GTA
GTA directory => GTA Announcement Gate => Topic started by: ezman604 on February 12, 2018, 03:49:51 PM
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Okay, it's now official. After a road trip to meet with Eric and look over the area this weekend, we have set the location and dates for this years event.
Location is the Tri-County Expo Center - 1213 Industrial St - Horseshoe Bend, AR. Dates are 18-20 May. Make your plans to attend and spread the word.
The Expo Center is 11,000 sq ft of climate controlled space. There is enough room for roughly 90 vendors to set up. I wish we had that many but...LOL.
We have also invited the Rimfire Central forum folks to set up the first ever rimfire only show. So, we will hopefully have a bunch of airguns and rimfire offerings to look at, buy, sell or trade. I have asked our GTA vendors to let me know if they want to reserve tables. Also, if any members want to bring airgun items to sell or trade, let me know. I'm sure we can make arrangements for you to have space to set up.
The Expo Center has restrooms and a concession area.
Outside the building is a short walk to the levy of Eric's lake. We have decided the best place to set up the firing line will be on the levy. There will be 2 each 20x40 tents set end to end as our covered firing line. But feel free to bring your pop-ups, tables and chairs. There is ample room for all. We have a LONG range to set up targets. Feel free to bring golf carts, bicycles or 4-wheelers also. And please bring any targets and stands you can. I have several that I am bringing. As with Gene's location previously, we have trees at a distance we can string bells or any other hanging targets to make it a challenge and interesting. And as usual we will have our paintball shooting competition with gift certificates furnished by Pyramyd Air along with trophies for the top 2 shooters in each class of springer, PCP up to and including .25cal and PCP of .257cal and above. Also known as Big Bore.
Inside the Expo Center we will have our usual tables set up for registration, purchasing GTA wear and for purchasing raffle tickets. We will have many items displayed that you can purchase raffle tickets to win. These items are donated by our fantastic supporting GTA vendors and members. All proceeds go to supporting your forum and paying the expenses of this our annual event. We always plan a GTA feast for lunch on Saturday. I am looking at several options but the best I've heard so far is to have a locally famous BBQ caterer come out with his trailer and fix us up plates of pulled pork, chicken, ribs and maybe other items. I'm still looking into the options but we will have a GTA furnished meal on Saturday. It's always good. :)
This is a very rural area. Not around any big cities. This is good and bad. I actually like the country feel of it. You drive through one "town" or community of around 1,000 population and drive almost immediately into another. It is a time share vacation type of place with all kinds of lodges, motels and marinas and such around. There are large chain motels/hotels but most are roughly a 30 minutes or more drive. But there's plenty of lodging within 30 minutes or less. Teresa is picky about accommodations, believe me. We looked at a few and have a good suggestion. We recommend Hardy's Spring River Lodge.
http://www.hardysspringriverlodge.com/ (http://www.hardysspringriverlodge.com/)
The rooms are nice and the rates are about the same for all lodging in the area at $70 or less. I will be getting a call from the manager this week with a discount code for GTA. We need 10 or more rooms booked to get the discount. I don't think we will have a problem filling 10 or more rooms. :)
Don't call for reservations until you get the code from me. But I would like to get a rough count of those that plan on making the trip and reserving a room. This motel is neat and clean as well as it having more things available in the immediate area like eateries, groceries and the old downtown area to walk and shop. We were impressed with that. I hope we and you have time before or after the event to visit the downtown area. The motel has a free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and a heated pool. Rooms have fridge, microwave and cable TV.
If flying in, the nearest major airports are Memphis, Springfield, MO and Little Rock, AR. I believe Memphis is the closest with just over a 2 hours drive to the venue. The others are roughly 3 hours away. There are municipal airports in Salem, Melbourne and Mountain View you can check on to see if you can get a puddle jumper to get you in closer than Memphis.
Here is the Expo Center:
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5664)
Expo Center inside:
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5666)
This is a view of the lake from the back side where we recommend camping and RV parking:
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5662)
Follow the levy to the right and you will see the roof of the Expo Center. Firing line will be set up on the levy shooting toward the left in this picture. PLENTY of room for the firing line.
I have added a poll. I need a rough idea how many folks WILL attend. I need to know if any need indoor table space. I need to know if you plan on primitive camping or bringing in an RV. There is room for all but we do need an idea.
I also need to know if you want to reserve a room at the Hardy's Spring River Lodge. It's a great replacement for the Ramada Rowdy's hangout. LOL
I hope to see all of you there. Let's make it a great event. We can't do it without YOU!!!
SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
8)
Just off the phone with Hardy's Spring River Lodge. We have 20 rooms of the bottom floor blocked off and can have more if needed. The discount rate is pretty good I think.
Room with 1 queen bed $56 per night plus tax.
A twin queen or king room $62 per night plus tax.
Please call and make your reservations ASAP. Tell them you are with the GTA group. They will give you the discounted rate.
http://hardysspringriverlodge.com/ (http://hardysspringriverlodge.com/)
(870)856-4001
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will the rimfire people have their own area to shoot, or will they be joining us ?
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Their event is a show. Ours is a Fun Shoot/Airgun Show. IF there is rimfire shooting, for safety and management purposes we will share the same firing line. I personally don't see that as an issue.
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Was there discussion of allowing/arranging tailgate or trade blanket items for sale for folks who might have a few trinkets but can't justify a table?
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This is a view of the lake from the back side where we recommend camping and RV parking:
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5662)
That looks more like a pond than a lake, is there more lake out of frame?
My son lives in Clever Mo. which is probably about 2 hours and 15 min. away, I would like to make it back but doubt I will be able to in May.
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You know Mark, we always have had and promoted buying, selling and trading at the event. If folks want to operate off their tailgate, fine by me. It's a GTA family reunion. Enjoy it however you please. As long as it's LEGAL....LOL.
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Water level is down right now. And yes, there is a bit more out of frame.
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Water level is down right now. And yes, there is a bit more out of frame.
Of coarse in So. Ca. right now that would be a LAKE, :'(
If we don't get rain soon my trees are goner's. Our ground water is pretty low and I am on a well. When it was drilled 23 years ago water was hit at 95 feet now water level is down to about 200. we were getting 17 gal a min and now about 3 gal a min.
Our well is 330 feet deep. My neighbor has two wells that are pretty much dry and has a water truck and just buys and hauls water in, he has a pool and lawns and about 50 trees so in the summer he hauls in a truck load every day.
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Maybe we wont get the weather we had last year. I swear Tom and I went through two tornados in our ten man tent. It was all we could do to keep the tent from launching or collapsing. It was crazy. If we do make it this year, we wont be doing the tent thing for sure.
Can we expect to be shooting right next to or right beside rim fire guns? I think they need there own section on one end or the other. I don't really want to have to wear ear plugs the whole time, but I guess I could. :-\
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Well, like I said, theirs is a show. There MAY be some shooting, I'll leave that up to Eric to decide. But I guarantee theirs won't be any louder than our big bores. LOL
I've always brought foam earplugs and safety glasses for anyone that needs/wants them.
:)
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Is there any showers for we tent campers? If not, how cold is the lake? ::)
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Well Bob, I know they make portable showers for campers.
And the water, well, it's spring fed. If that tells you anything. :)
Maybe Eric can chime in with the location of a nearby truck stop or similar facility. Or one of us can probably let you use our hotel room shower.
:)
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Woohoo!!!!!
Sounds excellent DEz...THANK YOU!!!
(Oh- and put me down for a room at the lodge. :D)
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Thanks Liz, looking forward to seeing you!!!
Vote in the poll above about the room reservation please. It won't let me add votes.
:)
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Hope to sell a gun or two while I'm there.
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My son lives in Clever Mo. which is probably about 2 hours and 15 min. away, I would like to make it back but doubt I will be able to in May.
Google Maps says it is 2 hours 55 min from my son's, If I was visiting I am sure I could take his Ultra Glide, that would be a nice ride too.
