SPORTSMEN S NOTES. The Official Publication of the Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Sportsmen s Club June 2008

Transcription

1 SPORTSMEN S NOTES The Official Publication of the Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Sportsmen s Club June 2008 YOU CAN ALWAYS IMPROVE YOUR HIGH POWER ACCURACY Dave McGrath Gives His Insights Based On Years Of Experience Dave McGrath last visited us in At the time, he gave some advice to some of our riflemen including such members as Bruce Unger, Chuck Augenstein, and Jim Madar. Twelve years later, when Dave McGrath you look at the score sheets of many of our rifle competitions, you see those names at or near the top of the list. Perhaps Dave s tips helped. Any of his advice should be solid, given his 21 years of teaching high power rifle accuracy and the experience gained through 20 consecutive annual trips to Camp Perry competitions, where he humbly admits to having won a few awards. Dave noted that, although interest in competitive high power rifle competition is still high, participation is slowing down because of recent price increases in ammunition to shoot at the matches and of gasoline to get to the matches. However, for those who still had an interest in getting involved in the sport, Dave had some observation. The AR-15 seems to be the rifle of choice. It s.223 caliber is very accurate, it s ammo is the least expensive to shoot, and it lends itself to technical improvements with after market components. However the best approach may be to put out the money to buy a complete, ready-touse package. For instance, you might buy an adequate rifle from a number of manufacturers but if you intend to use it for serious matches you would have to add a number of after-market components to bring it up to competitive HIGH POWER continued on Page 5 DMSC SHORT SHOTS The program for the next meeting will be a demonstration of the new trap machine. In case of inclement weather, Vice- President and Entertainment Program Manager, Ted Hildabrand, will conduct a German drinking song sing-a-long just kidding, Ted! Note the July calendar. There will be a special shooting exhibition by Benelli shotgun expert Tim Bradley on July 27 at 2:00, after the Springfield Rifle match. Admission is free and DMSC members will be allowed to test fire the new Benelli models. See page 2 for a special new membership sign-up offer. On a somber note, DMSC member John L. Christ of Upper St. Clair recently passed away., two weeks short of his 75th birthday. Surviving are his wife, Carol Christ; a son, John L. Christ III, also a DMSC member, and two grandchildren. The Club sends its sympathy to the Christ family. It was a small but industrious group that turned out for the May Work Party. There was John and Steven Tupta, Ken Zubko, Bruce Ungar, George Taylor, Denny Poluha, Jim Grubbs and his buddy, and the tall, grayhaired-weed-whacker-guy. ( We have to get better at getting the names). Thanks! Future Work Parties: June 21, July 19, August 16, and September 20. Please try to make one or more Parties. Your help is needed to make your shooting experience a pleasure. SHORT SHOTS continued on Page 5 Inside This Issue USRA Results 6 Antique Rifle Pix and Scores 7 Swinging Targets Pix 8 NRA Women s Programs 8 League News 10 May High Power Rifle Pix 10 PGC and PFBC News 11 Trading Post 12

2 SHOOTING OPPORTUNITIES REMINDER: SUNDAY SHOOTING HOURS BEGIN AT 9:00AM. All shooting hours are posted on the clubhouse outside bulletin board. 2 PISTOL MONDAY NIGHT OUTDOOR. The first line shoots at 6:00PM, the second line at 7:00. Call the program leaders, George Taylor (412) or Bruce Ungar (412) , for additional information. SATURDAY OUTDOOR SILHOUETTE The outdoor program fires every fourth Saturday at 9:00AM. Call George Taylor (412) for additional information. NOTE: For RANGE SAFETY purposes, George needs a couple of volunteers to help coordinate movement and target setting between the pistol and rifle ranges. Call him if you re available or just show up. TRES BANDIDOS July 30, the fifth Wednesday of the month, is set for this fun shoot. Bring a team or come alone. Call George Taylor will call the line. Call him for details. RIFLE NRA 200 YARD HIGH POWER The program fires at 9:00AM the first Saturday of each month. Remember, the program added a modified F class that permits the use of scopes. Call John Tupta (724) , or Al Jaworski (724) for equipment requirements and other particulars. CIVILIAN MARKSMANSHIP PROGRAM The matches are held the third Sunday of the month and start at 11:00AM, with the range available at 9:30. For information, call Al Marsico at (724) New shooters must contact Al for a safety orientation prior to shooting. For information, call Al Marsico at (724) New shooters must contact Al for a safety orientation prior to shooting. SPRINGFIELD MATCH Plan ahead for the 3rd Annual Springfield/Bolt Action match on Sunday, July 27, at 10:00AM. Further details will be forthcoming from Al Marsico. BLACK POWDER. Contact Ron Watton, (724) , or watton2@verizon.net. SHOTGUN TRAP shoots on Tuesdays at 6:00PM. Call Doug Gawronski, , for info. 5-STAND shoots the first and third Sundays. Call Tom Kramer, , for more information. BRING A FRIEND TO THE BENELLI SHOT- GUN SHOOTING EXHIBITION WITH TIM BRADLEY ON July 27 at 2:00PM. Any nonmember who applies for DMSC membership at the event will get $10 off their first year dues.

