RobertDFranks

I had a crack like that develop on limited gun - actually it was a thinner crack but it did touch the thicker part of the frame and then stopped. I was told by STI warranty after I sent pics - that its not fully cracked. was advised its not uncommon, and to continue shooting until it cracks through and then they would look at it for warranty then - but was advised it probably would stop at the thicker part. I decided not to follow the recommend from STI to shoot it until it breaks - seems counter to what I would have expected - whether covered or not covered by a warranty - so new frame it was. I ended up getting over it but it stung a little while. I can generally understand the frustration. I wish you the best - if you weld be careful with the steels reaction to the heat if any is used - and if there is a weld STI may never cover the gun if it cracks into thicker part. Maybe damned if you do and possibly damned if you don't. Depending on your frame number if its an early STI the portion under the thickest portion of the frame will be thinner than a more recent mfg part (which now had more metal under that portion of the thickest area of the frame at that location (old vs new). Slighter different location but same concept - think M16-A1 receiver at buffer tube location (less material) compared to A2 - (now more material - and other places added as well on A2 ....).

All of the ROs and the match staff worked their tails off during conditions that were much less than favorable. This group of folks stayed positive, made the match positive, and delivered when it counted the most - worked back to back long days with the second day being from 10-11 stages per squad. Wonderful match support from the sponsors. Thank you all for your generosity, hospitality, and concerted efforts.

What works best cash (for purchasing items to be sent) or is there a list of preferred items that may be a signature of this club, just tell us so we can do what is preferred. If you are asking about Blue Star Moms donations, toiletries, beef jerky, magazines, lip balm, anything someone might be able to use in a desert. And I bet they wouldn't turn down cash. Thanks for the list and good news on the cash.

What works best cash (for purchasing items to be sent) or is there a list of preferred items that may be a signature of this club, just tell us so we can do what is preferred.

Any idea on stages and complete total minimum round count?

Just had a great experience shooting the Texas Paper & Iron Pistol Championship in Midland, Texas this past weekend. This is an old match won and played by some big names at one time. In the past few years the match was without a home, though new relations have been formed and the match is up and running again with hopeful growth in participants in the future. In all instances, if you have the ability to get to Midland to shoot the match next year I recommend. Don Berdnorz won the overall this year and by record won the match back in 1995 and off and on through the early 2000's, prior to that the match was won by Mr. Leatham won straight from 1992 to 1994, and Mr. Voight 1990 - and there were others whose names were most recognizable sprinkled in throughout the years. Again pretty neat match, keep an eye out for it if your out that way next year.

Scores are up - http://isishootists.com/june-2015-wcsc.html

Whoever knows the open revolver shooter with the Tuff Products Squad - I believe several of those guys traveled a long way to shoot this match - needs to have him post a pic of that open revolver here; pretty wicked.

With respect to the scores, I have heard that they are being worked through - several divisions this year and over 390 entries - and quite a few of those being multiple guns. I am gathering that they should be up tomorrow. Big shout out to all the sponsors of the match and those who worked hard to keep it running and get everyone through. I was glad to see the old friends and make new friends. Certainly planning to shoot this again next year.

Pumped about this match once again. It will be great to head back out to Cali and catch up with everyone.

New Briley Advantage in .40

So we make our check payable to - LSI TX Open State Championship? Anyone know. I don't care who the check is made payable to, just want to make sure its the easiest to process for either the treasurer or the match.

Very good match. Great lunch and BBQ for after the competition on Saturday. Many thanks to all of those who put this match on and worked hard to see it through. Special thanks to the Pacleb's for hosting at their range. I can only hope that everyone will work to continue with this match in the future and that it garners the support and shooter patronage that it is worthy of. Good luck to all the shooters in attendance on Sunday.

Many thanks to Jim O'Young and Mike Dalton for putting on a most enjoyable match again this year. This year my wife came out with me and shot her first match ever, of course having a ball! Greatest appreciation to all the countless sponsors who graciously provided an impressive prize table worth over $129,000.00, containing over 40 firearms. Logan Fowler, son to the renowned Mickey Fowler, put on a smoking performance taking high overall winner - shooting a Glock iron sighted pistol. Also impressive was the fact that the match pulled in competitors not only from across the U.S., but from also from around the world - including competitors from Japan, Brazil, Canada, and South Africa - to name just a few. Both my wife and I will be in attendance next year for sure. Many thanks again to Jim and Mike and the most generous sponsors for supporting the 2014 Briley West Coast Steel Championships.

Close up of that beavertail.

Here is a single stack which is a collaboration gun between Briley and Pistol Dynamics. The two smiths, who worked together long ago in South Africa before both coming the US [Claudio-Briley and Paul - Pistol Dynamics], put their heads together on this one and came up with some features for this gun. It has a Briley frame, 30 LPI - front and back, weld on magwell, signature beavertail, signature hammer, spec'd slide cuts and profile - ion bonded & horizontally lined, spec'd bushing and plug, Briley barrel, signature front sight unit - which dovetails in from the muzzle, external extractor, Hogue aluminum grips, and I think that's pretty much it. The fit of the components are remarkable. Weighs in at 41.4 ounces with a mag.

That is one awesome prize table!! www.westcoaststeelchamps.com/VPT.htm

I use W231 exclusively and I consider it a good powder. Below 50 you have to watch temp sensitivity dropping velocity, but with 169+ factor you should be fine - even when it drops below 50. That being said, when it gets hot you will run fast. Texas Limited with temps over 105 I was at approx. 184 power factor off of a 172 base line for that year. At low charge weights it burns a little dirty with an occasional flake here, but at major charge weights it burns cleaner by comparison.. I clean my guns so its never been a problem. I also shoot cast lead - sometimes lots which is dirtier than any power safe and except - black powder, and again - never a problem with that powder. Also you can swap out HP-38 and W231 - I do depending on what is available, as I understand that they are in fact the same powder. Winchester shows identical load data between the two powders as well.

Ignoring the cosmetic issues, will it shoot alphas?

I shoot Briley barrels. I have used three different barrels in my various guns with no problems and supreme satisfaction. I shoot cast, moly coated, poly coated, jacketed and plated - all from good bullet manufacturers - so if you feed a good barrel good bullets you should be more than pleased. Briley is also pretty generous to provide their barrels as prizes at the matches they sponsor, therefore it is probably not hard find people from all over that have used the Briley barrels.

My check cleared, I have made travel arrangements. I feel confident that it will work out just fine. Just shoot an email to the director. The delay is probably just one of those items beyond present control of all involved - there are always lots of moving pieces at big matches and none of the pieces move independently. Troy's a stand up guy, it will all come together.

Wonderful match, most efficient, perfect weather, phenomenal cuisine, prize table is insane. Thanks Jim and Mike for putting it together and all of the sponsors for supporting it.

Right around the corner - prize table looks pretty amazing !

It was lots of fun and good fast paced match. The RO's on stage 5 were great, as they only shoot .45 single stack and gave all of the limited, production, and open guys the non .45 brass back at the end of the second day. Just kidding. Who won the tricked out shotgun?

That's the beauty of speed traps, they work so well .... because no one knows they are going to be there... .