Home, Newsletter, Shooting Links
ATTENTION, PLEASE!!
These are YOUR OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICES for the balance of this year! Please make a note of our upcoming meeting schedule at the range, at 7:00 p.m.:
September 8
October 13
November 10
December 8
The club will no longer be sending out the red post cards as a meeting reminder. Everybody likes the cards, but they are expensive! It costs about $750 to run this program. If anyone feels moved to make a donations to keep these cards coming, it will be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, they will be discontinued. The Club needs your attendance and participation at the monthly meetings! We know there are lots of other things to do in the summer, but your RCRPC meetings are important, too.
$$ and ¢¢ - CLUB FINANCES
For the first half of this year, the club had income which exceeded expenses by some $3550. The major portion of our $12,089 income can be attributed to the Spring Gun Show which had receipts of $9,385. Of course, there are lots of expensed associated with the show, but the Club did net around $5000. Again, many thanks to all the volunteers who made this possible.
STILL TRUE - 79 YEARS LATER
"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed - and hence clamorous to be led to safety - by menacing it with and endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imagery."
H.L. Mencken, 1920
BUMPER STICKER
Hang up and drive.
BORDER PISTOL LEAGUE
Border Pistol League will soon be under way for a new season. As usual, the team encourages all of you to give this a try. They are alway looking for new shooters. Contact Claude Willoughby for details, questions, or to sign up for the team.
FALL GUN SHOW - IT'S COMING!
Be sure to set aside October 2 and 3 for the Fall Gun Show. As you all know, our two gun shows are our major fund raisers during the course of the year. The Club will need LOTS OF VOLUNTEERS. If you have not participated in this event before, come out and join the other members this time around. Even a couple of hours is a big help. If you can't make it on Saturday or Sunday, help is needed on Friday, starting at noon for setting the show up.
Our Club dues are pretty low compared with other facilities and organizations. One of the main reasons is that these gun shows provide the bulk of our funds. Do your part in this effort.
ENCOURAGING WORDS FROM WASHINGTON!
We can all find some encouragement In recent correspondence from Representative Paul Ryan, who said, in part:
"I agree with you - private, legal and responsible possession, use and transfer of firearms is not a threat to society at large and does not contribute to urban criminal violence. I am concerned about recent proposals that would violate citizens' rights to keep and bear arms. The President's gun show initiative is such a proposal.
"As an avid outdoorsman, I want to assure you that I will continue to watch for bills that will affect gun owners' interests......."
That's good to hear!
KEY SECOND AMENDMENT RULING IN FEDERAL COURT
In the Northern District of Texas, Federal Judge Sam Cummings, recently rejected Government arguments that the right to keep and bear arms in the Second Amendment was only a "collective" right and not one guaranteed to the individual. This is the first such ruling in about 60 years. In the significant ruling, he referred to the U.S. Supreme Court determination that "the people" must be interpreted similarly in the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth and Ninth Amendments.
You can review this important case (Emerson) at http://www/saf.org.
A "MUST READ"
This was relayed to me by friend north of the border in British Columbia. I recall seeing a brief reference to this testimony in our local paper, but, for the most part, the media seems to have "missed" this in the coverage of Littleton.
Here it is as received:
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1999 23:23:55
TESTIMONY OF DARRELL SCOTT FATHER OF A VICTIM OF COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTINGS LITTLETON, COLORADO
*********
BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CRIME HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1999
2:00 P.M.
2141 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
Since the dawn of creation there has been both good and evil in the heart of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence.
The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other 11 children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun.
I am not here to represent or defend the NRA-because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy - it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of that blame lies here in this room. Much of that blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just 4 nights ago that express my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today.
Your laws ignore our deepest needs
Your words are empty air
You've stripped away our heritage
You've outlawed simple prayer
Now gunshots fill our classrooms
And precious children die
you seek for answers everywhere
And ask the question "Why"?
You regulate restrictive laws
Through legislative creed
And yet you fail to understand
That God is what we need!
Men and women are 3 part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make- up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual influences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historic fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in doing so, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs-politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that continue to erode away our personal and private liberties.
We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts. Political posturing and restrictive legislation are not the answers.
The young people of our nation hold the key. There is a spiritual awakening taking place that will not be squelched! We do not need more religion. We do not need more gaudy television evangelists spewing out verbal religious garbage. We do not need more million dollar church buildings built while people with basic needs are being ignored. We do need a change of heart and a humble acknowledgment that this nation was founded on the principle of simple trust in God! As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes -He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America and around the world to realize that on April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School -prayer was brought back to our schools.
Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your conscience and denies your God-given right to communicate with Him.
To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before you cast the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain. The young people of this country will not allow that to happen.