3 3 JULY 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday All Upper Ranges Closed Lower Pistol Range Closed All Ranges Closed 1 7:00PM- 10:00PM Trap Range 2 5:00PM Smallbore Rifle Practice :00AM NRA High Power Rifle 6 9:00AM- 1:00PM 5-Stand 7 6:00PM Outdoor Pistol (NMC) 8 7:00PM- 10:00PM Trap Range 9 5:00PM Smallbore Rifle Practice 10 7:30PM BOARD MEETING :00PM Outdoor Pistol (NMC) 15 7:00PM- 10:00PM Trap Range 16 5:00PM Smallbore Rifle Practice WORK PARTY 20 9:00AM- 1:00PM 5-Stand 11:00AM CMP Match 21 6:00PM Outdoor Pistol (NMC) 22 7:00PM- 10:00PM Trap Range 23 5:00PM Smallbore Rifle Practice 24 8:00PM Members Meeting :00AM Outdoor Pistol Silhouette 27 10:00AM Springfield Match 2:00PM Shotgun Exhibition 28 6:00PM Outdoor Pistol (NMC) 29 7:00PM- 10:00PM Trap Range 30 5:00PM Smallbore Rifle Practice 6:00PM Tres Bandidos 31

4 4 Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Sportsmen s Club P.O. Box Pittsburgh, PA Next Membership Meeting: Thursday, June 26, 2008 Speaker: Doug Gawronski, Trap Program Manager Topic: New Trap Machine Demonstration EXECUTIVE STAFF GEORGE TAYLOR IV... PRESIDENT THEODORE HILDABRAND...VICE PRESIDENT ELLSWORTH F. VINES...TREASURER MILES FORD...RECORDING SECRETARY GREG FINK.MEMBERSHIP CHAIR BRUCE UNGAR...EXECUTIVE RANGE OFFICER LOU ROMITO......NEWSLETTER EDITOR MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS AND DUES Active (Full-fledged membership) $70.00 per year Senior (65 years old, 10 years consecutive membership) $25.00 per year Intermediate (18-21) $25.00 per year Junior (12-17) $ 5.00 per year Initiation fee (one time) $25.00 Computer Gate Card $10.00 CLUB DIRECTORS ROBERT L. ATKISON CHARLES R. AUGENSTEIN, II GEORGE A. DIETZ MILES R. FORD DOUG GAWRONSKI THEODORE K. HILDABRAND THOMAS H. KRAMER, JR RAYMOND C. NIST LOU ROMITO EARL L. TAYLOR GEORGE TAYLOR, IV BRUCE D. UNGAR ELLSWORTH F. VINES RONALD J. WATTON DAVE WILLARD AFFILIATIONS: National Rifle Association Allegheny County Sportsmen s League Washington County Sportsmen s League Metropolitan Police Revolver League Pittsburgh and Suburban Rifle League National Sporting Clays Association SANCTIONED BY: Department of Civilian Marksmanship Pennsylvania Rifle and Pistol Association United States Revolver Association CLUB COMMUNICATION Club Web Site: Club House Phone: (724) Membership Inquiries: DMtLSCMembers@aol.com (412) Newsletter: louromito@gmail.com MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO CARRY THEIR GATE CARDS AND BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WHEN ASKED TO BY ANOTHER MEMBER OR THE CARETAKERS

