Archive
Bull Barrel Archive
BULL BARREL -
December 2004
Pacific Shooters
Association
Po Box 16035 Lynn Valley
Postal Outlet
North Vancouver BC
Club Phone 604-985-3769
P.S.A. Officers 2004
President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Range Master:
Secretary &
Statistician:
Directors: |
Bob Davidson
Mike O’Neill
Need One!
Bob Goehring
Ron Davidson
Rolf Maurer, Ken
Kelsey, David Weiser,
Edmond Lee, Tony
Sonnendrucker, Mike
Norman, Stephen
Welscher, York
Furstenwald
|
President’s report
We accomplished a lot this
year. The contractor built
new overhead baffles for
us. Bob Goehring arranged
for and oversaw repairs to
our road to try and stop
the slippage. We signed a
new 5 year lease and have
hopes of extending this
lease further. Our
membership is about the
same as last year at 406,
we loose a few and gain a
few each year. We have had
a few weekday closures due
to the construction of the
filtration plant and there
will be another couple of
weeks in January or
February to build a waste
water line but that
shouldn’t bother us. Troy
Vassos has come to our aid
by taking over the
membership record duties.
We are very grateful to
Troy for doing this. As I
mentioned above we still
need a treasurer and there
are several Director’s
whose term ends this year
so if you would like to be
a director, come and see
me and I can tell you all
about the job.
Merry
Christmas and Happy New
Year to all of you, Bob
BENCHREST SHOOTING
PROGRAMME
There is a very active
benchrest-shooting
Programme at P.S.A. There
are 2 groups, The P.S.A.
club and the North Shore
Benchrest Shooters Club.
The Match Director for the
former is Bob Goehring and
Ron Davidson for the
latter. New shooters are
most cordially invited to
contact Bob or Ron.
The clubs are associated
with the American Rimfire
Association (A.R.A.) and
abide by their rules and
regulations and use their
targets.
In 2004, a total of 11
regular 4-target matches,
2 - 6 target tournaments
and 2 “Fun” matches (A
Polar Bear shoot and a
Turkey Shoot). The matches
drew a total of 93
shooters, from a cadre of
approximately 12 regulars.
The targets each have 25
bulls and 1 shot is fired
at each. Unlike
conventional target
scoring benchrest scoring
requires that if a scoring
line is cut, the lower
score is counted. It is
interesting to note that a
perfect score of 2500 has
only been achieved once!
This despite the many
hundreds of shooters and
thousands of targets shot
in the U.S. and Canada.
At our most recent Turkey
Match (the author is not
sure if turkey refers to
the target, the shooters,
or the prizes) at which we
seek to present ever more
tricky targets, all
participants managed to
hit a playing card at 50
yards! That’s easy you
say, but bear in mind it
was only the edge of the
card that was presented to
the marksmen! We are now
seeking a more challenging
target!
2004/2005 WESTERN
INTERNATIONAL PISTOL
LEAGUE – SEASON UPDATE:
This season has been off
to a strong start with
many familiar faces and
some new enthusiastic ones
too. It's great to see
shooters enjoying their
sport. Some of the new
faces showed up to shoot
shoulder-to-shoulder.
Others, like the Campbell
River Gun Club Society,
have decided to join in
via the postal program.
This year we have added a
match at PSA on December
5th, dubbed the "Frozen
Finger", to fill out the
season with a match per
month. This was a good
opportunity for shooters
to experience shooting
when the mercury is on the
lower end of the
thermometer. And it was
fun! If you or any one you
know is interested in
shooting ISSF style pistol
competitions, please
contact me (Edmond Lee) at
WIPLprez@canada.com or
604-434-2665. More details
about WIPL can be found on
our website under the WIPL
section.
WEST
COAST NORDIC CLUB -
BIATHLON TRAINING:
The youngsters occupying
the rifle area at the PSA
range almost every Sunday
afternoon are members of
the "West Coast Nordic
Club". They range in age
from 12 to 18 years-old,
and also include members
of lower mainland cadet
groups. Biathlon involves
cross country skate skiing
around a circuit,
interspersed by firing
five rapid rounds at plate
targets. This requires a
lot of conditioning
training and breathing
control to successfully
hit all five targets.
Consequently, you may have
noticed some of the
athletes running around
the parking lot to get
their heartbeat up between
rounds.
