Tyssen, Thompson Set Over 10 National Records at 2016 Gary Anderson Invitational

Posted By on December 14, 2016

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer 

__CMP LOGO - USE THIS ONE CAMP PERRY, Ohio; ANNISTON, Ala. – Shannon Tyssen of Upson Lee High School JROTC in Georgia and Emma Thompson of Freeport High School in Illinois captured the essence of the Gary Anderson Invitational’s namesake (a two-time gold medalist and multi-world record holder) as they shattered 12 collective National Records during their performances at the 2016 annual event. The match is conducted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) and is open to precision and sporter junior air rifle competitors from around the country.

Tyssen

On Dec. 3, Tyssen, 18, set three new precision Navy JROTC records with a 3×20 score of 594-44x, a 3×20 plus Final score of 694.3 and an unbelievable 20 Shots Kneeling score of 200-19x. With her outstanding performance, Tyssen bested a field of 147 opponents to become the overall precision champion while competing at the CMP’s South Competition Center in Anniston, AL.

(Shannon Tyssen of Lee High School JROTC set three new Navy JROTC records while competing in the precision class.)

That same day, 750 miles north at Camp Perry, Thompson incredibly set nine – yes, NINE – new sporter National Records with her performance, starting with her 20 Shots Standing score of 187-7x, which served as a new Navy JROTC record, and her 20 Shots Kneeling score of 195-9x, which prompted a new Navy JROTC record and a new Age Group II record. Additionally, her 3×20 score of 577-28x set new Navy JROTC, Age Group II and Overall records, Thompsonas did her 3×20 plus Final score of 672.4.

Astoundingly, Thompson, 16, broke three National Records she had previously set before the Gary Anderson Invite – adding her name to six more along the way.

(Right: Emma Thompson (center) set nine new National Records at the event, even breaking three records she had set previously.)

The Gary Anderson Invitational is a three-position air rifle tournament that follows the 3×20 course of fire. Each shooter fires 20 record shots from prone, standing and kneeling positions, with the Top 8 shooters advancing to the final. Winners are determined overall of scores comprised from competitors at the CMP Gary Anderson Competition Center located at Camp Perry, OH, and CMP South competitors in Anniston (3×20 plus final scores). Both schools and junior clubs are welcome to participate in the annual competition.

Targets This year’s match saw 385 total competitors and was the first to be fired on CMP’s newly updated electronic air gun targets.

(Left: Competitors at the Gary Anderson Invitational were the first to fire on CMP’s new electronic targets, installed in November.)

Coming in second in the precision class was Richard Clark, 16, of Riverside Shooting Club in Michigan, with a score of 687.6, followed by Annabelle Stanec, 16, of Ashland Eagles JRC in Ohio, with a score of 686.9.

In sporter, Hailey Smith, 18, of Zion Benton High School in Illinois, fired a score of 650.4 to earn second, while Jason Migliori, 18, of Middletown Post 151 in New York, recorded 649.8 to land in third.

The top competitors in the sporter and precision classes at each competition center received individual gold, silver and bronze medallions. The Top 3 are recognized with championship medallions and plaques.

Along with the individual competition, a team match was also held concurrently with the individual competition for any scholastic or club teams wishing to participate. Each individual’s score of the four-member team was combined to determine overall sporter and precision teams.

Winning Teams:

Precision:

  1. Riverside Shooting Club, Michigan – 2317-139x
  2. Hardcore 4, Georgia – 2316-124x
  3. Ashland Eagles, Ohio – 2311-131x

Sporter:

  1. Carroll County 4-H Air Rifle, Georgia – 1982-39x
  2. Palmyra JR Rifle Team, Pennsylvania – 1968-35x
  3. Walton Warriors 4-H, Georgia – 1959-38x

For a complete list of results, visit https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=match&task=edit&match=14679=results.

Photos from both locations can be found at http://cmp1.zenfolio.com/f426591886.

About Gary Anderson:

Mr. Anderson is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and also holds seven world championships, six world records and 16 national championships. He has won more Olympic and world championship three-position titles than any other American in history. In 1999, Anderson began a 10-year reign as Director of Civilian Marksmanship and retired in December 2009.

Today, Anderson serves as DCM Emeritus and remains a mentor for new and experienced, old and young shooters around the country. In 2014, the CMP North Competition Center was renamed the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, in honor of his years of dedication to the sport.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.

