JMD

Correct answer. I have been several times and while the inspections, stamps and signatures are involved by our admittedly casual (and correctly so!) laws, their laws are far more strict. Your permit is also Not a license to carry.

Adrie makes a good point about schedules. Within "about" a month we have the European Handgun Champ., AustralAsia Handgun Champ., Latin American Handgun Champ -- all Level IV IPSC matches. We are also squeezing in the US Nationals. Every match worthwhile with excellent RMs, which while not a guarantee, the closest thing you can get to one for a great match. Oh, and the IPSC Assembly will be in Serbia. My wife puts up with a lot (no further comment necessary - thanks!) but every 6-7 years a trip without a match at the end is required. Budapest is beautiful. It sounds like a great opportunity and the RD is sharp and pays attention to detail. Sounds good... BUT, if someone were to address the issue of schedules and especially in the light of the London Olympics -- we all will benefit. Joel

You are certainly welcome! The dates made the scheduling difficult for everyone... and of course as many "iffies" as you can manage we will make room. More the merrier! We have collectively spoken with most every business remotely connected to our type of shotgunning. And then some. I've managed a few basic marketing lessons for cross selling and the proper mining of demographics while avoiding the use of the dreaded term "profiling". (Which is what we created (-file) at the start of every marketing plan we did for product or service -- and which is in every text book pre 1980's.) Sorry, I digress and show my age! We trail the rest of the world in the full range of sporting options for shotguns. Those of you in the US, set up some of the postal stages -- I just love the name/connotation -- and see how much just plain fun you have. The competitors at the match will be a cross section of some good and great shooters. Some of the equipment will provide you a big smile on your face. THEN go to the test fire area and try some of the cutting edge creations. I expect Charles is ready to create "Area 6" teams for the "Sporting Team Competition". Bet he buys the first round also end of day one! See you all there, Joel

Go over to the IPSC Global Village and ask in one of their forums. Shooters make great advisers, hosts and/or sources of information. Sorry I do not have a contact name for you. Joel

Sorry to be a little late with the news this year -- the yearly regional Columbus Cup is in Netherlands Antilles, Curacao this year! Dates are May 7, 8 & 9. Level 3, 14 stages, serious fun, sun and games. The Columbus Cup has a different host each year and each inevitably tries to out do the previous matches. One "regular" mentioned she hasn't shot in ages but it is the social part that will bring her from the states. (That and an escape from the snow...) Treat yourself to a few days of Caribbean island hospitality the Dutch way. http://www.columbuscupcuracao.com/ Match Director and your host: John Dammers (columbuscup2010@hotmail.com) If you have never been to one of the matches ask anyone who has! Excellent people and lasting friendships just waiting to happen. If nothing else, check out the match hotel -- you may never leave... http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/curmc-curacao-marriott-beach-resort-and-emerald-casino/ Take a minute and look into airfares... treat yourself. No one else will! Hope to see you there, Joel

New News. *** Nashville and Louisville are the shuttle sites for transport from airport to hotel, hotels to match. (At this point...) What is also really interesting is the South American response is greater than the local. Since most USPSA shooters do not seem to know the protocol of having your slot go through the RD (Michael Voigt), or are waiting -- the waiting list is growing with competitors from Asia and especially Europe. Should be a great crowd! More info as I have it. Joel

The hotel on site will house primarily staff. There are 35ish rooms available, er, were available -- just to show you the level of interest -- they have been booked and not by US shooters. Surprised me too! Look to bowling Green and the website. Linda is trying to add info on a daily basis. J.

Jim, Time does heal all. Be supportive, which shouldn't be a problem, and have her take the meds. G'luck, Joel

You have to eat while there so enjoy it. Maybe no "best" but: Hard to beat Delmonico. Food, atmosphere, cellar and presentation are all top shelf. As is the cost. Not on everyone's list but outstanding meat is at Gallagher's. Joel Robuchon had Chilean Sea Bass on the menu. No fish better... This one too is pricey. Enjoy. J.

For those who missed it, or were otherwise occupied, Max Michel won Open with Dave Pruitt second. Angus took Production. Ana María Moreira worked her way into the Open shoot-off final against Max. That may have been the best theater of the match! Joel

OK, now that we have cleared up the question about slots... how many of you are thinking of going? If you have questions -- please ask them! With the match in July deadlines will be upon us quickly. http://www.panam2009.com/ The reigning World Revolver Champion Ricardo Lopez from Ecuador will be shooting(1). In fact the Ecuador team had excellent World Shoot results and they were all young* and still competing. *(Having used young in that sentence I guess I am officially nearing middle age. Damn.) Make your plans and register! You will have a great time and the shooting should also be great fun. Saludos! Joel 1. Not to diminish Ricardo's victory but Jerry wasn't able to attend. Ricardo Lopez is for real though and revolver will be a battle.

Thanks, Joel. I have already been in contact with MV. Waiting to hear back. Hopefully, I can pull this off... So do I. A chance to catch up with family and make a few memories. Get Sam and those two brothers to join you... and the SC crowd (whatever their affiliation)! Joel

Jack, You need the OK from our RD (Mike Voigt). A formality. Additionally: you will be charged a "import ammo tax" of up to $10. The government, lawyers, associations and match officials are all reading from the same page. Any questions please write... but, note the deadlines. There are several "al la carte" airlines worth investigating for inexpensive travel. * * * * * * * * * http://www.panam2009.com/ * * * * * * * * Registration Fee: Individual: US$325 ~ Team: US$200 Stages: 25 (includes chronograph) Minimum Rounds: 420 (includes chronograph) Fired Cases: To be abandoned (no collection) Divisions Recognized: Open, Standard, Modified, Production, Revolver Standard (subject to Appendix A2 of the IPSC rulebook) Categories Recognized:Lady, Junior, Senior, Super Senior (subject to Appendix A2 of the IPSC rulebook) Teams Recognized: Subject to a minimum of three teams registered in each recognized Division or Division/Category Function Firing Bay: Available at the range (3-12 July) Anti-Doping Tests: As determined by Anti-Doping Committee Shooting Range Location: Club Guayas, Km. 14 Daule highway (elevation zero) http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=es&num=...mp;t=h&z=17 Squadding: Timetable Shooting Format (Pre-Match): Full day format (3-4 July) Competitors will shoot 12 stages per day on each of the 2 shooting days Shooting Format (Main Match): Half day format (6-10 July) Competitors will shoot 5 stages per day, on each of the 5 shooting days, alternating from morning to afternoon sessions on consecutive days. Shooting Order Within Squad: According to IROA format First shot: 08:00hrs daily (Pre-Match & Main Match) Lunch Break: 11:45-12:45hrs (all shooting bays closed) Food Available At Range: Western - No charge Arbitration Fee: US$100 Deadline for confirmation and slot payment: March 31, 2009 Deadline for additional slots assignment: April 30, 2009 Deadline for Teams registration: April 30, 2009 Registration form http://www.panam2009.com/registro/registro.php

By that line of thought we would not need police because all good citizens will obey the law. Too true. But, one does have control over their own actions. Joel

Yuthh, It's a Glock. When I was real young and did the armorer's course (January 1992) we were told "clean and wipe dry. Use lube lightly". Since you case pro (if you were to reload...) I can't imagine a problem. Over the years I've seen a lot of Bullet Master go through them flawlessly. Have you considered our Nationals? They will be in Vegas. High demand slot! Joel