contact your Regional Representative Jason Snell. For all other areas, please visit our Contacts Page to find the territory manager for your area.

About Action Targets:
Action Target is a privately owned business headquartered about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City in Provo, Utah. For the last 20 plus years, Action Target has been the dominant force in shooting range equipment design and manufacturing for law enforcement, military, and commercial ranges around the world. We are proud of our commitment to deliver advanced firearms training products that help prepare our men and women in uniform for the heroic job of defending our safety and our freedom. Visit: www.actiontarget.com

Champion Traps and Targets unveils new radiation green DuraSeal targets and practice systems for 2011.

Champion Traps and Targets

ONALASKA, Wis. --(Ammoland.com)- Champion Traps and Targets unveils new radiation green DuraSeal targets and practice systems for 2011. These new offerings deliver instant feedback for hours of non-stop shooting fun.

Striking Contrast
New DuraSeal Radiation Green spinning targets offer excellent contrast in all shooting environments. Ultra-bright color reduces eye fatigue for shooters straining to see their shots. Targets are auto-resetting, and wobble or spin on impact to indicate positive hits. DuraSeal’s non-metal, self-sealing construction lets bullets pass through with minimal damage—dramatically prolonging the life of the target.

“The visibility of these radiation green DuraSeal spinners is amazing,” said Champion Product Marketing Manager, John Huse. “The single and triple targets make improving your shooting skills easier and more effective.”

Additional 2011 Shooting Accessories
An array of new target systems and shooting accessories complete the 2011 Champion lineup. Benchrest Paper 100 and 200-yard targets deliver easy and reliable performance tracking. Shooters can see the difference with Green LE B-27 Silhouette Targets that provide a quality personal defense or law enforcement training option.

Adhesive Targets enable shooters to get set up quickly. Bug and Fly Precision targets offer a fun alternative for precision shooting practice. All of these new offering continue to make shooting practice fun for the entire family. Check out the new Precision Bug and Fly targets online, at www.championtarget.com/targets/paper/animal/insect.aspx.

Part No. and Description

• 44800 Single 5.5” Green DuraSeal Diamond Spinner
• 44802 Single 7” Green DuraSeal Crow Spinner
• 44804 Single 5.5” Green DuraSeal Varmint Spinner
• 44806 Triple 5.5” Green DuraSeal Varmint Spinner
• 44808 Double Gong Green DuraSeal Spinner
• 45774 6-inches x 6-inches Adhesive Target, Orange 10-Pack
• 45775 13-inches x 13-inches Adhesive Target, Orange 10-pack
• 46000 100-yard Benchrest Paper Target
• 46002 200-yard Benchrest Paper Target
• 41900 DuraSeal Double Spinner
• 40735 LE B27FSA Silhouette Target; Green, 10-Pack
• 46020 Precision Fly Paper Target
• 46022 Precision Bug Slug Paper Target

To learn more about the DuraSeal line of targets, and all of the great shooting accessories from Champion, go to www.champtiontarget.com.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

MALTA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds shooting range enthusiasts that the deadline to apply for range development grant proposals is May 1.

Montana’s Shooting Range Grant Program, administered by FWP, provides funding to private shooting clubs, organizations, local governments and school districts to build and improve public shooting ranges throughout the state.

To learn more about the Shooting Range Grant Program, and for a grant application, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov , click on the Recreation page and look under Grants. Or, call FWP at: 406-444-9939; or email: kcunningham@mt.gov .

Shooting Range Grant applications may be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620.

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Sussex, VA --(Ammoland.com)- Last night about 30 pro-gun citizens showed up at the Sussex Board of Supervisors meeting to speak against an ordinance that would make having a range in Sussex almost impossible.

The Wakefield Airport Shooting Club President, Tim Drury, and I went over the lengthy list of problems with the proposed ordinance and decided who would cover what issue when we addressed the Board.

UNPROFESSIONAL, INEPT, CONFUSED, AND DISENGAGED
One of the Board of Supervisor members, Mr. Fly, did a great job in tearing the proposed ordinance to pieces before any of us had a chance to speak. And time after time he asked the chairman of the Planning Committee questions: Why were they even considering this ordinance? Why is the ordinance putting restrictions on INDOOR ranges as to time and days of operation? And so on.

The Planning Committee looked like deer in the headlights – no one providing one straight answer to any of his questions about the proposed ordinance. They looked very inept, unprofessional, confused, and disengaged.

Mr. Fly said that the only part of the ordinance he would support was the offset from the range to the nearest residence and road. He said that was about all they could legally regulate on ranges.

