Elmer Keith Forums - The '09 Shoot

New Gun Week Report

albroswift — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:26:55 GMT

http://www.gunweek.com/0701issue/featire0701.html

Dave Workman's report.
I'd just add that no one cares that that dirty rotten blankety blank blank won with a .22!

Forum: The '09 Shoot

Back...

albroswift — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:53:52 GMT

Seattle to Spokane, Spokane to Salmon, Salmon to Boise, Boise to Seattle.

I'll get some reports and photos together next few days, but 2 forum related bits, The second Sixguns book went for $150-$160 and the plaque went for $125 - $130 if I remember correctly (I'm still a little hazy but that sounds about right). Larry McMillan won the Freedom Arms Revolver. Thanks for the support MB and Safaris and the rest of you as well! And thanks to ChrisO for holding down the fort.
Al

Forum: The '09 Shoot

Heading out

albroswift — Thur, 04 Jun 2009 20:30:17 GMT

Taking the T's, the plaque, The woman, the 30"X32"X1/2" 600 yard target (Might have busted a gut loading that this morning!) The spotting scope, and a bunch of guns and ammo and heading to Valleyford. (OH, AND A BUNCH OF LAWN CHAIRS!) Still up for online auction is the Publishers edition "Sixguns by Keith", The Plaque, and if I have internet access I'll post some photos Friday Night of other stuff that could be bid on. Pm me your "Best Offer" on any of these items and I'll bid for you. Ending Saturday sometime afternoon/ evening.

Forum: The '09 Shoot

GOOD EVENING, last update

albroswift — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:45:45 GMT

GOOD EVENING,

This is your last update before the shoot next Saturday, June 6, 2009!

Here's what the range looks like today:

Photo by Ed Parry

The field is much more green than last year due to winter and spring precipitation, but dry due to lack of rain for the past several weeks. The forecast is for temperatures in the low 80's, partly cloudy skies and 10% chance of rain from Thursday through Monday. That means everyone should bring long johns, insulated boots, hats with ear flaps, heaviest winter coats and foul weather gear as well as sun screen and mosquito repellant. Murphy's Law, don't you know. Most of all, Don't forget a CHAIR!

The 675 yard target will be moved a bit closer to make it easier to see among the foliage. A more equitable scoring system will be devised to discourage the "go for broke" efforts that developed last year on the long range target when Dan Davis effortlessly put scores out of reach of mere mortals on the near targets.

Regardless, everyone will walk away a champion in his or her class, with a certificate attesting to the fact, suitable for framing and exhibition in a politically incorrect location of his or her choice. This match is for fun.

Forget a gun. Forget ammo. Forget your eye and ear protection. Forget your wife, girlfriend or shooting buddy. But Pleeeeze, DON'T FORGET A CHAIR!

Bringing a salad or dessert to complement lunch or dinner will make you eligible for a Great Guy or Gal Award.

As usual, donations for our auction will be sincerely appreciated. Books, reloading tools, components, camping equipment, especially surplus Smith & Wessons and Colts will find willing bidders among our bargain hunters. Peter Ice will be conducting the auction again this year to persuade generosity from the most hardened bargain hunters in his most charming and entertaining manner. Having checkbooks handy will facilitate the process.

Remember, some lucky soul will be taking home a Freedom Arms Model 83 Saturday night.

Photo by Larry McMillian

In case anyone should forget our cause, here is a recent reminder from Lou Dobbs on CNN: http://wearechangecoloradosprings.org/blog/?p=594. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event go directly to the NRA Foundation where they are put to work defending our Second Amendment rights, including threats like those described in the CNN segment.

Here's our schedule for the day:

7:00 AM Ron Behrens will have coffee brewing to complement Val Kjack's Famous Sticky Rolls

7:45 AM Gene Clow, Head Range Officer, will introduce range officers and conduct first safety meeting.

Everyone in attendance will be wearing a name tag at all times. A unique mark will be made on the name tag when a person has participated in a safety meeting. Only people who have received safety briefings from a Range Officer will be permitted on the firing line.

8:00 AM Sighting-in and practice shooting may begin.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Ed Parry will take individual photos for Championship Certificates.

