The News-Herald published the following article on the National Matches today:

Shooters from around the world take aim

CAMP PERRY — Australians Kendell Summers and Greg Riemer couldn't help but take note of the hundreds of shooters along the firing line at the National Rifle and Pistol Matches.

With a blazing "pop-pop-pop-pop" noise bouncing back from the assembled shooters, the Australians were listening to the rapid gunfire and admiring the setting.

Not only are the United States' firearms freedoms more tolerable than those in Australia, many more shooters compete against each other in the various shooting games, the two adventitious Aussies said.

"We wouldn't have anything like this back in Australia," Riemer said. "There, the military wouldn't be shooting with civilians. Here, there is a lot more competition, practice opportunities, as well as support,"

"We like very much being able to shoot against military and reserve teams."

Fact is, the National Rifle Matches are America's "everyman" shooting games.

From mid-July through mid-August, a few thousand shooters will gather along the south shore of Lake Erie. There, they'll compete in a well-regulated environment as well as challenge and test their own skills.

Continue reading here.

"For more than 100 years, thousands of competitors have made the trip to Camp Perry in order to compete among the best shooters there are. It's a true expression of freedom, sportsmanship and exercising our Second Amendment rights," NRA President Ron Schmeits told the News-Herald.

At right, Schmeits poses with NRA Competitive Shooting Director Mike Krei (on right) during the Pistol Match Director's Reception.

NRAblog will again be reporting live from the field when the smallbore competition begins Thursday. Don't go away! 

Last year, NRAblog was on hand to cover New York State Rifle and Pistol Association's Annual Meeting. NRA News' Cam Edwards and NRA President Ron Schmeits addressed the 2009 meeting. This year, we offer our thanks to Eddie Falcon, a Benefactor member of the NRA and founder of homedefensesite.com, for the following report and photo:

 

Wallkill Rod & Gun Club hosts NYSRPA Meeting

On June 12, 2010 the Wallkill Rod and Gun Club opened its doors to gun lovers from as far as Princeton, NJ. Ray Carney and his staff did a great job putting together an awesome experience and a fun-packed day. There were many displays of guns from the Colt Collectors booth to the .50 BMG. The Sullivan County Sheriff’s crew tapped off the afternoon with a demonstration of full-auto firearms, which three ladies from the audience had the opportunity to shoot.

The event had many opportunities for the public to shoot the guns on display. The NRA's Education and Training Division participated with a new event they called the 3-Gun Experience. If you provided the necessary handgun permit, you were able to shoot the following three stages: a carbine shoot, a handgun shoot, and a shotgun shoot.

Three gentlemen from NRA Headquarters in Virginia – Andy Lander, Sean Thornton, and Mark Richardson – and I coordinated the 3 Gun event. Alongside our event, Andy Massimilian operated a pay to shoot event. For a few dollars event goers were offered the opportunity to shoot a FN Scar, an UZI, a .50 BMG and the new Remington 1911.

Wayne LaPierre addressed the crowd of over 800 to much applause. Wayne repeatedly thanked NRA Board Members Tom King (also the President NYSRPA) and Joseph DeBergalis, Jr. (Vice President NYSRPA) for their hard work and dedication in fighting for the 2nd Amendment Rights in New York.

The afternoon was wrapped up with an unbelievable chicken bake, a tradition at the club, where more than 650 people pre-ordered tickets for the meal.

 

Last night's Freedom Experience had something for everyone. From Newt Gingrich to Lt. Col. Oliver North to Glenn Beck to the Charlie Daniels Band, the experience truly celebrated freedom. "It was unbelievable," an attendee told NRAblog. "That's the most fun we've had on a Saturday night in a long time."

Early estimates said the Time Warner Arena here in Charlotte, North Carolina, had maybe 10,000 NRA members packed inside. The slideshow above highlights a special section of the evening, when veterans from different branches of the service were asked to stand.

Executive Director of General Operations Kayne Robinson introduced Lt. Col. Oliver North. “He’s a good friend of mine, but more importantly, he’s a great friend of freedom,” Robinson said. “Ladies and gentlemen, a hero in your hearts, and on stage tonight, Colonel Oliver North.”

North quickly invited R. Lee Ermey, the Gunny, onstage to accept a copy of his book, American Heroes. “From one Marine to another,” North said, “Semper Fi.”