A MASSIVELY FLAWED ORDINANCE
The first citizen to speak was a very articulate gentleman who opposed the ordinance.

Tim, who is a lawyer, went second, addressing various issues including:

• It would not be possible to post all state, federal, and local gun laws, expect someone to read all of them, and sign a document stating that they understand all those laws before they could shoot
• It would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act to require the range safety officer to walk the entire perimeter of the shooting range before allowing people to start shooting

I addressed mostly legal issues dealing with preemption:

• The County cannot ban ammunition larger that .45 caliber on the range
• The County cannot make people enter and exit the ranges with only unloaded guns
• The County cannot tell citizens that they are not allowed to shoot explosive-tip, armor-piercing, or Teflon-coated ammunition on the range
• I pointed out that their micromanagement of the range was unworkable and unacceptable
• I told them that if they violated the State’s preemption laws, VCDL would sue them, they would lose, and they might have to pay VCDL’s legal expenses as well

Several other speakers, all opposing the proposed ordinance, came to the microphone after I sat down.

THE VOTE AND WHAT NEXT?
When the time came to vote, there were a couple of proposed amendments (one to remove the restriction banning shooting on Sunday) and then the vote. After more back-and-forth they finally voted to send the horribly flawed ordinance back to the Planning Commission for further study.

At this point the proposed ordinance is in limbo. Once the Planning Commission decides to have their next hearing on the ordinance, we need to be at that hearing to see what they come up with and to address any issues. I hope that they just decide to can the whole thing.

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be presented with the Northern Arizona Shooting Range conceptual master plan site design for their approval, at their regularly scheduled meeting Friday.

The design achieves a multiuse-facility on the 160-acre commission-owned property with capabilities for law enforcement training, hunter education, rifle and pistol shooting, shotgun shooting sports, archery, rifle sight-in, and onsite facilities.

“We are very happy that we were able to incorporate many of the elements of a regional range into this design and within the footprint of the property,” said Chief of Shooting Ranges for Game and Fish, Jay Cook.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has collected extensive input from a variety of sources since September 2010, including public open houses; a user group survey; letters from and meetings with neighboring stakeholders; and consultation with national shooting range industry experts to compile the conceptual master plan site design being presented.

Cook added, “We are confident that the faint distant reports/echoes from the range in the areas open to the visitors of Walnut Canyon will be further reduced through the range construction process and other mitigation methods which will inherently reduce sound emitted from the range.”

Understanding there are concerns regarding the site location of the shooting range, Game and Fish has compiled a list addressing many of the common topics of concern to provide constituents with more information about the long and complicated process for developing a pubic shooting range.

Three common concerns are:

* Isn’t Game and Fish disregarding its own advice after opposing a road at the monument in 2002?
Response: Game and Fish did support the preferred alternative with some concerns, most notably the proposed road and hiking trail which would have fragmented wildlife corridors, wildlife access to the rim’s edge, and brought human disturbance directly into critical habitat areas of the canyon.

* Won’t gunshots disturb the natural quiet?
Response: During the independent sound study, before any sound mitigation measures, with the Rim Trail was closed to the public, the natural quiet was 48 dBA, and even then, only faint distant reports were slightly audible and not measurable.

* Won’t wildlife be disturbed?
Response: The shooting range site was selected with the knowledge that it was outside of any critical habitat areas or movement corridors. Game and Fish is following the appropriate environmental analysis and works closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on any concerns for sensitive, threatened, or endangered species.

For a complete listing of common topics of concern, and to learn more about the Northern Arizona Shooting Range, visit www.azgfd.gov/nazsr.

The commission meeting is Friday, March 11 at the Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17). The public session begins at 8 a.m.

The public can view the meeting any of three ways: (1) attending the meeting in person in Phoenix; (2) viewing it via video stream at any of six Game and Fish regional offices; or, (3) viewing it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so either at the Phoenix meeting or at any of the regional Game and Fish offices (Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson and Mesa).

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- The Sussex County Planning Commission and the Sussex County Board of Supervisors (BOS) will hold a joint public hearing to consider passage of a new ordinance regulating gun ranges in Sussex County.

It should be noted that the planning commission is the originator of this proposal, not the BOS.

While couched in language to make it appear that the planning commission is only concerned with the safe operation of shooting ranges, the real intent becomes clear when you read the requirements to open a new range – that purpose is to make the task so onerous and expensive that no one would seek to open a range in Sussex County.

It would also make expansion of existing ranges all but impossible. Eventhough the proposal grandfather’s existing ranges, any existing range seeking to expand would likely lose their grandfather status. They would then have to abide by the onerous and costly process set forth in the proposal.