5 HIGH POWER 5 continued from Page1 standards. This might include: A lighter trigger package -the stock trigger pull is about 7 pounds with drag. A floating barrel a fixed barrel is affected by the amount of pressure applied by the sling, Sights with maximum adjustability stock sights will get you out to 450 yards but you need to reach out to 600 yards Various weights. Add the cost of these additions to your basic price and you ve exceeded the cost of a high end weapon that you can use right out of the box for high competition matches. Dave doesn t push any specific manufacturer, but noted Rock River Arms sells an out of the box package and usually gives a significant discount at the Camp Perry matches. He also pointed out if you buy a lesser quality piece for recreational shooting and want to step up to competition, you might have a difficult time finding a buyer for it. For the rifle collectors, Dave also noted vintage rifles are becoming scarce and are getting to the point that they may soon only be available at gun shows. M1 Garands are really hard to find. If you see one get it while it s still available so you can own a piece of history. He noted that years ago, on his first trip to a high power match he had second thoughts and considered turning around and going home, but he didn t. If he had, he would have saved thousands of dollars over the years. But he s glad he followed his instincts and has had years of enjoyment in the sport. SHORT SHOTS continued from Page 1 The NRA is promoting female participation in the shooting sports through its Women On Target program. Some of the award patches are shown below. We have outstanding female shooters in each category who might be interested. The details are on Page 9. If you haven t been on the grounds for a while you haven t seen the new gazebo adjacent to the trap range. Primarily designed to provide respite for the trap shooters it can also serve as an outdoor training facility. George Taylor (left) and Ted Hildabrand (right) present Dave McGrath with a DMSC logo shirt as a thank-you for his fine presentation. Dave then covered such topics types of ammunition, barrel twist, and breaking in routines. His quick tip for improving your scores is to learn how to use a sling. He ll go into even more depth when he receives his Camp Perry CMP instructor certification this month and starts conducting 4-hour high power clinics to small classes at various clubs.

6 6 DMSC TEAMS IN USRA COMPETITION ENJOY ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR Bob Nipar reports the final results of the 2008 USRA program: The first listing is an overview of the standings. The second listing is of the individual shooters. Those who medaled are indicated by a. Air Pistol: Team #1-2nd place Sharpshooter Team #2-1st place Tyro (medaled) 22 Slow Fire - 1st place Marksman (medaled) Center Fire Slow Fire - 2nd place Sharpshooter 45 Slow Fire: Team #1-1st place Tyro (medaled) Team #2-4th place Marksman Double Action Revolver - 4th place Expert Air Pistol Team 1, Second Place Sharpshooter, no medal 1. Bill Phillips 2. Doug Gawronski 3. Bruce Ungar Team 2, 1st Place Tyro 1. Robert Nipar 2. John Nipar 3. George Kahlouf 22 Slow Fire: 1st Place Marksman 1. Dave Gannon 2. Doug Gawronsk 3. Bruce Ungar 4. Ted Hildabrand 5. John Nipar 6. Don Holland 7. No shooter 8. John Pacsutta 9. Robert Nipar 10. No shooter Center Fire Slow Fire - 2nd Place Sharpshooter 1. Dave Gannon 2. Dave Faust 3. Bruce Ungar 45 Slow Fire Team 1, 1st place Tyro, 1. Dave Gannon # 2. Dave Faust # 3. No shooter Team 2, 4th place Marksman 1. Don Holland 2. John Pacsutta 3. No shooter Double Action Revolver - 4th place Expert 1. Dave Gannon 2. Dave Faust 3. No shooter Bob welcomes all members to join in the program this fall for the 2009 season to continue our winning ways. There will be a sign up announcement later in the year. You can get daily NRA news reports in small doses or a big chunk at NRA NEWS.com

7 7 Cliff McCoy Al Marsico Zachary Willard Steven Tupta Jim Madar Jim Madar set the fast pace for a warm shoot in early June. Thanks to Al Marsico for calling a crisp line and Cliff McCoy for watching our backs. The next match is in early November, if the good Lord is willin and the creek don t rise. Bring a friend. This match always makes for great fun, competition, and camaraderie. However, the most gratifying aspect may be the way the match transcends generations so the legends of tomorrow can learn from the legends of yesterday and continue the tradition.

