Kitty says:

To new shooters who are tuning into this session I would say "Do not be discouraged"....This is a great sport, liberally seeded with quality individuals. I am proud to have gotten to know the folks in this sport, their integrity and strength of conviction is impressive. The reason we complain is that we hold ourselves to a higher standard than does the powers that be. It's kind of like going to what you believe to be a formal event and the folks running it are wearing sweats and tee shirts......We are just not on the same page and it is hurting the sport.

Gator says: This is a little long... Deal with it !!

After many years of serving as State and Regional Match Director and Range Officer myself, even though not of this scale, but close, I concur with John, that Ernie Kuney did a remarkable job as Chief Range Officer and efficiently dealt with potential problems in a professional way. In the past, Nationals was a bit scary what with competitors adjusting scopes while pointing rifles down the firing line and carrying rifles in a horizontal direction or over the shoulder, pointing at everyone in/on the way. etc. Ernie put an end to that foolishness and demanded proper gun handling. How refreshing !! One comment must be made since conversation was overheard from many of the competitors; the process of getting a rifle/s certified will invariably get a rifle pointed IN YOUR FACE and from time to time the action closed while pointing at you or someone else in the line. It has been going on as long as I have been competing in Rifle Nationals, some 9 years. Pushing the muzzle away will usually get a look of disdain from the Official, like they

Gator,
Coates and I will be there, with bells on. Look forward to lunch and great match at a range with no close back stop so unless you are really good a spotting and see the bullet in flight your guess is as good as mine as to where it is going.

Mary

While in my

Kitty,

Very well stated, never seen a better statement of why we voice our opinions and debate how to improve a sport we so enjoy.

Gator,

As I have come to expect from you, you have explained it so even I can understand it. Trust me that was some great explaining.

Gator,
You failed to understand that even if the expiration date was past on those wonderful bits of paper that the NRA would accept them. They must think they're the greatest or we wouldn't have them for awards, right?
I'm looking forward to part 3 of the articles, haven't finished part 2 yet but will get there.

Mary

Just a "little" comment on awards:

I agree with Ed wholeheartedly. I have a job and can supply my own equipment and match fees, yet I enjoy having a trinket to remind me of the experience of each shoot. I shoot the monthly matches at Ridgway and find them well run and very enjoyable. Their awards consist of small engraved pins for most matches and nicely painted 1/5 scale targets with pins glued on for the regional shoots. Both awards are quite economical and easily put together. "Thank you to all at Ridgway for their efforts" At the 2006 nationals I suggested to Greg that they consider this approach but was largely ignored. His only talk about awards was the cost and hassle associated with them. I left with the impression that done his way there would be no awards, only NRA points.

I also suggested that if they were so concerned with cost of running the silhouette program that they should reconsider the distribution of the invitations for the nationals. Every year I get two competitors packages mailed to me inviting me to participate. I would estimate that each package including postage must cost at least three dollars to print and distribute. A simple one page letter in a stamped envelope alerting people to the dates and telling those that want to attend how to order the package could save the program enough that awards could be distributed down 20 places and still save money.

I personally believe that it is not the cost involved that is prohibitive but the fact that the comittee doesn't feel it is worth their effort to effect the changes we request

I have to agree with Redmist25 that the Ridgway trophys are GREAT!!!! and I enjoy them over all others.

As for the NRA points I still have some from Air Pistol, Free Pistol and Standard Pistol that I never used and would be hard pressed to find after all these years. Lugging trophys I'm sure is a pain, BUT many of the shooters enjoy them more than the NRA points.

As for the NRA commitee/directors.... out of touch with the shooters and general membership for sure, nuff said