In addition, while the propsoal states that the county may submit any range proposal to the NRA for comment, the county would reserve the right to dismiss comments in favor of new ranges.

In short, this proposal is an all out attack on new and existing shooting ranges in Sussex County. You can view the full proposal below.

Your attendance at the March 17th Board of Supervisor’s meeting is needed to defeat this proposal.

This is becoming an all too familiar story in Virginia. Recreational shooters, firearm enthusiasts and land-owners are being driven away from their shooting sports heritage by bureaucratic hurdles and red-tape.

If you are a gun owner living in Sussex County or you shoot competitively or for fun at a club or range currently located in the county, it is important that you attend this public hearing and voice your opposition to this proposed ordinance.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

• What: Joint Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors Public Hearing on Shooting Ranges in Sussex County, Virginia.
• Where: Sussex Central High School Auditorium, 21394 Sussex Drive, Sussex, VA 23884.
• When: March 17, 2011 at 6:00 PM.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the Board of Supervisors and respectfully urge them to oppose this ordinance.

Proposed Sussex Shooting Range Ordinance

About:
The Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA) was originally founded as the Virginia State Rifle and Revolver Association in 1938. VSSA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. VSSA is also closely affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), Virginia Outdoor Sports Information Network (VOSIN), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Virginia Gun Collectors Association, and the Virginia Wildlife Federation (VWF). Visit: www.myvssa.org

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- Last night over 80 people attended the Fluvanna County Planning Commission hearing on the request of Central Virginia Sporting Clays (CVSC) to expand its operation.

The meeting ran for over 3 hours and had a lot of speakers.

The range’s owner, Brad Landseadel, made some opening remarks about the requested change to the range’s Special Use Permit (SUP).

Brad did an excellent job remaining calm, factual, and professional at all times.

After Brad spoke, the Commission started taking input from the citizens in attendance. There were quite a few speakers against the range.

A summary of the anti-range speaker’s points:

1. The distant pop-pop-pop of guns “day and night” has destroyed my life! My kids can’t play in the yard because of the popping! (Never mind that the range has limited hours everyday and that no one complained about noise for 4 years and only did so after being contacted by the County on the new proposal.)
2. I moved to the country to get away from sound! (What do you say to that?)
3. NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard syndrome). Some of the anti-range neighbors were self-professed gun owners and hunters, who no doubt can, and do, shoot on their own land. Good for them to be able to do so, but many of us are not that fortunate and need public ranges so that we can enjoy shooting
4. While people shooting guns are supposed to wear ear protection, people living a mile away shouldn’t need hearing protection to sit in their yard (I kid you not – some of the gross exaggerations were mind boggling)

One of the first anti-range speakers had seen the VA-ALERTs where I said the range’s neighbors were being mean-spirited. She denied this. Whether she personally fit that description is debatable, but some of the other neighbors most certainly did. For example, one neighbor, who claimed to to be an “expert,” said that each shooting position on a sporting clays range was actually a range in and of itself and CVSC was therefore operating illegally since their current SUP only allowed for one range. Another neighbor opined that allowing the Boy Scouts to camp on the property overnight was a breech of the current range SUP. Quite a few of these “nice” folks were clearly hoping to get the range in legal trouble.

A measurement of sound by some of the Commission staff showed a minimal sound impact within 1/2 mile of the range. Mr. Landseadel, using his own high-end decibel meter, found that the gunshots were below the normal noise level of a human conversation as measured on his own property limits.

The one thing that was clear from the hearing was that the County was not planning on revoking the range’s current SUP, so no matter what happens the range can continue to function. I’m sure that was a surprise to the neighbors who were hoping that the range would be completely shut down. That puts Mr. Landseadel in the catbird seat, as he can operate currently on Sundays and also have as many competitions as he would like right now (albeit with shorter hours than he would like). To get longer Sunday hours and have the ability for shooters to shoot in an alternate direction, he was willing to make some concessions, including limiting the number of special events during the year and only asking for longer Sunday hours during those events.

When I spoke, I made the following points:

1. Shooting is as American as apple pie
2. We need more ranges in Virginia, not less
3. Virginia law protects ranges from noise ordinances (15.2-917)
4. The sound of shots dissipates quickly and is nominal at a fairly short distance
5. Sound readings taken in Hanover actually had crickets drowning out the noise of gunshots from a range 1/2 mile away

THE VOTE

When the vote finally came, the Commission decided to NOT recommend the new SUP by a 4 to 2 vote.