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Is there any showers for we tent campers? If not, how cold is the lake? ::)
I checked my book. No Truck Stops with in reach with showers. But it's easy enough to make your own shower using a tub/tote like you buy at Wal Mart to store away your clothes. Set it on the floor. Towels around it if you want. Have two parallel wires/string running over head. Like tie wire or what I use is electric fence wire because it doesn't rust. Then you'll need two shower curtains and some clothes pins. Put the shower curtains on the wire so each form a "L" opposite sides making a box or rectangle. Next you need gallon jugs of water. I find two gallons work fine. Heat the water on a stove or in a microwave. I use the jugs that once had windshield wiper fluid and find they will just fit into my microwave. Then you just step into the tub. Tuck the curtain ends into the tub. Wet yourself with about 1/4 to 1/3 gallons of water by just holding the jug over your head. Then go to work. Once finished use the rest of the water to rinse off. Pretty simple. You can get more elaborate if you want. Like a 5 gallon bucket with a hose. You get the picture. Main thing is, it works. Course thats assuming the tent has standing room. If not, you might need to do more for privacy.
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I tried DEz- it won't let me add that to the poll. I had already submitted my vote that I'd be there, then noticed that one afterward.
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Excited to see GTA having another Fun Shoot. While Sparta was a friendly place, This is 8 hours closer! I plan to be there and brind at least 3 from our local airgun club -NASA, hoepefully several more! Thank you for taking the time to find a location and organize the shoot!
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I'll be there for sure, can't freaking wait! So awesome this is going to be so close to me, can't wait.
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to far for me sorry to say 8 and a half hrs. Have fun everyone I will miss not seeing everyone this yr
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Hello!!!!! Nice meeting with Mr. D Ez this weekend. Glad to be a part of this merger with such a fine bunch!! Dave spoke highly of......most of y’all ;)
Just doing a drive by update as of this evening.
Just got done burning the back side of the dam so it will be all nice and green come May.
Very excited to get this assembled and meet many of you!
More later!!
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Is there any showers for we tent campers? If not, how cold is the lake? ::)
I checked my book. No Truck Stops with in reach with showers. But it's easy enough to make your own shower using a tub/tote like you buy at Wal Mart to store away your clothes. Set it on the floor. Towels around it if you want. Have two parallel wires/string running over head. Like tie wire or what I use is electric fence wire because it doesn't rust. Then you'll need two shower curtains and some clothes pins. Put the shower curtains on the wire so each form a "L" opposite sides making a box or rectangle. Next you need gallon jugs of water. I find two gallons work fine. Heat the water on a stove or in a microwave. I use the jugs that once had windshield wiper fluid and find they will just fit into my microwave. Then you just step into the tub. Tuck the curtain ends into the tub. Wet yourself with about 1/4 to 1/3 gallons of water by just holding the jug over your head. Then go to work. Once finished use the rest of the water to rinse off. Pretty simple. You can get more elaborate if you want. Like a 5 gallon bucket with a hose. You get the picture. Main thing is, it works. Course thats assuming the tent has standing room. If not, you might need to do more for privacy.
With a protective steel plate in place for the victim, er, participant, we could make an airgun shoot/dunking booth!! :D We could even use it to raise forum funds, put Rocker in, 3 shots for a dollar! 8) (not to shoot at him, just to dunk him).
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I'm in! I'll probably stay in Blythville. Dave, If you need any help transporting stuff let me know as I'll be taking my truck.
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Is there any showers for we tent campers? If not, how cold is the lake? ::)
Bob, You should plan on some shrinkage if you bathe in the lake.
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I'm in! I'll probably stay in Blythville. Dave, If you need any help transporting stuff let me know as I'll be taking my truck.
Thanks Jody. I will be packing my truck and debating on pulling the trailer I normally do. Will see...
But thanks. Will be your first one, will be good to see you there. Even though we just live 15 miles apart. LOL
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For me it looks like ~20 hours doing the speed limit ::) ;D so unless I grow wings one 10 hour day and one six hour day of driving hopefully I can find someone to ride share
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I'm flying, Don. Shall i request that the pilot stop for you to catch a ride? :D
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Will the facility be open to us if we wanted to come early like we did in Ky? If so, you would get some extra help setting up etc.
The actual shoot is from the 18th -20th but some of us got to Ky. days before the "official" shoot and we were able to help along with the settings.
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Yessir Bob, come on out early. Teresa and I plan on getting there on Wednesday. We will definitely need help setting things up like the tents on the firing line. And setting out targets.
Oh, and everyone please bring targets if you can. Any kind of something to shoot at. The type we hang from trees, bells, gongs, target stands, spinners, spoons, you name it. I'll bring some target stands that Tom (Dockey 454) made. As well as a stack of paper targets to attach to the stands.
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If anyone is in the Jonesboro, AR area and looking for a ride over I'll have some extra room and happy to meet up and give you a lift over, but just so you know I'll plan on staying for the full weekend.
Dez, I can bring some spinners, a box of paintballs and golf tees, as well as some little green army guys and plastic dinos.
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Excellent C.J. Looking forward to meeting you and hopefully this time get to sling some lead. :)
Just off the phone with Hardy's Spring River Lodge. We have 20 rooms of the bottom floor blocked off and can have more if needed. The discount rate is pretty good I think.
Room with 1 queen bed $56 per night plus tax.
A twin queen or king room $62 per night plus tax.
Please call and make your reservations ASAP. Tell them you are with the GTA group. They will give you the discounted rate.
http://hardysspringriverlodge.com/ (http://hardysspringriverlodge.com/)
(870)856-4001
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Cool DEz, and very good rates!
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I talked to Lloyd and it looks like the two of us will be doing the looooong drive out there again this year :D
Dave .... do you know if we will be able to use the tables from inside the building or if there are any outdoor tables to use for shooting benches? It would save room in the truck for other supplies.
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Good deal Marty, looking forward to seeing you both!!!
I can't speak for Eric but he has LOTS of tables. I'm trying not to drag a trailer this time but if I do I can bring a few tables also.
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Many thanks to Dave and the others who have worked hard and ended up with an excellent location!
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Is there any showers for we tent campers? If not, how cold is the lake? ::)
Eat it up buttercup and jump in the lake!
;D
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Is there any showers for we tent campers? If not, how cold is the lake? ::)
Eat it up buttercup and jump in the lake!
;D
You ain't the first to suggest I do that.
I have yet to hear from my other shooting bud who lives up the street. If he decides to go, I may go low life and share a room at the inn. I dread the idea. It takes away from shootin' time, some of the best we had days before the official start and early in the morning when things were quiet.
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If I can get there a few days early I will probably bring my tent Coleman Gas stove and an air mattress then if camping gets old take a room for a day or 2 before heading home
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Is there any showers for we tent campers? If not, how cold is the lake? ::)
Eat it up buttercup and jump in the lake!
;D
You ever heard of taking a bird bath. There is a sink or two. Get up early before the old folks wakeup and hit the sink. Been there, done that at the last shoot. Even washed my hair and blow dried it. Be sure and clean up afterwards and leave no evidence behind.
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Is there any showers for we tent campers? If not, how cold is the lake? ::)
Eat it up buttercup and jump in the lake!
;D
You ever heard of taking a bird bath. There is a sink or two. Get up early before the old folks wakeup and hit the sink. Been there, done that at the last shoot. Even washed my hair and blow dried it. Be sure and clean up afterwards and leave no evidence behind.
Also know as a GI bath when I camped with my son we would use a large collapsible plastic pan fill with hot water and sponge bath kept the worst of the stink at bay. We also had biodegradable soap and shampoo for when we wilderness camped then just jumped in the nearest stream and turned blue as we slowly turned into ice cycles
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This sounds like great fun, again! I am sure there will be new faces to put to names. Marty and I will be driving 14 hours this year. Oh well, worse for us, better for others.
If the rimfire guys do end up shooting and start to get rowdy, i can set the .51 cal up in middle of them, LOL. Plenty of other big bores, too.