8 8 DMSC GIVES A WHOLE NEW MEAN- ING TO THE WORD SWINGER Don Dabulis Frank Shuster Ted Hildabrand One Saturday morning, between rounds of the silhouette match, three guys got together to look over some sketches of a new idea. The guys were Don Dabulis, Frank Shuster, and Ted Hildabrand. The idea was to build and install swinging targets on the rifle range at 100 and 200 yards. A few weeks later the concept became a reality. The swingers were fabricated by Don and his son, and set up by Frank and Ted, with Ray Nist and Bob Kirsopp providing able assistance. Thanks for the great work, guys. NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION PROMOTING FEMALE PARTICIPATION POSTAL MATCHES The NRA has announced new postal matches ---for women only. They have also designed new Marksmanship Qualification Patches for women for the pistol, rifle and shotgun disciplines. NRA Women On Target is inviting YOU to fire a score for record in any one of our annual national women only postal matches for PISTOL (rimfire match, centerfire match), RIFLE (smallbore match, highpower match), and SHOTGUN (trap match, skeet match, sporting clays/5-stand match). Participate in one discipline, two, or all three! The Women On Target Postal Matches are is conducted annually, January 1 through December 27. The match is open to all female shooters, regardless of age, but each shooter may only enter once per calendar year. Membership in the NRA is not required but is encouraged. Click here for the postal match conditions, rules, and more information. MARKSMANSHIP QUALIFICATION Women have an exciting incentive to improve (or start developing) their marksmanship skills with the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program. Obtain the NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet online at the Program Materials Center. Check training/marksmanship. Select the course of fire you want to use, and order the corresponding Women On Target Rifle, Pistol, or Shotgun qualification patch. As you complete each rating requirement, fill out your certificate and add your rocker to the Women On Target Patch on your vest or jacket. Start tracking your practice scores on the firing line, and watch your skills progress from beginning ratings (Pro-Marksman and Marksman) through intermediate ratings (Marksman 1st Class, Sharpshooter, and Expert) up to a nationallyrecognized rating -- Distinguished Expert. Change disciplines (pistol to rifle or shotgun, for example) and you can vie for Double Distinguished Expert. Change again, and you can be a Triple Distinguished Expert.

9 9 PISTOL SHOOTING FEES UPDATE PROGRAM $FEE PER SMALL BORE Silhouette Outdoor Silhouette Indoor Monday Night 4.00 Practice Session 7.00 Competition Session 3.00 Session 1.00 Line Rifle 3.00 Session CAR TRAILER FOR SALE. $5500. TOURS AVAILABLE. CALL ELL VINES FOR INFO. Dimensions: 7 6 center height 8 4 width 24 length Tandem axle Torsion suspension Aluminum wheels Trailer Specifications Brakes on both wheels 7000 lbs. GVW Wood grain inside finish Man door and drop door SHOTGUN Trap 3.00 Session 5-Stand Shot Round Four Rounds 2.50 Round Under 16 yrs. CENTER FIRE CMP 6.00 Round w/targets Round w/targets and 64 rounds of ammo MISC NRA 200 Yard Beginners Rifle Winter Postal 6.00 Round w/targets Week Program 2.00 Practice Session year membership Fees vary by discipline

10 10 MEETING NOTES FROM THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN S LEAGUE AND THE WASHINGTON COUNTY SPORTSMEN S AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE (Delegates Mike Yanchak and Bob Kirsopp) The ACSL reported that on June 10, the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary committee considered house Bill 1845 along with several amendments. In the House a series of amendments were offered that corrected a number of laws of Pennsylvania law. Some of the corrections included in this bill would allow Pennsylvania citizens to carry a concealed firearm in state parks, prohibit gun confiscations during an emergency like what occurred in Louisiana during the Katrina storm, and provide for an emergency concealed carry permit for domestic abuse victims. While some in the Senate wanted to remove these amendments the Senate Judiciary Committee rejected that attempt. This bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee and then will go directly to the floor for a full Senate vote. From the Game Commission, WCO Gary Fujak reported that through the hunting and post-hunting periods, 3700 deer were tested for CWD. There were no negative results. There will be no spraying for gypsy moths this year. There is an error on Page 21 of the Hunter s Digest concerning hunting of furbearers. You can use electronic devices, despite the Digest stating electronic devices are not allowed. On the Boat Commission side, WCO Larry Furlong stated that new no-wake signs have been placed at the point. On June 1 there were two boating accidents. Fortunately there were no fatalities. There was also a jet ski accident. Early indications are recreational boating has not decreased in spite of fuel costs. MAY 2007 CMP RIFLE MATCH It was a fine day for a match as these smiling faces, representing the entire spectrum of the club membership, can attest. The turnout was large, with some leaving before picture time.

