Mid 2007 THR Get Together/Camp

[bratch]

I am looking into the possibility of trying to organize a nationwide get together sometime in the middle of 2007. The NRA Whittinton Center, Raton NM has been suggested as the meeting point. I would like to have some of our more knowledgable members give classes or talks.

Let me know what you guys think.

[Across The Pond]

Yes, I'd seriously consider flying over for that, given that it's more than a year off and I could plan. Personal request - could we get some of the Blackpowder gurus to speak/coach?

Regds, ATP

[bratch]

I know of atleast one BP guru on here. I'll shoot them a message and see if they would be interested.

[Declaration Day]

I would love to go. Do you have any idea what time of year you plan to do this? Or has the idea not progressed to that point?

I'd make the time to attend, but mid to late fall would be the most convenient for me.

I think we should invite the Million Mom March members to cook for us, haul out garbage and change targets.

[bratch]

No idea on any time right now. Alot of it will depend on the people I'm trying to get to give classes and when they are able to attend and the weather in the area. I for one don't want to be out playing in 100+ heat.

[Rockrivr1]

I bet it would be pretty interesting. I wonder if people would be civil to each other the whole time or if some of the more vocal members would get into it a bit. I'm in!!!!

[Larry Ashcraft]

Quite an undertaking Bratch. You know I'll be right in there helping organize, and its going to take a ton of organizing.

Whittington: June is a great time to go, the snow is gone (its at the base of the rocky mountains), and it won't be too hot. Fall would probably work just as well.

Black powder gurus? I can almost guarantee Smoke Rizen will be there, and he competes in the BP class in SASS.

Here's a link to the Whittington Center site: http://www.nrawc.org/ Memberships, unless they have changed are $15 for one day, or $35/year for a family membership. No waiting lists, no requirement to be an NRA member. Housing is listed on the site, but it ranges from primitive camping through RV parking, competitors housing (kind of like college dorms) and nice cabin rental.

Every type of range is available for use, unless there is a match going on. the only mistake you can make there is to not bring enough ammo.

Raton is a town of maybe 100,000 people, if that, so I'm not sure what the airport facilities are. The range is about five miles from town, so the ones of us who drive down could shuttle people from the airport.

[sm]

Larry and his family are determined to have me head to CO I see...or "out that direction".

They bribe, and do all sorts of stuff to me...you folks do not know the half of it. :p

Well someone better bring a BP shotgun for sure if we have BP folks out there.

Now I admit I may been persuaded more toward shotguns ...

Anyone have one them high dollar bench rifles? I want to learn that...and full auto, and reloading metallic (I was busy doing shot shells) and, anyone know how to diffuse bombs? I want to learn about too, learn about making blackpowder, gunpowder, make a BP rifle of some kind, shoot long range with BP, handgun Silhouettes, be involved making a gun barrel, making a critical shot from a helicopter ( don't ask) and...

I gotta get out of school someday, get set up in what I want to do in a out in the middle of nowhere place and get into somethings I used to do , always wanted to learn.

Been too long since I took a survival course, last time left out for 4 days and had to make it back. Anyone do survivial classes like the Air Force and other Branches of Service do? ...I wanna do that...and...

I really really want to learn to skydive, then wingwalk.

See I have always wanted to parachute in somehwhere and use the survival skills to make it back it out. I will do this someday, you watch me.

[ColoradoKid]

Living in Colo., it would something I would be very interested in going, helping and doing some handgun instruction for all those wishing such....

[Larry Ashcraft]

Well someone better bring a BP shotgun for sure if we have BP folks out there.
Well, I've already guaranteed Bud would be there, so I further guarantee he will bring a couple rabbit-ear shotguns and some BP loads. ;)

[sm]

Well Larry,

I'm in trouble then. :D

Sadie, then the rest of you folks *smirk* Food, Guns, Scenery, and everythng else I know, and hinted at learning from your end...

I am in trouble once I make the drive out. A good kind of trouble I might add...

:)

[bratch]

OK is between AR and NM;)

[Larry Ashcraft]

This thing is coming to life already.

Sandy has threatened to post. :uhoh:

Food: Food must be taken care of. Folks need to eat and Raton doesn't offer much. We will take care of our own, food will be provided, I have a big truck. ;) We can do a kitty for food if need be.

Travel accomodations: Bryce is going to check into airport accomodations into Raton. They should be pretty good, Whittington Center puts on some huge matches all year long.

Before I forget, ColoradoKid, welcome to the forum. We would appreciate any help we could get on this. :)

[sm]

bratch,

Yeah I know where OK is...OK knows about me too. :p

[ACP230]

I'm interested but high heat will definitely be a problem.

[bratch]

Right now we are shooting for a June date.

Larry who is just a couple hours north said the weather in June is beautiful so heat is looking like less of a concern.

[Oldskoolfan]

How far is that from Albequerque New Mexico?

[Larry Ashcraft]

How far is that from Albequerque New Mexico?
Roughly 200 miles north from Q-town to Raton. Raton is extreme northern New Mexico, on I-25, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Colorado state line.

[Declaration Day]

Right now we are shooting for a June date.

Larry who is just a couple hours north said the weather in June is beautiful so heat is looking like less of a concern.

Depending on how large you want this event to be, June may be too short of a notice for most of us.

[bratch]

This is June 2007. Roughly a 14 month notice. If this is too short of a time frame let me know. Larry has stated due to the mountain weather that June would be the ieal time.

[jobu07]

June 2007 is too short of notice? Busy man! ;)

[Declaration Day]

June 2007 is too short of notice? Busy man!

Sorry about that, I thought he meant this june.

Note to self: Wake up and have some coffee before posting on THR.

[Third_Rail]

Seems like far enough off you'd be able to get some fairly big names there.

I'll see what Michael de Bethencourt is up to.

[shaggycat]

If we go in the summer, I would do everything in my power to come. Myself and other college students might find it hard though if is during the spring or fall semesters.

[Lennyjoe]

Myself, my son and my buddy Don are in. Don is actually from the Raton area.

[bratch]

Sounds good so far guys. Most the people I have talked to have expressed interest and wanted to attend.

Declaration Day: You are not this first person to think June 2006. Maybe I should bold the 2007

[Otherguy Overby]

Cool. the place is RV Friendly. I'm intestested.

[gazpacho]

If this is a go, you might consider talking with an ammo distributor. People traveling could place orders and have their ammo delivered to the camp/meet/shoot. Travelling with thousands of rounds of ammo might be a little tough to explain to the FAA or state police. Multiply that by hundreds of attendees and you might want to give a heads up the the DHS or BATFE, not to mention the locals.

There will likely be a Full Auto day at the range, right? Maybe even BP cannons?

[OEF_VET]

I'm definitely interested. I think I can convince Oleg to go also (especially since he'll technically be my employee by that time :) ).

If I do get out there, you can rest assured that there will definitely be some F/A and suppressed weapons.

[ACP230]

Another thought: author/shooter, John Ross, puts on full-auto shoots at his range near St. Louis. I've seen the list of FA guns used at the shoots and, although I've shot quite a bit of FA, there were some there I'd like to fire.

He might be approached about hosting a THR shoot, if Raton is too far off and too high up for some folks.

[12-34hom]

Sounds like a hoot. Just like EOSM Gunslinger hosted down in the Ozarks.

There was a class act.

12-34hom.

[english kanigit]

Another thought: author/shooter, John Ross, puts on full-auto shoots at his range near St. Louis.

Plus it's more or less in the middle of the nation.

I'll talk to my dad about this. Mayhaps the two of us could bring one of our trailer grills. Each summer we regularly cook meals 350 people for a week. Now we don't do every meal but we usually do around 4. Smoked pig, grilled chickens, rib racks.... I really need a drooling smiley right about now...

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/images/smilies/smiley31.gif

I'll have a talk with him...;)

[Larry Ashcraft]

Need to check with the NRA concerning if they allow FA at Whittington. Zak might know.

I hope you folks don't hold me responsible for the weather. June is a pretty good bet, but this is the Rocky Mountains. Two years ago, we spent three days there. It was beautiful.

"Only two types of people try to predict weather in the rockies, fools and newcomers."

[Oldskoolfan]

Thanks Larry.

[bratch]

Full auto requires approval of the Director.

[Larry Ashcraft]

Bratch,

Probably not a problem at all then, especially if we can get Zak and Hoser in on this. Zak has a line on full auto weapons, Hoser owns some...

[SavageEMT]

Campout + guns = yes please!

:D

[Smoke Rizen]

Yes, Ammo lots of ammo! Larry,his brother,and I set up all the silhouettes on the High Power range.We decided to shoot every one of them if it took all day! It did, I went through 540 rounds of 06 in a Garand,03,and an 03A3(and 1 tube of Theragesic for my shoulder). We shot at the sight in range one day,where you can shoot out to 1,100 meters at a Buffalo silhouette. The camping facilities are top notch with clean restrooms and showers. I don't recall(recurring problem) what the nightly fee was for the motor home,but it is full service hook-up, and very reasonably priced.
sm, I loaded 50 BLACK 12 gauge rounds last night,and I went with Larry,Sandy,and Annetta last Sunday,to make available for BLACK,100 Nitro,and handicap 27 hulls which will be loaded and placed with some ceremony,and expectation, in storage until your appearance next June.
I don't eat much myself,but I'm liking some of the suggestions I've seen so far for grub. Almost nothing better than eatin' and shootin'!(I know something is,but I can't recall what it was CRS).

[sm]

Smoke Rizen,

I am humbled and appreciative again by your generosities sir!