Mossberg New Online Store

Posted By on November 16, 2016

image Mossberg® Announces Grand Opening of New Online Store

Mobile-Friendly, Easily-Navigated and Fully-Integrated Experience

 37318_BLAZE_10Rd_WildfireCamo_RifleSights North Haven, CT – O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc, America’s oldest family-owned and operated firearms manufacturer, has launched its redesigned, mobile-optimized online store with the announcement of “Grand Opening” specials for visitors who join the Mossberg community. Now through November 20, DSCF4012 - Copy 2016, sign up as a Mossberg community member and receive 20% off of your next purchase of gear, apparel, parts and all things Mossberg at www.mossberg.com/grand-20 or simply browse through the latest offerings at www.mossberg.com. For further savings, look for Black Friday specials during 11/21 – 11/25/2016, with Mossberg Community members receiving a 10-hour advanced notice on all special sales throughout the week.

Visitors will discover a fully-integrated experience with the firearms section of the site. Easily locate parts or accessories for your Mossberg firearms by simply selecting the model. New filters and navigation streamline the process of finding the right barrels, chokes and accessories to customize your shotgun or rifle. Display your Mossberg pride with branded gear, apparel and collectibles. And if you are an on-the-go shopper, the new store has been optimized for ease of viewing on mobile devices.

Why join the Mossberg community? As a member, we will keep you posted on new guns, apparel and online store special offers and discounts. You can join other Mossberg enthusiasts with access to the latest tips and secrets for success in the field or ways to further enjoy your favorite outdoor experiences.

Start shopping today and take advantage of the latest online discounts at www.mossberg.com.

20161017_172856

About O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.

Founded in 1919, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. is the oldest family-owned and operated firearms manufacturer in America, and is the largest pump-action shotgun manufacturer in the world. Leading the way with over 100 design and utility patents to its credit, and standing as the first ISO 9001 Certified long-gun manufacturer, Mossberg is considered to be one of the most innovative firearms manufacturers in U.S. history. For more information on commercial, special purpose, law enforcement and military shotguns, rifles and accessories, please visit their website at www.mossberg.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Linda Powell, Director of Media Relations

LPowell@mossberg.com

(336) 441-2923 (Press Only)

CMP Shooting Scholarships!

Posted By on November 13, 2016

Marksmen Student-athletes Apply Now for 2017-2018 CMP Scholarships

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP WriterScholarships

CAMP PERRY, OH – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is delighted to again award exemplary student-athletes for the 2017-2018 school year in their future endeavors through its annual scholarship program. The CMP offers $1,000 one-year scholarships based on merit and rifle or pistol marksmanship participation to current high school seniors only.

Since 2005, CMP has awarded over $1 million in scholarship prizes. Last year, the CMP again received a record-setting number of applications and awarded over $150,000 in scholarship money. Winning recipients came from a mix of JROTC schools, 4-H groups and other shooting clubs.

TO BE CONSIDERED, applicants must turn in a list of past and present rifle or pistol competition history, awards, involvements and future expectations for the sport. Proof of participation, including match bulletins, photos or CMP Competition Tracker printouts (for example), MUST be presented in order to be considered for the scholarship. Applications without this will be discarded.

Those interested must also provide academic information such as GPA (3.0 or above – anything below 3.0 will not be accepted), test scores and a list of extracurricular activities. Additionally, an official transcript must be provided, along with a letter explaining why the applicant is applying and what future plans the money will fund. A nomination/recommendation letter from a coach or instructor is also required.

Check

Incomplete applications will not be considered, so please check that all required information is sent. Because the CMP takes great care in personally reading each application, all mandatory information (including forms and other necessary materials) must be sent to the CMP in its entirety. We are eager to recognize praiseworthy student-athletes for their hard work – so please take extra precaution in sending all application requirements.

The deadline for application submission is March 20, 2017. Scholarships may be used to pursue post-secondary education or vocational programs for the upcoming school year.

The CMP is dedicated to its commitment to youth programs and furthering the education of the successful young adults involved within them. Through these scholarships, the CMP is able to uphold one of its missions of awarding those who present exceptional talent, motivation and determination within the field of marksmanship.

Application forms and other scholarship information can be found by visiting http://thecmp.org/communications/cmp-scholarship-program/. For specific questions, please contact Kathy Williams at 419-635-2141, ext. 709 or email kwilliams@thecmp.org.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.

Marksmen Student-athletes Apply Now for 2017-2018 CMP Scholarships

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

Precision Field Shooting Clinics with APO

Posted By on November 10, 2016

Ashbury Precision Ordnance
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Ashbury Precision Ordnance Mfg., 84 Business Park Circle, Ruckersville, VA 22968

October Shotgun, Rifle Weekend Events Fill Talladega Marksmanship Park

Posted By on November 8, 2016

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer __CMP LOGO - USE THIS ONE

TALLADEGA, Ala. – On Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama was a busy place – full of learning and competitive opportunities for marksmen of a variety of disciplines.

