DPMS Tri-Gun Challenge

[TheDude]

All I can say, is that we should not have to call to find out if the match is cancelled. This website should be notified as soon as the decision is made one way or the other.

I will wait until I get the offical word from DPMS before I cancel any plans seeing that this forum seems to be kept up to date with the most current offical information.

With so much still being up in the air I could see how a random person that answers the phone at DPMS might say the match has been canceled when in fact it may not be. Unless that person was Lea that you spoke to, then I would assume she will post that info here soon.

ETA - I see LEAR is reading this topic right now, so perhaps we will have an official answer shortly...

Edited August 3, 2010 by TheDude

[LEAR]

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

[Corey]

[RH45]

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

I'm sorry to hear that the match has been cancelled.

I hope things are straightened out for next year!

[caz41]

Keep us posted on the legal battle. We got your back!

[NOMADSS]

My trip to Rocky Mountain 3 gun is off to a bad start and now the news of not having the tri-gun!! I need a jack and coke!!

We appreciate all the effort and we know it wasnt a easy decision!! If we can do anything in helping with the fight please let us know!!

The tri-gun has always set the bar and in 2011 the bar will be raised again!!

[ap3]

My trip to Rocky Mountain 3 gun is off to a bad start and now the news of not having the tri-gun!! I need a jack and coke!!

We appreciate all the effort and we know it wasnt a easy decision!! If we can do anything in helping with the fight please let us know!!

The tri-gun has always set the bar and in 2011 the bar will be raised again!!

Yes having it canceled is a real bummer, I am sure Lea is as frustrated as we are....I need a vodka martini

[2alphas]

Thank you Lea, Randy and all the DPMS family for your efforts to make one of the flagship 3-Gun matches go forward. I know you gave it your all.

Next year!

TC

[wi shooter]

Do I still get to keep my spot for next year?

[spd522]

Do I still get to keep my spot for next year?

Good point! They can even charge my card now to hold it.

Canceling the match is disappointing but probably the most

logical choice to make. I feel sorry for those that may get

hosed on airfare. I am also sad not to get to see my grandkids

in Minneapolis.

Craig

[ccur]

Rod and I would come for shotgun only...I have been looking forward to this trip for a year I am sad it is cancelled, but we support DPMS and look forward to another awesome match there in the future!!

Cheryl

Edited August 4, 2010 by ccur

[larry weeks]

I just called the Radisson to cancel my rooms and the woman I talked to wasn't aware it had been cancelled. Told her she could thank the county government. She said she'd take it to the higher ups, they were going to lose a bunch of money. Nothing that hasn't been said here but maybe they will get in gear and help unelect the idiots responsible.

[Jadeslade]

I appreciate the effort by DPMS and Lea. It is too much pressure to run a match under the circumstances thrust upon them. Better to clear the air, take care of business and come back next year better than ever.

[LEAR]

I just called the Radisson to cancel my rooms and the woman I talked to wasn't aware it had been cancelled. Told her she could thank the county government. She said she'd take it to the higher ups, they were going to lose a bunch of money. Nothing that hasn't been said here but maybe they will get in gear and help unelect the idiots responsible.

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.

[abn-rgr]

I just called the Radisson to cancel my rooms and the woman I talked to wasn't aware it had been cancelled. Told her she could thank the county government. She said she'd take it to the higher ups, they were going to lose a bunch of money. Nothing that hasn't been said here but maybe they will get in gear and help unelect the idiots responsible.

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.

I just canceled as well. I let them know its the local govs fault and they were very disapointed in the whole thing. I did tell them we would definitely be back next year if it goes down!!! Let us know if you all need any help with your legal battles. The O3GC crew will do anything we can to help.

[wi shooter]

I would be up for a "Fund Raising shotgun only match" if one was put together. (Or, 3gun at a different range) Obviously a little further down the road. And preferably a one day match. Any one else?

[-=VILLAMOR=-]

I would be up for a "Fund Raising shotgun only match" if one was put together. (Or, 3gun at a different range) Obviously a little further down the road. And preferably a one day match. Any one else?

I'd be up for that. And I think quite a lot of shooters would attend given the cause.

[J.Schmitt]

It's great to get a phone call from your shooting partner while your on vacation with the family to be told that the match is canceled. Nothing like a little cheer to keep the relaxation going. I am extremely disappointed that this has been the outcome. My gut says that the timing is quite suspicious.

Lea, please keep us posted on the outcome of each of the meetings. Randy and DPMS have my support. Del-Tone/Luth is my home range and primary training ground for 3 gun which also means it is the primary location where I improve my law enforcement skills.

Good Luck, Randy.

Jay