Lessons on BP , Lessons on Shotgunning from you...not sure about anyone else...but I am going to have a blast!!:D

Steve

[Larry Ashcraft]

I don't eat much myself

*SNORT*

Right, this from a guy whose favorite cookies are "round". :D

[bratch]

Larry

I've been busy but have had a chance to talk to Whittington. I'll call you in the next couple days to discuss what has been going on I'm too tired to type it.

On the plus side I've gotten 3 offers on my house in 2 days.

[Zak Smith]

As long as the dates don't conflict with any major matches, I'll be there. If there is a desire for a "demo" 3Gun / IPSC / long-range rifle / MOR area, we can probably set something up.

[english kanigit]

Can any one help me add a pintle mount? I think it would be required for the occasion! :D

http://www.PhotoServer.us/is.php?i=149622&img=Das_Grillaz.jpg



EK, the one on the left... 4 years ago.

[sumpnz]

Tagged.

With any luck I'll be there. Too bad my kids won't be old enough to come (they'll be 3 and just turning 1 by then). I guess I better start saving up for ammo now.

I really would like to attend both long range rifle, iron sighted combat rifle (e.g. AR-15 out to 400+ yards) and practical handgun clinics. I'm sure I've got lots of bad habits that need breaking.

Are we talking about a 2-3 day affair or weeklong, or what?

Besides ammo, travel, camping spot, range fees and food will there be any costs to attend? E.g. Is Zak going to charge for the long range rifle clinic, or Smoke Rizen for the BP clinic. Not objecting if that's the case, but will need to know for planning purposes.

[sm]

english kanigit,

Shameless plug for folks to bring BBQ Guns - huh? :D

[Larry Ashcraft]

Is Zak going to charge for the long range rifle clinic, or Smoke Rizen for the BP clinic.
I really can't speak for them, but I would be surprised if they wanted to charge.

[sm]

Well...if I were to quit learning myself at this event, I mean I do have a lot I want to do and all...

I do not charge to teach kids how to use MEC shell stackers and put shotshells into shell boxes.

If there is a stage with mud for IDPA/ IPSC, just pay attention to the art of a middle-aged guy falling for style points with muzzle still in safe direction. Style points 101...

Arm twisting might get tme o do some modern shotgun stuff...

The Art of lubing a Firearm using the Oil or Trannie dipstick is another I do and am pretty good at.

Demonstrations of why you do not let a wife or girlfriend handle, much less shoot a 28 ga shotgun. I volunteer Sandy to assist me. *smirk*

And if Sandy's Salsa , and Mike's Guacamole dip is there, I get dibbs on demonstating this too. I may be dumb, but I am not stupid!

Oh...okay, if you really would prefer I take lessons and learn, I fully understand.

I might get addicted to BP shotgunning and I can use you guys for rationalization for said addiction. :D

[Zak Smith]

Well, this wouldn't be something to make money, but there are some potential costs, e.g. ammo in demo guns or consummables like IPSC targets.

[Otherguy Overby]

Maybe we could get RastNarc ™ to do some exhibition foot shooting.
I'd contribute $10 to see it real time. :evil:

[Larry Ashcraft]

IIRC there are three (maybe more, Zak?) competitors' housing units, composed of one central lobby/entrance/TV room and three wings, each containing 6 bunk rooms, a central kitchen, and M/F shower/restroom facilities. That's 18 bunkrooms or 36 people per unit. Each bunkroom contains two beds, two closets, and a small deck.

What say we reserve one (maybe two) of the units?

If we could get enough interest, we could reserve a whole unit (or two) and maybe even get a discount on the rooms (Last I heard, about $50 per room/night). Also, there is the RV and primitive camping.

Still preliminary, but we could start a kitty for food. We only have to drive 100 miles. We could get a bunch of the food ready and haul it up.

Bratch, we need to discuss this on the landline again. Looks like you may have started something!

I suggest we (bratch or me) contact the NRAWC and see about reserving the housing we need soon.
there are some potential costs, e.g. ammo in demo guns or consummables like IPSC targets.
Of course. That needs to be addressed and paid for. BUT, I don't see a problem with this group.

This is going to be expensive for all of us, but in the end, worth it.

[Larry Ashcraft]

I'll do my best, and I mean my very best, to have Crystal come with us..

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=16582&d=1094953385

[Jon Coppenbarger]

Great ideal and here are a few things to consider.
#1 when you reserve the ranges make sure they will give you plenty of rooms at the center. They will tell you you will have to wait to put in for rooms untill after a date like feb 1st or the such. Tell them NO way and because you ar organizing a large event you want some kind of promise for a large chunk of the rooms. Remember to pick a weekend that is open with NOTHING else large going on. June is a busy month down there. You most likely will be very limited on which ranges you can reserve in that month. You will run into the adventure camp dates, regional highpower events and a large one week palma match.
May could be a better choice.

#2 YOU will have to have insurance. You can not reserve any range under the Whiitington centers insurance. You most likely will have to come up with a name like the highroad shooting club and then get insurance. You will be looking at more than likey around $800 or so for that.
If you set a date you will have a certain amount of time to get the insurance together before they will officially book it for you.

#3 there are some nice sheds behind the shilouette range for folks that may want to set up sales booths.

#4 The best way for ammo os to have someone close have it drop shipped to them so that they may bring it in. I would think you could work with a ammo supplier for some good deals if you get it all shipped at once. GROUP BUY!

#5 Plenty of motels in town but its nice to stay at the center.

#6 "FOOD" I would suggest a pot luck for like a fri. and sat. evening. That time a year the resurant at the center is usually open for dinner and or breakfast. Town of Raton is like 10 minutes away. A few good places to eat and a few I avoid.

#7 Remember even if you ARE a member of the Whittington center you as well as anyone else who uses the range WILL be charged a fee of $10 a day for range use. You may consider that the cost of reserving the range so to speak.

#8 Auto's? more than likely you will not be allowed to use them as they are not allowed to be used at the center. They have waived it in the past but for this event I really think it not be allowed. You can ask as you never will unless you do.

#9 if you set a date I would ask for folks to send in funds for insurance plus the first day of range fees at least.

#10 I would reserve the following ranges for a large event. Shilouette highpower range, 1,000 yard highpower range and the run and gun type of pistol range.

#11 i believe at least 1/2 of the folks using the ranges need to be a member of the NRA. Not sure if it is required by the Center of for insurance reasons.


Sounds like fun and count me in when you get it set up.

[The_Antibubba]

June 2007. Roughly a 14 month notice.

Finally, a little advance planning! I'll be able to save up some vacation time.

We'll have to bring a whole busload of Californians; we won't be able to bring the coolest guns, but wait'll you see our high-capacity chromed tactical espresso machines!! Ooooh-and CHAI! You guys are gonna love chai.

Just let us know ahead of time what size shirt you wear, so we have enough "I (HEART) SAN FRANCISCO! Tees.


:evil:

[Arkie]

Well this sounds like lots of fun!!!

I better send my membership in to the NRA. I haven't done that yet.

Larry If you need any donations just give me a holler, I would love to be a part of this little get together also.

I'm going to have to start buying some ammo. LOL...

[sumpnz]

Well, this wouldn't be something to make money, but there are some potential costs, e.g. ammo in demo guns or consummables like IPSC targets.I would certainly have assumed that all consumables would be the responsibility of individual consuming them to cover.

Looks like I'll need to start buying about a box of ammo each month until the shoot (that and get busy at the reloading bench for the calibers I have dies for).

Are we talking about a Fri-Sun schedule, or something longer? Makes a difference in the whole budgeting issue (time and money). If I could have my way, those able to would show up on a Thursday night (the rest sometime Friday), shoot all day Friday and Saturday, and some or all of Sunday depending on individual schedules with everyone on their way home by Monday. For those that live close enough, that would only mean 1 or 2 days of vacation time and would keep accomodation costs within reason while still allowing us to generate a mountain of spent brass. However, I'm certainly willing to go along with whatever bratch and Larry come up with.

How much are the primitive camping spots, and are shower facilities available to people who camp there? If the civilized rooms are $50/room/night I'd be pretty temped to go that route, since by sharing it's only $25/person, especially if the campers don't get to use the showers.

[bratch]

Larry,

When I talked to NRAWC last week I ran into a little bit of difficulty in discussing our plans since we were so early in planning and didnt have a real decent idea on the numbers we would have or what exactly we would be needing. They were more than willing to try whatever they could to accomadate us but we're going to need a few more plans.

Hopefully another discussion on the land-line will iron out enough details to get the ball rolling a little quicker.

My next couple weeks are hellacious but give me a call when you get a chance and I'll make time for you.

Looks like this will be a great time guys.

[bratch]

Housing prices from website:

RV Campground Area, Per Night (daily) - $18.00
(6 persons maximum per vehicle)
Electric only (shotgun building and coors range) - $12.00
RV Storage - $1.00 per day OR $25.00 per month

Primitive Campground (daily) - $12.00

Competitor Housing, Per Person, Per Night - Single Occupancy $26.00; Double Occupancy $44.00

Log Cabins, Per Person (4 min) - $14.00

Housekeeping Cabin, Per Person, Per Night - Single Occupancy $26.00; Double Occupancy $44.00

RV Cabin (daily) - $35.00

The original time frame was Thursday to Sunday. This hasn't been set in stone and people are always free to come and go as they please.

Jon,

Thanks for the input. Alot of the stuff I was unaware of and will need to be looked into.

Hopefully we can get 40 in attendance that should get the insurance to around $20/person.

[Larry Ashcraft]

You can not reserve any range under the Whittington centers insurance.
Jon, is it necessary to reserve a range? Just asking. We were there in June two years ago and we reserved the housing, but not the ranges. We just used the ones that weren't being used. There was a High Power event going on (you were there, I saw your name on the sign-in), so that range was closed, as was the BP one, but everything else was open and hardly being used at all. Oh, there was a Sporting Clays tournament going on on Sunday, also.