Supporting a growing number of shotgun events over the last year, Talladega stood as the venue for the Harvester Christian Shotgun Sporting Clays Shoot. A total of 64 marksmen from eight middle school and high school private Christian academies involved within the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association fired in the event.

Shotgun Field Scott Cosper, a Harvester Christian member who coordinated the match, decided to hold the shoot at Talladega after taking his 14-year-old son there in the winter of 2015 to practice sporting clays. Cosper and his son, a member of the shotgun team, enjoyed their time on the shotgun fields and knew others would as well.

“We shot several clays events there, and the people were wonderful to work with. It was unheard of to shoot 100 rounds of sporting for only $25,” he said. “We really loved the setup, and each time we came the course was different, which helped in our practice.”

The Harvester Christian Shotgun Sporting Clays Shoot at Talladega featured 100 rounds of sporting clays throughout 15 stations of Talladega’s carefully designed sporting clay field – covered with details Cosper finds rare in other shotgun field arenas.

“It’s like no other in this area. It’s fun but challenging,” said Cosper.

Praise Not only did Cosper praise the course itself, but he also went on to compliment those who run it as well.

“The people who work there are so helpful and friendly. They made us feel at home while we were there. They treated us like we own the place,” he said. “During and since our event ended, I have received nothing but great reviews about the CMP. They LOVED it and want to come back.”

“We appreciate all the hard work that was put in by the CMP,” he added. “We will make plans to host an event there again in 2017.”

The Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association holds six to eight events per season, with 18 teams throughout the state of Georgia. State finals will be held in December in Savannah.

Occupying other ranges on the grounds was Project Appleseed, a nationwide program that teaches rifle marksmanship skills that originated at the roots of America and reconnects participants with the people and events of the colonial era.

The Talladega camp focused on Known Distance – an intermediate level class for rifle shooters who have some experience but wish to learn longer distance shooting. Class time was spent less on the fundamentals of marksmanship and concentrated on more specific elements.

ProjectAppleseed During Project Appleseed, students are taught accuracy out to 500 yards using a standard rifle with iron sights, known as the “Rifleman’s Quarter Mile.” The Quarter Mile is an American tradition that has been celebrated since the beginning of the nation. Participants also learn little-known Revolutionary War history and other facts about the American heritage.

Talladega Harvester Event Marksmanship Park is home to 500 acres of meticulously crafted ranges that cater to an endless number of rifle, pistol and shotgun opportunities. As one of the most advanced outdoor facilities in the country, the ranges hold some of the latest technological advances in the realm of marksmanship, including electronic targets and scoring monitors, and is a must-see destination for firearm supporters and other curious guests. The park is open to the public, year round (see our website for operating days and hours).

Events are held every week at the range, so check them out for yourself!

View photos from the Harvester Christian event at http://cmp1.zenfolio.com/p395643634.

View the online calendar at https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=aWUwNGhmOTZpamdnbmxjODh0NHBkYm5ydmNAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ or the Match Schedule link at http://thecmp.org/competitions/matches/.

CIVILIAN MARKSMANSHIP PROGRAM

Camp Perry Training Site, Bldg. 3

P.O. Box 576, Port Clinton, OH 43452

Tel (419) 635-2141

Web site: www.TheCMP.org

On-Line Newsletter: http://thecmp.org/communications/the-first-shot/

APO Riflecraft – Advancing America’s Proud Outdoor Heritage of Rifle Marksmanship

Posted By on October 14, 2016

AAPO logo shbury Introduces Riflecraft Field Shooting Clinics, Workshops and Courses for Gun-Curious Millennials, Recreational Shooting Enthusiasts, and Hunters

Ruckersville, VA.Ashbury Precision Ordnance (APO), manufacturer of the patented SABER® modular APO photo 1 rifle chassis system, premium grade precision rifles, and long range shooting accessories is expanding its line of client services with the introduction of Riflecraft.  This new client service offers an innovative series of core rifle marksmanship programs conducted in the picturesque forested mountains of Central Virginia by a company dedicated to providing exceptional Riflesports experiences.  Ashbury’s lineup of full training programs, advanced skills workshops and field shooting clinics are designed to attract new outdoor-oriented millennials, active rifle shooters and hunting enthusiasts.