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INRE bringing targets ...
save that empty can of green beans/dog food or whatever ... punch a hole in it and use a string and a stick to hold it up .... i have dont it and plinking tin cans is quite fun (for me)
I keep the old 88g CO2 carts and use a screw to hang them from a tree or other support ... I even have some of the 12g CO2 carts I have done this with .. they both make a nice ping sound and the 88g ones hold up quite well to what most shoot ... i dont think anyone cracked the 88g one even with the big bores likely shooting at it
bring a hat in case it is very sunny ... bring a raincoat/poncho in case it rains ...
bring a chair in case there is not one open when you want to shoot ( i have let others sit at my table under my canopy in the past ), however i dont often bring a second chair along as my butt fits on one ;D
bring pellets, though in the past there were some for sale (dont count on it would be safest) ... IF you have a PCP and an air tank, bring it .... if no tank, bring your handpump .. someone may share air with you, however as an adult one should have what they need to shoot ...
i know .. i know ... Dez usually brings his compressor, however why should he have the wear and tear on his personal compressor to fill, potentially, dozens of tanks. rebuilds on the compressor cost him $$
bring a smile and get ready to laugh and joke with us as we always have fun at these GTA fun shoots
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Geoff, how about bringing a lightning rod in case you can't hold onto any tent poles? You were scary last year!
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Geoff, how about bringing a lightning rod in case you can't hold onto any tent poles? You were scary last year!
oh yes it was a wild time with those winds AND not being able to pound stakes deeply into the gravel road i was set up on .. thankfully i had help keeping the canopy in Kentucky ;D... this year i will bring the sledge with me and try to stay off roads .... lightning rods may be a good idea as well ;D
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Geoff, how about bringing a lightning rod in case you can't hold onto any tent poles? You were scary last year!
You beat me to it ;D
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This sounds like great fun, again! I am sure there will be new faces to put to names. Marty and I will be driving 14 hours this year. Oh well, worse for us, better for others.
If the rimfire guys do end up shooting and start to get rowdy, i can set the .51 cal up in middle of them, LOL. Plenty of other big bores, too.
Ha!! That's gonna set off some pacemakers!!!!
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This sounds like great fun, again! I am sure there will be new faces to put to names. Marty and I will be driving 14 hours this year. Oh well, worse for us, better for others.
If the rimfire guys do end up shooting and start to get rowdy, i can set the .51 cal up in middle of them, LOL. Plenty of other big bores, too.
Ha!! That's gonna set off some pacemakers!!!!
Maybe we can have a separate firing line area for obnoxious airguns?
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If I leave the Rocker 1 LDC on my Marauder it's not too loud but I think it is still louder than when I shot it as a .25
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Is there any showers for we tent campers? If not, how cold is the lake? ::)
Eat it up buttercup and jump in the lake!
;D
You ever heard of taking a bird bath. There is a sink or two. Get up early before the old folks wakeup and hit the sink. Been there, done that at the last shoot. Even washed my hair and blow dried it. Be sure and clean up afterwards and leave no evidence behind.
Exactly what I did in the last two meets and darn near got caught 8)
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Another idea for transportation is Amtrak. They have a station in Newburn TN on the Chicago-New Orleans line. You would have to rent a car and drive from there.
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I think doing the fun shoot in conjunction with the rimfire show is an awesome idea...
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Also know as a GI bath when I camped with my son we would use a large collapsible plastic pan fill with hot water and sponge bath kept the worst of the stink at bay. We also had biodegradable soap and shampoo for when we wilderness camped then just jumped in the nearest stream and turned blue as we slowly turned into ice cycles
When I was young, we called that a PTA bath. :D
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This sounds do-able for me.
I am planning on going to Dallas for NRA Annual meetings (May-4-6) so I might just linger in the area (BBQ in Nashville, oysters in New Orleans, prairie dogs in Wyoming.
I will check with my shooting partner in Wichita and see if he could put me up (or would that be put up with) me for three weeks...
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My reservation is made. I will be staying at the Motel with the group rate. I look forward to seeing everyone.
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I think doing the fun shoot in conjunction with the rimfire show is an awesome idea...
Might even get a few converts after they see what today's air rifles are capable of.
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I think doing the fun shoot in conjunction with the rimfire show is an awesome idea...
Might even get a few converts after they see what today's air rifles are capable of.
I am a convert from rimfire to airguns.
I still own the rimfires but 95% of my shooting is with airguns.
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I am a convert from rimfire to airguns.
I still own the rimfires but 95% of my shooting is with airguns.
It's the same for me. In fact all of my rimfires are sitting in the safe without optics, because they've all been repurposed.
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Earl and Garry, I am curious about what you used your rimfires for, and the reasons you have switched to airguns. Thank you, Lloyd
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I used mine for small game; squirrel, rabbit, crows and armadillos and of course, paper punching.
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I switched over from PB to airguns 4 1/2 years ago because living in suburbs limited my shooting to one expensive indoor range and no other reasonable options. AG's fill two needs inexpensive trigger time and a passion for tinkering both are lifelong pursuits. Sorry please return to OP topic
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I am a convert from rimfire to airguns.
I still own the rimfires but 95% of my shooting is with airguns.
It's the same for me. In fact all of my rimfires are sitting in the safe without optics, because they've all been repurposed.
Bring some horrible old rimfires, I'll bring some wonderful airguns, and let's see what we can work out. 8)
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Back on track now.
FIRING LINE TABLES
Marty and I were wondering how the owner of the venue would feel about us borrowing tables from the building to set up under the canopies at the firing line. It would be nice to know so that we can plan on bringing, or not bringing, our own shooting tables. But with the rimfire show set up inside there might not be enough spare tables. I don't know???
Thanks, Lloyd
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Earl and Garry, I am curious about what you used your rimfires for, and the reasons you have switched to airguns. Thank you, Lloyd
I use .22 rimfire for targets and plinking.
I stopped hunting in about 1980. I got soft-hearted.
.22 rimfire ammo got expensive and hard to find.
I live in the city and airguns can be shot at home.
I can only shoot firearms on Saturday when I visit the farm.
I discovered there was a 54 feet indoor range in my home (across the den, thru the kitchen, down the hall and across the garage, into a bullet trap). I can shoot pellet guns in air conditioned comfort, day or night, rain or shine, hot or cold, wind or calm.
I like to shoot, and I shoot a LOT.
Life is good.
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I like to shoot, and I shoot a LOT.
Life is good.
Earl,
Thanks for the answers. Very persuasive arguments.
We are going to miss you at the Funshoot this year. Wish you could make it.
Lloyd
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Lloyd, if you don't have room for tables, don't sweat it. If Eric has an issue with us using his (and I don't think he will), that's not a problem either. I'll just toss some in my trailer and bring them. You will have tables to use either way.
:)
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Thanks DEz! That good to know about the tables in case we run out of room in the truck. Lloyd
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Thanks DEz! That good to know about the tables in case we run out of room in the truck. Lloyd
No worries with a table to shoot from Lloyd. I will gladly share my table with you, who wouldn't ;D
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Reservations at the riverlodge made, so now I guess it will be "LONG LIVE THE RIVERLODGE ROWDIES!" 8)
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Having never been to one on these, what goes on? Is there a Program that is followed. Or is it a free for all where you buy, sell, trade, and shoot at will? Course I'll bring guns and ammo. Will I need my own targets and shooting table as well? My targets are usually paper plates or cans. Think I do have some store bought ones from Cabela's Bargain cave if I can find what I did with them. Never used them. I have a shooting table with built in seat. Kind of bulky to carry. Thinking about bring my Wife. She's not really into shooting. Maybe shot 10 rounds though my 22LR rifle in her life. But she's a trooper. Will participate with what ever the groups doing. One thing I'm wondering if I miss Friday will I miss anything? I have a cousin (well second cousin. Our Grand Fathers were two brothers and our Grand Mothers were two sisters. Lived across the street from each other all their lives.) in Mountain Home, AR. That's 48 miles away. Thinking maybe coming down Friday and stay in Mountain Home. Then driving in Saturday morning. So would I miss anything Friday? Maybe just keep the room for Saturday and drive back from there Sunday. Will I miss anything Sunday? I would bring some of my air guns and some of my 22LR. Any answers will help. I really have no idea what to expect from this. I'm into shooting all types of guns. I can step out my front door and shoot my 30-06. So most people wonder why I even bother with air guns. I have always liked them and I think they are cool. I'm interested in seeing some of the big bores. Like to get one some day.
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Carl.....all of the above- sort of- haha!
Much time is spent just shooting without any specific schedule, but on Saturyday (assuming this year is the same as others), there will be schedued competitive events, and also door prizes, raffles, and a community meal. With combining with another group (the rimfire shooters), I'm not sure if the schedule we normally follow will still be the same.
So.....yes, there is ad lib shooting.
And there is schedule competition too (on Saturday).