Of course there were only about 15 of us. We used the Hunter Silhouette, rifle silhouette and the sight in range. Also, the IPSC ranges were not being used at all.

I think it would be hard for that large a group to decide which range to reserve. There are going to be shooters of every persuasion in our group. I would like to try their shotgun facilities, and maybe spend another day at the rifle silhouette range with my Garand. I'm sure a lot of handgun people will want to try the Hunter Silhouette (everything from rimfire to magnum calibers, NO bottleneck cartridges). Zak will want to use one or more of the IPSC or 3 gun ranges.

See what I mean? Is it possible for us to just fan out for the day(s) and just use the available ranges?

More questions to ask the NRAWC people.

[Jon Coppenbarger]

Larry
Sure you can do that. but I would think the way you guys are talking it may turn out to be a larger event than that.
I just wanted to bring up a few things you may run into for a larger event.
Just look at the turn out you guys get for the get together down in Pueblo.

We are having a event like you are talking about on the 28th threw 30th of this month and it looks like around 50 to 60 shooters coming from all over the country.
To put it together is not that bad as the insurance thing is the hang up. But as you see there are lots of events down there so folks do it.
Lets see what happens and how this one goes and if you want after you talk to the NRA center I can put you in contact with a few folks that put this one together. It may make it smoother for you to orginize.

If you reserve the ranges for a event you can plan shoots like a 3-gun or a a long range or what ever. Lots of room down that away.

Did not mean to make it sound like it would be a hard thing but just wanted to bring up some things to think about.
Jon

[Larry Ashcraft]

Jon, Gotcha. I guess I'm picturing 40 or so people showing up. Since we have had almost that many at my place a time or two, this thing is probably going to be a lot bigger than I am imagining.

I guess its best to wait and see how many are actually coming before I make any assumptions on how things will go.

[Dave McCracken]

I'm in. Y'all ever shot wobble flurries low gun?.....

[Lennyjoe]

Something tells me we might have a bit more than 40;)

[Larry Ashcraft]

Y'all ever shot wobble flurries low gun?.....
Never shot wobble trap, flurries or any combination thereof, but I'm game. If sm and Dave both come, I have a feeling we're gonna have to reserve part of the shotgun range.

It's only a couple hours drive from here, and I'm a member. I think maybe a good idea would be for Smoke Rizen and myself and our wives to take a little road trip and talk to them personally. I will take some guns and ammo, just in case. ;)

Edit:
Another thought we had (OK, Sandy had) last night is we could pull Smoke Rizen's horse trailer with my pickup so we could haul more gear. If Dave or somebody else were flying in, they could ship their ammo to me and we could haul it (up to a point of course).

[bratch]

Larry,

I had meant to mention that. NRAWC said drop shipping wouldnt be a problem but storage could be. If we could have some of the ammo shipped to driving members it would probably be best.

[Dave McCracken]

Hmm, Larry, mind PMing me a phone number and an addy? I may order some ammo and ask you to hold it until the event.

Maybe a flat of target loads or two, another of 00....

More importantly, how am I getting a "Serious" 870, Number 6 and Frankenstein there by air? Hmm, does Southwest have a flight to Albequerque?

Guess I'd better call them...

[sm]

My ears were burning...:)

You mean folks actually pre-mount shotguns? :evil:

[owen]

I'm probably in. Always wanted to go on a road trip.

[sm]

<scratches chin>

Gumball Rally!

Okay, where is the list of our friendly understanding LEOs ? We need a map with pins...

Stategy and Tactics to Whittington...

I get dibbs having LawDog riding shotgun with me...:p

[Larry Ashcraft]

Gumball Rally!
Been mulling this over all evening (well, except for the 2.5 hours spent at the FNRA meeting).

Dave lands in Colorado Springs; Standing Wolf, Zundfolge and Justin are almost sure bets to make the trip. Any one of them could pick Dave up at the airport and haul him to NRAWC, Failing that, Zak, Dr. Rob, Boze and a whole bunch more coming from up north.

Dave, forget about renting that car. ;)

Given 14 months to make this work, we, with some planning, could make this as easy on everybody as possible.

Also, instead of shipping ammo to me, and me delivering it, we could make a group buy at Sportsmans Warehouse or Dick's in Colorado Springs. Put together an order, send me the money, and I could buy the ammo and deliver it to the WC. Of course, this would take place at a time much closer to the event.

I can see me now:

"I'll take all that Estate 12 ga ammo, and three flats of Rem STS's in 12 ga, 15 flats of 20 ga Estates and three flats of STS .410's. No thanks, I load my own 28's. Throw in thirty bricks of .22lr. Just load em all in the horse trailer out front, the one attached to the black crew cab Chevy." :D

Why does that sound like something Steve would say? :scrutiny:

[Dr.Rob]

I've been to Raton and can even recommend fine lodging in town for those who don't feel like pitching a tent.

The El Portal hotel is reputed to be haunted but has a fine selection of comfortable rooms.

Casa Blanca is a neighborhood bar where polka and mexican cowboy tunes intermix and flow as freely as the beer.


Count me in.

[sm]

...and Larry still forgets the Beef Jerky, and Peppermint. *sigh*

Jerky makes one a better shooter, Peppermint is for spoiling dogs.

Cookies.

Smoke Rizen has already started "mentoring" me on BP shotguns.

Lesson One: Cookies, round are best.

Once I get that Lesson down pat, I get to learn Lesson Two.

:)

I need to PM Dave on how to sneak the Redneck Games into this somehow *snicker*

[Otherguy Overby]

Just fr'instance... I'm kinda near Mountain Home, Arkansas. So, if several people wanted to have a bunch of ammo drop shipped to me here, how much weight (total) would we really be talking about?

Or, would there be somewhere in OKC (Really LARGE vehicle access), maybe, to pick it up (bulk) at one time?

[bratch]

There is a Sportsmans Warehouse in OKC. Depending on what Larry finds out about using SW that could be a possibility.

[wmenorr67]

Sounds like fun. If we can get some firm dates set I can start planning vacation time for this. But then again with my luck National Guard summer camp, or worse, getting prepared to go play in the sand box will come up and I will not be able to attend. Anyone with any experience with the military knows not to make set plans more than a week out at a time.

[Kamicosmos]

Might want to see about having the mods set up a dedicated forum for this event. It's going to be huge after a few weeks, let alone 14 months!

guess I'm picturing 40 or so people showing up. LOL. I would triple that number for a low guess, easy. This site has over 10,000 members now. Vast majority doesn't post. Doesn't mean they ain't paying attention though! I've been to several smaller scale internet gatherings, and you can always count on a lot of 'extra' people showing up unannounced. Really throws the cooks into a fit when they planned on 20, and 60 people are wanting burgers and brats...

I would also recommend getting a definite number that the hosting range can support. Say they say only 200 people. What are we going to do then? Sho off the extras that are sure to arrive?

I say start up a list, and have people send in like...$50 to secure a spot, per person. That will weed out the not-really-serious Me Toos! that throw off estimates, and gives a start on the money for insurance, fees, water food, tshirts, etc etc.

All that said, who do I send my $50 bucks too? I haven't been in that part of New Mexico in over 15 years, I can't wait to see it again! Hell, I don't even have to be shooting to enjoy visiting the sw!

*Edited to add: Heck, I just checked and we have over 28,000 members! Sniff, seems like just yesterday we broke that 10K mark...*

[Dave McCracken]

Sounds good, Larry, I'll call you this weekend and we'll firm up some stuff.

Hmm, sm and I on the same shotgun range......

[NMshooter]

Just a short drive up 25...;)

So, you all like oatmeal cookies w/chocolate chips?

Sounds like I would have to do some industrial scale baking...:D

If anyone needs assistance, let me know, I live in Albuquerque and have a four door car.

[gazpacho]

As so as you say the word, I'll send in my money. At least my wife and I will attend. We'll be driving from Las Vegas, so I could be talked into transporting a person or two for the meet. Also I'd be more than willing to kick in an extra $20 to help get the insurance.

As far as NRA membership is concerned, we are newly paid off Easy Pay Lifetime members. I just check the NRA website and they have a no magazine bare minimum membership for $10 a year. When you start the official RSVP you could also offer to enroll people into the NRA.

[Larry Ashcraft]

When you start the official RSVP you could also offer to enroll people into the NRA.
Good idea, and I'm sure the NRA would be happy to accomodate us, and help gain new members. BUT, I don't know if I've mentioned it, NRA membership is not required to use the Whittington Center. Recommended, but not required, unless things have changed.

Kamicosmos, excellent suggestions, thank you. Maybe sometime around next January or so, we ask for a $50 deposit. That would make managing the numbers easier.

The deposits are going to be a nightmare to manage. I nominate bratch. :p

We'll be happy to help organize, bring food, haul stuff, anything we can do.

[Arkie]

I still think this will be lots of fun. :)
Just reminding me and I'll send my money to ya.

I'll bring a brick of 22's. Each one of us can shoot off a magazine. It will be a hoot. :neener:

[Lennyjoe]

Heck yea, a weekend of fun, guns and friends for $50 is worth it.

Can't decide if I want to camp out or get a hotel/cabin. If the majority are camping than I'd rather do that.

Hanging out around a campfire listening to Lawdog stories would be a hoot!:D

Also, if we have a gun show down here before the shoot I can see if Miwall can deliver extra ammo. I'll have a full size Bronco to bring gear and I'm sure we could get another truck or two.