SOME STARTLING STATISTICS
While discussing the recent gun control debate in the House, Representative Paul Ryan, made the following observations and offered some interesting numbers which pretty well indicate how serious the Clinton administration really is about gun control and crime in this country.
"I firmly believe that rather than making it more and more difficult for law-abiding citizens to purchase legal firearms, the Clinton administration should focus on enforcing current law and prosecuting felons that attempt to purchase firearms. The President constantly emphasizes that the National Instant Check System has denied nearly 13,000 felons from purchasing handguns. That is outstanding, but what is left out of the dialogue is the fact that the Justice Department has not prosecuted a single one of these individuals, even though attempted purchase of a firearm by a convicted felon is a federal offense."
(Emphasis added ~ editor)
"In fact, since 1992, prosecution of violent offenders using a gun while committing a crime has gone down by 50 percent, from 7,500 to 3,500. Education Secretary Richard Riley reported just a month ago that 6,000 students had taken guns to school over the past year---that is a federal offense. Again, our Federal Justice Department has been laz on enforcement---only prosecuting 13 of these cases. Furthermore, the Justice Department prosecuted less than five individuals that stood accused of trrnsferring firearms to kids in the last two years. There has been less than 10 assault weapons prosecutions in the last two years. I believe the Justice Department needs to take seriously the prosecution of criminals that have violated the federal laws currently on the books. They are the real cirminals, not America's lawful gun owners."
With that kind of understanding of the real facts about guns ownership and crime, perhaps we can all feel a bit better about the fate of shooting sports in Congress. Be sure to let Congressman Ryan know how much you appreciiate his support on these issues - editor.
YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK
In the recent Missouri referendum, a "shall issue" Right to Carry law was narrowly defeated. Among those actively participating in campaign against the referendum was Hillary Clinton and Missouri's two U.S. Attorneys.
ISN'T IT THE TRUTH????
ê more
NATIONAL GUN SHOW AWARDS
The NRA has recently announced a National Gun Show Awards Program to encourage individuals and clubs who produce gun shows to meet standards that contribute to the operation of a safe and legal gun show. The standards are outlined in a new Gun Show Manual. Gun show sponsors who meet the standards will be eligible for up to $5 million in insurance for the show at a nominal cost.
Our Club needs an individual who will volunteer to review our procedures against these standards and make recommendations as to how we can improve to meet them.
If you are interested, please contact John Goepfert.
IN THE MAILBOX
This time, we have had lots of clippings and articles submitted for possible use in the Newsletter. Thanks to all of you who took time to do this. Please, when turning in clippings, write the source and date on the clipping or copy. It's a big help. Sometimes, we have no way of knowing how old an item may be!
AS ALWAYS, HELP NEEDED!
We still need help from the members for items for the NEWSLETTER, including:
· Questions and topics for the Questions and Answers portion of the Newsletter. Whatever the topic, we'll do our best to find out the answer.
· Schedule for any instructional programs.
· Match results and standings for the Club teams as the season goes along.
· Comments, questions and criticisms of the or on any other shooting topic, even clips from other publications, if you think they are of interest to the membership.
+ DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTALS FOR THE NEXT NEWSLETTER IS SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
REPRESENTATIVES BY COMPUTER
LEGISLATORS - E-ADDRESSES
We certainly have lots of issues out there which concern all of us as gun owners. The next time you need to contact your senator or congressman in regard to one of these items, do it quickly by computer!
E-mail:
Paul Ryan pryan@mail.house.gov
Russell Feingold russell_feingold@feingold.senate.gov
Herb Kohl senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov
Web Sites:
http://www.senate.gov/~feingold/
http://www.senate.gov/~kohl/
FEATURED MEMBER
Our club has grown tremendously - we now have several hundred members. While this is great, it has also led to a situation where many of us just don't know the other members. We would like to begin a new feature for the Newsletter in which we will provide brief introductions to and articles about our members.
In order to do this - we need some information. Please fill out the little form which is elsewhere in this issue and turn it in (either mail or suggestion box) if you would like to participate in this program. It will be greatly appreciated.
GROUP SIZES -
WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
In reviews of guns and ammunition, we typically read about the group sizes which are delivered by some particular equipment. Sometimes these are 3 shot groups, sometimes 5 shot groups and, less frequently, they are 10 shot groups. How can these be compared meaningfully.
According to BALTEC1, distributed by Tioga Engineering Co., the extreme spread of 5 shot groups can be expected to be about 1.25 times the spread of a 3 shot group. A ten shot group will be about 1.5 times that of a 3 shotter.
BUMPER STICKER
You are depriving some poor village of its IDIOT
A WORTHY QUOTE
These are a couple of excerpts from an article written by Pete du Pont, former Governor of Delaware.
"The background check requirement was never intended to apply to private individuals who display and sell a gun, whether such private swaps occur at a gun show or elsewhere. Nor are gun shows a "loophole" for illegal gun sales. The same laws that apply to all gun transactions also apply at gun shows.