You don't have to bring your own table, but it's a much better assurance that you will indeed have a place to shoot from.
The more targets, the merrier, although it is not required. There will be ALL SORTS of targets out there!
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It's like target Thunderdome. "Many targets enter, one target lives." Honestly, don't bring anything you aren't willing to have shot up. Nobody wants hurt feelings.
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It's like target Thunderdome. "Many targets enter, one target lives." Honestly, don't bring anything you aren't willing to have shot up. Nobody wants hurt feelings.
I have a resettable squirrel target that I have to perform major surgery on every time I get back from one of the fun shoots ;D 8) It's all good though. :D
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It's like target Thunderdome. "Many targets enter, one target lives." Honestly, don't bring anything you aren't willing to have shot up. Nobody wants hurt feelings.
Mark, your dry sense of humor kills me. And thanks for the kind words Keith. It goes both ways.
Carl, This is an easy going bunch of wonderful people, and I am sure you will fit in just fine. If all you want to do is walk around and look and smile, and not say a word, that is fine. But somebody will break the ice, even if you don't. Folks are always willing to let you try their airguns, too. PLENTY of opportunity to shoot in an unstructured, but safe environment. Great fun!
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It's like target Thunderdome. "Many targets enter, one target lives." Honestly, don't bring anything you aren't willing to have shot up. Nobody wants hurt feelings.
IF people with big bores or high FPE guns only shot their own targets there would not be that problem. I find it annoying that someone shooting a bazillion FPE decides it is ok to trash my targets that are quite fine with 26 fpe ... maybe it is just me .. /shrugs
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If you have the room, bring your tables, chairs and canopies. We do not want to be short and shouldn't rely on Eric to furnish all of our necessities.
As Mark and Marty said, bring anything that you are not concerned with getting shot to pieces. When you have a small airgun army slinging lead for hours, some things tend to not survive very well.
:)
I'm brining a few target stands and lots of Shoot-N-See as well as printed targets. And what spinners and resettables I have. I'll have a year to restock. :)
We could also use 2-3 spotter scopes if you have a good one we can use for the competition.
As explained above, we have the event scheduled for 18-20 May. Some folks come early to help set up and to start shooting. It is more of a family reunion than anything else. We gather each year to spin tall tales of our shooting exploits and just show off and brag about our acquisitions or great deals we have made over the year. Or to show off the projects we have been working on.
But, feel free to come early if you wish. It's a very informal event. I have been asked before to set up some kind of schedule. I try. But it's not a firm deal, we just kinda flow with it. Friday is meet and greet and set up. Start buying, selling, trading and shooting.
Saturday make SURE you have registered at the door to get the introduction packet and door prize ticket. As well as pick up some nice GTA wear and buy raffle tickets for the items our vendors and members donate to support the forum and this event.
We generally start shooting at sun up. Saturday is more of the same as Friday.
We plan a lunch around 11-12 to feed everyone. The meal this year is still to be determined but we will do our best to make it enjoyable.
Sometime after the meal we will start the traditional paintball shooting competition. We will have stands set out for springers at 25 yards, PCP up to and including .25cal at 50 yards and Big Bore .257cal and above at 75 yards. You can shoot in one or all three categories if you wish. There is no entry fee for this, it is a traditional FUN shoot. This year we may try to keep things moving along faster by having all three going at the same time. Hence the need for 2-3 spotter scopes. We will see if this can be done comfortably.
Anyway, the top 2 shooters from each class gets bragging rights, a GTA trophy and a nice gift certificate from our fantastic and very supportive vendor Pyramyd Air!!!
We resume shooting, buying, selling and trading after that. And soon after the competition we will draw for door prizes and raffle items. And continue the same after the raffles.
Sunday is more of a clean up, final shooting, packing up and saying goodbye's till next year. We want to leave Eric's place as neat as when we arrived!!! So help in setting up and cleaning afterwards is VERY much appreciated.
That's about it in a nutshell. You can come and go as you wish. Come early, come Friday only, Saturday only or be there for the entire event. Hopefully you WILL miss something if you don't stay the entire time but at least you have an idea what and when we tentatively plan for things to flow. And if anyone wants to take the lead and organize it better, I'm very open to that too. Teresa and I would like to enjoy the event and being with all of you too.
:)
MANY thanks to the folks that always come early and stay afterwards to help set up and tear down. I'll wait and praise them after the event but for now, you know who you are. And my friends, you are VERY much appreciated!!!! Thanks too ahead of time to David, Diane, Rich and all of your staff for pitching in. It can't happen without volunteer help. We're not a paid circus, just a bunch that get together to entertain and enjoy each other.
Please register at the entrance so we can get a count and know who attended.
EXERCISE gun safety at ALL times. Especially on and around the firing line. Listen for any commands given on the firing line and IMMEDIATELY obey them. If you cannot follow these guidelines, do not venture out to the firing line. Violators will be asked to leave or will be escorted out.
I will say we have never had any issues with the firing line. We want to keep it that way!!!
Be sure to thank Eric and his wife for hosting us!!!
Be sure to purchase raffle tickets to support the forum and this event.
But most of all, be sure to being a smile and have a great time!!!
v
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(http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae272/ezman604/My%20Smile_zpsdyho1zev.jpg~original)
See you there!!!
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So far only 25 attending? Guess we will convoy to the nearest McDonalds and pick from the extra value menu. LOL
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Lloyd and Marty,
Not likely there would be room for me in the truck is there?
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So far only 25 attending? Guess we will convoy to the nearest McDonalds and pick from the extra value menu. LOL
Pack some Beanee Weenees, peanut butter, crackers, boiled eggs, water, fruit cups, apple sauce, bananas, apples, brownies, candy bars, etc.
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I plan on being there if life doesn't throw me a wrench, right now no forseeable issues. I/we will probably camp onsite this time. (I haven't gotten a solid answer if she is going to join me...it would be a shame to have to hang around all those guns for sale unattended....)
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Lloyd and Marty,
Not likely there would be room for me in the truck is there?
Burke, we all can't fit in Marty's truck unless we don't bring any airguns :'( , but we'll figure something out. Email sent. Lloyd
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I got 3 bells I can bring.
And a stack of the Tiger targets.
;)
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Wife changed her mind looks like we will be attending after all. Is there 220 service available I plan to bring my compressor?
reservations made Wife says she needs to practice. im not denying she needs it after stole me rifle last yr she hasn't used it but twice its feeling lonely so I take pity on it now and then. Wife bought me a new shooting table have to remember to bring my shooting sticks she may steal the table after she shoots on it a few times lol.
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I want to attend and am hoping to be able to make it. While I want to keep my streak alive, the 8 ish hour drive has me hesitating.
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I want to attend and am hoping to be able to make it. While I want to keep my streak alive, the 8 ish hour drive has me hesitating.
Be happy to trade drive times with you ;D
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no thanks Don .... you add what, 8 hours to mine ?
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Depending on weather and road conditions I am figuring minimum of to ~16 hours actual drive time unless we can increase the speed limits to 150 mph ;D ;D
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I want to attend and am hoping to be able to make it. While I want to keep my streak alive, the 8 ish hour drive has me hesitating.
Oh no, Geoff!
You simply must go!
It wouldn't be the same without you there!
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I want to attend and am hoping to be able to make it. While I want to keep my streak alive, the 8 ish hour drive has me hesitating.
Just wouldn't be the same without you Geoff. Besides, who's going to take all the great pictures if you don't show up?
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I want to attend and am hoping to be able to make it. While I want to keep my streak alive, the 8 ish hour drive has me hesitating.
Just wouldn't be the same without you Geoff. Besides, who's going to take all the great pictures if you don't show up?
And provide a ground for the steel poles if a lightning storm comes up?
(sorry Geoff, it is too easy, LOL)
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Lizzie,
Its hard to tell from your avatar, but are you tending to tomatoes (while not shooting airguns)?
Lloyd
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I'll have a Benjamin Bulldog for sale (and to shoot until it sales). I'm also working on a new toy and it should be ready to go by then too. 8)
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I want to attend and am hoping to be able to make it. While I want to keep my streak alive, the 8 ish hour drive has me hesitating.
Just wouldn't be the same without you Geoff. Besides, who's going to take all the great pictures if you don't show up?
And provide a ground for the steel poles if a lightning storm comes up?