North spent just a few minutes on stage, but he had a big impact. Recognizing the military members in the audience and pointing out the NRA’s support of the United States’ Armed Forces, North made an important point.

“In 1944, when we had 16.5 million men in uniform,” he said, “among them were my father and all my uncles … It is said that … today, according to so-called Public Opinion Surveys, less than 10 percent of Americans know the name of someone serving in the military.”

North encouraged the attendees of the Freedom Experience to reach out to the military folk in their lives.

Gingrich, North, and Beck received standing ovations, but one speaker received a little something special from the leadership of the NRA.

As Beck finished speaking, NRA EVP Wayne LaPierre and President Ron Schmeits joined him on stage. “We’re big fans of you and your show,” Schmeits said to Beck. “You fight to preserve liberty, and as a token of our appreciation, we’re pleased to present you with this document, signed by James Madison.”

More photos will be coming, so check back soon!

There's still time to join the meeting!

The 139th Annual Meeting of the Members is underway at the Charlotte Convention Center. At right, members were lined up to enter the room well before the doors opened around 9:45 a.m.

If you're here in Charlotte, there's still time to hear from the Officers of the NRA. So far, attendees have seen the youngest and oldest NRA Life Members, as is tradition; listened to Board Member Susan Howard lead the group in prayer; and heard Ayla Brown sing the National Anthem.

Those in attendance have heard from Wayne LaPierre, who used several video clips to accentuate his speech; President Ron Schmeits, who described freedom as "personal"; and Chris Cox, who introduced several NRA members to the crowd.

Still on the agenda: First Vice President David Keene, Second Vice President Jim Porter, and Executive Director of General Operations Kayne Robinson.

Stay tuned for an overview of the meeting, as well as additional photos!

While the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits offer all sorts of festivities -- from seminars and workshops to the Air Gun Range, book signings, and more -- the star of the show is the actual Meeting of the Members.

Open to all NRA members, this meeting is your chance to join with thousands of fellow shooters and hunters from across the world in celebration of freedom. NRA officers will report on the business of your Association and deliver their annual addresses to the membership. The President, Executive Vice President, First and Second Vice Presidents, and Executive Directors of both General Operations and NRA-ILA address the crowd. (President Ron Schmeits is pictured at right speaking with Cowboy Action Shooting founder Judge Roy Bean.) 

We've been told NRA General Operations' Kayne Robinson will be speaking on the importance of both law enforcement and civilian firearm ownership. 

Another anticipated part of the meeting is the announcement of the results from the 2010 election of members to the NRA Board of Directors.

NRAblog plans to tweet the activity of the meeting as it unfolds, and report back to you with pictures and dialogue in the afternoon. (Follow us on twitter!)

If you just can't wait, we encourage you to take a look at Robinson's remarks at the 2009 Annual Meeting, held in Phoenix.

The NRA Foundation hosted a Sportsmen’s Brunch this morning where attendees had the opportunity to meet with NRA leaders, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow outdoorsmen, and bid on more than a dozen hunts. “Many of these have been donated by outfitters, so what we get from here is pure profit,” Kyle Weaver said. In addition to the live auction, the brunch featured several silent auctions and games similar to those found at Friends of NRA events.

NRA President Ron Schmeits addressed the crowd for a few moments, speaking from his experiences as a hunter. “Thank you for your dedication to this country’s hunting heritage,” he told the group.

Held in the same room as last night’s NRA Foundation’s National Banquet, the brunch featured moose motifs and antler centerpieces. Some 900 tickets were sold, and the room was full by the time breakfast was served at 10 a.m.

NRA’s Executive Director of General Operations Kayne Robinson, also an avid hunter, spent a few minutes talking about the programs of the NRA. “What a treat to be able to have a breakfast with 900 close friends,” he said. “Thank you for being here, and for all you do.”

NRAblog is on site through Monday morning reporting on the programs of this Annual Meeting. Stay tuned!

Have you heard? A new issue of Shooting Sports USA is available, pictured at right.

This isn't just any issue – this issue contains the much-anticipated sequel to Part One of Competitive Gun Cleaning.

"Advances in chemicals for the marine, auto and airline industry have benefited shooting sports in general and competitive shooting specifically," Editor Chip Lohman told NRAblog. "Learn how to clean more effectively and with longer lasting results in Cleaning- Part II."