The young athlete's train
year-round. During the
spring and summer they run
and roller-ski in the
Seymour demonstration
forest on Sunday mornings
prior to shooting in the
afternoon. During the
winter, when they are not
at a competition, they ski
at Cypress every Wednesday
evening and Sunday
morning, followed by a
shooting practice at PSA
on Sunday afternoons. The
team also has a biathlon
shooting range located at
Hemlock Valley, and there
are plans to build a
Nordic facility and
biathlon range at
Callaghan Valley, located
near Whistler, for the
2010 Olympics.
Any PSA club members with
kids 12 years of age or
older, and who may be
interested in learning
more about biathlon and
trying the sport are
encouraged to contact the
West Coast Nordic Club, or
see the coaches at PSA on
(most) Sunday afternoons.
For further information
you can contact Troy
Vassos at (604) 984-8083.
05 May 2004 Update
On behalf of all the Directors of the PSA we would like to thank all those people who came out to the May 1/2 work party. With all of the volunteers working hard, the PSA has now conformed to the requirements of our lease with regards to the backstop berms. For those of you that could not participate, think of the hard work spent by others while you plink away at your targets and maybe try to participate next time. Thanks to the dedication of some members, we can all enjoy shooting safely at the Pacific Shooters Association.
Bull Barrel February 2004
P.S.A. Officers 2004President: Bob Davidson Vice President: Mike O’Neill
Secretary Treasurer: Ron Davidson
Range Master: Bob Goehring Statistician: Ron Davidson
Director: Rolf Maurer Director: Bob Goehring
Director: Ken Kelsey Director: Dave Weiser
Director: Edmond Lee Director: Tony Sonnendrucker
Director: Mike Norman Director:York Furstenwald
Assistant Director: Jim Lee Assistant Director:Dan Haveruk
Assistant to Range Master:Bryan Streiker
Message from the President
2003 was a busy and somewhat trying year. In 2002 we thought we had all the details finalized on a new 5 year lease with the GVWD. Half way through the year though the GVRD added some new restrictions to the lease. Namely that the new 5year lease would be the last extension and that if anybody even thought there was a safety issue they could shut us down. The safety issues were basically resolved with the construction of the overhead baffle. We are also able to remove the first 2 ground baffles to use the material to repair the further baffles. This work must start immediately.
The lease still states that this will be the last extension but we are not giving up on that issue. With the help of the junior biathlon group, the cadets and wheel chair athletes we may yet succeed. The negotiations over the past two years have very capably been handled by Director Ron Davidson.
The range has been kept in it’s great state of repair through the efforts of a lot of our stalwart members but most particularly by Gord Dale, Tom Fudger, Rolf Maurer, Tony Sonnendrucker and Bob Goehring..
Our membership has remained at about 430. We get enough new members to offset members who leave for many reasons. Fortunately many members of the Board of Directors are relatively new members who bring great new ideas and expertise to the board. If you fell you would like to contribute to the club please talk to me or any of the directors. We look forward to hearing from you.
The board has decided to have our Registration Weekend at the clubhouse on the first Saturday and Sunday of February in 2005. We will also have the Annual General Meeting that Sunday at 200 PM. The danger of ice and snow should be passed by then and we should have a better turnout.
We are very fortunate that we had Greg Stopelli on the board. He developed our web site and also refined the computer program for our membership records. He was also the spark behind the plinker shoots. Unfortunately Greg has taken a job in Seattle and has resigned. Equally fortunate we have a member who has taken over as web master and Bull Barrel editor. Edmond Lee is able to help with much computer expertise also.
As any of know we have had Chef Jim Lee baking Pizzas on Sundays and occasionally roast beef and other delicacies when there is a large enough function on. We have also had the benefit of another chef on Saturdays. Cliff Mah works with the cadets but has also agreed to do hamburgers and hot dogs on Saturdays. We are really grateful to both of these gentlemen for their most valuable contribution to the club. We are all looking forward to a great 2004 with a very talented board
Bob Davidson
Range Masters Report
Range housekeeping…..
Is the responsibility of every member that uses this facility. Club volunteers (directors) run this range and there are no salaried employees at this range to clean up after your mess. All shooters are expected to clean up all the their brass, targets and any litter left in the range shooting area. Stools must be put back on top of shooting benches and all personal items removed from the firing line. If anyone thinks otherwise I would like to hear from them.
Maintenance of buildings, target frames and baffles is all done by core group of volunteers at work parties, mostly by the same dedicated people, they need help too, we could use some new faces out there to help with the operation of the club.