AND A CIVICS LESSON

The Commission has no power, it can only make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. So we need another big turnout when this comes up before the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors to counter the anti-range neighbors. I expect that will happen on Wednesday, March 16th at 7 PM in the Circuit Court Room on the main level of the Fluvanna Courts Building.

Oh, and the Planning Commission members got between 500 and 800 emails from VCDL, depending on which Commission member you asked

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting an informational open house to present the draft master site-plan for the Northern Arizona Shooting Range on Thursday, March 3 from 5:30-8 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Game and Fish Flagstaff regional office at 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to provide input on the latest draft design, and get first-hand information about the efforts the department is taking to balance the needs for a shooting range and being good neighbors in the community,” said Jay Cook, chief of shooting ranges for Game and Fish.

On display at the self-paced open house will be the latest proposed range design, capabilities of the facility, and examples of range construction methods that assure safety and further mitigate sound.

View Draft Master Plan For Arizona Shooting Range

The draft design is in the final stages and addresses many of the needs for a shooting range in northern Arizona, including law enforcement training, hunter education, rifle sight-in, a long-distance rifle range, shotgun sports, and onsite camping. All of the facility is within the 160-acre Foster Ranch property that was acquired by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission through a private land purchase.

Although no formal presentation will be made, key Game and Fish representatives will be on hand to answer questions, provide information, and take comments on the proposed range design.

The Department will continue to take public input on this updated draft design before finalizing and presenting it to the commission for approval, which is tentatively scheduled for the March 11-12 public meeting in Phoenix.

Visit www.azgfd.gov/nazsr to preview the current conceptual plan and other information about the Northern Arizona Shooting range including a way for those who are unable to attend the open house to submit their comments.

About sound
An independent sound study, conducted to state standards, found the sound emitted from the range to be in compliance even before any range construction.

“We understand for many, the discussion of guns and shooting ranges is unfamiliar and invokes concerns – particularly for noise. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is looking at the latest technologies in sound mitigation to build a state-of-the-art shooting range, and everything we do as required by range construction will further reduce the sounds that are already in compliance,” said Cook.

Range design components required by standards for safety and function such as earthen berms backstops, sound-absorbing shooting canopies, and natural landscape will further reduce sound from the range. Additionally, Game and Fish is committed to incorporating cost-effective measures when considering specific sound-mitigation design elements apart from the inherent design components of the range.

During the study at the Walnut Canyon’s Rim Trail observation point, the faint distant reports/echoes from the sound test were only slightly audible, but not measurable over the ambient sound levels (approximately 48 dBA), which would have been undetected amongst a normal conversation (approximately 55-60 dBA). Once again, this is before any construction and sound mitigation measures have been employed.

Background and history
Northern Arizona residents have been without a rifle and pistol shooting range since 1968. In 1994, closures of the local shotgun and archery ranges resulted in Flagstaff being one of Arizona’s largest communities without a designated place for recreational/competitive shooting and law enforcement training.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has looked at over 50 site locations, mostly public and then private (which have a different acquisition process than federal lands) over the last 15 years, seeking to establish a shooting range in northern Arizona.

In 2009, the Game and Fish Commission set its objectives (based on constituent input) for selecting a site for the shooting range as:

1. to be located within 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff;
2. sized for a local range with potential to expand to a regional range; and
3. the ability to be operational by 2013 (3-5 years).

In July 2010, the commission purchased the private 160-acre Foster Ranch in Coconino County. The private purchase followed state regulations for acquisitions.

The public process on the range design began in September 2010, with input from user groups, the public and neighboring stakeholders. Additionally, the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Association of Shooting Ranges, and other private industry consultants provided professional design consultation.

From all of these collaborations, Game and Fish took into consideration many elements, including safety, environmental concerns, sound mitigation, functionality, capabilities, training, education, and other shooting range requirements to create this conceptual master site plan for the deeded 160-acre, Arizona Game and Fish Commission-owned property.

Game and Fish receives no tax dollars from the state’s general fund and operates under a user-pay, user-benefit model. The property was purchased and will be developed through the sale of licenses to hunters and anglers. A $3 surcharge is imposed on hunting and fishing licenses to acquire, construct, renovate, or improve Game and Fish facilities. The fund for the development of the Northern Arizona Shooting Range was established beginning in 2001.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Update: Lewistown Pistol Club reports, we are gong forward 100% with our events, our planning, and most of all our friendships of not only continuing our proud heritage but our constitutional rights as fellow shooters and gun owners.

Lewistown Pistol Club

The Lewistown Pistol Club had been making preparations to celebrate its proud history and 50th anniversary of serving law enforcement, competitive pistol shooters, and the training of local men and women in the safe handling of various firearms.