[Larry Ashcraft]

I'll bring a brick of 22's.
Last time we went I brought six bricks of .22. One thing you don't want to do at Whittington is short yourself on ammo. We had 7,000 rounds of ammo in the back of Sandy's Taurus last time, this time we're bringing a truck and a trailer. :D

Lennyjoe, it would be awesome to get LawDog there, and Oleg, Tamara, pax, Art...

The possibilities...

[Arkie]

Well I think if I start buying a box of each caliber I have right now, I think that would might be enough. lol...

That would be Great to get everyone in one place. :)

[sumpnz]

Lenny - Want to split a campsight? I'll bring the elk (assuming I get drawn again this year, otherwise I doubt I'll have any more left by this time next year). I'll probably drive myself in the Ranger, so I'll have plent of capacity for ammo. Might get a buddy to come along too.

[bratch]

The deposits are going to be a nightmare to manage. I nominate bratch.

I can do it. I don't think it would be too horrible. Just open a THR only bank account so none of the money can get mixxed up with personal funds, keep an Excel sheet with info and open a thread strictly for finances to keep a list of who has shipped and recieved.


Lennyjoe, it would be awesome to get LawDog there, and Oleg, Tamara, pax, Art...

The possibilities...

Art's already RSVPd:cool:

I've sent PMs to a bunch of people has anybody else sent any others out to people like Lawdog that are in high demand?

[english kanigit]

I talked with my father the other night and he was interested (even intrigued) in the idea... and open to bringing the grill.

Between the two of us we've done everything from a burger-burn for 20 people to a full on cook-off for 200 (church camp, every summer).

How common is charcoal down in NM and what kinds are availible(chunk or briquettes)? Would there be onsite cooler storage of food? Is there a butcher's shop nearby? :D And are there any sort of strange local laws prohibiting trailer grills?

These are preliminary questions only. (Recon if you will. ;) )
EK

[Lennyjoe]

Lenny - Want to split a campsight? I'll bring the elk (assuming I get drawn again this year, otherwise I doubt I'll have any more left by this time next year
Works for me. Hopefully I'll get drawn this year. ;)

[NMshooter]

Plenty of charcoal here, depending on how many "controlled" burns we get...:what:

[Larry Ashcraft]

I nominate bratch.
Any discussion? I'll personally vouch for him as a level headed and honest young man. Him and his folks have been guests in my home.

I don't think we need to be sending in any funds for at least 6-8 months, maybe after the first of 2007.

[sm]

Folks to add to "wish list" :
Lee Lapin and his bride, kudu, Smoke, Correia, oh heck, just invite THR Staff, keep it simple.
Brian Williams and his daughter Gus and her husband Mr Gus :p

Now Old Fuff, got to have him. I figure we have trainers and writers that sometimes want to be regular folks, so Givens, Ayood, Marty & Gila Hayes, Gresham, ...invite these folks to attend.

Boy, the Whiny folks that are against guns gonna hate this gathering...Good!

I figure I'll with hang with the CO contingency, somebody has to keep tabs on Sadie, while mom and dad shoot the big guns.

We will help Smoke Rizen count the cookies or something...

[Lee Lapin]

Ah HA.

I knew my ears were burning for a reason.

Will ask the good doctor and see what she says- depends on her schedule, since mine's pretty ... open, you might say 8^).

lpl/nc (sounds great so far, hope we can come)

[sm]

Oh Goody!

Hey folks! Lee is gonna bring his famous pepper sauce for greens.

I get dibbs on getting handgun lessons from his PhD bride. :D

Me have ulterior motives? Who- little old me? ...I do have some stuff figured out. :p

Oh...Lee, Dave and some others, start practicing shooting skeet "a bit different".

We need to check and see if this place is "understanding" and let me do something since some have asked.

I start at Station 8, with low bird, "take them two" then high bird and then to station 7. I shoot a "variation" some have asked about, and on a public range best can do is go backwards on the stations...and I do not stand on the "sanctioned" station spots.

Some have asked, and I might get talked into doing this if they will let me/ some of us have some leeway. All Safe, just not your 'sanctioned game'.
One does not call for birds either...*snicker*...I can teach a puller...folks get into and want to pull this game once learned.

Bring good tunes to shoot to...Seger Live Bullet is good :D

[bratch]

I'd recommend waders for all in attendance. With the crowd we are going to have it is bound to get fairly deep;)

[Larry Ashcraft]

Now Old Fuff, got to have him.
Yeah, since I owe him a plaque, and he hasn't sent me his snail mail address.

Old Fuff sent me a line drawing of a 1911 I needed for the FNRA banquet centerpieces. It engraved beautifully! I mean the checkering on the plaque feels and looks like real real checkering! It is that detailed!

EK, the grill is a great idea! Not sure what you mean by briquets or chunks, but briquets are easily available. I'm sure I'll have room if I need to bring some.
We need to check and see if this place is "understanding" and let me do something since some have asked.
Steve, I *almost* have Smoke Rizen talked into running down there in the next couple weeks (had to twist his arm real hard ;) ) We'll ask.

[sm]

bratch,

I know you, Chris , Bud, Art, myself and others are tall...now Larry and some others might need chest waders...:neener:

I can do skeet in chest waders, should have seen of the places we shot...:D

[Larry Ashcraft]

now Larry and some others might need chest waders...
HEY!

You are 5' 12", I'm 5' 7", Bud is 5' 16", Labgrade was 5' 18".

Not much difference there. :D

[bratch]

I think I got cheated at the ruler store mine only goes to 12.:confused:

[sm]

bratch,
just bring a jonboat, easier to get into and out of than waders anyway. :p

Every shot a shotgun from a jonboat? I can share that with you too...:D

Something for everyone I say.

[gazpacho]

If it will help, I used to do a lot of Desktop Publishing. Any forms, flyers, stuff like that, I'll be willing to offer my services for free.

[wmenorr67]

With gas prices getting the way they are we may want to go ahead and stock up on that for folks also.:evil:

[M67]

I'll bring a brick of 22's. Last time we went I brought six bricks of .22. Wow. You Americans sure are crazy!

Now, where is that sarcastic smiley... never mind, I'll use the attached picture instead. :D
http://thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=983&d=1044359852

Anyway, this event might be something to structure a vacation around, if you don't mind having foreigners with funny accents. Also, bringing any guns of my own would be such a gigantic pain in the butt that I would have to hope someone could come up with a loaner or two... More than a year is an awfully long time to plan for, though. I don't even know what my job situation will be that far into the future.

If everything does come together, I might even be a resource - if there is any interest in bullseye pistol shooting.

[sm]

M67,

I like the way you think! :D

"Talk Funny". WE will get along just great! I speak "Southern" :D
[Southern part of US]

Sure c'mon over, we will find guns, gear, ammo and eats!

T-u-m-p spells Tump, Southern for knocking something over .
You can assist me in teaching others when you arrive. :p

I'll help you teach the Norwiegan version. I cannot wait hear how this Tump goes in your native language, I bet it'll have nice sound once I apply some Southern drawl to it.

THR Cultural Studies, Language Swap, Firearms and ...

WE done gone Global on this thing folks!

:D

[M67]

sm, I know what "Southern" is. A few years ago my brother and I dropped in on an acqaintance in Georgia. Didn't have her adress but stopped at the highschool where she is a teacher and asked a lady in an office. She took off like a bat out of a hot place, and a couple of minutes later our friend arrived looking like a question mark. Apparantly the lady had barged into her classroom and told her in a stage whisper that "two tall men with a foreign accent were looking for her". :)

Also, I have been told that "bagel" is Southern for huntin' dawg...

Looking at the picture, I guess it isn't necessarily clear what it is. Those are cases of .22, ten bricks to the case.

[DRZinn]

I'm in, though I can't really commit yet.

I recommend only allowing those who make the deposit beforehand, to aid with with logistics. Otherwise, you get 500 people you didn't know would be there.

[Larry Ashcraft]

if there is any interest in bullseye pistol shooting.
(Mental note: PM Standing Wolf.) Oh, I'm sure he'll be there.

Steve, a couple weeks before Tulsa, Annetta wrecked her car into a rock (never let Texans drive mountain roads). She said the front fender was all "whomper-jawed". So I asked her if she knew what "tumped" meant and she said, "Of course".

Bud said; "No it's 'dumped'"

She told him there is a distinct difference between "dumped" and "tumped". :D

[dm1333]

I thought "Great, I can make it with that much notice!" then realized I transfer in July of 2007.:(

[sm]

M67

Beagel is the hunting dog. :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beagle

Bagel is : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagel

The bagel (or sometimes beigel) is a bread product traditionally made of yeasted wheat dough in the form of a roughly hand-sized ring which is boiled in water and then baked. The result is a dense, chewy, doughy interior with a browned and sometimes crisp exterior.

English Language, here in the US is very difficult for many to learn, then add the folks from other countries and cultures of a different language trying to learn English.

Example . Pair, Pare, Pear , each pronounced the same, except the first refers to two , one means to cut the peeling from say an apple, and of course the last is a fruit.

She pared a pair of pears.

Firearm Language is more universal and easier to communicate , especially in typed words.

Brick of .22 ammo is a brick of .22 ammo - :)

Steve

[OEF_VET]

I'm really looking forward to getting out west for this shindig. Sounds like it ought'a be fun.

[Larry Ashcraft]

WE done gone Global on this thing folks!
Yep, no longer "National THR Get Together", now its International!

The more the merrier!

[Larry Ashcraft]

A pic: June of 2004, I was watching my son shooting at rams on the rifle silhouette range, with my Garand:

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=20629&d=1105930237

Notice the target up in the trees. That is the MASTODON. It is a little over 1100 yards away. Smoke Rizen finally got a bead on it with his 1903A3.