10:50 AM Ron Behrens will take a group photo.

1:00 - 4:00 PM Robin Ball's "Refuse to be a Victim Class" .

11:00 - 11:45 AM Lunch - Range Officers, Refuse to be Victim Class, all others.

11:30 AM - 4:00 PM Shooting for score - Range officers, Refuse to be Victim Class, all others

4:00 - 5:00 PM Alibis

5:00 - 7:00 PM Dinner, Auction & Raffle

7:00 - 13:30 AM Lying & Bragging hours

Have a safe trip. I'm looking forward to seeing you. Let me know if you need directions.

Will

Forum: The '09 Shoot

Hello Fellow HandGunners !

Will_Ds_assistant — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:34:25 GMT

The big day we've been waiting for, June 6, is less than two weeks away. It's time to begin packing the bags and loading the ammo!

Another victory was pulled from the jaws of adversity this week with the passing of the concealed carry in National Parks measure in the House and Senate. It's what our NRA dues and contributions have made possible. Here's the account by no less than one of our chief adversaries, The New York Times at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/us/politics/20cong.html?_r=3&em. Dave Workman reminds us in his article this week at

http://tinyurl.com/r7rrhf,

however, the law does not take effect until sometime next year.

DPMS, one of the premier makers of AR style rifles in the world, has been a sponsor of ELMER KEITH Shoots since the very beginning. I'm not sure how the synergy developed between a tactical rifle manufacturer and a long range handgun shooting event. However, Bill Sahlberg, a local representative of DPMS stopped by that first shoot and left a few promotional items. One of those items was an upper receiver assembly. Few of the assembled knew what it was, but one of them, Bob Coval, who has since left us for Home, paid big bucks for it during a makeshift auction we held during a driving rainstorm in a tent that wanted to depart for North Idaho.

The Late Bob Coval at Fifth Annual Elmer Keith Memorial Shoot

Photo by Henry Chapman

In fact, the proceeds from that strange looking piece of hardware was the majority of what we sent to the NRA that first year. Naturally, the less informed among us quickly became more informed after that. So have every Tom, Dick and Harry as well as Sally, Sandy and Sara; witness the demand for AR type rifles for the past year or so, and especially since November 8, 2008.

Photo by Larry McMillian

Each year since the first, Bill has delivered one or more upper assemblies or lower receivers for us to auction or raffle. They have contributed mightily to the $23,000 total we have sent to the NRA over the years.

Last year, however, due to extreme short supplies, we received a gift certificate, but it was for an early delivery position for their hot new 6.8 mm SPC Upper Receivers. That turned out to be one of the most desired items at the auction.

About this time, news reached us that DPMS owner Randy Luth had sold his St. Cloud, MN based company to a big conglomerate, Cerberus Capital Management, who also owned Bushmaster and Remington Firearms. Bill warned me it might be the end of DPMS's support for our activity

So, during the SHOT Show in Orlando in January, I went to see Mr. Luth to thank him for his support over the years and tell him how much we'd accomplished. Much to my surprise, he assured me he is still running the company and so long as he is policies remain the same.

This year we'll have something very special, considering the scarcity of ARs, DPMS ARs in particular and especially DPMS 308 Type ARs. We will actually have a genuine DPMS 308 Lower Receiver Assembly to ogle, then bid lustily for until one man among men will win the favor of this maiden and take her away presumably on a honeymoon with Brownells Catalog #4 to shower her with magnificent gifts there from for the rest of their lives together.

I decided to fire form some 243 Ackley Improved cases this weekend from 243 Winchester that began life as LC 64 Military brass. Although it had served well as 243 Winchester when used twenty some years ago, four rounds through the new chamber yielded cracks in necks and gapping holes in the shoulders in a couple. Knowing the solution is a couple winter days of tedious annealing the several hundred cases involved, but hoping to get the rifle in play yet this summer, I called Dennis Ottmar, who has forgotten more about reloading than I'll ever know.

