CLUB NEWS
| Club Officers and Match Organizers MCSA Pres Jack Fitch 360 426-6251 VP Robert Krasean 360 868-2320 Treas Don Fox 360 426-5156 Secty Jeff Meyers 360 426-4312 USPSA Bruce Bennett 360 426-5183 Small Bore Allen Bragg 360 426-9157 PCC & Steel Scott Hawkins 360 426-3683 Hunter Ed Steve Mutoli 360 426-6869 Cowboy SASS Keith Vanderwal360 426-1114 SHS/Juniors John Watkins360 426-2678 |
Mason County Sportsman’s Association News
The Official Club Newsletter June, 2008
What’s New?
Jack Fitch is putting together a summer “league” for those who miss their winter shooting buddies.
The course of fire will be different each match and it looks like we will be shooting on every other
Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. (please try to arrive by 5:30 to help with setup and get signed in). The first
match will be on June 17th. The fee for club members is $3.00 and for non-members $5.00. Bring
eyes, ears, holster, 70 rounds and your semi-auto and/or revolver. If you need further information
please call Jack, his number is on the last page of this newsletter.
This is not new, but is important enough to warrant the front page. We have a problem with the
range ceiling getting shot. The most important issue with this is if one errant bullet gets out of the
building and past the berm, we could get shut down. We have already lost the outdoor range. What
will you do if we lose our club and range all together?? The leaky roof was just repaired last fall.
These repairs are expensive; we do not want anymore holes in the ceiling/roof. The roofing materials
WILL NOT STOP BULLETS.
Please don’t loan out your range key. If your friend wants to shoot, you are required to be with
them; a violation could result in loss of your membership. When you are at the range with friends,
family, children, you are the safety officer and are responsible to review the range rules with them.
The rules are posted in several places and you were given a copy upon your orientation. Here are
some common sense considerations:
1 DON’T shoot the ceiling. When your gun is out of the holster and loaded, it MUST be pointed
down range.
2 All targets must be in the “pit”. You absolutely may not set up targets in the middle of the room.
The “pit” is designed to safely capture bullets and the center of the room is not.
3 If a person under 21 is shooting a firearm, they must have direct supervision at ALL times. It is
wonderful to bring the next generation into the shooting sports, but please teach them right from the
beginning. If you are not sure of how to accomplish this please contact a board member and they
would be more than happy to assist you.
Upcoming events;
June 15 Father’s Day
17 Summer 3-D Shooting league
20 First day of summer
21 Cowboy shoot at the Vanderwals 360-426-1114
25 MCSA Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.
28 RSO class at our clubhouse Robert Krasean 360-868-2320
July 1 Summer 3-D Shooting league
2 General meeting 7:30 p.m.
4 Independence Day
5 RSO class at our clubhouse Robert Krasean 360-868-2320
15 Summer 3-D Shooting league
19 Cowboy shoot at the Vanderwals 360-426-1114
24 Fair booth set-up
25-27 Mason County Fair – shooting booth
29 Fair booth take-down
29 Summer 3-D Shooting league
30 MCSA Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Aug 6 General meeting 7:30 p.m.
12 Summer 3-D Shooting league
16 Cowboy shoot at the Vanderwals 360-426-1114
26 Summer 3-D Shooting league
27 MCSA Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.
The Prez says:
Mid-year Update from the MCSA President
2008 has been challenging to say the least, but we are making progress. Membership is once again
gaining strength, the outdoor range is gaining recognition from the community and volunteerism is
alive and well!
I met again with Sheriff Salisbury and Supervisor Tim Sheldon to reaffirm our commitment to
develop a new outdoor range. We are also in the process of training 20 Range Safety Officers to
show that we are committed to being open to the public a couple of days a week. I have also talked
to a major business owner in the sports industry that is willing to help with some of the financial
needs. We still need to get our 501C3 (non-profit) tax exemption paper work submitted. We have
contacted two attorneys in Seattle for estimates to get this done. We’ll keep the membership posted.
And we are collecting information regarding grants.
Your Board of Directors would like to thank those of you who have “gone the extra mile” through
volunteerism or donations. Keep up the good work! I have a list of people to thank but for fear of
leaving someone out, smile you know who you are.