BOOM! Remove ear protection and listen for impact.

Distant THUD!

:D

[M67]

Steve, the beagel/bagel thing was supposed to be a joke, that's the problem with being a furriner speaking your language well enough to make language-related jokes, but not well enough to make them funny. :)

A few Norwegian words for tump: bikke, falle, gå rundt, hvelve, kalve, kante, kantre, kappseise, kolle, krenge, ta overbalanse, rase, rause, rulle, styrte, tippe, trille, tumle

Why don't you practise those for a while, then we can get into the almost infinite number of Norwegian dialects later. :D

Larry, re bullseye. I mentioned that because I am a bullseye coach. Club level, nothing fancy, but I may be able to make a contribution.

The "catch" is that I'm not spending $1000+ and 14 hours on two or three flights - each way - for a weekend at the shooting range. In order to justify it I would have to make it part of a longer vacation trip of some sort. Is there anything worth seeing or doing in that country of yours? I'm open to ideas. Go ahead, twist my arm.

[bratch]

There is all kinds of stuff out West depending on how far you want to travel and what you want to do. Whitewater rafting, fishing, I think some ski resorts are open into June or July even. If you add traveling you have the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone not exactly close but after flying from Norway not too far either. There are some neat old mining camps in Colorado that are tourist attractions now too.

[MCgunner]

Awl is what we Texans pump out of the ground to make fuel for our pick ups.:what: :D

I like Mississippi, though. Watress comes to the table and askes "Would yawl like some waudah?" Of course, every Texan knows it's wadder.

[sm]

M67,

Bulls-Eye Coach -:cool:

I have taught Skeet, and other shotgun related disciplines.

I'll practice on them words...:p

Someone bring a Video Camera- we can sell Videos to recover costs of this International event.

Southern Gentleman gets Bulls-Eye Coaching from a Norwegian. :D


Just one of a series we can record...:)

[Otherguy Overby]

M67:
The "catch" is that I'm not spending $1000+ and 14 hours on two or three flights - each way - for a weekend at the shooting range. In order to justify it I would have to make it part of a longer vacation trip of some sort. Is there anything worth seeing or doing in that country of yours? I'm open to ideas. Go ahead, twist my arm.

Well, since you mention it:

Slightly less than 400 miles to the south: Carlsbad Caverns
http://www.nps.gov/cave/
http://www.nps.gov/cave/tours/kingspal/qchamber2.jpg

Slightly less than 300 miles northwest: Durango and the Durango Silverton Railroad
http://www.durangotrain.com/
http://www.durangotrain.com/multimedia/photogallery/TrainImages/images/030822_089.jpg

Not far southwest of Durango is Monument Valley:
http://www.nationalparklover.com/monument.htm
http://www.nationalparklover.com/images/Utah-Az/monumentvalley/monvalley-mittens-rock-a.jpg

North from there is Utah's "Color Country"
http://www.infowest.com/colorcountry/index.html
http://www.infowest.com/colorcountry/cov_c.jpg

And just over 300 miles to the north from Raton: Rocky Mountain National park
http://www.nps.gov/romo/
http://www.nps.gov/romo/images/downloads_photos/scenery/img7.gif

This will just get ya started.

[DRZinn]

Is there anything worth seeing or doing in that country of yours? I'm open to ideas.If you want to really make it a trip, you can't go home without seeing California. I'll give you the Zinn Tour™ of San Diego, LA, and Tijuana.

[Larry Ashcraft]

Go ahead, twist my arm.
You could easily spend a month in just Colorado alone, plenty of stuff to do here.

In addition to the above: Mesa Verde (one of my favorite places) is full of cliff dwellings and is worth a day's trip by itself They were the home to the Anasazi "the ancient ones". Many mysteries there yet to be solved about the American Indians.

Miles of Gold Medal waters to fish for trout. Breathtaking scenery everywhere, Bridal Veil falls, various Hot Springs; old mining towns, Telluride, Leadville, Cripple Creek, Silverton, Durango, Creede and dozens of others.

Want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous? Vail, Aspen and the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.

And I haven't even touched on New Mexico, which is a vacationer's dream all by itself. Taos, Santa Fe, Old Town Albuquerque and of course Carlsbad. Also, Billy the Kid's stomping grounds, Lincoln NM.

[modifiedbrowning]

I'm interested in making the drive down. I haven't been to much of the SW. I think it would be a fun drive.

[M67]

Thanks guys.

So far page 5 seems to more about me than the get together. I should have been a little more specific. I have been in the US before, including a couple of near death-experiences in LA traffic. Worst case of kamikaze driving I've seen outside of Africa. :D

I guess I'm not so much looking for a sight seeing through a car window kind of thing. Maybe a hike in one of the national parks, your mountains are different from the ones I'm used to. And then the cultural aspect - apart from the camp itself, I mean. I'll most probably be traveling alone. Maybe someone else is interested in doing something before or after the weekend in question?

I'll have to think seriously about this, but a whole year is a long time. I'm not sure what my work situation will be, and in addition to that I have been thinking about a back-to-school-experience (shooting related) that probably has an exam date in june.

In any case, thank y'all again for your tips. I'm sure I'll get back to you if/when. For now I guess it's best if I don't monopolize the thread... :)

[sumpnz]

If you want to hike the Grand Canyon let me know. Takes 2-5 days depending on the route. Fair warning, it's a very strenous hike, and not for the even moderatly out of shape. I hiked it last year, and it almost killed me on the climb out. But with a year's warning I'll be able to make sure I'm in shape. Reservations for campsites take a lot of planning ahead, though they won't open up the reservations until January 1 so there is still plenty of time.

[Smoke Rizen]

I don't know if we shouldn't plan a month long gathering. I've already signed up for 3-4 days of activities,and I'm sure there will be suggestions forthcoming,that will catch my interest. I'm sure we can keep busy! I can pull a horse trailer,or closed box behind the motorhome to transport ammo and any fixings we might need. We're close enough that we can even drive an extra vehicle down to travel around the compound. If I don't have to cancel my trip to Ak. this summer I'll have a few pounds of smoked Salmon for snacks,and if the forest Gods smile on me once more I should have some Elk to munch on also.

[wmenorr67]

Mods, can we give this a thumbtack to stay at the top?

[M67]

sumpnz, the Grand Canyon sounds like a great idea. I've been there once and looked down from the rim. It's one of those places I've wanted to go back to and get a better look at.
it almost killed me on the climb out Been there too. You're talking to a man who was once a minor celebrity with the guides on Mount Kilimanjaro in East Africa - they claimed I was the sickest person they'd ever seen reach the peak. :)

[sumpnz]

M67 - Remind me periodically to get my butt out and exercise (I could stand to lose a stone or two), and when it's getting close to January I might need a reminder to figure out the camp sites and make reservations. By then you should know your travel schedule (and the time frame for the shoot) so I should be able to have specific dates to reserve the camp sites. Depending on the exact timing and route we'd take if I don't put in for the campsites at 12:01AM on Jan 1st I won't get them.

[Lennyjoe]

I don't know if we shouldn't plan a month long gathering. I've already signed up for 3-4 days of activities,
Sign up? Where's that list at.;)

[sm]

Lennyjoe,

Never been in a fighter jet, always wanted to take off and take a "ride"...can you bring one of those...please? :D

Anyone just figure we need just need our own town,with various shooting arenas and just do stuff as we please when schedules allow?

Galtsville

Ya'll come back ya hear? And bring more ammo when you do. :D

[bratch]

Anyone just figure we need just need our own town,with various shooting arenas and just do stuff as we please when schedules allow?

Galtsville

Be still my gentle heart.

[The-Fly]

i'd definitely be interested in attending. I live up in northern Colorado, so Raton is just a half day drive for me at worst. Time off from work wont be a problem either.

[Lennyjoe]

Never been in a fighter jet, always wanted to take off and take a "ride"...can you bring one of those...please?
Wish I could but I don't think the backstop at that range can handle 30MM:what:

[ACP230]

Will anyone be bringing guitars?

My son has gone guitarist on me and would be more interested in coming along if he knew there was going to be the opportunity to play, as well as shoot.

[Smoke Rizen]

Larry's nephew played for us last time we were there and we all enjoyed it. I like most any style music as long as it has a beat, doesn't just go TUMP,TUMP,TUMP. All it would take is one redneck critic, better bring an extra guitar.

[Larry Ashcraft]

Thought I'd bump this thread with a couple pics...

The view from our quarters in the competitors housing, facing north:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/ljashcraft/view2.jpg

On the rifle silhouette range. We had the place to ourselves all day Sunday:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/ljashcraft/riflerange.jpg

On the line at the hunter pistol silhouette range. There's 400 targets, bring lots of ammo!:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/lsashcraft/hunterpistol.jpg

[Justin]

THR.

Colorado.

Whittington Center.


Three of my most favorite things in the whole world. Count me in. Also, what can I help with?

[Arkie]

Well I know that I am planning on attending also. Sounds like lots of fun shooting and visiting and listening to music and dancing. well maybe not dancing. :)

I'm even buying ammo for the trip. :D

[sm]

Lennyjoe,
Umm...can we just buzz the range then? :)

I just noticed something, that range has covered shooting - I mean I "have" but mostly trees, inside old barns, farmhouses, henhouse ...how am I supposed to shoot without wet, getting sunburned, getting snowed on or dodging thunderbolts ...

*shrug* I mean I know I will always be learning...pretty big step this here covered up shooting bit.