Dennis referred me to an article by Jim Harris and Ken Light titled "The Art and Science of Annealing" at: http://www.6mmbr.com/annealing.html. These guys sound like the types who like to shoot one hole groups half way across the county, and the article confirmed the job isn't any easier than it used to be. But, they do like gadgets and have developed a $350 machine that appears to take much of the drudgery out of the job. See the video clip. Does anyone want to buy one and loan/rent/lease it to me for a couple of days? How about you guys/gals who load .223/5.56 ammo by the bucketful?

There have been enough comments about long range handgun shooting, rock chuck hunting, Ruger 44 Specials, Elmer Keith books, revolvers vs. autos for long range shooting and trajectories as well as politics and availability of ammunition that I'm sure "lying and bragging hour" Saturday evening, June 6, will be lively, indeed. Bring a chair. Oh yes, the evening air gets cool, actually cold. Bring a warm coat...AND A CHAIR.

Will DeRuyter

Forum: The '09 Shoot

HELLO AGAIN, Hand Gunners !

Will_Ds_assistant — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:17:17 GMT

HELLO AGAIN, Hand Gunners !

Saturday, June 6, is now less than three weeks away. It's time to quit dreaming about stretching those barrels and begin making plans!

(The little white spot top right corner between the trees is the 2008 627 yard 30"X30" steel. 1,000,000 points, double score if you call it! --AL)

Photo by Ed Parry

The field looks different this year. The winter wheat Hal planted last summer together with all the rain we've received this spring has made the shooting range, ah, lush. If the weather continues as it has recently, we'll enjoy a very comfortable day of shooting, Saturday, June 6. I'm forecasting a high of 78, low 53, winds light and variable and zero percent chance of precipitation. Bring parkas, foul weather gear, long johns and insulated boots, however, to insure Murphy's Law is invoked.

Oh yes, bring a chair.

I talked with the folks at Leupold & Sevens a couple of months ago about the problem we sometimes have seeing .22 caliber bullets landing around the targets, especially when conditions are lush. Their recommendation was to try their Gold Ring 12-40x 60mm High Definition Spotting Scope.

Thanks to the generosity of two new sponsors, Robyn Doloughan of Columbia Basin Rope Company and her friend, Suzanne Leupold, we'll have one to use for this and future ELMER KEITH Shoots. If a quality spotting scope has been on your wish list, but you haven't quite decided which among the pack fits your needs, take a turn behind this one during the shoot and watch where those 36 and 40 grain slugs land at 150 yards.

Another fellow who has been a perennial supporter is Dave Workman, author of Washington State Gun Rights and Responsibilities, a little book you can get at just about any gun shop in the state. Dave updates it every year or so and everyone who carries a gun for any reason, especially concealed carry permit holders should have at least one of the latest edition. Currently, his articles appear almost daily on the Seattle Gun Rights Examiner at: http://tinyurl.com/dl2ytd.

Dave has written some very complimentary articles about his experiences at ELMER KEITH Shoots of past years that have been published in Gun Week and Gun World. What is possibly the best kept secret in the shooting fraternity, sadly, is that Dave makes some of the best belt holsters you'll ever find. His Label is D & D Gunleather. His website is http://www.danddgunleather.com/.

You can see them there, or you can come to the Shoot on Saturday, June 6. I'll be modeling a beaten old model Dave made for me 16 years ago, or a brand new one he's promised to deliver at the shoot if my weather is as forecast; fair weather shooter be he with his 41's.

Oh Dave, bring a chair too, and some of your books to sign.

Don and Trish Shride of Rainier Ballistics LLC have been sponsors of ELMER KEITH Shoots from the beginning. Although primarily designed for high volume practice, it was Rainier 44 cal 240 grain flat point bullets from Paul Bodeau's Smith & Wesson Model 29 that marked the 627 yard target last year more than any other. Don always has samples on hand as well as larger quantities for sale in our auction. This year, because so many retail outlets are having trouble keeping them in stock, you may let me know what you want and Don and I will do our best to have them available at the Shoot. See http://www.rainierballistics.com/.

Will DeRuyter with Trish & Donny Shride Photo by Rick Langston

Be sure to bring a chair.

