The weather was a factor in selecting the date and as it turned out it was only a slight improvement over what we've experienced the Saturday before Memorial Day, the date of our previous events.  Selecting a date that did not conflict with the NRA meeting in Phoenix gained us the attendance of one, possibly two participants, but lost a dozen or so to graduation parties being held around the neighborhood coincidentally.

 

The shooting is improving year to year.  Those who attended previously seem to get zeroed in quickly and the clank of lead on steel is heard in concert during practice.  Dry conditions provided plenty of dust to mark the misses.  Regardless what or how they shot, every shooter was a champion of his or her division, category, class and sub-class.

 

The distant target was more challenging this year even though is was moved about 50 yards nearer, because of the growth of the crop and a 15 to 20 mph cross wind; requiring healthy amounts of wind as well as elevation correction to get near the target.  One hit on the target during practice and another during alibis at moments when two shooters where shooting at the distant target simultaneously created lively "lying & bragging time" debate.

 

The card raffle for the Freedom Arms Model 83 revolver was conducted expertly by Peter Ice throughout the day.  The final dozen cards were drawn after dinner with a great deal of suspense finally being broken when Larry McMillian of Priest River, Idaho, became the lucky winner.  Matt Rogers of Spokane was the high bidder for the DPMS 308 lower receiver.  Numerous other bargains were available as consolation prizes, auction items or for purchase in a swap meet.

 

At last count more than $3,000 has been raised by the event, which will be added to the permanent endowment that we established in ELMER KEITH's name five years ago with the NRA Foundation.  Additional contributions continue to arrive daily.

 

Dawn Malone was on hand once again to insure the meals were hot when they were supposed to be hot, cold when they were supposed to be cold and always on time.  Anyone who went away hungry was asleep somewhere.

 

Nearly a dozen ladies are more confident about looking out for themselves by what they learned from the NRA Refuse to be a Victim taught by Robin Ball.

 

The most Unforgettable Character of the Shoot Award has to go to Santo Marzocca, the retired Casper, Wyoming police officer, who made numerous treks between his vehicle and the firing line for ammunition, carrying his Ruger Blackhawk in a beautiful rough-out western rig slung around one side of his walker.  I doubt anyone enjoyed the day more; certainly few put more rounds down range than did Santo. 

 

If anyone took a photo of Santo with his rig, I'll appreciate a copy.

 

A final report will be made with more photos when they're gathered. 

 

Will