NRANews Executive Producer John Popp and his band of audio/technical wizards stopped by headquarters today to shoot segments for the show. They left with a little more than originally planned.

"Taping at NRA Headquarters accomplishes two things," explained Popp. "First, shooting here provides our viewers with an actual view of the building. We tape our interviews at the museum, in the hallways, on the range - where ever we can find a free space.

"Second is the wild cards. Today, for example, we ran into Competitive Shooting's H.Q. Moody. That impromptu meeting turned into two separate interviews. They wouldn't have happened if we weren't here at headquarters."

In addition to the Moody interviews, Popp and his crew had the opportunity to sit down with Ruthann Sprague from NRA Women's Programs, J.R. Robbins from NRAHuntersRights.org, and (pictured above) National Firearms Museum's Phil Schreier. All of which are scheduled air on NRANews.com somewhere between 9pm and midnight Eastern Time over the next few days.

NRAblog is excited to introduce Jessica Blanks, a new member of the NRA Headquarters Shooting Range staff. As the Range's new "Customer Service Specialist,” she's responsible for a variety of tasks. Her main focus is on customer service, keeping the lines of communication open between the Range and its customers.

Blanks assists NRA Range Manager Greg Wodack and his staff of 33 Range Safety Officers, providing administrative support. She's also responsible for cash receipts, inventory management and electronically filing and maintaining the customer the data base.

"I think Jessica's a perfect fit for the Range," Wodack told NRAblog. "I'm looking forward to our continued growth and success, and we welcome her to our team."

Blanks was born in Louisiana and grew up in a military family. At one time she lived in Texas – and she's still a big Dallas Cowboys fan.

Blanks says she grew up shooting guns and hunting with her father. She attributes her love for the outdoors to her father, a retired Army Colonel. Blanks has always admired the NRA and its fight to defend the Second Amendment. "It's a privilege to work for the NRA,” Blanks told NRAblog. In addition to firearms, she enjoys cooking, painting, drawing, and music. She holds a second degree black belt Tae Kwon Do.

Blanks received her Associates degree from Northern Virginia Community College and is working on her bachelors degree. She plans to continue her education with a post graduate degree in Art Therapy.

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Here are your Friends of NRA events for the coming week, courtesy of Nicole McMahon. Banquet season is beginning to wind down and Labor Day Weekend will see many people squeezing in a vacation before summer ends, but there are still plenty of events ahead.

The piece of Friends of NRA merchandise we're highlighting this week is the U.S. Military Cartridge Board.

Spanning military campaigns that shaped the American nation; from the civil war up to modern-day conflicts, this set is an asset to any history and firearm fan's collection. Cartridges ranging from the smallest 5.56 x 35 Air Force Survival up to 50BMG and solid brass 12GA shell are beautifully laid on a tan background with an NRA gold foil logo.

09/02/2010
Batesville, Arkansas
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Le Sueur, Minnesota
Morgantown, West Virginia

09/07/2010
Harrison, Arkansas

Andrew Chamberlain's goal has always been to provide a solid understanding of cartridge performance – a true, unbiased education for anyone interested in shooting. As a corporate partner of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, or POMA, Chamberlain met with a variety of writers and photographers interested in his product, including NRAblog. (We first noticed his shirt.)

While Chamberlain is the mastermind of the Cartridge Comparison Guide, the inspiration came from active-duty military members.

"My younger brother and his buddies are active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said. "They were all excited talking about this veteran hunt, and one guy said, 'I’m going to get this great big magnum,' and it got me talking about ballistics and perfomances."

Chamberlain is a project manager who spends his days planning government health facilities. He and his wife have moved many times in the past decade, from Mexico to Alaska to Colorado. They're currently in Utah and are awaiting the birth of their first child in early 2011.

"I started putting together these spreadsheets, focusing on what was popular and hot at the time," he said. Chamberlain was sharing the information with several soldiers, and figures he had about half the cartridges covered.

Inspiration hit, and he decided to made an official project of the task. Now available as a spiral-bound book, the Cartridge Comparison Guide is gaining steam as a top resource for hunters and shooters. If you prefer, pay a $10.00 membership fee for complete online access.

"I began comparing cartridge performance, versatility, bullet availability, bullet selection, powder efficiency, recoil generation vs. energy produced , standing ballistic data for different environments, overall comfort in shooting, ability to adapt to the cartridge and how proficiently and predictable I could adjust my point of aim, hold over, or doping," he writes. "I wanted to find the holy grail, and if I couldn't find it, I wanted to find the best all around performing cartridge and rifle that a guy on a budget could shoot."