(sorry Geoff, it is too easy, LOL)
"I've been hit five-five-five-five-five-five-five-
five-hunnert an' fifty five times!!!"
(courtesy of "the Great Outdoors")
(https://tse3.explicit.bing.net/th?id=OIP.S3HCF9pHtRSKnZJdIB243AHaFj&pid=Api)
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Lizzie,
Its hard to tell from your avatar, but are you tending to tomatoes (while not shooting airguns)?
Lloyd
Haha! Great guess!
Thinking that was from last spring, when getting the garden ready. :D
I must eat, in order to be able to shoot!
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It's 785 mile from here. I'm still thinking about it. My little Ponitac Slostice, two or three guns and a little tent. In the Army I lived out of a ruc sac longer than three days many times.
Go half way and get a cheap motel comin' and goin'. I tend to run the back roads. Many years driving trucks I've had it with the Intersate highways.
I'd be Route 66'in it but instead of Buzz I'd have a 470th and a Proxima and maybe my old Peak B4-2 paint ball buster in the buddy seat.
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I am more likely than not going to attend. If I do not, who will take up the comic relief job ? Few shoot as poorly as I do, so someone else will have to get dumped out of the paintball shoot first if i am not there. ;D
you know, it is fun to shoot in them even though i often miss on my first shot ... i blame my misses on someone behind me blinking causing me to twitch :P
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I did some practicing today and if there is a contest shooting golf tees out from under paintballs, you guys are in TROUBLE! ;D
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I did some practicing today and if there is a contest shooting golf tees out from under paintballs, you guys are in TROUBLE! ;D
You might have little competition there. They were going to charge me for all the golf tees I broke last year ;D
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Geoff,
I am glad you are seriously considering making the trip again this year. Honestly, it wouldn't be the same without you. You are always willing to lend some room on your shooting table, or loan a tool, or a target, and always happy to lend a hand. But the really cool thing is that that spirit and attitude is infectious, and it makes for a better time for everyone. Thank you (and everyone else, too.)!
I am more likely than not going to attend. If I do not, who will take up the comic relief job ? Few shoot as poorly as I do, so someone else will have to get dumped out of the paintball shoot first if i am not there. ;D
you know, it is fun to shoot in them even though i often miss on my first shot ... i blame my misses on someone behind me blinking causing me to twitch :P
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I plan on being there if life doesn't throw me a wrench, right now no forseeable issues. I/we will probably camp onsite this time. (I haven't gotten a solid answer if she is going to join me...it would be a shame to have to hang around all those guns for sale unattended....)
Mark... I'm going, but looks like my wife will be out of country for a few weeks at that time..... hmmm, what was that you were saying about "it would be a shame to have to hang around all those guns for sale unattended." : ) lol
See you there... and will look forward to meeting you and a cup of mud... or, whatever. : )
Jim
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My wife has also declined attendance this trip. As for me, I plan on tent camping onsite so I anticipate extended sessions of highly embellished fact-trading and unhealthy amounts of coffee consumption!
I wonder if Jerry, Nicole and their cat are camping there this year?
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I sure hope they can make it! ;D
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I plan on being there if life doesn't throw me a wrench, right now no forseeable issues. I/we will probably camp onsite this time. (I haven't gotten a solid answer if she is going to join me...it would be a shame to have to hang around all those guns for sale unattended....)
Mark... I'm going, but looks like my wife will be out of country for a few weeks at that time..... hmmm, what was that you were saying about "it would be a shame to have to hang around all those guns for sale unattended." : ) lol
See you there... and will look forward to meeting you and a cup of mud... or, whatever. : )
Jim
Mark,
Was Great to meet you yesterday.. and look forward to more time in the future.
Scratch what I said about my wife being out of the country (possibly) during the period of the shoot... she's decided to postpone her trip and is definitely going to attend the shoot, aka reunion, gun show & swap meet together with me..... darn it all anyway!!.... there goes my "Unsupervised" and completely unrestrained & spontaneous acquisitioning of more "items" to enhance the deepening of my airgun intellectualism and schooling!! ;D Did you like that? ;D ::)
Sorry to hear of your wife not attending.... perhaps if she were to come, as my wife was hoping she would... they could have perhaps, pre-occupied themselves together with a historical tour of downtown Horseshoe Bend... while we - indulge ourselves in the delicacies of Exquisite Airgun Finery.;D
I'm going to bring some of my "herd" to sell, trade, or whatever... including my polished out Gen.2 Maurauder (.25) and signed up for a table (or two)... so if you have anything to bring, you can share my table(s) if you want or need to.... I'll only charge you 50% of whatever you sell.... I mean, what are friends for, ya know!?! ::)
Talk to you, soon.... meanwhile, shoot straight and by All means.. have fun and be safe in your travels! ;)
Jim[/color][/size][/font][/i][/b]
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I did some practicing today and if there is a contest shooting golf tees out from under paintballs, you guys are in TROUBLE! ;D
Yes, shoot the tee...I wanna see that. ;D
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Aw heck, anybody can hit a paintball. But when you can aim hard and shoot reeeeeeaaaaaalllll close, maybe even wiggle it without making it pop.... now that's skill!!!
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Aw heck, anybody can hit a paintball. But when you can aim hard and shoot reeeeeeaaaaaalllll close, maybe even wiggle it without making it pop.... now that's skill!!!
Had quite a few of those! Cut some off so clean I had to drill them out! :o
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Aw heck, anybody can hit a paintball. But when you can aim hard and shoot reeeeeeaaaaaalllll close, maybe even wiggle it without making it pop.... now that's skill!!!
I've always tried to miss them by exactly 3". I'm almost always successful. :D
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Hahahah........LOL
:D
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If paint balls are to easy how about aspirin?
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Save the aspirin for the fun shoot. I'm going to need some after my 13 course meal of eating crow...
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;) Well if you drink any of that Tenn moonshine you will definitely want to save the asprin. Better 50 yard target is the cheap plastic dollar store soldiers. I try to just shoot off the heads and leave the rest undamaged. ;D
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If paint balls are to easy how about aspirin?
What do you use to hold the aspirin?
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Geoff usually holds the aspirin with his teeth.... Both of them!
Most of the time I have seen them glued to cardboard using hot glue gun.
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I only did that ONCE ! .... ;D
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Us old guys prefer TUMS. More reactive and easier to see/hit :-[
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Okay.....flight booked.....room booked! :D
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I only did that ONCE ! .... ;D
That we can prove anyways.
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If paint balls are to easy how about aspirin?
What do you use to hold the aspirin?
Glue them to top edge of a one by.
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Any RV'ers goin' and where they be stayin?
We'll just be gittin' back from our east coast trip but what the hey, Horseshoe Bend is only a two day ride north of us and we do likes the Arkansas State Parks; that, plus we ain't gittin' no younger.
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Hi Greg...my impression from reading the beginning of this thread (although I am not positive) is that RV spaces will be available on or near the Expo grounds. Looks like so far, 6 others are planning to need RV facilities. Hope you guys come!
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Maybe I missed it but did we ever get a code for booking a room?
Brian
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Possibly missed it. :)
I think in the first post I put the phone number and when you call, just tell them you are with the GTA bunch. And the dates. They will give you the discounted rate.
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Possibly missed it. :)
I think in the first post I put the phone number and when you call, just tell them you are with the GTA bunch. And the dates. They will give you the discounted rate.
Thank you Sir! I never went back and reread the 1st post. Looking forward to defending my 2nd place finish in the springer class!!! Any thought to perhaps a 15 yard pistol category?
Brian
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Possibly missed it. :)
I think in the first post I put the phone number and when you call, just tell them you are with the GTA bunch. And the dates. They will give you the discounted rate.
Thank you Sir! I never went back and reread the 1st post. Looking forward to defending my 2nd place finish in the springer class!!! Any thought to perhaps a 15 yard pistol category?
Brian
This year I'm not shooting with a borrowed rifle. 8)
And I do happen to have a pistol I could throw in the truck. ::)
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Will Be staying at rented a 1 bedroom cabin to share with my son Don Jr three miles from expo center. Looking forward to meeting all who will be there especially the two grumpy old men
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Geoff usually holds the aspirin with his teeth.... Both of them!
Most of the time I have seen them glued to cardboard using hot glue gun.
