LEAR

Larry- I just sent the Radisson a copy of last night's post here on the forum. Maggie was very disappointed to hear that the match was canceled and assured me that she would contact the county commissioners listed and voice her concerns and opinions.

All- Many, if not all of you, are keenly aware of the current situation facing the Del-Tone/Luth Gun Range and the 2010 Tri-Gun Challenge. For those of you that are not, the information is included below explaining why I must make the announcement that I had hoped to not have to make. It is with the deepest regret and a heartfelt sadness that I announce that the 2010 Tri-Gun Challenge has been officially canceled. I can't begin to tell you how much your support of the match, in any configuration be it Tri-Gun, Bi-Gun or Uno-Gun, has meant to those of us here at DPMS, and especially to me. We feel that by having the match it would be a disservice to the legacy and the reputation of the Tri-Gun Challenge; in other words we don't feel we can give you, the shooters, the experience that you have come to expect of the Tri-Gun and from those of us here at DPMS. We explored every avenue available to us with the hope that the match could go on this year, but to no avail. We are however steadfastly committed to the the sport of 3-gun, to the Tri-Gun Challenge and to the Del-Tone/Luth range, and we firmly believe that match will happen next year and that it will be bigger, better, and here at DPMS where it belongs. Please understand that there is no one more disappointed in the announcement than me, as I looked forward to seeing all of my veteran shooters again (as I do every year), as well as meeting those first-time shooters to the Tri-Gun Challenge. It has always felt like a family reunion, be it a very loud reunion, and I hope that all of you will join us for next year's reunion at the 2011 Tri-Gun Challenge. Sincerely, Lea and all of the DPMS/Tri-Gun Challenge Staff. (For those that may not be aware) Fellow Shooters; As many of you know,shooting range and firearms owners face ongoing battles regarding the exercise of our constitutional rights. Del-tone/Luth Gun Club recently found itself in the middle of one of these battles. For more than 30 years our gun club has been the site of a shooting range where rifles and handguns have been used by many. However, recently we have come under attack for allowing the use of handguns on our range. Sherburne County has served us with a lawsuit alleging that handgun use is not permitted at Del-tone I would like to bring you up to date on the issue of shooting Handguns at Del-Tone. The County initiated a demand letter dated June 7 ,which indicates that we are in violation of a Conditional Use Permit that was issued in 1995 for a Trap Range & Rifle Range, even though all types of firearms have been shot at the range prior to 1995. I than called the County and asked for a meeting which was granted on June 21st. At that meeting I was served a summons by the Sheriffs Office that initiates a law suit against Del-tone for violation of the CUP for shooting handguns. The lawsuit is on the back burner to see if we can work out the issue, however, at this time we must cease shooting handguns, which did occur on June 8th. Initially I was hoping to resolve the CUP issue without legal counsel, however when I was served the summons for violating the CUP (Rifle Range vs. Shooting Range (handguns)), I noticed in the summons that the County Attorney also included a violation of allowing "rapid fire weapons" which I have no clue what a "rapid fire weapon" is? With this additional restriction of "rapid fire weapons" included in the summons, I decided to hire legal counsel. Basically what has happened is the Sherburne County Attorneys’ office has filed a lawsuit against the club/range for shooting handguns because the 1995 CUP was submitted as a Rifle range. Obviously handguns have been shot at this gun club for over 30 years with no issues, as it pertains to rapid fire weapons, we do not allow rapid fire shooting on the gun ranges as a good neighbor gesture to the few homes in the surrounding area. If in fact the County is referring to "select fire weapons" such as machine guns or full auto firearms, we have a policy that full auto is not allowed for business reasons and not because it violates any state, federal or local zoning restrictions. In the meantime we continue to lose income from the loss of CCW classes, the loss of Cowboy Action Shooting (SASS), the loss of daily handgun shooters, the loss of law enforcement shooters who need to remain proficient, the loss of 3 gun events, etc. I appreciate all the support and patience from our friends, members, & customers, and you can rest assured that we will fight this case diligently. It is our intention and always has been to provide a safe range as well as a responsible range. The last thing we want or any of our shooters want is a round to leave the range or to allow irresponsible practices or policies. As we were preparing to address the handgun issue, on July 21st we were notified by the Zoning Department that the rifle range is not technically located on the proper plat that the 1994 conditional use permit was applied for. Obviously the previous owners built the rifle/gun ranges on the west side of the fence line that separated the family’s property. However over the years the legal description does not match the fence line. The County now has demanded that the entire Rifle Range be closed until we apply for an amended CUP or a New CUP. To argue our point, we will meet with the Board of Adjustments on Aug 12 at 6:00 PM to prove that the Rifle/Gun Range has been on the same location since the early 70’s and that it should be grandfathered in and for other technical reasons. This meeting will be held at; Government Center in Elk River 13880 Hwy 10 Business Center Dr. Elk River, MN 55330 Regardless of that outcome we will go before the Haven Township Board on Aug. 16th at 7:00 PM to amend our CUP to include all types of firearms including handguns and to include the correct plat that the rifle range now sits on. This meeting will be held at; Haven Township Hall 4230 45th Avenue SE St Cloud MN 56304 http://haventwpmn.govoffice2.com/ On Aug 19th at 6:30 we must also meet with the Sherburne County Planning Commission at the; Government Center in Elk River 13880 Hwy 10 Business Center Dr. Elk River, MN 55330 I appreciate all the support and patience from our friends, members, & customers, and you can rest assured that we will fight this case diligently. It is our intention and always has been to provide a safe range as well as a responsible range. The last thing we want or any of our shooters want is a round to leave the range or to allow irresponsible practices or policies. We hope that you will be able to attend these meetings and we would ask that all pro-range supporters wear a RED or BLACK shirt, we would also ask that all shooters act professionally . Sincerely, Randy E. Luth Owner Del-Tone/Luth Gun Range Luth Unlimited LLC Please help us by calling your local County Commissioner or Representative and let them know how important range preservation is to you. Having a right with nowhere to exercise that right is no right at all. Zoning Department: 763/241-241-2900 800/438-0578 County Attorney: Tim Sime 763/241-2900 800/438-0578 County Commissioner: Board Chair Felix Schmiesing/District 4 which includes Del-Tone/Luth Gun Club 763/241-2701 County Commissioner: Rachel Leonard W) 763-241-2701 County Commissioner: Larry Farber W) 763-241-2701 County Commissioner: Ewald Peterson 763/241-2701 County Commissioner: John Riebel W) 763-241-2701