Range Master
Pacific Shooters Safety Bulletin 04-01
Attention all Members
All members and guests must sign there valid membership number, guests name(s) and firing line position number each time they shoot. Guests are maximum 2 at a time and are subject to a $5.00 day fee per guest. Make sure you bring change, do not expect change to be available during the weekdays. All shooters must wear eye and ear protection, no exceptions. A member who brings in guests is ultimately responsible for any damage to the facility or violation of PSA safety regulations. Any one found shooting into overhead or ground baffles out to 50 yards will be asked to pack up and leave and will ultimately be asked to explain there actions before the safety committee.
Attention all Pistol Shooters:
Effective immediately. No Pistol shooter shall use benchrest stools, pistol rests, sandbags or shoot from any position where there is any possibility that the line of sight may point above the 100 yard berm. Any member wishing to Bench shoot their .22 rifles must do so from the benchrest benches. The only exception is shooting from a Ransom Rest or the Rifle rest, which is located at the east end of the range
Attention Work Party
Target frames will no longer be built with the third lower 1 x 4 boards. This only encourages paper targets to be posted so low that all shots at lower targets end up causing damage to the ground baffle system, which has added significant costs in terms of money, and manpower to the operation of this facility.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Range Master
Western International Pistol League (W.I.P.L.) Update
WIPL update:
The 2003-2004 season is well underway and going strong. Match #4 held on Jan 25th marked the return of WIPL to the Langley Rod and Gun Club. It had been years since we last shot there, and it is good to have another hosting club back. Attendance is strong with lots of familiar faces, and some new ones. PLEASE NOTE: The next match (#6) has been moved up by a week to MARCH 21, 2004. It will be held at the Langley Rod and Gun club. Relay 1 starting at 09:00 is already full. If you are interested in shooting on relay 2 (starts approximately 11:30), or you know of a club that is interested in hosting WIPL matches, please contact me at WIPLprez@canada.com or 604-434-2665. The last match (#7) will be back at PSA on April 25th, followed by the season wrap up, awarding of trophies, the AGM, and draw prizes. Hope to see you all there!
Edmond Lee
WIPL President
Upcoming Events
PSA Swap Meet
The Sixth Semi-Annual PSA Swap Meet will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2004 from 10:00 until 1:00 (more or less) in the Clubhouse. Tables are free, but the number is limited to 8, so please reserve in advance by e/mailing David Weiser at posthorn@telus.net or putting your name on the SIGN-UP LIST posted on the bulletin board beside the front door in the clubhouse. Partial tables are possible, but please get a partner and reserve a whole table at a time. Being at the Range, you don't need any special permits to bring guns for sale.
This is a PSA event--SHOOTING-RELATED ITEMS ONLY, PLEASE! Bring your friends...you don't have to be a member to buy stuff. Hot food will be available cooked by member Cliff Mah.
Turn In Those Old Gate Keys
Reminder to all members, you have until May 1 2004 to turn in any old gate keys for refund. After that date there will not be any more refunds on these old keys.
Raffle Anschutz model 1903 .22 target Rifle
The lucky winner of the rifle raffle was Nick Brampton, what a lucky guy!
Bull Barrel June 2003
P.S.A. Officers 2003
President: Bob Davidson Vice President: Mike O’Neill
Secretary Treasurer: Greg Stopelli
Range Master: Gordon Dale Range Master: Bob Goehring
Statistician: Ron Davidson Director: Rolf Maurer
Director: Bob Goehring Director: Ken Kelsey
Director: Dave Weiser Director: Edmond Lee
Director: Tony Sonnendrucker Director: Mike Norman
Message from the President
Our General Meeting in February added a few new faces to the Board that are bringing us new ideas. Our most pressing project at the moment is the renewal of our 5 year lease with the GVWD/GVRD. This will take us to December 2008. We are trying very hard to obtain further renewals beyond that date. Our justification for this is the use of the range by many junior groups such as 103 & 525 Air Cadet Squadrons and the BC Junior Biathlon team. Olympic Pistol shooters use the facility as well as Olympic level rifle shooters such as Chris Triffonidis, a wheel chair athlete. Greg Stopelli, our Secretary Treasurer, is trying to put a junior program together and is having some success. We will keep you posted.
I know that everyone would like to see some of the baffles removed. We hope to remove a 24 foot strip out to the rear bank. This would serve as a firing line if needed and also allow us to have some fun shoots and to have prone rifle shooting. We still haven’t figured out how to safely cut out and move sections of the baffles. The problem is that there are very large spikes holding them together. It would be extremely dangerous if a saw blade was to hit these spikes. We are working on it.
Soon construction will start on the water filtration plant just north of our property line. This is a 4 year project and we don’t know at this time if this will have any impact on our operations. We certainly hope not.