In case you haven't noticed, Elmer Keith's books are selling for big bucks. All are out of print now so they're bringing collector prices. Some, like SAFARI, that were in short supply from the beginning, are bringing astronomically big bucks.

Perhaps Mr. Keith's most popular book, SIXGUNS by KEITH is most widely distributed because of the large number that were printed in paperback. Even those are becoming hard to find and expensive. Hard cover versions are out of sight.

Imagine my surprise and amazement then when two brand new hard cover copies of SIXGUNS by KEITH showed up in my mailbox, compliments of Mike Hutyra, an Elmer Keith fan in Texas. He learned of our activities through http://elmerkeithshoot.org/ and subsequent correspondence with web master Al Fernandez. They decided to conduct an on-line auction that resulted, unfortunately, in one of the books being sold for a song, fortunately to a really great guy in Denver, who will really appreciate his good fortune.

The bids are currently being accepted on-line for the second book, but bidding will not close until Saturday, June 6, 2009, after the live auction at the Ninth Annual ELMER KEITH Memorial Shoot. THIS copy of SIXGUNS will be dear, very dear. Guaranteed!

I'm looking forward to seeing you here.

Will DeRuyter

Forum: The '09 Shoot

GOOD EVENING, Hand Gunners !

Will_Ds_assistant — Sun, 10 May 2009 03:21:44 GMT

GOOD EVENING, Hand Gunners !

Several Subjects:

The 44 SPECIAL cartridge has a reputation for near mystical accuracy and effect. More likely, the guns made for this 100+ year old cartridge are of higher quality than some that preceded it. Also, it's relatively light recoil enable many to shoot it well. Because it was eclipsed by the 44 Magnum over 50 years ago, few new guns have been chambered for it in spite of a small but noisy constituency.

According to a feature article by Brian Pearce in the June 2009 issue of HANDLOADER Magazine, Ruger finally began producing their New Model Blackhawk in 44 Special recently. It's not a catalog item, but according to the article, Lepsey's, one of Ruger's distributors in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had to commit to an order of 2,000 to get Ruger to tool up for them.

Terry Rogers of All American Arms old me Thursday he was able to only get five of the first 2,000 that went to his "A List" customers, which did NOT include me (sniff). He said they have exceptionally smooth actions and those who put rounds through them reported very fine accuracy (sniff, sniff). Terry is taking orders for guns from a second run (that will probably cost more and not be nearly as good---whine).

Countersunk chambers and the myths thereof were dispelled in another article by Brian Pearce in the same issue HANDLOADER. Unless you're a die hard believer, this might be worth the price of the issue, maybe a subscription. Oh my gosh, what's next? Will someone tell us pinned barrels aren't worth what we've been paying?

Emtman Brothers Farms is a neighbor and sponsor of our shoot since the beginning. They've provided their unique Piedmontese beef for many of our meals. Details about their products are at: http://www.emtmanbrothersfarms.com/. The chief benefit of this beef is its very low fat content. Also, the animals are finished on the farm where they were born and raised, with grains that are grown on the same farm without strange growth enhancing hormones or chemicals. That's somewhat comforting in an era of disconcerting news stories about our food supply.

Yes, it takes a bit longer to raise the animals to prime condition this way. Yes, you do have to fry, bake and grill it differently. No you won't want to OVER fry, OVER bake or OVER grill it. Take my word about that. But, it beats whatever Costco has to offer 77 ways to Sunday.

In any event, they're having a rare SALE! One of their hoity-toity Seattle commercial customers who monthly buys a bunch of short ribs changed his specification from three inch to inch and a half ribs a day before some three inchers were to be delivered.

I'm reserving some of those orphaned three inchers for our shoot that'll be prepared in Dutch Ovens. You may want to reserve some for yourself as well as some additional cuts to take home in a big cooler. Check the website, then contact Brad Marlow at (509) 270-5010 or bradeb345@hotmail.com.

