Tactica

This week there has been some press on Dick Metcalf's anti gun article and the firing that followed after his long tenure with the magazine. http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Lets-Talk-Limits-by-Dick-Metcalf-of-Guns-Ammo-December-2013.pdf http://www.gunsandammo.com/2013/11/06/response-december-2013-backpage-column/ http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2013/11/foghorn/breaking-guns-ammo-fires-dick-metcalf-for-2a-betrayal/ In the aftermath, the magazine received enough feedback in cancelled subscriptions or threat of leaving that the Editor published an apology letter. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/11/07/guns-ammo-fires-editor-apologizes-for-gun-control-column.html Yesterday, the Editor resigned for publishing Dick's article all together, though he had planned to replace himself with a new editor by Jan 2014. The lib media has jumped all over this... (I'll spare you the links) + + + In the past, Dick Metcalf has had several TV spots on various industry affiliated shows, he's arguably a recognized industry personality. Dick Metcalf is president and one of the founding members of the Pike Adam's Sportman's Alliance (PASA) 'club' The PASA club meets and hosts events at the PASA park range. PASA park range is on the Metcalf family farm, to which Dick Metcalf also has an interest. PASA has had a long successful history of hosting numerous successful shooting events and received praise for doing so. Amongst their successes include past USPSA Nationals, annual USPSA SS Nationals, recent Revolver Nationals & periodic USPSA Area 5 matches amongst many other events. More can be found below on events. "In recognition of PASA's economic impact, the Illinois State Regional Tourism Council in 1989 presented PASA with its "Outstanding Organization Achievement Award," given each year to the organization in Illinois that has done the most to promote tourism to the entire state. According to the NRA, it is the only time in the history of the United States that a shooting sports organization has received a state award for promoting tourism." http://www.pasapark.com/history.htm%C2'> -- document last revised in 2003 + + + Question: So with a range and club with such recognized successes accomplishments and history, but also affiliated with Mr. Metcalf, could an article such as this, resulting in a public outcry and a firing now cause further fallout for any of his affiliations in the industry? If so, could it go so far as to affect major matches held at PASA park range? As a 2 A supporter, USPSA member, competitor... how do you feel about attending matches at PASA now in lieu of recent events, one way or the other?

In, see you guys at the range for the last one of the season. Love these matches!

To the OP, I'm not familiar with the Armalite rifle you mention. My suggestion, as someone only a year into 3-gun career, but a competition shooter in other sports since 2010 is - make an informed decision. You indicate this is a competition gun. Great, I would pick a division first. Then, then consider the ranges and competition circuit you are going to compete in. Look for any control preferences you have in how the gun operates. Then, IMO, you are ready to decide, manufactured or custom. Look at buying (or building) something that is going to fit your needs, desires and purposes is something you will ultimately be more happy with than just buying from a favorite manufacturer or the latest new / shiny model of xyz. The barrel is arguably one of the most important decisions you will make about your rifle. Example: If your longest shot is going to be 100 yards at the clubs you frequent, and your not shooting more than 20 rounds in a course of fire, then you probably not going to justify popping for a top end barrel. On the other hand, if your clubs regular shoot at 400-600 yards and love to make good short plus precision long shots in the same courses, that barrel is going to be taxed... I'd steer you to JP's supermatch and nothing else for high demand work. Whether you go with a shorty or 18"+ barrel, 1:7, 1:8 or 1:9 twist and choice of gas system will also depend upon the balance of weight, accuracy and cycling differences you may wish to employ. Questions on your mind should include, do you want: - Gas Impingement vs. Gas Piston? - Carbine, mid or rifle length gas? - Adjustable gas system for different loads or to tune the bolt cycling to your load? - Low mass or full mass bolt / carrier group - Stock buffer, flat spring, or JP silent capture buffer system - Specific stock / grip / handguard? - Ambi / oversized charging? - Want ambi safety? - Enhanced bolt release or BAD lever? - Tuned trigger with a competition pistol feel? - A specific compensator / muzzle treatment - (etc, the list is far from exhaustive...) The more information you have about what you want in the performance and where / how you will use the rifle, the more that will guide your decision to the parts you put in your ideal black rifle. Even if you don't build one to your exact specs right out of the gate (which would be my preferred approach), knowing what you want to get too allows you to start buying something that's closer to your ideal blaster.