We are considering an open house (one day) rather than a booth for Oyster Fest (4 days). This will
give us a chance to test our range safety skills. We would like to have several shooting stations set up
for various calibers and skill levels and to demonstrate IDPA, PPC and Plates. If you have ideas
come to the next BOD meeting we’d like to hear from you.
Keep em in the X- ring,
Jack Fitch
Special Series:
This is the second installment to the shooting match series. Please consider coming to a match. Even
if you only watch, we can always use the help with taping targets, set-up and tear-down, and you
can become more comfortable with what we do. If you do come just to watch, please bring eyes
and ears.
What to expect at your first Pistol Match...
You have decided you want to try a "Pistol Match". Hmmmm..... what will it look and sound like,
what are the rules, what can I expect to see and hear? When you arrive at the range on match day,
you will see shooters "gearing up", setting up shooting stages, signing up and getting a score sheet,
and getting mentally ready for the match. Feel free to locate a range officer to find out where you
need to go and about where safe areas are located.
Our range (and most others) operates on match day under the "Cold Range" rule, which means no
loaded guns, no magazines (loaded or unloaded) in semi-auto pistols, and hammers down on an
empty chamber. For revolvers, the cylinder is empty and the hammer is down. There are 2 places
that are legal to put on your firearm: On the shooting line or in the designated "Safe Area". At your
vehicle, you are allowed to load magazines (or moon clips and speed loaders for the revolver
shooters), put your belt and related gear on, and generally prepare yourself for the match. Once you
put your firearm in the holster, it stays there. If someone wants to see your gun, or if you want to
look at some one else's gun, you MUST go to the Safe Area. Only there are you allowed to handle
UNLOADED firearms. Absolutely no live ammo can be handled in the safe area.
Shooting equipment can go from basic to extravagant. Eye and ear protection are MANDATORY
for all shooters and guests on the range on match day. Any safe firearm of 9mm or larger caliber in
semi auto or 38/357 Magnum or larger in revolvers will get you started. Lots of people shoot their
straight out of the box Ruger, Glock, Springfield Armory, etc pistol and do just fine. As you get more
into the "game", you might look at modifications and accessories that will enhance your shooting
abilities, but to start off, box stock is just fine. Also, you will need a safe holster that will retain your
firearm and cover the trigger. You also need a way to carry extra ammo. Please don't go out and
buy some kind of expensive setup without seeing what the other shooters are using, and feel free to
ask questions about their equipment. Shooters are always willing to help a new shooter get the right
equipment, and also to steer you away from making some expensive mistakes. Most shooters can do
just fine starting off with something along the line of the "Uncle Mike's" line of nylon or kydex holsters
and mag pouches. Some shooters also just stick a couple or 3 extra magazines in their pants pockets
and go at it. The whole idea is to have a good time and be safe. The more you shoot, the more you
will see the different kinds of equipment in use and see what you like (and what works) and what you
don't like. Shooting equipment is like cars, boats, skis or anything else, what I like, you might not like.
When you show up, there may be several club members already on the range setting up different
shooting "stages". A "shooting stage" is an array of targets that is set up so that
each competitor shoots the same array of targets. Depending on the stage, each shooter may have
the option to decide how it is to be shot based upon his experience and opinion, or all shooters may
have to follow an exact list of commands to complete the course of fire. The number of bays used
and stages set will vary depending on the match.
Range Commands
Now, here is where the fun starts. When the shooter comes to the firing line, the RO will explain the
course of fire then ask ”Do you understand the course of fire". If the shooter has any questions, or
needs any clarification, now is the time to speak up. Don't be shy; make sure you know what the
stage setup is.
If the shooter says "Yes", indicating he/she understands the course of fire, or nods his head, the RO
will say: "Make ready". Only at this time, and under direct supervision of the RO, are you allowed to
remove your unloaded firearm from the holster, point it safely downrange, take any imaginary sight
pictures, practice your draw, and load your firearm. At that time, you will reholster your firearm, (or
place it where the stage procedure calls for it to be placed) and assume the firing position. The firing
position can be "Arms naturally at sides", "Hand on head with fingers interlaced", "Surrender Position
(wrists above respective shoulders)", or any other starting position stated in the course description.
All shooters will start from the same position.
Once in the shooting position, the RO will ask: "Are you ready?" If you are not ready, shake your
head or say "NO". If you are ready to commence firing, nod, say "Yes" or just wait. If you
acknowledge that you are ready, the RO will say: "Stand by", and 1-3 seconds later, you will hear
the timer beep. At this moment you draw, engage the targets, and finish the stage in the procedure
described in the walkthrough.