For those of you coming out on Sundays you will know that Jim Lee is baking pizzas and selling them by the slice. This is bringing some nice revenue into the club. Thanks Jim! You also may have noticed that the club house and generator have had to be shut down early some weekends. This is because there isn’t a Director willing to stay and keep the club house open later. For those of you with gate keys this is not a problem. Those of you who don’t have keys should get one and learn how to open and close the gates.
Bob Davidson
Range Masters Report
Once again, the biggest issue along the firing line is the amount of garbage some members insist on leaving around. This garbage may consist of shot targets, spent brass, coffee cups, ammunition boxes, damaged target frames and the list goes on. Those brooms you see near the firing line are not for holding up the benches. Please do your share, "Thank You", to all those who pickup and take pride in the way our club looks. Our club works on a volunteer basis. Take pride in our Range, do your part to help out and make it an even better place to enjoy the pleasures of shooting.
Please remember and inform your guests of the new $5 dollar Day Pass is required for each guest. The 3 month grace period is now over and the $5.00 / day fee per guest will now be enforced. Please insure your guests are promptly signed in and their day fee is put in the box. The box is now located just behind the main door to the range. Remember you are responsible for the actions of your guests at all times. The Range Rules are posted; please ensure all guests understand the meaning of all Range Rules. Place those paper targets upon the supports so as to minimize damage to posts and bars. All items damaged by improper target placement must be worked on by members who come out and volunteer at the Work Parties. Are you available on a Saturday for an hour or two? Come on up and lend a hand, help is always welcome.
Any infractions of poor gun handling or any unsafe conditions pertaining to firearms will not be tolerated.
Anyone who observes poor gun handling or any unsafe conditions should look at the Sign In Book and record numbers of members disregarding safety rules. This information can be passed on to any Director who will inform the Disciplinary Committee who will address the situation as required. Keep in mind, within Canada, the ability to enjoy the shooting sports is a privilege and not a right. Privileges can be revoked.
Western International Pistol League (W.I.P.L.) Update
This league has been extremely active for over 30 years in advancing the I.S.S.F. shooting disciplines, including an Olympic event. Initially, the league included member clubs from Custer, the US Border Patrol, (hence the International aspect) as well as all the clubs in the lower mainland.
Restrictive laws governing the importation and transportation of firearms in Canada caused the withdrawal of our American colleagues a number of years ago. Also, the closure of several local ranges has very much restricted the clubs actively participating.
Regardless, seven matches per year are scheduled, and shooters use their best 5 scores in determining individual and 3 person team totals. Latterly, PSA, Abbotsford Fish and Game Club, and Richmond Rod & Gun Club (at Abbotsford) have hosted these matches. The upcoming season will add Langley Rod and Gun Club as a host. Clubs throughout the province are encouraged to participate through the postal programme.
PSA shooters acquitted themselves very well indeed in the past season! PSA teams of 3 shooters each, and each shooter with 5 scores of record, won all three disciplines, standard pistol, centre fire pistol and sport pistol. In fact PSA teams were first, second and fourth in standard pistol, first and third in centre fire pistol, and first in sport pistol.
New shooters are actively encouraged to participate. For further information contact the president Edmond Lee, the stats officer, Ron Davidson, or other involved WIPL shooters at the range.
North Vancouver Air Cadet Squadron Update
In 2002-2003, coached by P.S.A. members Mike and Leslie O’Neill, the range teams of the North Vancouver Air Cadet Squadron placed 1st in the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association Jr. Division .22 calibre National Competition, 2nd in the Provincial Cadet Air Rifle Competition, 1st in the Mission "Billy Bishop" Cadet .22 calibre Competition, 1st in the Powell River "Jock Gall" Cadet .22 calibre Competition as well as 1st in the North Vancouver "Thunderbird" Cadet .22 calibre Competition. Cadet Lahaise was selected to represent B.C. in the "Under 14 yrs" category of the Cadet Air Rifle National Competition in Nunavut. The club is proud of the progress of the Air Cadets and we thank Mike, Leslie & everyone else who helped make it happen.
Turn In Those Old Gate Keys
Reminder to all members, you have until May 1 2004 to turn in any old gate keys for refund. After that date there will not be any more refunds on these old keys.
Raffle Anschutz model 1903 .22 target Rifle
BIG RAFFLE!! PSA is raffling an Anschutz model 1903 .22 target Rifle. This is a top line target rifle with peep sights. Tickets are $10 each and only 150 tickets will be sold. See Bob Davidson at the range for your tickets. The draw will be held at the 2004 AGM or earlier if all tickets are sold before then.