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NRA Clubs & Associations has opened registration for the year's final NRA Club University September 25 at the Albuquerque Grand Airport Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Register online now to save $5 dollars off the $40 registration fee.

Take the afternoon and learn how to improve your club's operations, increase membership, and become a part of the public. It's a a unique one-day forum where NRA Club University covers everything from marketing, to grant application, and business planning. The event is open to anyone with an interest in the shooting sports.

“You have to be on top of your game in today's economy,” said Clubs & Associations Marketing Manager Son Nguyen. “Whether you’re a range, a club, or a store, we can give you tips on gathering information, making facility improvements, and communicating with the public. Come learn!”

Members of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association and operation experts are joining NRA staff for the seminar. And as a special edition to the Albuquerque Club U, we're bringing in finance and promotions expert Tom Shay to share the promotional techniques and management schemes he developed while simultaneously running three family businesses. 

Sound like a good way to spend the day? Then sign up now at https://www.nrahq.org/clubs/club_university/registration.asp. Still not sold? Then contact NRA Clubs & Associations at (800) NRA-CLUB (672-2582) or clubs@nrahq.org. They'll have all the answers you need.

NRAblog cruises the websites of the National Rifle Association and brings you the information you need -- and, in this case, the chance to save some dough on special NRAstore™ merchandise.

Hop over to NRAstore.com for your chance to purchase several NRA items at a steep discount. NRAblog's Danielle Sturgis is a fan of this NRA Life Member Lap Blanket, pictured below. It's on sale for $15 -- that's 50% off its normal retail of $29.95.

"It's just the right thickness, and it brings a bit of NRA cheer to any room," Sturgis said. "I own one, and at this price, I'm purchasing a few as Christmas gifts for the NRA Life Members in my life."

This blanket is made in the United States, made entirely of cotton, and measures 40" by 50". "If you're buying one to give to someone, go ahead and order one for yourself, because when you see how sharp this blanket looks, you'll want one," Sturgis added.

Other NRAblog picks:

• NRA Pub Clock on sale for $30 (originally $69.95)
• American Rifleman long sleeve T-shirt on sale for $8 (originally $16.95)
• NRA Trunk Organizer on sale for $15 (originally $28.95)

NRA National Firearms Museum Senior Curator Phil Schreier was recently in Newark, Ohio, for The American Thompson Association’s 19th Annual All Thompson Show and Shoot. He provided us with these photos and told us a little about his trip.

“I’ve been to five,” Schreier said of the annual gathering. The Association, an NRA affiliated collector’s club, was awarded the NRA Gun Collectors Committee Trophy at the 2010 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Charlotte. Read more about the 2010 NRA National Gun Collecting Awards.

What do the Tommy Gun enthusiasts do at their show? The purpose of these meetings, their website says, is to gather and share experiences andinformation on the Thompson. Mixed with a good deal of fun, of course.

“It’s a two stage shoot,” Schreier explained. “The first stage you shoot your firearm on full automatic for five different stages, at 20 rounds each, with the focus on accuracy.”

“The second stage is a steel falling plate contest. That’s for speed.”

Given the chance, Schreier could hardly observe the event – he brought his Thompson and joined the competitors on the firing line. How'd he fare?

“Well, the guy that knocked me out of the first round won the overall competition,” he said with a smile, “so if I had to get beat by someone, at least I got beat by the guy who won it all.”

In addition to his time on the firing line, Schreier provided interviews for a few episodes of American Rifleman TV. 

“Anyone interested in joining the Association should check out their website,” Schreier said. Download an application here. Annual dues are $30. “They are a great group and a wonderful extension of the NRA’s commitment to gun collecting.”

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From Justin McDaniel at www.NRAhuntersrights.org:

If you’ve ever been frustrated by your current riflescope’s inability to perform well in low-light conditions, visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org during the month of September for a chance to win a Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x40 riflescope.

Trijicon’s AccuPoint line features a battery-free, self-illuminating reticle for a vivid aiming point in any light, be it dusk, dawn, or sometime in between. The AccuPoint is the only variable-power riflescope that combines both fiber optics and a built-in self-luminous Tritium Phosphor Lamp, meaning the aiming point automatically glows in low-light conditions—without the need for batteries. The model we’re giving away comes with a standard crosshair and green dot aiming point.