Maybe that is why I always got funny looks standing on skeet fields/ clay fields in inclement weather, looking back and seeing folks under a porch, pointing at me...or peering from the windows inside where it was warm and dry...

nah...:)

[bratch]

Justin,

Not real sure at the moment I've been busy and haven't had a chance to talk with Larry latley. Let me get in touch with him and I'll shoot you a PM once we have something figured out.

Larry,

My life has settled down a little bit give me a call when you get a chance and we'll see where we are at.

[ACP230]

Shouldn't this thread rate a sticky?

[Justin]

Done. :)

[Larry Ashcraft]

Justin, Thank You. :)

I've got an FNRA banquet this coming Friday, after that, all my attention will be directed toward this get together.

Edited to add: Justin, just where in the heck do you get your sig lines? :D

[Arkie]

Larry

Friday? We have to wait that long? Well that's like a whooooooooole week away! :D

[Larry Ashcraft]

Hey Justin!

Sandy and I are planning a scouting trip down to Whittington soon, Bud and Annetta will be sure to go along also.

We can talk to the management down there and maybe get a feel for this thing. We would like to look over the accomodations and make sure they have the capacity for us. Maybe bring some guns and ammo too. I'd like to try out their sporting clays range, and maybe the five stand.

Also, we need to firm up a date, the folks there should be a help.

Care to ride along?

[sm]

Care to ride along?

If was in CO I would be informing Larry...

Plus One on another passenger...

:)

[Justin]

Larry, I'm always up for a trip to Whittington. :)
Let me know when you plan to go. The shotgun facilities are first rate. (Now if only I was...)

Depending on the time of year, there should be plenty of places to stay, both at Whittington and in Raton. I can recommend a couple of the motels down there as being good places.

A warning to anyone who hasn't been to Raton: They roll the sidewalks up at around 8pm. If you don't bring it with you, you probably didn't want it in the first place.

[what'sKOCHin?]

My son Justin and I have been to Whittington several times to shoot the Sportsman's Team Challenge, plus just kinda doin' some target shooting. For you out of staters, if you fly in, some basic info re Raton, NM.
1. From Colorado Springs, CO - About a 2 hour drive straight south on I-25.
2. From Denver - If the plane fair is substantially cheaper to Denver, then it is about a three hour drive straight south on I-25..
3. From Albuquerque, NM about 3 hours and a few minutes straight north on I-25 (approx 230 miles).

Should the event have to be planned for later in the summer, the humidity here is very low, so even relatively high temperatures aren't terribly uncomfortable. Much better than more humid areas of the country I've lived in.

Raton is a very small town - about 10,000 people in immediate area. Things to consider:
1. If no ammo suppliers will be on hand to sell product, bring your own. While there are some gun shops in town, they may not have your preferred brands. Bring way more than you think you'll ever use. I once ran out of shotgun ammo and I though I had brought plenty... it's easy to go through a lot of product no matter what you are shooting.
2. If you have favorite groceries for cook outs or whatever, then I would stop in Denver or Colorado Springs or Pueblo and go to a large national chain supermarket for those specialty items. You won't find crawfish cocktail in Raton.:)
3. If lunch is not being served at the Whittington facility, be sure to bring a cooler and stuff to eat to the range. Otherwise, you will have to drive back into town for lunch... probably 15 - 20 minutes each way plus downtime while you're eating.
4. Bring plenty of bottled water to drink or the like. Since it is dry here, you will want to have plenty of liquids on hand at the range.
5. If you have a favorite after hour libation, you won't find boutique brews in Raton and prices are somewhat high for what they do have.

Raton, NM is in a beautiful wide open area of Northern New Mexico. If you want to spend some extra time, do some homework on surrounding areas. Colorado is just up the street and interesting towns of Taos and Santa Fe are not far away. Lots to see and do if you like the mountains and wide open spaces.

If lots of people are coming in from out of town, I would be glad to bring some people down if they arrive in Colorado Springs. If the crowd is huge, perhaps a charter van or bus could be arranged.

Whittington is more fun than you can imagine. Great facilities on humungous acreage... I believe something on the order of 30,000 acre property.

Count me in on this... sounds like a great time. If the numbers are big enough, perhaps some sponsorship from firearms manufacturer's?? Don't know how all this works, or even if it is desirable, but I would be glad to assist if you need some hands.
Thanks
Whit

[DRZinn]

I can take three others and a few guns from San Diego County, and all I ask is some gas money.

Or someone with a bigger car can do the same, and I'll ride with and pay some gas money.

It's a little early to talk specifics, but let's keep it in mind.

[silverlance]

I live in the los angeles area (van nuys) and I've got some experience roadtripping. If people also in the LA area want to go together in a large rented vehicle, say a dodge magnum or bigger, do let me know. I can rent the car, pick everybody up, load all the ammo in the back (we can split up the ammo purchases between our houses so that we comply with laws and such), and then drive on out.

i won't be on vacation during that time, but i'm sure that i can manage to be ghastly ill for five days or so.. +4 weekend days, that makes 9 =).

[JonSmith]

Hi all,

I'm new here and just happen to be heading to Raton in less than two weeks. I would be glad to perform any scouting while there if anyone has any specific questions, not trying to get in anyone's way, just making the offer.

I'm staying at the El Portal hotel per DR.Rob's previous post and can give a review if anyone is interested.

Also, I found a website that has a lot of valuable info about the area if you plan to travel outside of Raton, this would be especially helpful for the guy from Norway, sorry I can't remember your callsign. Anyway, it's www.sangres.com lots of maps, hotel info, town info, hiking trails, state park info, etc.....

Can anyone local(southern CO) help with lodging info in Canon City, looking for a local place, no big hotel chains??

Best regards to all!!!!

[Larry Ashcraft]

JonSmith,

Welcome to the best RKBA forum on the net!

If you don't mind, a couple questions while you are there couldn't hurt a bit. (Can they handle us? What sort of arrangements do we need to make? Etc.)

Canon City is only 25 miles from Pueblo, and I know they have a bunch of mom & pop motels, but I don't know much about them.

PM Smoke Rizen, he is in commercial construction and he works a lot in Canon City.

[JonSmith]

Larry,

Thanks for the response, my plan was to perform a thorough advance at the El Portal, take some notes/photos, and save it until needed/requested. During my stay in Raton I'll collect other pertinent intel and make notes.

Thanks for the referral to SmokeRizen. If you want anything else send me a PM.

Regards, Jon

[Art Eatman]

Dunno if it would be any help, but I'm a Whittington Founder (Mention my name in the ladies' loo, you'll get a good seat). If insurance is needed, I can do some good deeds for the premium $ so don't sweat that.

I'm going up to Taos for a few days on May 26-30th. I'll then head up to Colorado Springs, if anybody's gonna be around Raton or Pew-eblo and in the mood for a cuppa kawfee or a suds.

If so, email me. desertrat@rionet.coop

And, Hey! Whaddaya mean, don't let Texans drive on mountain roads?

http://www.google.com/maps?q=terlingua,+texas&ll=29.356014,-103.590131&spn=0.006672,0.012802&t=k&hl=en

My house is in the dead center. My neighbor is off to the east about 300 yards. See those roads? I built 'em. I drive 'em. Sometimes, even in the moonlight without headlights. :D

Art

[bratch]

With Art's help on the insurance our first big problem may be solved. Thanks

[12-34hom]

Any other Iowa members thinking about attending?

12-34hom.

[bcolorado]

As a newbie to the shooting sports this is gonna be great.
*note on food... don't forget the New Mex green chili....

[Violator22]

Sounds like a heckuva a plan. :) Les

[WhoKnowsWho]

Holy cow, gonna be a whole heck of a lot of people at this. I'll be planning too.

[peteinct]

I just got back from N.M. and spent a day camping there. I just slept there. I had to get to Denver to catch a plane and left in the a.m. before I even heard a shot. The place is huge. There is every sort of range you could want, 2 RV campgrounds, a couple small dormitories, and lots of tent camping areas. The tent spots are out aways from the ranges. It was one of the places where we felt farthest from civilization. They also gave us free coffee with MILK in the a.m. There were hotels that couldn't even manage that! There was a clean nice bathhouse in one of the RV camps that was better than most of the campsites we stayed at. New Mexico has a lot of good places to go esp. in the northern mountains if you like the outdoors.

I don't think I will be able to get out there due to the distance and cost but if you can or are close think about the THR gathering it would be a blast.
pete

[Lennyjoe]

Who, me and Andrew (Sumpnz) are heading up that way. Would be great to have you join in. Hope all is well up there;)

[Larry Ashcraft]

We are planning on going to Whittington on 23 June to check things out, and see if we can talk to someone in charge about our get together.

We will check out the accomodations to see how many they can handle.

And, I plan on checking out the shotgun ranges. (Got to get to the basement and get some 28 ga rounds loaded.) ;)

[Preacherman]

Y'all can count me in on this shindig, God willing. Do I understand that there are RV stands available? I have a small travel trailer, and will happily bring it along for the festivities. Could probably bring one or two with me as well.

[Larry Ashcraft]

Preacherman, I look forward to meeting you.

The RV facilities are outstanding. In fact, everything about the place is outstanding.

Housing details here: http://www.nrawc.org/camping.asp

Art is talking about getting one of the Founders Cabins to use for a central meeting place and evening get together place.

Those who have not met Art Eatman, I assure you that will be worth the cost of the trip in itself. ;)

[Justin]

Larry-

Let me know if you're still interested in having me tag along on the 23rd.

[Larry Ashcraft]

Sure, Justin. We are going to try and get reservations this weekend. If not, we may have to make it a day trip (on the 24th, likely).

[Larry Ashcraft]

OK, Sandy is getting on my case. :D

We need to:

1. Set a date, quickly. We will find out on the 24th if that date next year will work. I noted the trap and skeet ranges are in use on the 24th of this year. We need to set our date and get our ranges reserved.