The club has been a loyal supporter of the second amendment rights and an NRA member club that was originally founded by employees of the Avisco Corporation, a company which is a historic cornerstone employer here in Mifflin County.

Since it’s inception as a not for profit organization, the Lewistown Pistol Club has had hundreds of members who have served our local communities by supporting our civilian and law enforcement communities as a training source, as well as producing a proud history of shooters who have consistently excelled at the Camp Perry National Competitions. In 2009, members of the club were part of the National Champion Service Pistol Team from Pennsylvania. The club is a current member and supports most of the major competitive pistol discipline organizations.

Now, as the result of a neighboring property being sold, the efforts of the new homeowner could close the club down. To date, the actions of our new neighbor have caused a short cancellation of a scheduled and prepaid match for over 100 shooters from 6 states and having PA DCNR to cease training at the club facilities- producing a significant loss of ongoing revenue.

Now, the neighbor has filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction barring the clubs use of their constructed shooting ranges using the argument that such use violates the safety zone laws of PA.

The case references Pacurariu vs. Com, 744 A.2d 389- claiming that the 34 P.S. 2505 grants protection to ANY HOMEOWNER WITH A DWELLING WITHIN 150 YARDS and makes it ILLEGAL to discharge ANY FIREARM within that safety zone for ANY REASON.

If successful, this case and the “Safety Zone” issue would not only end the use of firearms at the Lewistown Pistol Club, but could set a dangerous legal precedent that would have far reaching implications for many of our sister clubs throughout the commonwealth.

The Lewistown Pistol Club will continue to support a full schedule of events for the 2011 season. Please visit our website and watch for our upcoming NRA, Bullseye, IDPA, and USPSA events. The club has secured legal counsel, and anticipates significant legal expenses to prevail in this case. We have established and would welcome any and all help for our legal defense fund! Contributions can be made via PayPal on our website at www.lewistownpistolclub.com, or sent to Bruce Smith, club Vice-President and PRPA Director at 11898 Arrowhead Way, Mount Union PA 17066. Feel free to contact me directly with any questions you may have at bruce@wealthkare.com or 814-599-3700

Reducing Exposure to Lead and Noise at Indoor Firing Ranges

Action Target

Provo, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- A major concern when shooting at an indoor range is the contained nature it requires and the hazards present.  Workers and users of indoor firing ranges may be exposed to hazardous levels of lead and noise. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends steps for workers and employers to reduce exposures.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 1 million Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers work in the United States [DOJ 2004]. They are required to train regularly in the use of firearms. Indoor firing ranges are often used because of their controlled conditions. In addition to workers, more than 20 million active target shooters practice at indoor firing ranges. Law enforcement officers may be exposed to high levels of lead and noise at indoor firing ranges. NIOSH estimates that 16,000 to 18,000 firing ranges operate in the United States.

Several studies of firing ranges have shown that exposure to lead and noise can cause health problems associated with lead exposure and hearing loss, particularly among employees and instructors. Lead exposure occurs mainly through inhalation of lead fumes or ingestion (e.g., eating or drinking with contaminated hands).

Action Target has been a pioneer, innovator and industry leader for limiting lead exposure and the reduction of noise at indoor shooting facilities.  Our ventilation systems are designed to ensure proper airflow across any range. Through our partnership with Carey’s Ventilation Systems, we provide the best performing and most efficient systems available on the market today. Our design exceeds NIOSH standards, and maintains a 100% success rate in industrial hygiene utilizing:

• Ceiling Mounted Unique 180 degree Air Delivery Systems.
• A design which makes plenum walls obsolete.
• Digital and Analog control systems which adapt to changing environmental conditions to maintain the required air velocities and building pressures.
• Upgrade packages for existing Firing Ranges available.
• Custom designed systems to meet any type of application.

Carey’s has constructed our own Plexiglas-walled test range, which allows us to test air speeds, diffuser angles, ceiling heights and transitions, supply and return locations, duct sizing, and vortex settings to determine the optimal configuration for any type of range.

As another example of Action Target’s industry-leading partnerships, we have teamed with numerous sound abatement companies to meet the requirements of our customers.  Our sales staff can provide you with detailed information on past projects that required the expertise of our sound abatement partners.

We will work with you to design and build the indoor range that meets your needs.  If you would like to speak with an Action Target representative about the proven solutions we have for reducing lead and noise at your indoor facility, go to our Contact Us page.