Ashbury’s Riflecraft programs grew out of the “country comfortable” APO Experience, an experiential shooting sports initiative for adventurous travelers and corporate retreats.  The APO Experience offers customized “bucket list” Riflesports experiences, complemented with end-of-the-day artisan and chef inspired forest-to-fork cuisine, cordials and engaging fireside conversations with experienced firearms professionals.

Riflecraft logo For over two decades, Ashbury has developed an exceptional network of passionate long-gun professionals from many sectors of the firearms community.  These specialists include skilled competitive shooters from various rifle disciplines, gunsmiths and precision rifle builders, professional hunters of North American and African dangerous game, experienced small arms & firearms trainers and veteran US military Snipers.  Each professional provides distinctive direction, support and assistance to Ashbury in its development and delivery of innovative Riflecraft training.

 APO Photo 2 “All Riflecraft programs are designed to educate, build core marksmanship skills, energize new firearm owners, and challenge seasoned shooters alike,” says Adam Wilson, Ashbury’s Marksmanship Activities Coordinator.  “Ashbury is proactively working to introduce precision rifle sports to more women and youth participants through our active sponsorship program. Riflecraft’s goal is to introduce and promote the many positive aspects of rifle shooting sports that inspire personal confidence, teach responsibility, enhance the enjoyment of shooting and encourage good sportsmanship.”

Adam Wilson is an APO Shooting Team member and veteran US Army Sniper with multiple combat deployments, a marksmanship instructor in the Texas Army National Guard and firearms training blogger at 1 MOA Solutions.  He is a passionate advocate for civilian marksmanship training with a proven instructor background helping shooters reach their true potential.  Adam joined the Ashbury team to focus on growing Riflecraft programs by cultivating new recreational shooters, promoting long range precision shooting, and improving the marksmanship skills of predator and big game hunters.

(Junior Shooters magazine youth Long-range Precision rifle team sponsored by Ashbury with representatives from Ashbury at Sniper’s Hide Cup 2016.)

“Ashbury is pleased to be working with Adam Wilson as our new Marksmanship Activities Coordinator,” said Matthew Peterson, Ashbury Product Development Coordinator and APO Shooting Team Captain.  “Riflecraft programs will increase our outreach to new sport and recreational shooters at all levels and further strengthen the APO brand in the highly competitive custom rifle market space.”

APO Photo 3 Riflecraft’s unique blend of technically oriented precision rifle courses, provide clients plenty of high quality trigger time based on well established marksmanship fundamentals and challenging terrain.  Riflecraft’s progressive building block approach to rifle marksmanship training welcomes inquisitive gun-curious adults, women seeking outdoor sports options, as well as concerned parents seeking age and demeanor appropriate firearms safety training for teenagers.

All APO Riflecraft programs are fully supported with some of the industry’s best hand crafted precision rifles and a full complement of quality long range shooting accessory equipment.  Clients gain hands-on experience with premium brands like Leupold, Talley, Ruag, Hornady and more.

The Riflecraft facility utilizes a wide array of well maintained reactive steel targets, movers and custom AR500 Game Steel targets (e.g. Prairie Dogs, Coyotes, Wild Boar, and big game) custom designed by sponsor Best Targets.  At Riflecraft, we make the expression “when pigs fly” a reality, because only at Riflecraft can you can “ring steel” on our very own challenging Flying Pig target!

APOphoto 4 Riflecraft participants are encouraged to bring their favorite rifle of any brand or type to Riflecraft training courses where they can develop the skills and confidence necessary to engage targets outwards of 2,000 yards in real world field conditions.

Riflecraft programs focus on safety, building fundamental rifle marksmanship skills, establishing consistency and improving proficiency at all ranges.  For those new to the Riflesports, Ashbury offers rental equipment and features an all-inclusive tuition package. This package includes a selected APO precision rifle (.223 to 50BMG), premium optic, ammunition and all accessories clients need to participate in small group or customized private training.  Participants only need to show up in range-appropriate apparel and let the Riflecraft Training Coordination Team handle the rest.

For more information on Riflecraft programs please visit APORiflecraft.com and if you have an interest in Ashbury’s experiential Riflesports offerings, visit APOExperience.com.  You can also view APO’s complete line of modular rifle chassis systems, precision rifles, custom pistols and long range shooting equipment at the Ashbury Web Portal AshburyIntlGroup.com.