NRA's Refuse To Be A Victim Seminar will be a new feature of the Ninth Annual Elmer Keith Memorial Shoot. Robin Ball, proprietor of Sharp Shooting Indoor Range and Gun Shop, another enthusiastic supporter of our confab since the beginning and certified NRA instructor, has offered to present the program to those who are interested. Information about the content is available at http://www.nrahq.org/rtbav/. The seminar teaches participants about keeping themselves safe at home, in the office, on the street, in automobiles and when using technological devices such as telephones and computers. This program will be particularly interesting for ladies.

It's time to get those kitchen passes secured, folks, and get the RSVP's to me so I can start planning the vittles procurement. We have a good number already committed. We can accommodate about 40 shooters. If you're thinking about coming, now's the time to decide and let me know.

--Will

Forum: The '09 Shoot

Good Evening, short gun shooters

Will_Ds_assistant — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:46:37 GMT

GOOD EVENING, Short Gun Shooters !

"Kicking and Screaming" is the title of a fascinating article in the June/July 2009 issue of HANDGUNS Magazine by Dick Metcalf. It's not online yet, so you'll have to go to a news stand to get it. He explains why light bullets shoot low and heavy ones shoot high in handguns.

A few years ago, Nate Kjack, a neighbor boy who was then not yet interested in girls, but destined to terrorize gridiron back fielders came to an Elmer Keith Shoot with his Dad. He shot most of the brick of ammo he brought for his 22 revolver as well as nearly all of his Dad's 357 fodder and immediately assumed a teenage boredom pose.

I happened to have acquired a Thunder Ranch 44 Special a short time before and had a sack containing perhaps 250 rounds of ammo loaded with 200 grain bullets. He proceeded to send them all down range in about the time it takes to consume a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning. The next thing I knew, Nate had resumed the practiced countenance, the sack was empty and the gun was back in it's case. His comment, "It shot really low."

A few weeks later, I acquired a box of Black Hills 250 gr ammo that shot to point of aim. Well, now I know why. The same principle applies to long guns, but less dramatically.

Dick's article explains that recoil begins the moment fire is lit in the chamber. As the gun recoils, it rotates upward in your hand until after the bullet leaves the barrel. Light, fast bullets spend less time in the barrel, so exit at lower angles; while heavier, slower bullets exit at higher angles. This is technically called "bore-transit recoil." Over greater ranges, there is also a "crossover point", where the lighter faster bullet overtakes the heavier slower one.

Dawn Malone with revolver in recoil Photo by Ron Behrens

Additional factors including your grip, weight of the gun, length of barrel and possibly how hard you bite your lip or whether you squint an eye apply. Regardless, you'll be able to experiment, practice and use your newfound skills at a variety of long range targets about a month from now, on Saturday, June 6, 2009, during the 9th Annual ELMER KEITH Memorial Shoot. Bring a copy of the article along so we can debate it during "Lying & Bragging Hours" afterward.

If you have not already done so, NOW is an excellent time to send your entry, a donation check made out to the NRA FOUNDATION in the amount of $35.00 or more and mailed to ME at:

Will DeRuyter

It'll help insure adequate plans are made to accommodate everyone.

Will

Forum: The '09 Shoot

GOOD EVENING, Short Gun Shooters !

Will_Ds_assistant — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:11:58 GMT

GOOD EVENING, Short Gun Shooters !

We're going to do something new this year. Something we've not done before. Don't know why. Everyone else does it. Guess we can too. Perhaps it's the reason it's usually been so unseasonably cold.

Selling T-shirts!

The ever, always resourceful Al Fernandez had some made up. That's not him modeling. One can tell unless there's been a conversion to Jenny Craig or some such since last season. Regardless, he invested in a small quantity of men's XL and XXL sizes in steel grey color, crew neck style. American made. Sizes run a bit smallish. They're going for a $35.00 donation delivered.

Ladies styles are also available in black, white, red, and light pink; but have to be ordered special. So don't think about it, just do it quick!

Contact Al Fernandez at al@elmerkeithshoot.org.

My, won't we be a classy looking bunch on June 6!

Will

Forum: The '09 Shoot

GOOD EVENING, Hand Gunners !

Will_Ds_assistant — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:48:44 GMT

GOOD EVENING, Hand Gunners !