2. Elect a treasurer and get some deposits coming in. I recommend Bratch as treasurer and I think a $50 deposit is reasonable. Any seconds? (I have met bratch and I will vouch for him. Our money will be safe with him.)

3. Start planning NOW for food and housing. The competitors housing holds 90 people, including all three units. We may need all of those. We NEED the people reserving to say what housing they require, some will be using the RV parks, some the primitive camping, etc. We NEED to know how many will need a bedroom, so we can plan ahead.

4. Please PM me as to where you are planning to stay, what you are bringing, if your deposit has been sent to bratch, any special travel arrangements you need, etc. We will keep a tab sheet on those things so we kind of know where we are.

Bratch, we will be taking a day off Saturday and going to an auction. We need to talk on Sunday.

Once bratch gets an account set up, he can decide how people will get his address so they can get their deposits to him. I would probably do it through the PM system.

[Arkie]

Well count me in on the fun in the sun.

Just let me know where to send the money to.

[Art Eatman]

Not trying to do anything like "take over": I have a call in to the man in charge of scheduling, a Mr. Wayne Armacost. The secretary said he's due in at the Center later today, Monday, June 5th. My question for him is whether there is still an unclaimed weekend in June/July/August.

I figure sooner is better than later.

I've noticed the center has little going on during the first days of any week. (The cafeteria is not open Mondays/Tuesdays.) I'm assuming most of you guys can't readily take off during the week?

After (if) he calls back, I'll post the details here and I'll explain to him that some of you nearby folks will run with the ball.

Art

http://www.nrawc.org/

[Art Eatman]

Hokay: Listen up. Mr. Armacost called back. He needs to know what sort of shooting is of interest. What distance range, for instance, for the rifle folks? PPC range for pistols?

It's $10/day per shooter. We have to provide liability insurance, which is available through the NRA. He didn't have any guesstimate for the premium cost, but I have the name of a contact person.

As near as I can tell nobody can just wander around any old how and shoot just anywhere. We have to have a designated rangemaster at any time we're shooting. Hearing protection and shooting glasses when shooting.

So we have to decide what most folks want to go with. 100-yard benchrest range for rifles, for instance?

Housing is available, but it's first come, first serve on reservations.

I told Mr. Armacost that whoever comes down there on June 24 will speak for the group. I assume at the moment that it's Larry and Bratch. All I'm doing is gathering information for them.

I told Mr. Armacost about THR, so he may visit this thread.

I'll go check insurance. (Oops. Guy's gone for the day. I'll call again tomorrow.)

Art

[KINGMAX]

DO YOU THINK ANYBODY WILL BE PACKIN ANY HEAT ???:D

[Larry Ashcraft]

Thanks Art, that's some legwork out of the way. I'll be down there on the 24th barring something else happening. Bratch has mysteriously disappeared for the last few days, probably out in the field on his new job.

Do we need to start a poll to try to narrow down what ranges we need? I know Dave, sm and I will want to shoot shotguns. The 100 yard (sight-in) range is pretty small, but there are the high power and rifle silhouette ranges for the rifle guys. The hunter pistol range is great for the handgun guys, from 22lr up to the big boomers.

Oh, and I hope Mr. Armacost does join in. That would make planning this much easier. :)

[Art Eatman]

I'd suggest calling him, tomorrow. Wayne Armacost, 800-494-4853. I told him I was trying to learn enough to ask intelligent questions. :) Odds are, since you're the Main Man, you might check about the ranges you mentioned. I just don't know enough about the specifics.

I guess what's needed to be known is how many shooting stations at each range.

And we do need for folks to speak up about what they think they want to do as regards shooting. Me? I'm gonna mostly watch. :) Rangemaster, some.

Maybe in the next day or two I can go back through this thread and make a list of all the names and PM them for what anybody wants to shoot.

Later,

Art

[ACP230]

I'd like to be able to try a little of everything, including full auto.
Any problems bringing a subgun along to shoot?

I don't shoot much shotgun (one of my few faults:) ) but I'd like to go over and try some with SM & Dave.

Black powder cannons anyone? A buddy has one and they are a blast (pun intended.)

Otherwise just a few .38s, .41 Magnums, .308s and .22s, eh?

[Art Eatman]

ACP230, I suggest calling and asking about full-auto. I believe law enforcement folks have training schools there with full-auto shooting, but I don't know if "casual" full-auto is okay.

Art

[Art Eatman]

Here's who, so far:

bratch
OEF VET
NMshooter
Across The Pond
12-34hom
Arkie----------------NRA
Declaration Day
english kanigit
Lee Lapin
Rockrivr1
SavageEMT
M67
Larry Ashcraft
Smoke Rizen---------NRA (2)
DocZinn-------------NRA
sm
Zak Smith
dm1333
ColoradoKid
sumpnz
MCgunner
ACP230--------------NRA
Jon Coppenbarger
Justin----------------NRA
modifiedbrowning
Tecumseh
TheAntibubba
what'sKOCHin?-------NRA
jobu07
silverlance
Third Rail
Dave McCracken
JonSmith
shaggycat
owen
violator22
Lennyjoe
Dr.Rob
WhoKnowsWho
Otherguy Overby
wmenorr67
Preacherman
gazpacho----------NRA (2)
Kamicosmos
KINGMAX
Art Eatman---------NRA
Lennyjoe
taliv
JohnBT-------------NRA

[taliv]

this a private party or open to any THRers? i decided to skip perry this year, and am in the market for a shooting-vacation

anybody from TN going?

[Larry Ashcraft]

taliv, check my sig line. As far as TN, if I don't get some interest soon, I'm gonna start sending PMs. I think it would be great if we could have Oleg and Tamara and more of our TN and KY members show up.

ACP230, from the range rules:
19. No Full Auto may be used on any range without prior approval of the Director.
So apparently its OK, with prior approval.

Art, as far as you "taking over" or me being the "main man", don't worry about that. I am close, so I can help, but as Sandy told you, I'm not much of an organizer. I think the more people helping with the organizing, the better this event will turn out.

Now, Sandy is mulling this over, so expect some commands from her. Her concern is food, she doesn't think people will want to drive into town for lunch, and we think we could arrange lunch (sandwiches and stuff). We'll talk about taking part of the theoretical $50 deposit and buying lunch stuff here in Pueblo, hauling it up in my truck, and having a giant picnic. Friday or Saturday or both? Lots of details to be worked out.

When Sandy Ashcraft posts, I expect to hear heels clicking and salutes slapping to foreheads. :D :neener:

[taliv]

i just had a "duh" moment there. two thousand and SEVEN

count me in, but you might have to remind me some time around may next year :)

now back to pondering where i need to shoot THIS year...

[Arkie]

46 people.

You counted me twice. :)

[owen]

Are the long ranges long range only?

e.g. If we grab a long range, can some folks shoot at 100 yards, and some folks shoot at 1000? That may be a better option than using just a 100 yard range.

[ACP230]

If I make it my wife and son will be with me.
My wife may not shoot, but my son will.
That makes 47 or 48, I guess.

[Justin]

Now, Sandy is mulling this over, so expect some commands from her. Her concern is food, she doesn't think people will want to drive into town for lunch, and we think we could arrange lunch (sandwiches and stuff). We'll talk about taking part of the theoretical $50 deposit and buying lunch stuff here in Pueblo, hauling it up in my truck, and having a giant picnic. Friday or Saturday or both? Lots of details to be worked out.

That's a good idea. It's about a fifteen minute drive from Whittington to any restaurant in Raton, and the pickings are pretty slim there. Eating at the range would be fine. I think they've got a BBQ there, but don't know if that's only for staff use, or if anyone can use it.

Owen-
There's a sight-in range where you can set up targets from fairy close (25 yards or so?) out to, I think 200, with animal-shaped gongs out beyond that. There's also the silhouette range.

Do we want to set up any sort of competitions or instructional stuff, or is it going to be just informal plinking? (I wouldn't mind doing some shooting on the Team Challenge targets.)

[owen]

I think there definately needs to be a schedule of events. Otherwise we will have 200 people shooting for 3 or 4 hours, and everyone will be out of ammo.

Also, Poor Dave and Steve won't be able to leave the darn trap and skeet ranges the whole time, unless we specify that Shotgun stuff is, for instance, Thursday afternoon only.

I would also like to play on the Team Challenge courses.

[12-34hom]

As far as rifle shooting goes, 100 - 200 - 300 - yard ranges would be fine with me.

I guess i need to look at what this place has to offer, sounds pretty comprehensive.

I would hope most of the moderators here would make an appearance. Maybe Rich from TFL could be extended an invitation, & Eric from Glocktalk also?

12-34hom.

[Art Eatman]

Insurance: For some 50 or 60 shooters, the premium for a full year--the only deal they offer--is $800, give or take a bit as a function of final numbers. Cheap! Since we're talking a year from now, we have plenty of time to work out any bugs.

I'll be receiving an information packet before long, with all the grimy details. :)

This could work out for "The High Road Shooting Club" to have events elsewhere at other ranges, with this insurance covering similar-sized gatherings. At this stage, though, it's a play-by-ear.

Art

[Larry Ashcraft]

I agree, Art, cheap, less than $15 per person.

Sandy was going to call Mr. Armacost today, since Mr. "You can't even fold towels, how're you going to organize this? :rolleyes:" couldn't be trusted to ask the right questions. We'll see what she has to say tonight.

IIRC, both the Hunter Silhouette and the Rifle silhouette ranges have at least forty shooting positions. They would require multiple ROs though. The sight-in range I think only had eight or ten benches.