Arnold,
Was just reading all the "interesting" conversations on here... and yours came up. How are ya? Been back to E. Tulsa for a shoot since we were there together last month?
My wife and I Will be at the shoot in May... for sure and will be camping out, as I think you said you were going to, also(??). We're both really looking forward to it... our first time to the GTA Shoot and meeting new friends... hopefully. :D
I'm in a quandary though... as we've never been to one of these (GTA) shoots before... not sure which gun(s) to bring, hmmmm... decisions, Decisions!! Somebody mentioned the possibility of pistols to.... do 2240's count in that category... or just springers, and /or possibly single pump pneumatics? :-\
Are CO2 rifles in vogue here?... or is it pretty well springers and pcp's?
I've signed up for a table, as I'm going to bring some of my "herd" to sell off.......... or, "trade" maybe.
My Gen.2 Mrod (.25cal) is one that I'm going to sell.. or, maybe trade for a Nice springer (re; German, Austrian, British, or ?)... just never shoot it... and not into pumping it, as much as I thought I would be.... three magazines was all it took to sway me off of pumping... the Disco's are much easier.
I finally got a milling machine, to go with my lathe, so I can start Airgun tuning full time (hopefully)... what a job That was.. getting it off the truck, and down the ramp into my basement shop.... but getting 400+lbs up onto the stand/cabinet was a feat of unparalleled engineering, combined with incredible exhibits of shear "brute force and... complete ignorance". ;D ::)
I can tell you one thing, it's not going to be moving from its current location anytime in the near future, at least... Not by me, it's not.;D
I better scoot.... "Hi" to your wife and family for me... talk to you soon.
Take care, have a Great rest of your week and weekend..
Jim
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;) Well if you drink any of that Tenn moonshine you will definitely want to save the asprin. Better 50 yard target is the cheap plastic dollar store soldiers. I try to just shoot off the heads and leave the rest undamaged. ;D
I bought a few of those Dollar Tree Store bags of soldiers.... and one of the soldiers is on display in my house as a warning to uninvited "guests" as to where a 28.4 grain .25 cal. pellet could find itself solidly lodged in their anatomy! ;D :-X
There is a restaurant in the town north of us that has a bar, and they save beer bottle caps for me (somehow they're got the impression that I'm making some kind of Mosaic, I told them otherwise.. but they won't believe me, so I let them keep thinking it's for a Mosaic. ;D)... which I put from 20 to 40/60 yards out, depending on which gun I'm shooting.... 10 to 17 yrds in my basement range.
So far, I have almost Three 5 gallon containers Full of caps, now..... maybe we can host a shoot at our place. ;D
Jim
PS; Would you, or anyone else reading this happen to know how I can "erase" my location on zeemaps?.... I have Two locations, one is from a few years ago when I first marked it, then I bought a house and land about three hours away from there a year ago, and would like to erase the first one. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!
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to erase off zeemaps i believe you need to contact one of the site Admins.
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35 foot motor home pulling a car. Have room for it? Will have my 81 year old handicap mom with me.
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Geoff usually holds the aspirin with his teeth.... Both of them!
Most of the time I have seen them glued to cardboard using hot glue gun.
Arnold,
Was just reading all the "interesting" conversations on here... and yours came up. How are ya? Been back to E. Tulsa for a shoot since we were there together last month?
My wife and I Will be at the shoot in May... for sure and will be camping out, as I think you said you were going to, also(??). We're both really looking forward to it... our first time to the GTA Shoot and meeting new friends... hopefully. :D
I'm in a quandary though... as we've never been to one of these (GTA) shoots before... not sure which gun(s) to bring, hmmmm... decisions, Decisions!! Somebody mentioned the possibility of pistols to.... do 2240's count in that category... or just springers, and /or possibly single pump pneumatics? :-\
Are CO2 rifles in vogue here?... or is it pretty well springers and pcp's?
I've signed up for a table, as I'm going to bring some of my "herd" to sell off.......... or, "trade" maybe.
My Gen.2 Mrod (.25cal) is one that I'm going to sell.. or, maybe trade for a Nice springer (re; German, Austrian, British, or ?)... just never shoot it... and not into pumping it, as much as I thought I would be.... three magazines was all it took to sway me off of pumping... the Disco's are much easier.
I finally got a milling machine, to go with my lathe, so I can start Airgun tuning full time (hopefully)... what a job That was.. getting it off the truck, and down the ramp into my basement shop.... but getting 400+lbs up onto the stand/cabinet was a feat of unparalleled engineering, combined with incredible exhibits of shear "brute force and... complete ignorance". ;D ::)
I can tell you one thing, it's not going to be moving from its current location anytime in the near future, at least... Not by me, it's not.;D
I better scoot.... "Hi" to your wife and family for me... talk to you soon.
Take care, have a Great rest of your week and weekend..
Jim
Jim,
I noticed no one answered your question about Co2 and pistols. Just to let you know I brought several of both with me in the past and there is plenty of folks shooting both. Last year one end of the the firing line was a majority of Co2 pistol shooters if I recall correctly (50/50 chance I did!!). I would say bring what ya can carry and that .25 MRod may be something I may be interested in!!.
Brian
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35' with a car in tow is a long outfit. But I'm sure we can find a place for you to park comfortably.
:)
Bring it!!!
And as for Co2 shooting? ANY airgun is welcome. We shoot anything that can sling a pellet or BB. No airgun is frowned or looked down upon, as long as it brings joy in operating, it's welcome!!!
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. No airgun is frowned or looked down upon, as long as it brings joy in operating, it's welcome!!!
This is very true. As long as YOU enjoy shooting it, that is all that matters. Some have very expensive rifles and some have moderate to lower priced ones. I dont own any of the pricey ones. I still enjoy shooting what i have, what others have brought and chatting face to face with fellow airgunners.
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Mine are from moderate cost to bargain and all are fun to shoot
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*ATTENTION***
Eric has taken a closer look and thinks his tents are actually too wide to fit on the levy where we will set up the firing line. So, we need everyone that can to bring pop-ups.
I have a 10x10 and I THINK a shelter logic that is 10x20. I'll bring both of those to use. But if you have a pop-up and room to bring it, please do!!!
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Also, if you have targets or target holders we can use, please bring those.
Along with chairs, tables and shooting rests. Since this is our first time at Eric's, we can plan better next year. But this year we best bring everything we could possibly need.
One thing we are going to try differently this year is the combined event with Rimfire Central Forums. This should be a good thing for all of us since most if not all are pb shooters too.
But you MUST check in with our registration table. You need to pick up the welcome package. It has a letter explaining the venue and events, a GTA name tag, your door prize ticket and a meal ticket. This is good for the GTA meal we furnish for Saturday lunch. If you do not register at our table to get your ticket, you will be asked to pay for the meal if you partake. This is the best way for us to get it done with so many other folks attending. What we are having is yet to be determined but we will make it good. And remember Eric and crew will have their concession operating the whole time we are there so patronize them to help with his expenses.
If you have questions, concerns or comments about the event, please look for me, David, Rich or Eric at the event. Can't wait to see y'all there.
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I've sent requests to our GTA vendors for items to raffle or for door prizes.
If any of you craftsmen and women have airgun related items you can donate to the forum, we would gladly and proudly use them!!!
If any members have new airgun related items you care to donate, we would gladly accept those too. Just let me know. Items can be shipped to my at the address on the Donations page.
MANY thanks for all of the support!!!!!!
With the help of everyone we will make it another outstanding and fun event.
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Had some chat time with Eric tonight. Sounds like things are going to be great!
I have a few things I'll bring that we can put up for raffle or what ever.
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I take it if one was tent camping at the venue site there would be water and rest rooms open for use 24hrs each day?
I really need some time away from work and this looks like a great way to do it.
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The camp site by the lake is primitive. There is no power, water, or shower. There will be a his and hers porta-Jon available. Previous posters had some ideas of how they will be coping.....might not be for some though.
A little update.....
The spillway bridge area between the Expo and the levy “firing line” has been cleared of trees and debris.
The bridge steel has been purchased and unloaded at the site. I was able to set up the first side in the shop last night for initial welding. Hopefully I can get it tacked up this week and begin on the next side by Wednesday. I’ll try to get some pictures so y’all can see what I’m babbling about...;)
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thank you Eric .. we on GTA do LOVE photos ... as we say .. no photo means it did not happen. ;D ;D ;D
For those camping with their wives and/or GF's ....