To read more from NIOSH on this subject, Reducing Exposure to Lead and Noise at Indoor Firing Ranges

About Action Targets:
Action Target is a privately owned business headquartered about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City in Provo, Utah. For the last 20 plus years, Action Target has been the dominant force in shooting range equipment design and manufacturing for law enforcement, military, and commercial ranges around the world. We are proud of our commitment to deliver advanced firearms training products that help prepare our men and women in uniform for the heroic job of defending our safety and our freedom. Visit: www.actiontarget.com

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- An overhead view of the skeet fields on Hook Range from the 1970s with the Patton Round House off to the side. The range has hosted numerous national matches and those in attendance would frequent the Round House for a game of pool or to sit by a fire and relax in between shooting.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- A relic of an historic era on post is set to be revived after persistent determination by a proud unit and generous contributions from those who understand the nostalgia of the old building.

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit will rededicate the USAMU Round House, commonly called the “Patton Round House” in association with Gen. George Patton’s time at Ft. Benning, at a ceremony Friday.

Originally built in 1938 on the unit’s Hook Range, its purpose was to serve as a hunting lodge but soon became the Officers Club annex. The building of the Round House coincided with the designation of Hook Range as the post’s skeet range. 2nd. Lt. Paul Tibbets attracted attention for his innovative method of using skeet training to teach aerial gunners to lead their targets at the range. Tibbets later attained the rank of brigadier general and piloted the Enola Gay on Aug. 6, 1945, dropping the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

It is known that Generals Patton, Tibbets, Omar Bradley and Courtney Hodges all spent a significant amount of time on the range during the World War II era, and it is presumed that they often visited the adjacent Round House. It has been said that the generals would place small wagers on shooting matches and then find refuge in the Round House afterwards. John Wayne used the building as a retreat while filming “The Green Berets” on post in 1967 and one scene of the film was shot on location at Hook Range.

In 1956 President Dwight D. Eisenhower formed the USAMU to raise the overall marksmanship proficiency of the Army. By 1960, Hook Range and the Round House were home to the USAMU Shotgun team and it hosted the Olympic trials for marksmanship. Since that time, seven Olympic medalists, several World Champions and a slew of national champions have walked through the door of the Round House to shoot a game of pool or sit by the fireplace to relax after a match.

The wooden landmark has been beset by age and erosion the last several years and word got around that it was slated for demolition. Several former and current members of the USAMU made it their mission to ensure that the World War II artifact would survive and be better than before.

In a letter dated 1999, Tibbetts wrote a letter describing the Round House as not just an old World War II building, but as “an icon to be preserved” because it “projects a strong nostalgic memory and image” for those who spent time there during the World War II era.

The building survived the chopping block thanks to the charity of a friend of the USAMU family. Prosser Mellon and the Mellon Foundation stepped in and made a significant monetary contribution to the Army with the intent of restoring the Round House.

Mellon is friends with Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, a shotgun shooter for the USAMU. The two were introduced by a mutual friend, John Hamilton, Mellon’s son-in-law, and they immediately struck up a rapport. Mellon was an invited guest of the unit one day a few years ago and after touring the custom firearms shop and the pistol range, he descended upon Hook Range to do some skeet shooting.

“Walking up to the skeet line he saw this building, unmaintained, and asked about it since it didn’t really fit into the landscape with everything else so clean and in-shape,” Richmond recalled. “He asked me the story behind this building, so I briefly told its history, about all of the famous and influential generals who used it, and went back to shooting.

“Prior to him leaving for the day, his wife Sandy Mellon came over and said that she needed to get some information on who to get in touch with-Prosser wants to re-do that house. Basically it started there over night and we are where we are today.”

After several months of construction, a few words, a ribbon cutting and “first shot” ceremony will reopen the building Friday morning. From that point on, the Patton Round House will once again be ready to host social gatherings, shotgun matches, and maybe even a few more of those “unofficial” officers meetings.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- The Patton Round House sits on Hook Range some 20 years ago. The rapidly deteriorating building was restored to its design and will be rededicated Friday.

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.

MTM Case-Gard Introduces The New Tactical Range Box

MTM Case-Gard

Dayton, OH --(Ammoland.com)- MTM Case-Gard known for their plastic ammunition boxes and shooting accessories announces their new Tactical Range Box.

This is a must have item for tactical gun owners! It is carefully designed to service both bolt action and AR style rifles.

The Tactical Range box not only includes two adjustable gun forks for rifles and shotguns, but it also has an all new action block insert arm that is designed to fit into the magazine well of AR-15/M16 style rifles.

It offers excellent support for cleaning and accessory mounting for customization with red dots, lights, and lasers.