About Ashbury…

Ashbury International Group Inc. is a central Virginia USA based company, having more than 20 years of international experience as a prime contractor to Ricky setting up sitting WEBSITE RESgovernment agencies, military, and special operations forces as well as manufacturer of commercial shooting sports equipment.  The company provides logistics, engineering, training, ordnance manufacturing, and systems integration.
Ashbury Precision Ordnance Mfg.
   (APO), a division of the Ashbury International Group Inc., is a BATFE licensed 07/11/SOT commercial firearms and shooting accessories manufacturer.  APO manufactures SABER bolt action receivers and patented modular rifle chassis systems for factory and custom bolt action rifles.  APO manufactures custom precision tactical and multi-sport precision rifles in calibers from .223 to .408CT.  The APO Custom Shop offers custom reflex sight installation on pistols and complete special order custom rifle and pistol builds for discriminating clients.

(Above: Ricky Marston (15) with a custom APO 6.5 Creedmoor at Sniper’s Hide Cup 2016)

APO manufactures high quality rugged electro-optical weapon mounts and TACT3 tactical field tripods.  The company also distributes a wide range of rifle sports accessories to include Ruag Swiss-P ammunition, Field Firing Solutions (FFS) ballistic software, the RSTA-II Tripod Shooting System, Long Range Accuracy Bipods, and Snipers Field Tool Kits.

(Above: Cameron Burke (17) shooting off of a tripod with a custom APO 6.5 Creedmoor at Sniper’s Hide Cup 2016)

The Rapid Product Development Center (RPDC) provides engineering design and prototyping services. The engineering services group is Solidworks® CAD based with Simulation FEA and FeatureCam® CAD/CAM machine programming software, 3D Printer-Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) capable, a modern CNC precision machining shop and an experienced, well trained staff.

For Immediate Release

October 14, 2016

Media Contact:
Troy Perry
(434) 296-8600
tperry@ashburyintlgroup.com

What is an Air Bolt?

Posted By on October 4, 2016

16aa0074-f650-4d21-9f42-dce5d970b47a This Week on American Airgunner TV

FORT SMITH, AR (October 3rd, 2016) – You’ve seen things that shoot arrows before, but have you seen an air gun shoot an arrow? Tune in to Pursuit Channel this week for an all-new episode of American Airgunner! Rossi Morreale finds that the Air Venturi Air Bolt has more power than a crossbow!

79ee8ad5-0049-4206-9df2-407abde897f6 Rossi, host of American Airgunner TV, likes things with power. That’s exactly what the Air Bolt delivers. Rossi discovers that the Air Bolt goes through just about everything he launches it at and sets out on a quest to find something that can stop it.

In another segment Rossi joins revered airgun hunter, Jim Chapman, for a hog hunt. They put a broad head on the Air Bolt and set out into the Texas brush. Can they both put meat in the freezer? Does Rossi have what it takes to get a hog with the Air Bolt? Tune in to find out.

77695ae5-f39c-465b-9d33-5f720ff8f301 Watch it all during television’s #1 show about air guns, American Airgunner. Catch it on Pursuit Channel during the NRA Freedom Friday lineup right after Trigger Time TV. Friday nights at 8:30 pm Eastern / 7:30 pm Central.

You are invited to follow American Airgunner on Facebook, YouTube, AmericanAirgunner.com and Instagram. Search for and use #AirgunnerTV to keep up with the show, its host Rossi Morreale, and the show’s guests, airgun hunters, and experts.

American Airgunner airs on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm Eastern, Fridays at 1:30 am and during primetime on Friday evening at 8:30 pm Eastern/5:30 pm Pacific. Pursuit Channel can be found on DirecTV Ch. 604, DISH Network Ch. 393, Verizon FIOS, and Century Link platforms as well as via Roku and Chromecast. Check your local listings for additional channel information.

http://www.Facebook.com/AmericanAirgunner

http://www.YouTube.com/AmericanAirgunner

http://www.AmericanAirgunner.com/
http://www.Twitter.com/#AirgunnerTV

https://www.Instagram.com/AmericanAirgunner/

Contact: Justin “JB” Biddle, Executive Producer
7700 Chad Colley Boulevard
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72916

jb@AmericanAirgunner.com

Special 2-Gun and 3-Gun Edition

Posted By on October 2, 2016

 The 2016 Special Edition is Done!

The 2016 Special 2-Gun and 3-Gun Edition is now on the SE 2016 Cover high quality print EMAIL LOW RESnewsstands. Check it out at Walmart!

This is packed full of information on 2-Gun sports (NSSF Rimfire Challenge and Long-range Precision Shooting) and 3-Gun (Cowboy Action Shooting and Modern 3-Gun,)

With articles on guns, events, and some of the juniors and families who really enjoy these sports it is a really special issue.