Also featured:

• a special message on Competitive Shooting from NRA President Ron Schmeits
• a summary of the distinguished shooting program for all five NRA disciplines

Would you like to get an e-mail whenever a new issue is posted? It's simple! Sign up here.

NRAblog met the Central Maryland Friends of NRA committee while staffing the first-ever Great American Hunting and Outdoor Show in Westminster, Maryland in January. 

This group of volunteers had an extra special reason to be excited about their event, which took place Saturday, March 27.

NRA President Ron Schmeits keynoted the banquet. Schmeits, pictured here with banquet attendees, did an excellent job, Jeff Becker tells us. (Special thanks to Becker for photographing the event.) 

"I'd guess they had a minimum of 400 people in the room, and everyone was excited to be there," Becker said. The event featured a combination of live and silent auctions, along with a variety of games.

Like all Friends of NRA events, net proceeds raised will fund projects in the state in which the money was raised. 

Since its inception in 1992, Friends of NRA has held over 12,000 events, reached over two million attendees and raised over $140 million for The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. 

Read more about this program here. 

A special thanks to Dr. Georg Plenikowski, President of Nammo, for sharing this picture with NRAblog. From left to right: Plenikowski, NRA Executive Director of General Operations Kayne Robinson, Deputy Executive Director Andrea Cerwinske, NRA President Ron Schmeits, and  ANSCHÜTZ's Dieter Anschütz.

Plenikowski and Anschütz met with NRA executives, talking about the firearms industry and competitive shooting.

"The NRA has many great friends around the world, including Anschütz," Robinson said. "They are a true leader of the industry."

"What a gentleman," Schmeits said of Anschütz, noting the Anschütz Rifle won 9 of the 10 Olympic events. "His production of the Anschütz Rifle is superior... A gun equally impressive as he is."

Here's a little more about ANSCHÜTZ, per their website:

Since its foundation, ANSCHÜTZ stands for innovation and perfection. This has not changed through the years. The name ANSCHÜTZ is inseparably connected with innumerable national and international shooting triumphs. Last but not least the pioneering efforts in biathlon shooting have made the name ANSCHÜTZ recognized all over the world. ANSCHÜTZ products enjoy an extraordinary and worldwide reputation because of their precision, workmanship and accuracy. This is what president Jochen Anschütz – continuing the tradition – puts as a benchmark for the future, to ensure that the long history of ANSCHÜTZ continues to give good memories far into the future.

The National Rifle Association’s fourth-annual Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum will be held on Friday, May 14 in Charlotte, North Carolina from noon to 4:30 p.m. The event is part of the NRA's Annual Meeting festivities.

The forum will feature Governor Sarah Palin and other national leaders. Palin, pictured above with NRA President Ron Schmeits, addressed the Alaska Gun Collectors Association in August.

This forum, a part of NRA’s 139th Annual Meeting and Exhibits, will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center. A more detailed list of speakers will be announced soon. Stay tuned to NRAblog for the latest on this exciting event, as well as live coverage throughout the Annual Meeting.

Tickets go on sale March 1. To purchase tickets to NRA’s Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum, contact NRA at 877-672-7632 or visit their website.

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Remember Speedy Gonzalez? (Of course you do!)

The world-renowned gunsmith and Trinidad State Junior College instructor took our request for news seriously, and we're glad he did. One of his students, Eron Ahmer, wrote the following piece. Pictured below, from left to right: Ahmer, Gonzalez, NRA President Schmeits, and retired Trinidad State Jr. College Ruth Ann Woods.

We think the article is worth a read:

A Rifle for the President

This story starts in the summer of 2005. Actually, it starts many years before when I was first introduced to guns and shooting at an early age. This is where my interest and eventual passion for firearms began. Since I don't want to write a novel here, at least not a really long one, I'll start in July, 2005.

A couple of weeks before heading to my fifth Black Powder Cartridge Nationals at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico, an information packet arrived in the mail from Trinidad State Jr. College. TSJC is in Trinidad, Colorado and is home of the oldest Gunsmithing program in the country. With some gentle prodding, I discover that my wife, Pam is responsible for having the information sent. Suddenly I realize that talking her into coming to New Mexico after the Nationals a couple of years ago was one of the rare smart things I've done in my life! When the shooting is over, we drive over the pass to Trinidad and tour the school. I'm hooked. For the next several months we gnash our teeth and anguish over how we can make this happen or whether we should at all. Early in 2006, I quit my job of 20 plus years, spend the next 6 months getting our house of 18 years ready to sell, and after a week on the market the house is now someone else's dream.