Since they do not have water for showers, I would be willing to let the women shower in my hotel room. All it would cost you men is to let me shoot your airgun for a few minutes. ;)
I should be booking a hotel room this coming week, so if all goes well my offer will stand.
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I will be staying 3 miles away at a time share cabin
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So if your doing a 10 to 12 hour drive to get there and plan to camp.
Stop at a lot of places where you can get free handy wipes!
;D
Or do as I plan to do. A quick dunk in the pond and some Old Spice spray and You all can tolerate me for the week.
(Don will be 3 miles away. So You don't have to tolerate him)
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;) Yep I get to shower every morning ;D I may even shave once or twice depending on my mood ;D ;D ;D
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I will be staying 3 miles away at a time share cabin
Wow, now that's some long distance shooting! :o
But if we get the traditional GTA thunderstorm and tornado-wannabe, you will be able to get double your rate for half your space!! ;D
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I will be staying 3 miles away at a time share cabin
Wow, now that's some long distance shooting! :o
But if we get the traditional GTA thunderstorm and tornado-wannabe, you will be able to get double your rate for half your space!! ;D
I'm sure my son won't mind we have shared our living space with unexpected guests we have done it many times in the past
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Some more pictures from Eric came in.
"Here’s a few pictures of the cleared bridge site that leads to the lake levy...firing line.
The one picture shows the camp site to the left of the picture on the other side of the lake.
The three structures on the ground are 18” tall and 30’ long. These are the basic frames for the bridge.
This is what they look like before welding. The next pictures are of one bridge frame welded together as of today."
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5753)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5754)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5755)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5756)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5757)
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Well I booked my flights and up graded my vote to will attend.
Looking forward to meeting you all and hoping to try a large bore air rifle
We are allowed them in the UK.
I believe my brother and I are camping.
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Well I booked my flights and up graded my vote to will attend.
Looking forward to meeting you all and hoping to try a large bore air rifle
We are allowed them in the UK.
I believe my brother and I are camping.
That is awesome! Should be a big bore or 2 there you can get your paws on for a round or 2!.
Brian
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I would think that a regulated Marauder modified with a TJ's barrel for .30 qualifies as a big bore and I am certain there will be other bigger bores as well ;D
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Carnavore .357 should qualify as a big bore.
Then if Lloyd makes it? I'd expect him to show off the .51!
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Then if Lloyd makes it? I'd expect him to show off the .51!
Ah yes, the THUNDER GUN!
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I would think that a regulated Marauder modified with a TJ's barrel for .30 qualifies as a big bore and I am certain there will be other bigger bores as well ;D
Hoping to check out the .30 cal. I can't remember if I have seen a full string on it.
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I get 7 full power shots ~102 FPE
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I get 7 full power shots ~102 FPE
No stats or pics?
Didn't happen.
;D
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I get 7 full power shots ~102 FPE
No stats or pics?
Didn't happen.
;D
:P :P I posted the stats back when I first got it back from Lloyd ;) Now I have to find the notebook somewhere in the man cave ;D ;D
Here is a picture
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Just booked a room with the lodge. I'm thinkin' one of the LGVs and HW98 to shoot, maybe one extra rifle to sell/swap ;). Gonna take 2 lane all the way, see some new countryside. Plan on 2 days to do the 800 miles @ 60mph, no hurry. Looking forward to putting a face to a name, looking at stuff I've only heard about.
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Just booked a room with the lodge. I'm thinkin' one of the LGVs and HW98 to shoot, maybe one extra rifle to sell/swap ;). Gonna take 2 lane all the way, see some new countryside. Plan on 2 days to do the 800 miles @ 60mph, no hurry. Looking forward to putting a face to a name, looking at stuff I've only heard about.
For me I'm planning to leave Long Island 2am 5/17 when my son gets off work and to my house then arrive in Horseshoe Bend AR sometime Thursday evening. I will drive the first 5 hours then Jr will take over so with 2 drivers we will drive straight through only stopping for gas and fast food along the way. :P :P ::) ::). If everything goes according to plan we get a good nights sleep and to the fun shoot bright and early on Friday the 18th. ;D ;D ;D
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Don't forget the toll for New Jersey. They let you in for free but you pay to get out!
;D
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Don't forget the toll for New Jersey. They let you in for free but you pay to get out!
;D
::) ::) Same thing for NY bridge tolls to leave ;D
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Make SURE you sign in at the GTA table when you arrive Friday and especially Saturday. When you sign in you will be given the welcome letter along with your door prize ticket and a nametag to fill out. Our Saturday meal will be catered by a local fellow that will be cooking pulled pork, chicken and ribs there on site. When you sign up you will receive a meal ticket. You will present this ticket to get your GTA meal. No sign up, no ticket, no free food. LOL
The caterer will be charging those that do not present a ticket. This is the best way for us to control who gets fed on the GTA dime.
There will be some GREAT raffle items supplied by our vendors and members. They include FX, Brocock, Umarex and Crosman airguns and pistols. Steve Corcoran will be sending another of his masterpiece items. Neil Clague has donated an LDC. Nick Nielsen has sent a bunch of ammo. Thurmond of T3P Ranch AGS has donated a Boyd's TH stock for a Gen2 MRod. Some vendors have donated cash to help with expenses. There are several other great items to win, I don't have the full list in front of me at the moment. I will be posting a list of vendors and members to thank those that helped support the event. You NEED to be here to buy tickets to win these fantastic items. THANKS to our outstanding vendors and members for the support of our annual event!!!
If any of you craftsman and women have any airgun related items you would like to donate for raffle or door prizes, we are still graciously accepting your support.
Thanks all and see you there.
Below is the bridge truss #1 going into place a few days ago. You will understand and appreciate all of Eric's hard work once you actually see this in person. Once you walk out the back of the Expo Center heading toward the firing line, this will bridge the gap from land across a section of lake to the levee. GREAT job Eric!!!
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5792)
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Any news on how our rimfire Central brothers are gearing up for this event? I'm getting giddy with excitement!
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I'm still looking forward to this, got a few buddies lined up to come and shoot too.
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I am looking forward to this Fun Shoot as well and be able to put faces to names . My son and I will be leaving NY at ~02:30 on Thursday 5/17 morning and expect to arrive ~ 22:00 Thursday night driving straight through stopping for gas and food on the fly. I will drive the first leg since Jr will be working until 24:00 Wednesday 5/16 so Sr will pack the car and gas up before hitting the sack ~ 19:30 . I plan on bringing 8 of my pellet rifles and the PP 700 Sa .
See y'all in a few weeks 8) ;D
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I don't know how many guns I'll bring, I need to get the o-rings to rebuild my pp700sa, but I can't find where to buy them without having to buy a &^^&-ton of each size, I only need a few lol
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Just for those who are keeping score concerning the bridge building project.....
The 2nd steel structure in fabricated and moved this last Monday.
Machining the pad hardware today. If all the planets align this weekend, I’m hoping to form up and rebar the cement buttresses for a pour on Monday.
So far I managed to snag an extra PTO driven generator for an extra welder system. The steel is in for the X-bracing between the 85 foot structures......
So far so good. Super stoked about this bridge project.
More later...
Eric
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Thanks for all your hard work, Eric!
Looking forward to being there!
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Okay, we are down to less than a month till the Fun Shoot. :)
Looking forward to seeing everyone as always.
I (we) need to know for SURE who is camping and who will need RV space. We need to organize it and set up areas as best we can. So, send me a pm or email ASAP if you need camping space or RV parking space.
Eric has a huge expense hosting this and will need to charge a door fee. But, for GTA members it is only $5 for the entire event. Others will be $10. He will also need to charge for tables if they are needed. So it will be MOST important that GTA members check in at the GTA registration table and get your official nametag. And welcome letter. This is a new venue for us and we are learning as we go. So please bear with us as we find out what is needed and not needed to make our event happen.
Eric says if you wish, bring you fishing poles and ATV's. There is plenty of room for riding.
Let me know ASAP on the camping space needed.
See ya'll there!!!