If you can’t find it at Wamart, give us a call to get one or order a subscription.

Have fun and shoot safe.

(On the cover: Ashbury Precision Ordnance custom Saber chassis rifle achieves groups of 1/2 MOA or less and is the perfect rifle for top competitors in precision long-range. Cimarron arms 1873 Deluxe rifle is a spitting image of the “Gun-That-Won-The-West” and is great for Cowboy Action Shooting. Rock River Arms XAR is one of the best rifles for the sport of Modern 3-Gun. Tactical Solutions XRING rifles are accurate, look cool, and work great in Rimfire Challenge.)

Adventure IQ Kids Camp 2015

Posted By on October 2, 2016

By: Ashley Rumble (13)

278Ever since I joined Junior Shooters shooting team, I’ve gotten a lot of really amazing opportunities, and the most recent one is Adventure IQ’s Kids’ Survival Camp. It was in some ways a lot different than I expected but was a great experience.

Adventure IQ is a camp held once a year in the summer by Rob Anderson, a former Air Force ground combat instructor, Security Forces instructor, and Desert Storm veteran, along with a group of volunteers: Dan Drake, Travis Rosenberry, Nate Corson, Scott McGann, Scott Drayton, Greg Barron, and Bruce Cooper, plus others. The camp is aimed at teaching kids some basics in survival in case something happens and we don’t have the things around that we normally rely on.

210When we first got to the camp, we had to check in, and every kid was given a bandanna, a multitool, and a canteen. There were around 50 kids at the camp this year. They started camp with the pledge, and then we divided into groups for our first activities.

My group went to water purification first. We learned about different ways to purify water and the different sicknesses we could get if we took water from a lake or stream without purifying it. We got to use pumps to purify water for our canteens (we each got a new canteen at check-in. We actually took water from a horse trough to drink – something I’d never do without knowing how to purify. Water is our most basic need, so knowing what to do when clean water isn’t available is very important.

230 (1) Once water purification was done, we switched to our next station which covered overnight survival. They went over what we would need in our survival packs, and a little bit on how to stop bleeding and first aid. We also learned about how far we should stray from our camps so we don’t risk getting lost in the first place.

Then the two groups we were in divided into four groups, and we went to our next stations. My group went to fish cleaning. Scott McGann from Scooter’s Youth Hunting Camp showed us how to clean fish and prepare them to be cooked. They showed us how to clean the fish in two cuts and helped us put them on the fire to cook them with lunch.

The next station was shelters and signaling. We got to partner up and try to use mirrors to catch and shine the sunlight at our partners. We then were shown different types of shelters and in which weather conditions they would work best in. My group partnered up again and started building with only two poles in the ground to act as our trees and tarps, Para cord rope, and stakes. It was harder then it looked since we had to fit two people. They also gave free space blankets to every kid at that station

 237Next we had lunch. The groups that cooked fish were able to take one with lunch if they wanted. They also put rabbit that they had harvested earlier that day into the chili. I also got to talk to Rob, the owner of Adventure IQ Kids’ Survival Camp, and hear about some of the cool stuff he had done while in the military. This guy has really been around, and listening to some of his stories was as educational as the rest of the day’s activities. He has had a pretty great career teaching some of America’s military how to survive. After a good lunch, we moved on to our next stations.

My group’s next station was slingshots. They were definitely harder than they looked to shoot the first few times, but once I got the hang of it, they were fun to shoot. After that, we moved on to our final station, fire making. At the fire-making station, he showed us how to baton with a knife and a stick to make smaller pieces of wood. We got to use a Light My Fire to light small starters like cotton balls, garden twine, and cattail. We were also shown how to be safe with fire, because we don’t want anything else catching on fire.

After everyone was done with their stations, we all gathered around in one big group and Rob talked about how good it was to have us there and how grateful he was for all the people who helped put the camp on. They gave away prizes, too – three slingshots and a survival pack with a Light My Fire and a Mora knife. The kids who got them were very excited. We also took a group picture holding up the sponsor flags.

221 All and all, it was a really interesting and fun experience that I would do again. It was a nice change of pace from all the competitions and shooting matches that I’ve been doing. I learned a lot and got to meet some really cool people. If you ever get the chance, you should definitely check it out. I can’t wait to go camping and try out a few of the things I learned. You can see more of what Rob does at www.Adventure-IQ.com.

Thank you Rob, and all the other people that help put this great camp on!