Hello All- As Villamor's posting of Randy's letter indicates, the situation with the range is much more serious than just the elimination of the use of handguns, it has now extended to the use of rifles as well. Obviously it is very hard to host a 3-gun match when you are limited to the use of just one type of firearm, and for that reason we initially discussed moving the match to the Heartland Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. I can tell you from firsthand knowledge that the park is wonderful and both they, and Hornady have bent over backwards trying to help facilitate the move. However due to the very tight time frame and concerns on whether we could pull off a move and still provide you all with the match experience that you've come to expect from DPMS, we decided against moving the match. That leaves us with just two options: change the match to a shotgun only match or cancel that match completely. Nobody at DPMS wants to have to cancel the match, mainly due to the effect it would have on you the shooters, especially those of you who have booked your airline travel. The other option, a shotgun only match, was one that we thought about but didn't know if you guys would still attend the match considering you signed up for a 3-gun. So I ask you this, if DPMS made the 2010 Tri-Gun Challenge into a shotgun only match, would you all still come and help support DPMS, Del-Tone and Randy Luth as we work to squelch this attack on our second amendment rights? I need all of those who are on the conditional shooters list (and those of you who would be willing to take the place of those who say no) to sound off and let me know; yes, I would still come, or no I won't. Your responses will help dictate the final decision, but it is a decision that must be made quickly so I need everyone to spread the message. Post your response here, or email me at lear@dpmsinc.com, but please sound off on whether you feel we should continue with the match this year (as a shotgun only match) or if we should just try again next year. The fate of the 2010 Tri-Gun Challenge is in your hands. Lea L Ramthun Tri-Gun CHallenge Coordinator