LOL

Sperman: There's always more to the 'real' story on match day, the prop (ammo can) did start with tape over the latch (so I'm told), so that it was sealed and could not be opened unless 'tampered' with. Wasn't my squad, don't know the situation. However, it was opened. Moreover, it appears to have happened on more than one occasion by more than one squad throughout the day for various reasons. Eventually, either by throwing or by inquisitive and/or forgetful shooters (?) the tape was removed and never restored. (again, local match with roaming ROs that were not advised about this stage or ammo can prop before the match.) Nobody knew how to handle it until we arrived. Eventually, squads were arriving to the stage with no tape on an ammo can that had stuff in it and a WSB that left little to be desired. So, on match day, the can was handled differently by different folks all day long. Had there been static ROs - whoever removed the tape would have been issued a procedural per 4.5.1 as the tape would have been clearly securing the prop and been a fastener for the device. It's contents would have been integral. Tape would have been restored, contents would never have been removed in advance, no event. Hindsight, I think the stage should have been thrown out had the MD found out about all this on match day, considering what all happened, but... that's not the question + + + + My question stems from the match, but more a hypothetical as that's not how the ammo can started. So, *If* the MD builds the stage and doesn't put the tape on the ammo can *to start*, it presents an interesting situation for discussion, as some of our squads encountered later in the day.... which is the real point of my question. Are the contents of the prop considered part of the prop or not? To elaborate: Doors, briefcases, walls with sliding openings, stowage containers, etc are props and can be opened / closed before a buzzer. Some props simply sit on a table, others are carried and delivered, others are opened to gain access to a stage. All can be freely opened during walk through. Some of these props can 'hold' or 'store' items. However, if the prop 'contains something' and the WSB doesn't mention it, and the prop isn't fastened, are the contents part of the prop? If they are part of the prop, and they spill out in the middle of a course of fire, then logic would dictate that during a 'delivery' type CoF, that the shooter must either be required to collect the contents and deliver the entire prop in order to fulfill the WSB to avoid the procedural... or its an equipment malfunction if not designed to open... but an ammo can is designed to open, so is it opening a challenge the competitor is tasked to manage and a risk they take should they choose to throw it? If the contents are not part of the prop, since the contents were not listed as part of the WSB and the ammo can / container was not secured, can the competitor freely remove contents from the prop before the buzzer without violating 4.5.1 as long as the prop (ammo can) is closed in the proper condition mentioned (if any) in the WSB, or can the competitor start with the ammo can/ container hanging open / closed - their choice, if the WSB doesn't say what condition the ammo can is to be started in? Thanks,

whitedog, local match - no award at all. Just a bunch of regulars that shoot together and some of which are very competitive trying to game the stage...

General Question: Does 4.5.1 apply to a 'move the ammo can' stage if it is filled with something, but the WSB doesn't say anything about the ammo can's contents and there is nothing otherwise securing the ammo can from being opened either before or during the COF? Situation: In a local match, WSB instructs shooter to start with ammo can in weak hand. Shooter has to deliver the ammo can to the end of the stage before the last shot was fired. Ammo can was latched, but nothing secured the latch from opening or being opened. Roaming ROs in use. No walk of the stages beforehand, read the WSB and shoot. In the WSB, there was no mention of whether the shooter had to maintain control of the can, or the contents of the can, or when to deliver it (other than before last shot fired). There was nothing on the can securing it to ensure it remained closed other than the default latch. However, it was filled with items (added weight). Details: Some opened / inspected contents. Some shot the stage with the can in their weak hand the whole time. Others tossed the can to the end of the stage, shot the first part, then picked up the can and delivered it and fired a shot into the berm. When / if tossed, the can may or may not come open. *If* it came open, the ammo can may have been delivered in empty or full state to the barrel... as WSB didn't say otherwise (i.e. contents *may* have been on the ground). Others later opened the can, emptied it, and then started the stage with an empty can, noting that the prop in question mentioned in the WSB was the *ammo can*. The ammo can's condition of closed / open, full / empty, or contents were not mentioned in the stage briefing, only the can itself was. (though it was obvious the intent of the MD was to weight the ammo can.) Moreover, since the ammo can was not secured in anyway, there was no way to guarantee it's contents could even be maintained, or were not added to / reduced from / shifted / imbalanced / changed / etc from shooter to shooter. + + + Question + + + So, what's your thoughts... does 4.5.1 apply to contents of an ammo can *if* the WSB does not address the contents and if the ammo can is not secured closed, and you are using roaming ROs and there are no other instructions? + + + Follow up + + + if 4.5.1 does apply to the contents of the ammo can without it being secured or mentioned in the WSB, and if a competitor throws it and it opens and contents spill out, - is it a range equipment failure... - are they required to fill it back up and then deliver it on the clock... - other? if 4.5.1 does apply without it being secured shut, and roaming ROs are in use, and say the a whole squad intentionally empties it before starting the stage because they feel 4.5.1 only applies to the can, not its contents, what is the ramification for the MD to apply to the squad for shooting the stage with an emptied can when he finds out after the fact? - one procedural for everyone on the squad? - throw out stage? - other? Thank you,