Schedule of events: Yes, there definately has to be one, otherwise, we might end up with a chaotic, unsafe mess.

[JohnBT]

I suppose I could drive out for a few days. :) Nah, sounds like I should take 3 weeks or so and do some sightseeing. I work too much; that's why I have 10 weeks of paid leave eating a hole in my pocket.

It's not THAT far, is it? ;)

John

[sumpnz]

Do we want to set up any sort of competitions or instructional stuff ... I'd most definitely like to see something along those lines. Especially the instructional portion. I'm entirely self-taught with both pistols and rifles and I'm sure I have some bad habits that need be beaten out of me. And I have essentially no knowledge or experience with shotguns, and that needs to be remedied.

[Art Eatman]

JohnBT, this is the time of year to wander west. Take I-70 to I-44 to I-40 and peel off down to Las Cruces, Noo Messico. Then work your way north, making "lazy esses" until you get to Billings, Montana. That'll use up about three weeks.

Then do it again next year.

The southern US is better from October through April.

:), Art

[JohnBT]

I'm too busy to do it this year, but I've already penciled it in for next year. That route looks like a pretty drive.

John

[bratch]

I'm back guys.

The shed behind my house got hit by lightning last Tuesday and I lost my computer which was easily replaced but he surge also fried the main internet line running into my house so I just got that repaired.

As soon as we get ready let me know and I'll open a THR account.

Would we want to do it at a national chain such as BOA or WF and let other THR get togethers use it in the future as well? I'll put myself on the account and could add people in the future perhaps if they were setting something up.

[Art Eatman]

I'm guessing that we'd be better off for each THR group to do its own thing, regarding money and bank accounts.

You could use a national chain bank, just because of the ease of using the account when away from the home town branch. I didn't check out what banks are in Raton, but that can be googled, I imagine. THR Whit-Cen, as a name on the account, for example. Or THR 2007; whatever.

Art

[Snake Eyes]

I'll bring the beer.

Kegs or cans?

hmm......six or eight kegs in the back of my F250, fill with ice......would it melt between Phoenix and NM?

Better pick up the ice in Flagstaff.....it's already over 100 degrees in Phoenix.

[JonSmith]

Hi all,

Just got back from a vacation which included Raton & NRA WC. The ranges are impressive, just 4 shooters total on all ranges when I was there on a Wed! I obtained some documents while I was there and have scanned them onto my harddrive. I have the following:
1. NRA-WC range map
2. NRA-WC Housing information brochure- pics of various housing buildings
3. Dining info in Raton
4. Lodging info in Raton

For those who are interested, I will gladly sent you a PDF of any/all of the above documents. Please send me an EMAIL specifying which documents you want and I'll send it via return EMAIL, no private messages please.

For those who read my previous post, I did not stay at the El Portal hotel, I ended up in the Super 8 which was decent, I can provide further info for those interested. I also spoke with Super 8 management and we can get a group rate for the event depending on numbers and date. I paid $75.39 per day including taxes with the NRA discount.

Best regards to all!

[Art Eatman]

Down on the south side I've Raton, I've stayed at the Oasis Motel and eaten at the Oasis Cafe a couple of times. Around $40/night, roughly. Plenty okay but not fancy food. Seems to be a local hangout.

Art

[Lennyjoe]

Please add me to the list. PM sent;)

[wmenorr67]

Well now it looks as if I will not be able to attend anything next year. As I type this I am currently attending a SRP to prepare to deploy to Iraq later this year.

[Art Eatman]

1. We gotta have a Gun Club name as an NRA affiliate club to get the NRA endorsed insurance. To register the club itself with NRA is $35/yr.

2. Their rules require that at least 50% of the members of our club be NRA members.

The starting point, then, is for all who are NRA members PM me. I'll go back and edit the list. Those who aren't, please consider joining.

Art

[Arkie]

PM sent.

I also joined. :D

[Larry Ashcraft]

Art, I am a member, Sandy isn't. That can be remedied though.

Sandy and I, Justin and Smoke Rizen are going down (up?) there this Saturday. We'll get some questions answered if we can.

We would like this first one to be very well organized, right down to sleeping arrangements and meals.

The $50 deposit is almost mandatory. We need Bratch to come back online and take care of that. We figure that money could be used for getting reservations for housing, insurance and lunch for the first day. Any deposit money not used will go back to the members.

Since this thread is pushing nine pages, I thought of condensing the FAQ's into one stickied thread. There are questions being asked on page 5 that were answered on page 1. I'll work on that after we get back Sunday.

[bratch]

I found a Bank of America in Raton as well as close to my house. If there is no reason to not use them BOA will be our branch. Does anybody have any opinions about BOA?

[Kor]

Well, you've got one more NRA member who's interested in coming along!

I'd suggest banking with Wells Fargo, but that's just because I work for them. Also, the Cowboy Shooters might appreciate Wells Fargo. :p I know nothing about Bank of America's business practices.

I have one suggestion, which could wait until next spring to be implemented: start a separate thread where participants could list the guns they intend to bring, or which they would like the opportunity to shoot. That way, those members coming from further away could avoid having to drag along too many redundant guns; I've been to a couple of informal meets where, through lack of prior coordination and communication, I wound up leaving some of my more interesting guns at home and bringing what turned out to be one of three M1 Garands that showed up. If anyone is thinking about bringing out Class III goodies, this could be helpful to their prior planning.

[DRZinn]

PM sent.

[M67]

LarryWe would like this first one to be very well organized, right down to sleeping arrangements and meals. "Very well organized."

Does that mean someone is going to check if we eat all our vegetables before we get dessert? :scrutiny:

[Arkie]

Does that mean someone is going to check if we eat all our vegetables before we get dessert?




Don't worry... I'll bring some baggies so we can stash the unwanted veggies. :D

[Larry Ashcraft]

Does that mean someone is going to check if we eat all our vegetables before we get dessert?

I don't know, but since my wife and Smoke Rizen's wife will be there, it's a definate possibility. :D

[Jon Coppenbarger]

Larry I will be down mid day thursday till mid day sunday this week.
Look me up when I am not shooting. I will be in the competitor housing on thurday and the carter cabin on fri and sat.

I see you guys are finding out everything I said WAS true in my post on page 3. I offered you the contacts to ease everything to you including the set up of the insurance but you guys found out anyway. Remember my WARNINGS! or they will burn you and you will not be as happy of a camper as you could be. I see you liked my name the highroad shooting club. LOL

Here are a few more things YOU will be expected to know and do down there.
#1 They will want a daily acount of who shot that day so they will get the right amount of funds collected for each days range use. you may elect to pay them the last day or they may want it everyday.

#2 No matter how well you sell the event to them if you book it during the adventure camps you will lose masive amounts of rooms to the kids as they will come first. And I would rather pay $26 a night at the center than $70 a night in Raton this time of year.

#3 Ask when is the dead line for getting everything done in order to get your event listed in the paper they send out. You will want it that way trust me.

#4 I would have a liability waiver for folks to sign also.

now my opinions as far as what amount to pay up front?
As you are seeing it will be wise to ask for some funds up front in order to pay for things like insurance and the such.

I would suggest a standard $20 entry fee paid up front. That would pay for the cost and with the extra have it go to the event in 08 if you want.
the problem with charging like $50 will come in the paper work as you will be trying to find out sat night or sunday mourning who gets what refund?

As myself if I shoot at all it will be only one day and that is only a $10 fee you will be charged so I would expect a refund from you if I paid more up front. I usually go to events like this for the fun and not the shooting but thats me.

As you know the rooms do not have to be paid for up front.

jon

[Zak Smith]

I and some other CMG guys will be down at the NRAWC this Saturday scouting for stages. Maybe we'll run into you guys.

-z

[sm]

I am NRA, though it seems it comes up for renewal right before this event.
I will most likely be in the Ashcraft Bunch. So I will work thru Larry.

Main thing for me, having fun and meeting folks. We need Red Ryder BB Guns and Ping Pong balls. I'll have fun with assisting - heck I have fun doing anything.

For sure I want to take up Mr. Rizen's offer on BP shotguns, I get dibbs on pulling Crazy Quail on the Skeet Field.

I get dibbs on pulling Skeet for Dave , Lee, Larry , Sandy...and some others, you know who you are.

A Dollar says I can have Sadie break low 7 , She will be 3 years old by then. :)

Steve

[Art Eatman]

I'm heading for Georgia in the morning. Got some chores in Austin. Back online Sunday might, I guess...

We gotta be a club, for the insurance. Clubs have names. (Duh.) So, somebody name this deal. I suggest NOT using "High Road" in the name, since others have equal rights. Transferring club-name responsibilities could be a chore, as well.

Art

[grampster]

I've talked to a neighbor and he's sounding interested. We might just wind up heading down that way from Michigan. I'll be watching for more details.

Neighbor was wondering about types of guns. I'm thinking I'll bring a couple of shotguns and a .22 revolver and .22 target rifle. Well, maybe my .40 Beretta pistol. Neighbor has a bunch of milsurps.

[Larry Ashcraft]

Justin, Smoke Rizen and I went to Whittington this weekend to check out the facilities and Talk to Wayne Armacost. We got some good information and we need to move fairly quickly.

The view south from the competitors housing:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/lsashcraft/whitt_1.jpg

As we were taking in the view and discussing the get together, guess who drives by and notices us, Zak Smith.

Small world:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/lsashcraft/zak.jpg

Justin or I will post some FAQs and other info tomorrow.

[sm]

Oh Goody !

- Keystone Society

2nd Amendment is the "Keystone" in the Archway of Freedom. Signifigant meaning, still not a red flag to insurance companies o