You are right - DPMS certainly supports the sport and deserves our support in return. I guess my point is that a large percentage of shooters must take leave / schedule vacation days well in advance and well - there simply has to be a better way to skin the cat so folks don't have to guess whether or not they're "in". I didn't mean for my comments to be so scathing. All- Sorry for the lack of communication but I have been on the road most of the last three weeks and am still traveling. It is tough to respond to all the emails that come in, not only my DPMS emails but also the Tri-Gun Challenge emails. When I am back in the office on Monday I will try to get everyone caught up on the match! Again, my apologies. Lea L Ramthun

Albert- i would suggest using the GrandStay as a backup to the Radisson. I mean really, if competitors aren't going to use the match hotel, why do I bother setting up a block/special rate? I haven't yet spoken with the GrandStay so I can't guarantee that there will be a reduced rate like years past... Lea

Okay.....did you call or did you try to reserve online? I have setup a block of rooms for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. I know there are rooms available per my conversation with the director of sales. There is also a special rate in place for competitors, typically the special rate/block is under Tri-Gun Challenge, and I suggest calling directly to the St. Cloud Radisson to make your reservations. If you continue to have issues I'll talk to them again next week. Lea

That is something I can do! Look for a list of the "conditional" shooters to be posted on the Tri-Gun Challenge website no later than this Friday. Considering the resounding response of "Yes I will still come" I plan to start charging credit cards (and cashing checks) next week. I also plan on posting a preliminary round count along with some additional info regarding the use of .22's. I have established the St. Cloud Radisson as the match hotel and will add that info to the web along with the rest. Thanks for the patience.... Lea "Conditional" shooters list has been posted to the Tri-Gun Challenge website, as a PDF file. Round count is there as well, along with a little tidbit of info concerning the 22rf....Stay tuned for the hotel info, they didn't send it to me this week like I had requested, but I should have it next week. I highly recommend staying at the match hotel, not only are the accommodations very nice with plenty of room for your gear, but it's right next door to the Red Carpet! Talk about convenient.... Stay tuned for more info and have a very happy, and safe, 4th of July weekend! Lea

Kelly, you know you can always ship your firearms in and so as not to be bothered at the airport... Regarding the .22rf, you can bring your own, or if you prefer, you can use the ones provided on the stage....The .22rf configuration will not determine what division you are in and can have optics on it. Know where it hits at longer distances....

That is something I can do! Look for a list of the "conditional" shooters to be posted on the Tri-Gun Challenge website no later than this Friday. Considering the resounding response of "Yes I will still come" I plan to start charging credit cards (and cashing checks) next week. I also plan on posting a preliminary round count along with some additional info regarding the use of .22's. I have established the St. Cloud Radisson as the match hotel and will add that info to the web along with the rest. Thanks for the patience.... Lea

Not sure yet on the petition. Randy is attending the Haven Township meeting this evening to begin the process of rectifying this CUP problem. This of course is only the first step, hopefully they will provide him with options as to what may work best for a favorable outcome. It is certainly something to keep in mind going forward, especially as I'm sure there would be some St. Cloud hotels, restaurants, (bars), etc. that would sign it too! Lea L Ramthun Tri-Gun Challenge Coordinator

Sorry all, been out of the office much of the last two weeks. I have not charged anyone's credit cards, or cashed any checks, as of yet because of the current CUP issue that may affect the use of handguns on the Del-Tone range at this year's Tri-Gun Challenge. Obviously we at DPMS, along with Randy and Del-Tone are doing everything in our power to resolve the current issue, and I am pursuing a second option in order to truly make it a 3-gun match. Right now I just need to know who is willing to help support us by showing up and demonstrating that we will still shoot regardless of those in our neighborhood that would like to make life difficult! Due to the current limitations I want to pose the following question to those of you who have sent in your applications and payment. The question is this: Would you still attend the 2010 Tri-Gun Challenge if the match were limited to just rifle and shotgun? Sound off please! Thanks. Lea L Ramthun Tri-Gun Challenge Cordinator