I received my 'uncashed' Money Order today (that I previously cancelled at the bank.) -- Missouri resident.

I contacted my bank, verified money order wasnt cashed, found that the time was running out on the money order, they are only good for 6 months from my bank, so I paid a small fee to put a stop payment on the money order. Had to fill out some paperwork on the folks who it was sent to. My money was returned to me same day By midnight. I'm done. BTW, still no response and no mail from Misty this week, so... who knows.

Misty said envelopes and stamps were being licked on the night of Wed the 11th. She told me my Money Order was not cashed yet, and it was just a matter of sending it back. I live in Missouri. It's Mon the 16th. Unfortunately, nothing to report in the mailbox today. I've sent her another email...

Every 300-350 rounds. I use an aerosol gun cleaning product to remove the heavy crap from the breach and let it run out the upper. Come back with a copper bore brush and remove fouling. Repeat as needed. Next, a JP bore guide tool inserted, patch with hoppes #9, .22 cal copper brush breach to muzzle only, let it sit while I clean the rest of the rifle / bolt / carrier with FireClean. I go back with a patch / jag and remove fouling, usually only takes a couple to get it reasonably clean. I'm not anal with it. Then I coat it with a heavy coat of FireClean down the bore and breach. I find this last step to be important as it makes future cleaning easier. Probably not the fastest or best way - just what I do.

Chad Francis and 1 bonus stage from Joe Niederbrach

Another outstanding Gateway 3-Gun match. Water and cups, trash cans and gun racks at each stage make it convenient. Stage descriptions were posted in advance and if it wasn't written in the WSB, then it was free game. We had 6 quality stages, one that was sponsored by Rhino Arms with their toys and their ammo. Rhino even stuck around after and handed out some random draw goodies including a $300 trigger! The G3G matches always include a gun raffle / door prize for attendance and there was a 50/50 side match of pump shotgun charcoal tossing. We had a mid day break for lunch at the club house with sloppy joes, slaw, salad, green beans, dessert and drink for around $7.00 too. Oh, and hard to foreget that after all the guns and ammo were put away, complimentary adult beverages were provided. Best going $40 of entertainment you'll find. Videos from the match to follow: Tyler's surprise proposal to Kate on a special stage 1: Rob Malin - my attempt at the match in Open Cheers,

Interested, add me to the list. Very cool design. Did the question about Wind / Elev adjustments on this get answered?

Two Emails from Misty on Tues 8/27, first said my Money Order was not yet cashed. Second said my refund check would be dispatched by the end of the week. There was a holiday weekend this past weekend. USPS mail has arrived today on Thurs, 9/5 and still nothing. Even if it didn't go out until Tuesday this week, I live in Missouri and expected it by now if it was mailed last week... or even Tuesday this week. I've sent her an email requesting a status update to see what may have happened. Cheers,

Ditto, received some positive news in email from Misty. Sounds like the powers that be are starting the refund distributions this week. Thanks for the help & communication Misty.

In.