The WINGSHOT

Posted By on September 15, 2016

From Air Venturi and Pyramyd Air

By Ben Moody (17)

AV-Air-Shotgun-02 EMAIL LOW RES

The Air Venturi Wing Shot is unlike any other shotgun on the market. What makes it so different? It is powered not with gunpowder, but with air! That’s right — it shoots wads of BBs using a pre-charged cylinder of air. When I took the Wing Shot out of the packaging, I was surprised at how much it looked and felt like an actual shotgun. The finish on the wood was of good quality, and the action was engraved with designs. I was surprised to find it even had a removable choke! To charge the air tank takes either an air gun hand pump or a prefilled air tank.

Wingshot 3 sizes of shot EMAIL low res The package came with three different projectiles, including six shot, eight shot, and a package of empty wads to build your own ammo. There is also the option of shooting a 50-caliber slug, but I did not have any slugs available. Hunting with the Wing Shot is really fun! I found it is great for invasive species, such as Eurasian doves, having more than enough power to bring down these midsized birds. The shot pattern is narrow compared to my 12 Wingshot target EMAIL LOW RES gauge, about 6 inches at 15 yards, but after practicing I was able to consistently hit my targets. This has been the most comfortable shotgun I have used, largely because there is zero recoil, allowing me to maintain a great follow-through with every shot. The stock fit me very well, and pulling the bead to the target was natural.
A really cool aspect of the Wing Shot is the option of building your own wads. I used regular Ben holding Wingshot kneeling with pigeons 2 email low res BBs to make the equivalent of buckshot; it was extremely effective on the targets I was using. The Wing Shot is a single-shot air gun, containing five shots per filled cylinder. I suggest purchasing an air tank capable of charging the cylinder, because using a hand pump is a good 30-minute workout.
The fact that the Wing Shot has all the look and feel of a shotgun but the versatility of an air gun makes it a great choice for shotgunners. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the max velocity is 1130 fps, showing that it is not a toy and should be treated as a firearm. I would like to thank Air Venturi and Junior Shooters magazine for the opportunity to test this awesome air gun.

Contact Pyramyd Air to order your WINGSHOT!

Gun Safety is Key and the V-Line Slide-Away is Great!

Posted By on August 20, 2016

Open w Full Tray outside Slide-Away Low resGun safety not only includes safe gun-handling but also the storage of firearms in a safe manner.  This is especially important when children are around whether they live in the house or are just visiting. Many people have large safes where they store their firearms. If there is any thought to having access to a firearm quickly, especially a loaded one (don’t forget all firearms are to be treated as if they are loaded at all times), the means of storing the firearm safely also needs to be addressed. V-Line has done that with their Slide-Away. It is one we have used and recommend.

The Slide-Away is V-Line’s new American made multi-purpose heavy duty security case.  The Slide-Away is constructed of heavy duty 12-gauge. steel with a rugged tactical black powder coating.  The smooth operating large pullout drawer sits on ball Slide-Away mounted med resbearing assisted slides.  The drawer is large enough to hold an Ipad style tablet or two 1911 type firearms with room to spare for extra magazines. The Slide-Away is versatile enough to mount underneath a desktop or in a small area as long as there is about 4.25″ of clearance.  It comes standard with a mounting bracket for both bottom and top mounting.  Optional full and half trays are available.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Model No.  10123-S FBLK
Outer Dim: 10″x13″x4″
Inner Dim: 9.5″x10.75″x3.25″
Material: 12 ga. steel
Lock: Simplex pushbutton mechanical lock
Shipping Wt. 21 lbs
MSRP: $299

Check them out at: http://vlineind.com/ProductDetail.php?product_id=66

Ginny Thrasher Finds Many Firsts at 2016 Rio Olympic Games

Posted By on August 9, 2016

GinnyGold __CMP LOGO - USE THIS ONE By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – During her first Olympic showing, American Ginny Thrasher, shooting member of Team USA currently in Rio for the Olympics, became the first gold medal winner for the United States and the first medal winner of the 2016 Games after firing an unbeatable score in the Women’s 10-meter Air Rifle event.

(Right: The first medal awarded during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games was in Women’s Air Rifle. 19-year old Ginny Thrasher had a golden performance during her first Olympic appearance and won the Gold Medal for Team USA.)

Her unbelievable performance, which included a 10.9 in the qualifying round, also named her the youngest female to ever win the first gold medal and set a new Olympic record with a finals score of 208.0 – finishing an unprecedented full point above Du Li of China, gold medal winner back in 2004 and in 2008 for 50-meter Three Position Air Rifle.