The Tactical Range Box uses a two-piece design. The removable top storage box is a bonus for storing all of your small cleaning items like oils, solvents, brushes, batches, as well as any additional accessories.

Unlatch the top box to reveal a deep-storage maintenance center. This is a convenient place to stash your larger items like ammo and powder. This is truly the ultimate range box, maintenance center!

• MSRP- $54.95
• MADE IN USA

For more information and availability, check with your local sporting goods dealer or contact MTM Molded Products at (937) 890-7461. See the full line of MTM products at www.mtmcase-gard.com

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

North East, MD --(Ammoland.com)- The rifle and shotgun ranges at Elk Neck State Forest will be closed beginning November 30, 2010 for renovations and repairs.

This closure should last several weeks. During the closure, the pistol range will remain open for use during normal hours of operation.

Users are reminded that the pistol range is restricted to the use of revolvers and pistols only.

No long rifles of any sort are permitted at facility.

Questions, comments, or concerns should be directed to the Forest Office at (410) 287-5675.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland’s forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.DNR.Maryland.gov.

AcuSport

BELLEFONTAINE, OHIO --(Ammoland.com)- AcuSport Corporation, a leading distributor of shooting and hunting products announces the creation of an innovative business solution that will change the way indoor and outdoor shooting ranges promote, purchase and manage their range business.

Through the OnTarget Range Program independent retailers now have an advocate, with insite and expertise needed to simplify the traditional range program, saving the range owner valuable time.

The OnTarget range solution provides retailers the opportunity to purchase their guns, ammunition, accessories and other range necessities from a single source without order minimums and traditional restrictions. This new business offering reinforces AcuSport’s commitment to creating value for the independent retailer. The OnTarget Range Program will be managed by a firearms industry expert and will be continually expanded to fit the ever changing needs of range owners.

Acusport On-Target Range Program

Doug VanderWoude, former owner and operator of Silver Bullet Firearms Indoor Range and Training Center has over 30 years of retail firearms experience.

“Doug’s retail, range and overall business experience are a great resource for shooting range retailers”, says Kenan Ikels, Director of Business Development for AcuSport. “This innovative service will provide our retailers with all range essentials in one place, product specials, marketing opportunities, and consulting services, making this truly a one-stop solution for range owners”.

Doug reports, “I’m excited to be part of the AcuSport team and to manage such an innovative solution for range owners.”

Doug can be contacted at 1-800-543-3150 Ext. 6296 or via e-Mail at DVanderWoude@AcuSport.com.

Based in Bellefontaine, Ohio, AcuSport Corporation is a nationwide distributor of shooting and hunting products with regional sales offices in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, Montana and California. Independent retailers, who would like to place an order, please call 1-800-543-3150 or visit www.AcuSport.com for additional information.

“We are dedicated to independent sporting goods retailers through our commitment to people, technology and innovation.”

Wiping Lead off hands with Hygenall FieldWipes after firing guns a can reduce lead exposure.

Hygenall

Huntsville, Alabama --(Ammoland.com)- Hygenall Corporation announced today that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently recommended Hygenall (www.hygenall.com) products for use after firing weapons.

The announcement comes just a few weeks before the CDC’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week October 24 – 30, 2010. Hygenall makes several products to help solve the Lead problem and clean off dirt and germs: Hygenall FieldWipes are a non-rinse wipe that decontaminates where rinse water is not available; Hygenall FieldWash is a hand and body wash; Hygenall FieldLaundry a laundry detergent for removing Lead from clothes, and Hygenall ToxOff  is a general purpose and Lead decontamination surface cleaner for floors, tables, tools and equipment.

“The CDC recommendation for Hygenall products will help bring to light the serious threat of microscopic quantities of Lead on the firing range and improve safety for both gun enthusiasts and workers,” said Michael McKinnon, CEO of Hygenall Corporation.

Lead particles, so small that they are nearly invisible, stick to skin and surfaces through an electrical bond that is difficult to disrupt. Soaps, wipes and gels, including specialty and industrial products that claim to remove Lead are not as effective because they are based on chemicals that are good for removing dirt but not for breaking the electromagnetic bond that makes Lead stick to skin and surfaces. The patented technology in Hygenall products is designed specifically to safely disrupt the Lead bond, and has shown to be highly effective even at micro-gram levels.

Hygenall Field brand products were developed specifically for firearms users and military personnel to remove microscopic quantities of Lead and other heavy metals such as Antimony, Hexavalent Chromium, Depleted Uranium Oxide, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, and others that accumulate on skin and surfaces.