Misty: Your point is well received and valid. Personally, I don't care why the match was cancelled. Life happens. It sucks, I was looking forward to the match and meeting you and Kirk, but it is what it is. I've heard tons of rumors and I'm sure the truth lies somewhere between all of that. I would just like my refund sooner rather than later so I can reallocate those funds to another match before this year's shooting season is over. Individual communication about refunds seems to be a sore spot. I believe most folks would rather know that you have (or have not) received their email acknowledgement. Communication seems to be the largest general complaint at this point in the handling of refunds / compensation that I can see on this forum (or from what I've heard offline). The communication regarding refunds we've received thus far could be summarized generally as 1) "email me your choice", 2) "if you've emailed me, I received it" and 3) "refunds, would be processed on 8/16." I appreciate the effort to post something here over sending no communication. I really do. I'm guessing you're juggling several duties to get these refunds processed and out the door not to mention all the other background administration that is going on with the ProAM and and aftermath of the match being cancelled and helping out Kirk with whatever caused the event to be cancelled in the first place... managing chaos is never fun. However, if I'm being honest, this communication to those who paid - the customers - does fall short of an ideal for those of us concerned about our funds. Moreover, the general communication becomes more concerning, when I/we hear of at least one other who sent in two emails that were not received (Kevin S.) As of yesterday he received an email from O3G stating that he now has been entered into the ProAm as O3G did not receive an email from him. However, he did request a refund twice as he knew from the beginning he would be out of town. These kind of events make the rest of us question, was my email for refund received? After all, I never received a confirmation of my request... The point is, a general notice stating that "If you sent me a notice, I received it" is a very inefficient and very impersonal form of communication and doesn't *confirm* anything to those concerned. Next, the act of *processing refunds* is a generic statement as another forum member pointed out. I could read that as you are cutting checks and placing them in the mail.. on the other hand, it could mean that you are just doing the administrative planning work to see who is getting allocated funds... From a literal reading, it doesn't really mean anything specific.. "Processing" is a rather generic term. It definitely doesn't expressly state that *my* check is in the mail as of a particular date. So since today is 8/26 and we have not received any refunds yet, what did we really learn by the past two communications? Again, I'm sure you are doing all that you can in your free time when real life, day job and your family doesn't pull you in other directions. I'm sure this post match processing refunds is not on your first priority when you get out of bed each morning or when you get home from work. So, thank you for your assistance helping Kirk get this sorted... and for hopefully getting these refunds ultimately dispatched back into the hands of those who paid.... for what it's worth, your efforts are truly appreciated. I'm sure the task at hand is not an easy one. When/if you get the opportunity - some straight talk about if *I* am specifically on the list to receive a refund, when you are sending out *my* refund and/or when *I* can expect *my* refund to be in the mail box would be great. I think you have my email address. V/R Rob Malin

Nothing arrived yet.

I live in Missouri close to STL. When I order from MidwayUSA (In Columbia MO), I receive all product the next day. I've ordered about 12 times over the years. I placed an order on Monday afternoon and received it yesterday, Tuesday. We go to Big Cedar Lodge in Lake of the Ozarks once a year. From time to time we've had reservations and items mailed to us. Worst delay I've ever seen was 2 days to get us something... and that wasn't the posts issue, that was delay in someone getting to the post office. Point is, a 1-2 day to post something across the state to my address from that neck of the woods is a pretty good benchmark. + + + I didn't receive anything from O3G Tuesday or now in today's post. Mail has already arrived today (Wed). + + + If checks were cut last Fri 8/16 and put in the mail, it should have already arrived. Even if they were posted Mon 8/19, today is Wed 8/21 and it still should have arrived. + + + Maybe they got held up with other affairs and what not this week, life does happen... If I don't have something in the mailbox by Friday, I'll start to question their intentions and/or abilities to refund. Good times.

So, refunds were processed today... per the above. I suppose we are looking at checks in the mail box by early next week?

Was surprised to see the number grow to 70 for the regional match this month. With stage signs, water at each stage, quality 3 sided berms that Brittany Shooting Park has built and well thought out stages, dump barrels, options for start, gun choice and how to solve the stage plan really showed. Lunch mid way through, gun raffle, trophies and beer afterwards... and a $40 entry fee... Just wanted to say, great match guys. All the work is paying off. Can't wait for September already. Here's my vid from 5 of the 6 stages.

Misty, can only imagine what all you guys are going through. Thank you for the commitment to make it right. Good luck with all the aftermath. Yours and everyone's efforts are appreciated. Cheers,

Bonecracka: Brittany Shooting Park (618) 278-4462 11374 Prairie Dell Rd, Bunker Hill, IL 62014

Count me in! Big fan of the G3G matches. Outside of the match that was on the anniversary weekend, I haven't missed one this year! 2-day format sounds interesting..., but I'm local an will differ to the masses that have to travel. I'd like to see what you guys do with a mini-major... always fun to shoot with the out of towners. I'm game either way! More important to shoot. Stages have always been well designed, give plenty of options from where to start, which gun to start with and how to shoot. Always satisfies my inner gamer! If you need anything, LMK,