Other great features include easy-focus eyepieces, multi-coated lenses that gather loads of light with zero distortion, long eye-relief, and a manual brightness override that allows you to easily adjust the brightness of your aiming point. An aircraft-grade aluminum body and matte-black finish ensures this scope is durable and perfectly suited for any hunting situation. A set of lens caps, Trijicon LensPen cleaning tool, and Trijicon’s lifetime warranty are included.

Free to one entrant, this scope retails for $815. For more information on Trijicon’s AccuPoint line of riflescopes, visit www.trijicon.com.

To submit your name for the Trijicon giveaway, visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org and scroll down to “Gift Giveaway” for simple entry instructions. Entries will be accepted Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, and a winner will be announced on Oct. 1.

When it comes to class, Chip Lohman has more than his fair share. What else would one expect from the Editor of our very own Shooting Sports USA and a former Marine? But last week, he got a little more.

After his performance at the National Rifle & Pistol Shooting Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio, Lohman is now the proud holder of a Sharpshooter classification card. On hand to deliver Lohman’s card (pictured right) was Competitive Shooting’s John Parker.

“That was quick,” said Lohman. “You guys are on the ball up there.”

Classification cards are a measurement of your proficiency on the range. The better you shoot, the higher your classification. While classification has no bearing on your course of fire, it does have a bearing when it comes to the scheduling of awards. For Lohman, his classification rose from Marksman to Sharpshooter.

“It really comes down to experience,” explained Lohman. “2009 was my first time at Camp Perry in a number of years. I left a few things, like the mat placement and hydration, off my list. With a year under my belt, I had a better understanding of what to expect, how to practice, and how to prepare for the line.”

After receiving his card, Lohman can now purchase the corresponding Competitive Shooting Decal. Perfect for your car, office, or gun box, Competitive Shooting Decals are a great way to let others know you're moving up the ladder.

"With any luck, I'll have an Expert card and decal soon enough."

Doug Wicklund, Senior Curator at the National Firearms Museum, provides NRAblog with a brief history on a true rarity on loan from Mr. Ellis Joubert.

The Isaiah Jennings All-Metal Breechloading Flintlock Rifle

One of the most unusual repeating firearms ever to be manufactured in the United States was Isaiah Jennings’ repeating flintlock rifle of 1821.

Built with a detachable skeleton-type shoulder stock as well as a removable 21-inch octagonal barrel, the Jennings rifle was capable of firing twelve shots without reloading. This multi-shot arm was loaded with a dozen superimposed bullets and alternating powder charges, each placed one on top on another down the bore, and was fitted with twelve individual touchholes, each also being equipped with a swivel cover.

In firing, the first charge towards the barrel was discharged first, and then the movable lockplate was pulled back to the next swivel cover position. The .44 caliber and reduced powder space in this rifle may have meant it was intended to utilize hollowed-out projectiles with the powder charge placed inside the bullet itself.

This intriguing transitional rifle, bridging technology from muzzleloading arms to cartridge repeaters, bears serial number 1.

Thanks to NRAStore™ Merchandise Buyer Brian Evans for the following report:

Travel with peace of mind knowing that you’ll never be locked out again and your valuables will always be there when needed. The durable, all-metal NRA HitchSafe™ converts your vehicle’s receiver into a vault that can store spare keys, cash and up to 2 credit cards. This safe is great for outdoor activities where keys can be cumbersome or prone to loss. Patented hitch pins secure the HitchSafe™ inside the receiver via two sliding bars that can only be accessed through a locked drawer with over 10,000 possible combinations.

The HitchSafe™ easily installs/uninstalls in seconds with no tools required! An attractive, fitted NRA dust cover conceals and protects the combination dials. An embedded metal clip inside the cover adds extra strength and security. We’ve even included an extra blank, black dust cover (a $10 value) for free! Fits standard 2” receivers (2005-current Toyota Tacoma's and the 07-current Tundra hitch receivers require optional longer pins contact manufacturer for the pins).

The NRA HitchSafe™ is available at the NRAstore™ for $69.95. For more information, visit www.nrastore.com or call 1-888-607-6007. Be sure to request you free copy of the NRAstore™ catalog!

2010 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) attendee Reed Hubbell had the chance to talk to the Delta County Independent about his experience in Washington D.C. An excerpt from DeltaCountyIndependent.com:

NRA youth summit a great learning experience, Hubbell reports

... But his favorite part of the trip was meeting the “intelligent, kind” students who attended the summit.

“They were brought in from all over the country, from California to Maine, but I found myself wishing they went to my high school,” Hubbell said. “Simply put, they were cool people. Even if you attend the summit and don’t win a single scholarship, you’ll leave Washington a lot more educated, with some great memories and 44 new friends.”