In a post-competition interview with NBC, Thrasher said, “About halfway through the final I knew I was in contention for a medal and that was a great feeling obviously . . . But I had to go and push that thought away and come back and focus on shooting.”

GinnyGoldenSmileShe went on to say, “I’m just very proud to start off the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in such a positive manner for my country.”

(Left: In her fifth year of shooting, Ginny claimed the Gold Medal on the opening day of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.)

Making history on an Olympic-sized scale, Ginny, at only 19 years old, also marked a notable moment in the story of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) as she not only became the first CMP Junior Air Rifle Camp alum to ever make it to the Olympic team, but also the first medal winner.

“I am ecstatic for Ginny!” said Sommer Wood, Summer Camp director. “Her focus and commitment to her craft is impressive and will serve as a great example for other young shooters who want to follow in her footsteps.”

“In the camps, we talk about dreaming big, and not putting off your goals. Ginny’s accomplishment proves how quickly an athlete can reach the pinnacle of our sport when they train with purpose and don’t limit their dreams,” Sommer added.

Ginny_camp1 Assistant Summer Camp director, Dan Durben, also commented on Ginny’s outstanding feat, saying, “I’m really proud of Ginny, how she prepared, how she performed at the Games and how she has carried herself after her extraordinary accomplishment. She will be a wonderful inspiration for our young shooters.”

(Ginny (far right) attended two CMP Rifle Camps where she not only excelled, but learned of the potential for air rifle competition — collegiate competition and the Olympics.)

A familiar face to the CMP, Ginny received eighth place during the 60 Shot National Air Rifle Match at the 2013 National Matches at Camp Perry, along with first place in the Junior match and fourth overall in the Open category during the 2015 Camp Perry Open event. In 2014, she received Junior Distinguished Badge #771 and was awarded a CMP Scholarship for her accomplishments the following year.

She attended the CMP’s Junior Air Rifle Camps to further hone her rifling abilities – a Three-Position Camp at the South Competition Center in Anniston, Ala., in 2012, and the Colorado Springs Standing Camp in 2013.

“The best part about CMP camps for me was the focus on the basics,” Ginny said in an earlier interview with the CMP. “I think no matter what skill level you are your process can always be improved by going back to the basics. I very much use those basics and the good foundation set for me in CMP and other camps every time I shoot.”

A self-described “Army Brat,” Ginny has lived in various places around the world. Originally, she wanted to compete in the Olympics for ice skating, but after a hunting trip with her grandfather in 8th grade (and falling in love with the feel of pulling the trigger), she set her sights on rifle.

She joined her West Springfield High School rifle team her freshman year, becoming a three-year team captain and four-time MVP. Outside of school, she also shot for the Arlington Optimist Acorn Rifle Club travel team.

In 2015, she decided the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineer rifle team was where she wanted to take her collegiate career, with only four years of competitive shooting experience. And what an incredible first year she had at WVU.NCAA

(Right: At the 2016 NCAA National Championships in March, Ginny became the first true freshman in NCAA history to overtake both the Individual Air Rifle and Smallbore titles. With her outstanding scores, she helped lead her team to its fourth consecutive National Championship win and its 18th overall.)

Ginny was the third WVU female rifle competitor to earn a trip to the Olympics and the first in over a decade – the other two women making Team USA in 1992 and 2000, respectively.

Some of Ginny’s other accolades in her fresh, yet stellar rifling career include:

· Her name next to more than 20 National Rifle Association and USA Shooting records

· Five medals at last year’s USA Shooting National – two in the Open competition and three in the Junior event, including a gold medal in 3P

· Sixth-place finish in the Women’s 50m Smallbore at the 2015 Spring World Cup Selection

· Third place at the 2014 Junior Olympics Championships in the Women’s 50m Smallbore

· Becoming the 2015 Virginia Air Rifle State Champion

· Three-time Virginia Smallbore State medalist

Women’s Air Rifle teammate Sarah Scherer, 25, who was an Olympian in 2012 and a CMP Summer Camp counselor in 2013, finished in eighth place in the 10-meter event.

In Men’s Air Rifle, Lucas Kozeniesky, 21, another CMP Summer Camp alum, finished 21st in a tough 10-meter match.

Congratulations, Ginny, and all of the Team USA Shooting members!

Tune in NBC on Thursday, August 11 at 9 AM in UTC-03 to watch Ginny and Sarah compete in the 50m Women’s Three Position event. Watch live action from the 2016 Rio Olympic Games at NBCOlympics.com. To view a full schedule of events, visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/live-stream-schedule.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.