When you think you have satisfactorily completed the shooting stage, remove your finger from the
trigger, point your firearm down range and wait for the RO's next command: "If you are finished,
unload and show clear". At this time, you will remove your magazine from a semi-auto (or empty the
cylinder on a revolver), and show the RO a clear firearm. Once the RO is satisfied that the firearm is
clear, he will give the command: "If clear, slide down", at this time you drop the slide on a semi auto
or close the cylinder on a revolver; the RO will then say: "Hammer down (this is when you again
point your firearm down range and "PULL" the trigger on an empty chamber)", "Holster (this is when
you holster your firearm)". Then you will hear the command "The range is safe" or “The line is clear”.
At this time he will give the stats person the official time, and they will proceed down range to score
your targets. Also, this is the time when the people behind the line can help pick up brass and tape
targets. The shooter is allowed to go down range with the RO and stats person, but is not allowed to
touch the targets. If the shooter has any questions as to why a particular target was scored a certain
way, he is allowed to question the RO before the target is taped.
Congratulations, you have just completed your first pistol stage. Now, there are a few more things to
keep in mind when you are on the line and shooting. Any time you are reloading, moving between
shooting positions, or clearing a malfunction, your trigger finger MUST be out of the trigger guard. If
your finger is near the trigger, you will be warned to watch the finger. Sometimes the RO will shout
"Finger". That is what he means. Finger on the trigger during reloading or movement is a match
disqualification (DQ).
If you hear the RO shout "STOP" for any reason, immediately stop shooting, point your firearm
safely down range, take your finger off the trigger and wait for further commands from the RO.
Maybe he saw a target that fell (range failure, you get a reshoot). Maybe something about your gun
didn't sound right, squib load, etc, or he saw something happen to your gun that you didn't see (the
RO is watching you and your gun, not the targets you are shooting at). In any instance, stop and
await further instruction from the RO.
Another rule strictly enforced at ALL matches is the "180* Rule". This rule stated that you can not let
the muzzle of the firearm point more than 90* (degrees) from directly downrange. Breaking the 180*
rule will result in an immediate match DQ.
If at any time you drop your gun, you must have an RO assist you in retrieval. If you drop a loaded
gun during a course of fire, or while loading or unloading, stop and wait for the command to pick it
up from the RO. Dropping a loaded gun could also result in a match DQ.
At this point, after you have shot, the other shooters will shoot in the order they are assigned. You
are expected to help patch targets, pick up brass and help in any other way. This keeps the match
running smoothly and on time, and gets the next shooter on line in a timely manner. Usually after all of
the shooters complete a stage, they return to the loading bench or their vehicles and reload
magazines, get a drink or whatever else they might need to do to prepare for the next stage.
After the match
If you are participating in an outdoor match be sure to bring sunscreen during the summer, foul
weather protection if it looks like rain (yes, we do shoot in the rain), and maybe a snack and
something to drink, especially if it is hot. Be sure to wash your hands and face before eating so you
do not get lead contamination through ingestion. Many shooters carry a package of baby wipes in
their range bag.
After the match, we will tear down the stages and police the range. Usually with a little help, this
doesn't take but 10 minutes or so. We all know that at times some shooters have obligations after the
match and for one reason or another all shooters can't stay all the time to help, but the help is nice
when you can stay. The range has to be picked up whether one person does it or 10 help.
Hopefully this has given the new shooter the insight to what will be seen and heard at a pistol match.
To really experience the sights and sounds, come on out and get a first hand look at our "game". Just
remember, if you like shooting, you'll probably be hooked. If you need any more information, feel
free to contact any club member or officer. We'll be more than happy to help.
Projects:
We still need the clubhouse bathrooms repaired and now we need ceiling tiles in the range replaced.
Both of these projects are great opportunities to get in your work hours. How about contacting Jack
Fitch to volunteer to be a project chair. Jack360-426-6251
Classified Listings:
For Sale: Olympic Arms CAR 15-A2 11” barrel with 5” suppressor. Very low round count, less
than 1000 rounds. Bushmaster fixed extended folding stock. Asking $750. Call Jeff 360-426-4312
___________________
Spenser Lake Firearms
Sales, Repairs, Instruction. Donald Fox, 360-426-5156 or spencerlakefirearms@msn.com
General:
Our last raffle of a shot gun made us almost $2000 toward our range/building fund. We sold a little
over 600 tickets. We will soon have tickets available for sale for our next raffle item:
New Ruger revolver, Single 6 with a 6 ½” barrel in .17 caliber.