Although Hubbell had to pay his own airfare, he said the trip was top notch.

“I’d encourage anyone who’s interested in government, the Second Amendment, or just a truly educational experience to attend YES. It’s an unforgettable event.”

Hubbell joined the NRA after he returned from Washington. “I turned 16 and decided it’s about time I stand up for the Second Amendment rights I believe in.”

Read Reed's entire story.

Since the inaugural Women's Forum in March, the NRA's Education and Training Division has been brainstorming ways to involve women in its programs. NRAblog has featured stories from several forum participants -- Kimberly Hobart, Penny Gilliam and Patricia Mcclelland Merydith -- and we're pleased to continue the series with NRA Certified Instructor Laura Whitlock.

Women On Target instructor Laura Whitlock was born and raised in North Carolina, went to graduate school in South Carolina, and recently moved to Virginia for a career with the federal government. Although she hasn’t held many Women On Target seminars yet, she explained that once she’s settled in her new home, “I would love to establish a WOT client base here.”

While she has plenty of room to grow as a Women On Target instructor, over the years Whitlock has “done a lot of teaching for women. As I got involved in law enforcement, I would be asked to teach wives, girlfriends, daughters, whatever, because it seemed that they would be more relaxed learning from a woman.”

A natural instructor who has experience teaching in the criminal justice and government fields, Whitlock soon became hooked: “I found out I really enjoyed it, and I got certified with the NRA. It’s so infectious to see people having a good time realizing that shooting can be a hobby in addition to self defense.” More...

Here at NRA Headquarters, the National Firearms Museum draws visitors from all over the country who are interested in the history of firearms. However, although the Museum features a large variety of fascinating exhibits, the Museum Store is a destination in itself, housing a wide range of books and merchandise.

Here are a few particularly popular items:

Tactical Pen—According to Museum Store Manager Benjamin Van Scoyoc, the tactical pen is “the best-selling item in the store right now.” Why are the pens so hard to keep on the shelves? Perhaps because at only $29.99, they’re an incredible deal—Van Scoyoc said that he’s seen similar items sold for up to $145 at other places.

The pen is fully functional as both a writing instrument and an “item of last resort,” and part of its popularity is due to the fact that it is still allowed on airplanes and other public places.

Describing the pen’s aesthetic appeal, Van Scoyoc explained, “It has the NRA logo on the top, and of course it’s a Smith and Wesson. It’s a hot item, and it’s going fast!” 

Hot and Cold Pack—Another great item currently on sale at the Museum Store is a dual hot and cold pack, which is useful for a variety of comfort needs.

Van Scoyoc has found the cold pack helpful for pulled or strained muscles: “I’ve used the cold one for a stiff neck, and to use it you just put it in the freezer.” For the hot pack, he explained, it works “like magic! The heat pack has a little metal piece that you click, and it heats it up like a battery. A chemical reaction happens to make it stiff and hot, so it’s perfect to use if you’re hunting or hiking in the cold.”

In addition, the hot pack stays warm for about ninety minutes, “and to reuse it you just drop it in boiling water for a minute and it returns to its regular state, and you can use it over and over.” As you can see in the photo, the product comes with a stylish NRA sleeve, which is optional -- but a great chance to show off your NRA pride!

Like what you see here? Contact Van Scoyoc at bvanscoyoc@nrahq.org, or call the Store at 703-267-1614.

Students across the country are heading back to school and the 2011 Collegiate Rifle season is right around the corner. This past week the date for the final championship was locked in and now the schedule is set. The dates and locations of this year's collegiate championships are:

• NCAA Rifle Championships - March 10-12, Fort Benning, GA, Hosted by Columbus State University

• NRA Intercollegiate Pistol Championships - March 15-19, Fort Benning, GA

• ACUI Clay Target Championships - March 29-April 5, San Antonio, TX

• NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship - April 7-10, The Citadel, Hosted by Clemson University

“We’re grateful to be able to return to Benning for the pistol championship," said Victoria Croft, National Manager of the NRA Collegiate & Schools Program. "The AMU is a wonderful host and are great promoters of our championship."

The NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship, started last year at Purdue University, will be hosted next by Clemson University. "We are overflowing with excitement to the take the 2nd Annual NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship to The Citadel in Charleston, SC., with Clemson as the host," Croft said. We look forward to working with Clemson and The Citadel to make this championship a fantastic success for our club rifle shooters!”