Forgot the application... 10TGC_RegForm_App2.pdf

Second Round Applicants: On Friday, June 4 at the close of business (5 pm CDT), the 2010 Tri-Gun Registration Form will be posted on the Tri-Gun Challenge website (www.trigunchallenge.com) for you and other hopeful shooters to download, print off and return as soon as possible! This registration form is different than the one the “veteran” shooters will receive and must be used! Please be advised that it is first-come, first-serve for the remaining shooter slots. Once the remaining slots are full, we will begin a waiting list. Via Fax to DPMS at: 320-345-9249 Or Via Email to: media@dpmsinc.com. (NOTE THE EMAIL ADDRESS!) Please be advised that DPMS is not open for business on Saturdays or Sundays, no one will be available to respond to inquiries asking if the fax has been received! If you have any questions please call DPMS at 320-345-9223 and mention the Tri-Gun Challenge™ or email lear@dpmsinc.com. Good Luck, and we hope to see you August 26, 2010 for check-in and on the range August 27-29 for the 8th Annual Tri-Gun Challenge™!

Greetings Past Tri-Gun Challenge Competitors: In seven years the Tri-Gun Challenge™, sponsored by DPMS and Brownells, has grown to be one of the biggest and best 3-Gun matches in the nation but we believe we can continue to do better! Last year’s Tri-Gun Challenge proved to be one of the best matches of 2009 as 250 competitors competed on ten stages over three days and saw a prize table valued at $210,000+. Many, if not all, of you have said you want to come back and shoot the 8th Annual Tri-Gun Challenge, but unfortunately not everyone will be able to do that. At this point no one should consider himself/herself registered. As in the past, veteran shooters will have priority registration status. Those veteran shooters who have shot the match five or more years will be guaranteed a spot in the 2010 match, provided you return the completed registration form within the allotted timeframe. For those that have shot the Tri-Gun Challenge fewer than five years, the road to St. Cloud is a little more exciting. These shooters will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis for the remaining slots once the second round of registration begins. Shooters Who Have Shot the Match Five or More Years: 1. It is imperative that you return the fully completed application with full payment by the deadline. Please print clearly! The form must be received in the DPMS office no later than 3pm on Friday, June 4, 2010. 2. We will not accept advance payments for shooters who have shot the match less than five years in the hopes of getting them in the match “early.” Competitors who attempt to do this risk losing their slot and their current veteran status! Please send your registration materials only via the Mail, UPS or FedEx to: Tri-Gun Challenge™, c/o DPMS Firearms, LLC • Attn: Lea • 3312 12th Street SE • St. Cloud, MN 56304. Due to the “guaranteed slot status” please DO NOT fax or email your registration materials! VETERAN APPLICATION FORM IS ATTACHED Second Round Applicants: On Friday, June 4 at the close of business (5 pm CST), the 2010 Tri-Gun Registration Form will be posted on the Tri-Gun Challenge website (www.trigunchallenge.com) for you and other hopeful shooters to download, print off and return as soon as possible! This registration form is different than the one the “veteran” shooters will receive and must be used! Please be advised that it is first-come, first-serve for the remaining shooter slots. Once the remaining slots are full, we will begin a waiting list. Via Fax to DPMS at: 320-345-9249 Or Via Email to: media@dpmsinc.com. Please be advised that DPMS is not open for business on Saturdays or Sundays, no one will be available to respond to inquiries asking if the fax has been received! If you have any questions please call DPMS at 320-345-9223 and mention the Tri-Gun Challenge™ or Email me. Good Luck, and we hope to see you August 26, 2010 for check-in and on the range August 27-29 for the 8th Annual Tri-Gun Challenge™! TGC_RegForm_2010.pdf

Sorry for the delay. Expect information to be posted tomorrow concerning the registration process/dates for the 8th Annual Tri-Gun Challenge sponsored by DPMS and Brownells......and yes the match is going to happen. Mark you calendars, August 27-29!