This item was donated by Bruce Bennet and the drawing will happen at our
November general meeting. Tickets will be $2.00 each and there will be 600 tickets.
Sorry members, this raffle is not open to members. However, members can get in some volunteer
hours by taking the gun and raffle tickets to the WAC show in October and/or the gun show in
Centralia. Contact Steve Mutoli 360-426-6869
The Mason County Fair is coming up in July. We will be setting up the booth on July 24 and the fair
runs July 25 through July 27; with booth take-down the following week. This is a great opportunity
to get in your work hours, tell the public about our club and interact with the youth of our community.
Contact Aubry Hutchinson to volunteer for any of the abovementioned days: 360-877-6602.
Steve Mutoli wanted to let us all know that the Centralia Gun Show is having an event in our area.
November 15 and 16 Little Creek Casino in Shelton is hosting the Centralia Gun Show.
Oysterfest – or - not??
We go to a lot of trouble and expense for not a lot of reward to participate in Oysterfest; we only
deposited a little over $100 in our account last year. It has been suggested that this year, instead of
participating in Oysterfest, that we participate in the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Mason
County Port. This celebration is scheduled for September 13, 2008. We could plan an open house
to show our club off and the many disciplines we participate in. This would be a great opportunity to
really show off for the community and since we are asking the community for support for an outdoor
range, we could really earn some good will. An open house would take commitment from the whole
club. We could really have a good time and make this fun. Think about this opportunity and how you
could make it wonderful; contact Jack with your thoughts and ideas.
Our Hunter’s Education class in June/July is full. There are still spaces available in the August class.
Steve Mutoli runs these classes and has taught 100 to 150 students per year. He sure could use your
support and help at these classes and you can get in some volunteer hours as well as interact with the
youth in our community. Who know, you might even have some fun!
Contacts:
President – Jack Fitch 360-426-6251
Vice President – Robert Krasean 360-868-2320
Secretary – Jeff Meyers 360-426-4312
Treasurer – Don Fox 360-426-5156
Hunter Ed. – Steve Mutoli 360-426-6869
News Letter – Jennie Van Tuyl 253-884-4117
Do you have interesting bits of information or a story you want to share? Do you want to receive
your Newsletter by E-mail? See Jennie Van Tuyl at the general meeting or E-mail me with your
proposed article or request or classified item for the newsletter. mcsanewsletter@hotmail.com
The i’m Talkathon starts 6/24/08. For now, give amongst yourselves. Learn More
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!
Molon labe
(mo-lone lah-veh)
Two little words. With these two
words, two concepts were verbalized
that have lived for nearly two and a half
Millennia. They signify and characterize
both the heart of the Warrior, and the
indomitable spirit of mankind. From the
ancient Greek, they are the reply of the
Spartan General-King Leonidas to
Xerxes, the Persian Emperor who came
with 600,000 of the fiercest fighting
troops in the world to conquer and
invade little Greece, then the center and
birthplace of civilization as we know it.
When Xerxes offered to spare the lives
of Leonidas, his 300 personal
bodyguards and a handful of Thebans
and others who volunteered to defend
their country, if they would lay down
their arms, Leonidas shouted these two
words back.
Molon Labe! (mo-lone lah-
veh)
They mean, “Come and get them!” They
live on today as the most notable quote
in military history. And so began the
classic example of courage and valor in
its dismissal of overwhelming superiority
of numbers, wherein the heart and spirit
of brave men overcame insuperable
odds. Today, there lies a plaque
dedicated to these heroes all at the site.
It reads: “Go tell the Spartans, travelers
passing by, that here, obedient to their
laws we lie.”
We have adopted this defiant utterance
as a battle cry in our war against
oppression because it says so clearly
and simply towards those who would
take our arms.
It signifies our determination to not strike
the first blow, but also to not stand mute
and allow our loved ones, and all that we
believe in and stand for, to be trampled
by men who would deprive us of our
God-given – or natural, if you will –
rights to suit their own ends.
LW