In the fall of 2006, we put ¾ of our lives in a storage unit and pack the rest in a trailer, a pick-up truck, and a small car and along with our dog, we leave Illinois and head for Colorado. I start the two year Gunsmithing program in the spring semester of 2007. Although it seemed like it at the time, it is probably not just a coincidence that a new instructor started at the same time.

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The Central Maryland Friends of NRA banquet is March 27, and the committee has good reason to be excited about this year's event: NRA President Ron Schmeits is keynoting.

Pictured above, members of the volunteer committee chat with attendees at the NRA Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show this past weekend in Carroll County, Maryland. They sold raffle tickets and promoted the event, which features both a live and silent auction, along with games, door prizes, and more. Held at the Pleasant Valley Fire Department, the event kicks off at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 27.

Individual tickets are $40, and couples are $75. Sponsorships are also available. Interested in attending this Friends of NRA event? Not to worry -- just email the committee at mdfNRA@hotmail.com.  

Committee members working the table -- Jessica, Patrick, Rick, CJ, and Bob -- reported a high level of interest in the banquet. The committe's chairman is Mr. Craig Davis. Stay tuned for a report on this exciting event!

The staff of the NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division hosted a successful breakfast this morning for sponsors and competitors attending this year’s Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show.

NRA Second Vice President Jim Porter addressed the crowd and thanked them for their support. He introduced an important benefactor of NRA Competitive Shooting – Mr. Larry Potterfield of Midway USA.

“A rising tide raises all ships,” Potterfield told the assembled crowd. He talked about Midway USA’s involvement with the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action through a program called Round Up. Customers are asked to round their Midway USA purchase up to the nearest dollar to support the NRA.

Potterfield encouraged industry representatives to consider supporting the NRA’s Youth Programs. "If you can get the youth involved, you’re going to change the future," he said. Potterfield also touched on the Friends of NRA program, which Midway USA helped launch in 1992.

He concluded with his signature line: “I’m Larry Potterfield, and that’s the way it is.”

NRA President Ron Schmeits spoke briefly to the audience. “I’m not a competitor,” he said. “When I’m on the range, I’m competing with myself."

He encouraged those in attendance to look to the future for ways to increase participation in the world of competitive shooting. “As we move forward as a community, we will create new competitive shooting opportunities,” he said.

This sentiment was echoed by Executive Director of General Operations Kayne Robinson, a veteran competitive shooter.

View the slideshow above, and stay tuned for more!

You never know who you might run into at the NRA's booth here at the Sands Exhibit Hall in Las Vegas.

The Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show is underway, and the aisles and booths are packed with industry insiders eager to get a glimpse of what's to come in 2010.

Yesterday, NRA National Firearms Museum Senior Curator Phil Schreier snapped this photo of popular actor Steven Seagal talking to fans in the middle of the NRA's booth, #111854. Seagal hung around for a few moments, meeting NRA President Ron Schmeits and Museum Director Jim Supica.

Seagal is still around, we hear. And the NRA booth is definitely around, complete with complimentary copies of American Rifleman, American Hunter, America's First Freedom, and more. Visit Tom Selleck's firearms, donated to the National Firearms Museum and on display at the booth, or sign up to be an NRA recruiter.

NRAblog was on the scene earlier today as Ron Schmeits, NRA President, met with Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems' Dennis Pierce. Read below for the latest breaking news here at SHOT Show in Las Vegas:

Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems Pledges One Million Dollars to Benefit the National Rifle Association

Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems has pledged one million dollars to benefit the National Rifle Association (NRA).

The announcement was made by Dennis Pierce, President of Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems on January 20, 2010 in during the 2010 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems is a long-time supporter and sponsor of the NRA’s Competitive Shooting programs and is now expanding it’s involvement by securing the future of the Association.

“I have been very blessed with a prosperous business and now the time has come to redouble our efforts to strengthen the Second Amendment and the shooting sports. There has never been a more important time to support the work of the NRA and I hope others will come forward and join us in investing in the future of Freedom,” said Pierce.

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