So, what's the point? One suspects that Lautenberg and his allies hope that this will be another step toward national registration of guns.
For once, President Clinton told the truth when he said he favors national registration of guns but that he does not think Congress would go that far now."
He further noted that "The fact that the federal government is powerless to prevent school shootings hardly matters. After all, it's about good intentions, feeling good and getting re-elected, isn't it?"
What more can be said?
IDENTIFY THE GUN!!
Can you identify the gun in the picture on this page?
If you can you can win $25 worth of gun related merchandise at the Fall Gun Show. The rules are simple.
1. You must turn in your entry, in writing, AT THE GUN SHOW or during set-up on Friday.
2. Identify the make, model and caliber of the gun. Include your name and phone number.
3. Contest open to members of the Rock County Rifle and Pistol Club only.
4. NO ONE in this Club is responsible for the quality of the picture or any other item related to this contest.
5. All complaints or protests will be ignored.
6. If no one identifies the model correctly, those who correctly identify the make will be eligible. If more than one entry identifies the make and model, then correct identification of the caliber will be the tie breaker.
7. In the event of ties, there will be a drawing of correct entries.
8. For all other questions, see #4, above.
SHOPPING TIPS
Another reminder about where you spend your money. Please remember that every time you buy something, you cast a vote for the company and, indirectly, it's policies. Many anti-gun organizations, such as HCI and Cease Fire, Inc., receive support from corporations and/or their officers. Other companies actively support the anti-gun agenda. Some companies which fit one or more of these categories are:
the AMA
Burger King
Ben & Jerry's
Gap, Inc.
Good Housekeeping
Home Quarters
MTV Networks
National PTA.
Sarah Lee
Time, Inc.
Walt Disney Co.
Working Asset Long Distance
"Gun Free Mutual Funds"
Calvert Social Investment Equity
Calvert World Values Int'l Equity
Citizens Index
Domini Social Equity
Dreyfus Third Century
Parnassus
There is also a PLUS side. Check out the positive response in the American Rifleman, August issue, page 8 from:
Lowe's Home Centers
(continued on next page)
Also don't forget to support:
Dairy Queen east side (a supporter and contributor)
Applebee's of Janesville (a RCRPC supporter)
Pizza Hut (West side delivery - another supporter)
Keep this is mind the next time you're ready to buy something!
The TRADING POST
Every shooter has got some "stuff" he or she no longer needs ..... or is looking for something he or she has just got to have. Club members can put their own ads here in the NEWSLETTER.
WANTED Your ad for stuff you want to sell, buy or trade. Drop your ad in the suggestion box or send it in the mail.
High Standard Victor - .22 LR 99%+ condition - $475
Colt Series 70 Gov't Model Bullseye .45 - Accurized by Don Hamilton. Kart match barrel, beavertail grip safety, commander hammer, lowered ejection port, Pachmayr grips, checkered mainspring housing, long ejector, UltraDot slide mounted in Jim Clark base - $850.
Pardini SPE .22 LR Standard Pistol. Aimpoint 1000 mounted on Weaver base - 99% condition - $850
Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum. 7.5" barrel, with original and Art Jewell rosewood grips. 99% condtion - $350.
Call Walt at 758-1342
READY FOR ANOTHER GUN SHOW?
Here's some upcoming ones in Wisconsin:
September 17-19 - Waukesha, Expo 4H Forum, Wisconsin Sport & Military Firearms Collectors Association
September 25-26 - Wausau, Marathon County Park Youth Bldg., North Central Wisconsin Gun Collectors Association
September 25-26 - Crivitz, Village Hall, American Legion Netzel-Zenz Post 413
September 26 - Cedarburg, Circle B Recreation., Great Lakes Arms Collectors
October 2-3 - Janesville, Rock County 4H Fairgrounds, Rock County Rifle and Pistol Club
October 23-24 - Fond du Lac, Expo Center, County Fairgrounds, Central Wisconsin Gun Collectors Association
FEATURED MEMBER FORM
Name:
Address (Optional):
City or Town:
Where do you work:
Phone (won't be published - it's just so I can contact
you, if necessary):
Job:
Family:
Primary Shooting Interest:
Hunting Interests:
Fishing Interests:
Do you collect guns:
What kinds:
Do you shoot competitively:
Where, which type:
In the Club since:
Offices held, if any:
Other Information:
Please attach any other information which might help in putting together an articly about you. A picture would be great - you or a hunting trophy or you with a favorite hunting dog, whatever! Attach as many additional sheets of paper as necessary.
Drop this in the range suggestion box or give to me.
Rock County Rifle and Pistol Club, Inc.
P.O. Box 815, 1029 South Jackson Street
Janesville, Wisconsin 53547