11 11 PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION NEWS Pheasant Plan Comments The Pennsylvania Game Commission is seeking public input on a draft pheasant management plan, which can be reviewed on the agency's website ( by clicking on "Draft Pheasant Management Plan" in the center of the homepage. the pheasant management plan provides a comprehensive and current summary of pheasant taxonomy, biology, population trends, habitat relationships and trends, pheasant propagation program and its role, hunter harvest, economic significance, partnerships and population restoration approaches in Pennsylvania. The draft management plan focuses on providing quality pheasant hunting in Pennsylvania and outlines 14 objectives and 58 strategies to achieve six goals. Public comments on the agency's pheasant management plan will be accepted until July 12, via the website or by mail to: Pheasant Management Plan, Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA For the Birds The Pennsylvania Game Commission has become the first state wildlife agency to host and manage an "ebird" website. "Pennsylvania ebird" is a customized satellite website in the international ebird network that shares news about birds, birding, and conservation with birders and serves as a common database for their bird records. The ebird network is dedicated to helping birders throughout North America and the world record their bird observations and improve our understanding of seasonal bird activities and movements. This Little Piggy Went to Market Feral swine are not native to Pennsylvania and present many problems to wildlife and people. They can cause tremendous damage to habitat and property. In the first step to eradicate the invasive and destructive feral swine, executive director Carl Roe issued an order on May 7 that removed them from the protected species list in 64 of the state's 67 counties. PENNSYLVANIA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION NEWS Walleye Study The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has announced that it has stopped walleye fry stockings in the Susquehanna, Lehigh and Allegheny rivers on an experimental basis. The Commission thinks the current level of natural reproduction in these rivers may be capable of sustaining the walleye population and providing the recreational opportunities that anglers have come to expect. PFBC biologists will continue to count yearling walleye at the same locations during the years when no walleye are stocked. This will provide a measure of stocking success. The PFBC expects that it will require at least three years of not stocking to determine if natural walleye reproduction in these rivers is adequate. Alcohol, Boating & the Media The PFBC has asked the media to conduct on-the-water interviews with WCOs and broadcast a safety message for the Fourth of July holiday. We re not mainstream media, but out of concern for fellow sportsmen we are passing along the message anyway. Boating under the influence is one of the main causes of boating accidents and fatalities in Pennsylvania. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, yet Waterways Conservation Officers make several arrests each year because boaters choose not to obey the law and put themselves and others in danger. Fish and Boat Commission research shows that even the slightest blood alcohol content can impair boat operators and can cause disorientation to anyone who is suddenly submerged in water. Stay sober and safe.

12 THE TRADING POST 12 For sporting equipment associated with club related activities shooting, hunting, fishing, and archery. That means no golf clubs, soccer shoes, weight benches, old tires, personal dating services, etc....you get the point. I WANT TO BUY BOLT ACTION.22 LONG RIFLES Non-scoped.22 s needed for Boy Scout Troop 225 of St. Valentines, Bethel Park. Call Marc (412) (3/08) THE OFFICIAL DORMONT-MT. LEBA- NON SPORTSMEN S CLUB LONG SLEEVE DENIM SHIRT OR SHORT SLEEVE POLO SHIRT WITH THE CLUB LOGO. Wait a minute!!! I can get one by calling Chuck Augenstein, the DMSC merchandising program manager, at I WANT TO SELL REMINGTON 1100 SHOTGUN. Excellent condition, beautiful stock. Call Ed, (724) (5/08) RUGER 77/22 LR. excellent condition, walnut stock, with mounted Simmons 4x32 scope. $385. Call Rich (724) (6/08) RUGER 77/17 RM. excellent condition, walnut stock, with Tasco 3x9x40 scope. $450. Call Rich, (724) (6/08) REM. 540-X TARGET.22. Redfield peep sights, block and sling. Excellent condition. $450. Call Rich, (724) (6/08) Long sleeve denim shirt, $20. Short sleeve polo in colors shown, $30. State size, S-M-L-XL H&R 1871 BUFFALO CLASSIC, 45/70 AND TARGET MODEL 38/55. Both new and unfired no boxes. $345 each. Call Rich, (724) (6/08) The Trading Post is a free clearing house service for DMSC members. It bears no responsibility or liability for accuracy of information, item condition, or reliability of submitter. Mail Trading Post items to DMSC P.O.Box Pittsburgh, PA 15241, or to louromito@gmail.com. Indicate whether you want to buy or sell, list the general item, then specific details, and include a contact point, as well as a picture if available. After two issues the item will be removed unless the submitter requests an extension.