“Using science that targets the removal of Lead will keep firearms users safer,” said Dr. Michael Baran, PhD., retired Air Force Colonel. “Firing range workers, firing range users, government, and military personnel in battlefield and training environments can experience more exposure to dangerous quantities of Lead dust than workers in the Lead industry.”

According to NIOSH, firing a handgun can deposit over 1,000 micrograms of Lead on the skin with each firing, which if ingested, can cause high Blood Lead Levels that can affect health in a variety of ways, including lowering I.Q. through cognitive problems, organ failure, and other diseases associated with chronic Lead exposure.

“The body treats Lead as if it were calcium, which is used to create nerve, brain, and bone tissue,” said Michael McKinnon, CEO of Hygenall Corporation, “The trouble starts when the body uses Lead as building blocks instead of actual calcium.”

Hygenall products are available through Galls, an ARAMARK Company and supplier of military and police equipment and supplies, ArgenTech Solutions, Emerging Technology Specialists, and IMMI, a minority woman owned, SBA 8(a), SBA SDB Certified, GNEMSDC Certified, and SWMWBA Certified government products supplier.

About Hygenall Corporation
Since Bloomberg Business Week featured Hygenall as one of “America’s Most Promising Start-ups” in 2009, Hygenall has worked hard to become the international thought leader in heavy metal decontamination with innovative technologies that help protect millions of people around the world from the ravages of lead and other toxic metal poisoning. Founded in 2007, Hygenall Corporation has deliberately taken leadership in the marketplace by creating solutions to reduce the impact of exposure to toxic metals. Hygenall differentiates itself by offering a range of products based on technology that was developed under critical scientific standards in government laboratories and bringing them to market at an affordable price. Most Hygenall products are made under license from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hygenall is headquartered Huntsville, Alabama with offices throughout the Americas. Hygenall Corporation builds products for several markets including Industrial, Medical, Government, and Consumer. Hygenall brands include Hygenall LeadOff, Hygenall HygaStat, Hygenall HexOff, Hygenall FieldWipes, Hygenall FieldScrub, Hygenall FieldWash, and Hygenall Industrial. Visit www.hygenall.com

Second Amendment Foundation

CHICAGO, IL --(Ammoland.com)- The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) today filed a lawsuit in federal court against the City of Chicago’s new gun ordinance, asserting that “by banning gun ranges open to the public under color of law,” the city is depriving citizens of their right to keep and bear arms in violation of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Joining SAF in this lawsuit are the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA), Action Target, Inc., and three individual plaintiffs including a retired Chicago police detective. They are represented by attorneys Alan Gura of Virginia and David Sigale of Chicago, who teamed up with SAF and ISRA on the landmark case of McDonald v. City of Chicago, which incorporated the Second Amendment to the states, effectively striking down Chicago’s 28-year-old handgun ban.

“While the city has adopted new regulations that make it legal to own handguns,” said SAF Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb, “they have crafted this new ordinance to make it virtually impossible for prospective gun owners to meet all legal requirements unless they travel outside the city for mandatory training. The new ordinance prohibits public gun ranges inside the city yet the city demands that handgun owners get at least one hour of range training time.

“This is a Catch-22′ scenario,” he continued, “that seems deliberately designed to discourage Chicago residents from exercising their firearm civil rights barely two months after those rights were restored by the Supreme Court.”

Individual plaintiffs are Rhonda Ezell, a victim of three attempted burglaries who has disabilities making it difficult for her to travel outside the city; Joseph Brown, a WWII U.S. Army veteran who was among the liberators of the infamous Dachau concentration camp, and William Hespen, a retired police detective, all of whom must qualify for Chicago Firearms Permits.

Action Target, a Utah-based company, builds shooting ranges and manufactures gun range equipment and supplies. It has a long history of providing gun safety equipment and training, and has previously built law enforcement shooting ranges in Chicago. However, Action Target is prohibited from building a public target range within the city’s limits under the restrictions of the new gun ordinance.

Randy Graham, vice president of Action Target, said, “We believe that citizens have a constitutional right to use and train with firearms in a safe and controlled environment. As a leader in the firearms training industry, Action Target is committed to standing up for these rights.”

“By banning public gun ranges,” Gottlieb said, “and by banning the loan and rental of firearms at such ranges, Chicago is acting under color of law to deprive citizens of their right to keep and bear arms, and to conveniently receive the education required under the ordinance that is necessary to obtain a Chicago Firearms Permit. The city is violating both the Second and First amendments, and we are asking the court to put an end to this nonsense.”

About:
The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and an amicus brief and fund for the Emerson case holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.