About a week ago I was talking with a neighbor during one of Mackenzie's track meets who told me about shooting rock chucks across a creek with a 44 Magnum. Although the conversation was protracted, the good fellow never got around to telling me exactly where that creek was nor did he suggest we go there together sometime. Chuck shooters are a lot like grouse hunters, very guarded about their spots.

Hoary Marmot (Rock Chuck)

Having known the guy for a while and the neighborhood he travels, I went for a short drive myself and found what may be the exact tree, or one very near to the one he leaned against. No, he didn't get them all. My S&W M-57 claimed a couple more, at least until my ammo supply expired. Next time I'll go better prepared.

Speaking of going prepared, no-one can argue about being well prepared when armed with the Ninth Annual ELMER KEITH Memorial Shoot Raffle Gun, a Freedom Arms Model 83 revolver chambered for the powerful 454 Casull cartridge.

Photo by Larry McMillian

Known variously as the "Swiss Watch of Revolvers", "The Perfect Packing Pistol", "Hand Cannon Supreme," and other awe inspired phrases; these firearms provide pride of ownership like few others. Some lucky participant will be taking it home on June 6.

Will

Forum: The '09 Shoot

Invites

albroswift — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:18:57 GMT

Anyone wanting to get an invitation that hasn't already gotten one, let me know. Looks like Freedom Arms is supplying the raffle gun this year! This is done with a game of chance involving the drawing of cards, so you have to show up in person for this one!

Forum: The '09 Shoot

GOOD MORNING, Handgunners!

Will_Ds_assistant — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:10:45 GMT

At a gun show a couple of years ago a friend mused while gazing over a jam-packed crowd; "Every one of these folks is the beneficiary of his legacy, but if we asked, I wonder how many would even know the name of Elmer Keith?"

I've told my story many times. It began when I read SIXGUNS, then HELL I WAS THERE. Then I sat down in my back yard and took aim at a rock in the field. I say, "took aim," because I didn't hit anything but dirt for quite a while. When I finally quit blinking and flinching and realized I was shooting way over what I was aiming at, my hits began getting closer. Then one day I hit it.

I told Mike Kotthoff about it and he made a steel target that "klanked" good enough to wake up the neighborhood. It was enough fun to invite 300 of my closest friends to enjoy it with me. About a dozen showed up. We shot a lot. I fed them well. A lot of lying and bragging went on into the wee hours. That was the first Elmer Keith Memorial Shoot. Oh yes, we collected a bunch of stuff, auctioned it off and sent $600 to NRA to commemorate the occasion.

Since then we've sent them a total of nearly $23,000, including over $10,000 to a permanent endowment fund with the NRA Foundation in Elmer Keith's name. These funds have been designated for the defense of our Second Amendment rights.

We're holding this event a couple of weeks later than usual this year, which will be more convenient for some, not so for others. Our chances for better weather should be better regardless.

Several exciting new sponsors have been added to our roster which I'll be telling you about in updates as we get closer. I can mention that Bob Baker of Freedom Arms has agreed to provide our raffle gun this year; not a new one due to their long lead times, but one from his stable of models taken around the world to various shows. All sticky finger prints and drool marks will be thoroughly cleansed.

Robin Ball will also be presenting the "Refuse to be a Victim" course, which will be of particular interest to the ladies.

Al Fernandez will undoubtedly be bringing his special ultra long range target for those wishing to stretch the barrels of their short guns unreasonably. Field conditions, however, will likely not be as conducive for ultra-long range shooting as last year.

Watch for updates periodically and check in at http://www.elmerkeithshoot.org if you think you missed anything.

Will

Forum: The '09 Shoot

From last year at the shoot:

albroswift — Thur, 12 Feb 2009 16:06:23 GMT

Funds for The NRA Foundation

Our fund-raising efforts were rewarded with unprecedented success this year resulting in a total of $6,401.00 being contributed. This was largely because a number of people contributed generously to our cause, including:

Donny Shride of Rainier Ballistics LLC, who contributed copious quantities of sample bullets from his manufacturing facility as well as sale items from one of his primary customers, Midway USA.
Tim Johnson of Fish Hawk Guides, who contributed a steelhead fishing trip for four on the Snake River.
Randy Luth of DPMS, through his local representative, Bill Sahlberg, who contributed a gift certificate for a highly desirable DPMS 6.8 SPC Barrel Assembly.
Zack Faller contributed a two day Puget Sound Sea Duck hunt.
Colonel Ed Parry contributed a custom DPMS varmint rifle complete with Harris bipod.
John Taffin, Contributing Editor of AERICAN HANDGUNNER Magazine, provided ten each autographed copies of his most recent books, Gun Digest BOOK OF THE 44 and SINGLE ACTION SIXGUNS.
Larry McMillian contributed a specially engraved Cutco hunting knife.
Dave Workman, Senior Editor of GUN WEEK, contributed an autographed copy of his recent book, AMERICA FIGHTS BACK as well as two copies of two copies of WASHINGTON STATE GUN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
Hamilton Bowen of Bowen Classic Arms Corporation contributed two copies of his book, The CUSTOM REVOLVER.
Tom Warrick contributed a New England Firearms Pardner Model 410 GA. Shotgun.
Jeff and Randy Emtman of Emtman Brothers Farms Inc. gave us 25 lbs lean Piedmontese Beef that was used for the Friday evening meal for the set-up crew as well as the lunch we enjoyed on Saturday.
Don Lee of Steelco Industrial Lubricants Inc. donated a coffee table sized edition of MEDAL OF HONOR, the stories of Valor beyond the Call of Duty.
Ace Fernandez who contributed a rifle scabbard.
Steve Fletcher of Centrol Chemical Company donated a $100 Cabelas gift Certificate in lieu of attending and bidding on the fishing trip he wanted so much.
Hal Meenach of Meenach Farms Inc. provided use of the freshly manicured cropland upon which our targets were stationed, over which our projectiles flew and upon which they landed. Were appreciative for the privilege.

The Raffle

The highlight of our fund raising effort was the card raffle of an engraved Smith & Wesson Model 29 Classic 44 Magnum Revolver similar to the one inspired by Elmer Keith in the early 1950s, Clint Eastwoods Dirty Harry character made them suddenly famous, hard to get and expensive twenty years later.

Each person arriving at our shoot was given an opportunity to purchase a playing card, which was cut in half; one part retained by the player, the other placed in a bowl. When all cards were sold, Dave Coffman with the able assistance of Mackenzie and Morgan DeRuyter held interim drawings throughout the afternoon and evening. There were four consolation prizes of increasing value, but they finally found the winning card was held by Trish Shride.

Will DeRuyter, Trish Shride, Donny Shride

Forum: The '09 Shoot

Moved the auction over to the new auction forum

albroswift — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:40:41 GMT

As the title says, moved the auction over to the new auction forum!

Forum: The '09 Shoot

Good evening, Shortgunners

Will_Ds_assistant — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:27:30 GMT

GOOD EVENING, Short Gun Shooters !

As you begin filling the blanks of your new Day-Timers, Planners and Blackberry calendars, mark Saturday, June 6, 2009, for this year's event. Yes, it's a couple weeks later than we've had it in the past, but we'll avoid conflicts with activities in Phoenix as well as possibly get better local weather than we've experienced some times in the past.

Besides the terrific time we enjoy together, the result of our efforts will take on special significance this year. Epic battles are brewing in every quarter that will require significant resources. Fortunately, we'll have some help. I attended the SHOT Show last week and received confirmation of support from all our current sponsors as well as pledges from several new ones. Details will follow.

Al Fernandez has our website up and running at: http://www.elmerkeithshoot.org/, and has gradually added content. He could use some help. If you have something of interest to offer, contact him at: al@elmerkeithshoot.org.

The Elmer Keith Memorial Shoot is not open to the public. It is by invitation only. If you have a friend you'd like to bring along, let me know about them and I'll extend an invitation. Invitations along with details will be sent via e-mail about March 1.

Will

Will DeRuyter

Valleyford, WA 99036
(509) 443-0199
(206) 953-5408 Mobile
(509) 443-0229 Fax

Forum: The '09 Shoot