D Ez
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I would like to bring something for the raffle. I live in Melton Mowbray in England and our local produce is pork pies and Stilton cheese, neither of these would be allowed through customs.
So besides decent tea bags, Marmite and Bisto Gravy, what should I bring?
Neil
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I may have missed it, but what kind of range will we be able to shoot at? I am hoping for at least 100 yards. I was ringing the steel plates at 134 yards last year and had a blast doing that.
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Depends on how far you are willing to walk or if someone brings any motorized transportation to drive to stake a target out.
:)
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I dont have a laser range finder (would make me a great Christmas present) 8) if anyone has one please bring it along to range different target sets. Otherwise I would guess you can spit pills out to 300-400 yards from the firing line safely. I have a couple of Demilled 20mm armored shields that just poke in the ground. Those can set them out at any distance you feel your dignity can be maintained. They make a nice sounding DANK when hit with centerfire.
Those of you camping, no doubt there will be much happening outside of the regularly schedule program in the AM and after the show. I have a huge pile of firewood next to the fire ring that should last the week. I will no doubt dust off my mud boots for some of the camp fire stories.....my boots only go up to my knees though. ;D
More progress posts later!!!
Eric
A side not of progress.....
Rain has just been a pest for me. I had hoped to have the bridge cement bases poured last Monday. The forms are built and a recent pic was sent to D Ez for an update. So far it is looking good for a Monday redemix truck call for sure. Then it’s just running the gensets and wire welders and screw guns for the decking.....and it will be done!!!
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Ok great! I think it was the TN location being considered that had a limited range. I do get tired of shooting my 50 yard range here at home and look forward to being able to stretch out a bit more for a challenge.
Yes, I will still be mainly focused on the 50 yard competition and am hoping for a repeat. I may have just got Moonshine lucky last year, lol. Time will tell.
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Good deal Eric, thanks for the update. And the rain has been giving us a fit this year for sure. Hopefully we won't have to do the Woodstock no rain chant during the event.
I have a laser range finder as well as a roller wheel. I will try to bring both as well as marker paint and tape.. We can also put out stakes with marker tape. Whatever works best.
And Jeff, Eric says he has Wi-Fi inside the building. It may not reach out to the firing line though.
:)
Forms ready for the concrete soup....
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5800)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5801)
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I forgot one more thing.....a plug for the Thursday night auction inside the Expo. It starts at 5pm and you never know what will be there. Any and all are welcome. I would guess our camping group will love the stroll across the levy to a night of entertainment. Someone might even be interested in consigning something if there are some airgun nuts hanging around that bid!! ;D
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I would like to bring something for the raffle. I live in Melton Mowbray in England and our local produce is pork pies and Stilton cheese, neither of these would be allowed through customs.
So besides decent tea bags, Marmite and Bisto Gravy, what should I bring?
Neil
Just bring yourself! As a 2 year guest in East Anglia while in the military 45 years ago, I have nothing but fond memories of your country and the British people. See you there!
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Ok great! I think it was the TN location being considered that had a limited range. I do get tired of shooting my 50 yard range here at home and look forward to being able to stretch out a bit more for a challenge.
Yes, I will still be mainly focused on the 50 yard competition and am hoping for a repeat. I may have just got Moonshine lucky last year, lol. Time will tell.
I think I just got moonshine shaky last year. Dang bad influences at that Ramada! ::)
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I think I just got moonshine shaky last year. Dang bad influences at that Ramada! ::)
So says one of the instigators. ;D
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Ok great! I think it was the TN location being considered that had a limited range. I do get tired of shooting my 50 yard range here at home and look forward to being able to stretch out a bit more for a challenge.
Yes, I will still be mainly focused on the 50 yard competition and am hoping for a repeat. I may have just got Moonshine lucky last year, lol. Time will tell.
I think I just got moonshine shaky last year. Dang bad influences at that Ramada! ::)
Maybe this will be your year. I hope to get to check out that Veteran. Tom (my friend) made our reservations today at the Hotel/Motel so it is on for us to go.
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Since this is a combination event with RFC, is anyone beside me bringing noisy toys? 8)
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Not sure how much participation we are going to have from the RFC bunch but I'm planning on bringing my 10-22.
:)
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I'm planning to bring my AR-15 that has a .22 lr conversion kit. I think Bob (AKA Springrrr) is bringing his lever action Marlin.
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Of course it will be totally up to Eric's discretion whether we can operate these items on his property. Respect his wishes and instructions!!!
BE SURE to check with him prior and you MUST obey all firing line commands!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I think I just got moonshine shaky last year. Dang bad influences at that Ramada! ::)
So says one of the instigators. ;D
WHO ME???? :o ::)
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Ok great! I think it was the TN location being considered that had a limited range. I do get tired of shooting my 50 yard range here at home and look forward to being able to stretch out a bit more for a challenge.
Yes, I will still be mainly focused on the 50 yard competition and am hoping for a repeat. I may have just got Moonshine lucky last year, lol. Time will tell.
I think I just got moonshine shaky last year. Dang bad influences at that Ramada! ::)
Maybe this will be your year. I hope to get to check out that Veteran. Tom (my friend) made our reservations today at the Hotel/Motel so it is on for us to go.
The Veteran will be there and it is a golf tee shooting machine!
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Last year, watching you Ramada guys try (unsuccessfully) recover was half the fun!
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Of course it will be totally up to Eric's discretion whether we can operate these items on his property. Respect his wishes and instructions!!!
BE SURE to check with him prior and you MUST obey all firing line commands!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I spoke to him at length the other day and he seemed ok with it. He said he is setting things up for a range but we will have to moderate ourselves when using it just like we do on the air gun range.
Before any powder burning shooting is done, we must check with him to be sure he is ok with it. That is understood.
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Mornin!!! Great day for pouring cement! Finally had a stretch of good weather to dig in and set the forms. And we had sunny weather for one approach to one sie of the bridge stiffen up enough to get a cement truck in. If all goes well, ??? ??? the main cement work will be done this afternoon. Then, later this week up goes those steel bridge rails you saw earlier.
I sent some pics to DEz to post if he has time. Hopefully later this week I can show some bridge rails standing up. :D
More later folks!
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Thanks for the update Eric. Just a few more days to go...
:)
Here is a view across the levee where the firing line will be and looking toward the camping area.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5807)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5808)
And a view in the opposite direction where you can see the rear doors to the Expo Center to the bridge.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5809)
Great job Eric!!!!
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Fantastic day........
No blown out concrete forms.....
No burried or stuck cement truck......
All rebar stayed wired........
All bolts for the bridge rails remained in position.....
Weather is currently wonderful for proper cure.....
So happy right now with a Clamato mixed cocktail in my paw celebrating success....
As a old wise bearded man would say...HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!
More later....
Eric
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LOL
Good dealio!!!!
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Looking GOOD Eric! Just got word my job in Nashville starts the 21st of May.
So I can claim most of the fuel to the meet on Company business.
Then I only need to go to Nashville on my dime.
;D
Bad part is I'll be travelling with less Guns. Maybe.
:(
I still plan to bring the AV compressor if it's needed.
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Looking GOOD Eric! Just got word my job in Nashville starts the 21st of May.
So I can claim most of the fuel to the meet on Company business.
Then I only need to go to Nashville on my dime.
;D
Bad part is I'll be travelling with less Guns. Maybe.
:(
I still plan to bring the AV compressor if it's needed.
You're welcome to shoot anything I bring with me. As long as you don't outshoot me. ;D ;D ;D
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The Nova .25 is a must. Some people want to see Big Bores so the BT65 .357
Maybe a couple springers to sell real cheap.
Oh. And a knife to cut off an arm or something incase I don't sell a gun and get hungry.
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This is a view of the lake from the back side where we recommend camping and RV parking:
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5662)
That looks more like a pond than a lake, is there more lake out of frame?
My son lives in Clever Mo. which is probably about 2 hours and 15 min. away, I would like to make it back but doubt I will be able to in May.
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Tables are 40.00 contact me to reserve. Let me know what you have so I can group you with airgun guys or rimfire guys. Also if you wish to be placed next to someone, I can arrange that too.
Thanks!!,
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I just finished one of two self-resetting knockdown targets for the fun shoot, waiting for glue to dry before adding bottles on the second one. These should be fun at 50-90 yards and there are no strings to pull like on my Gamo squirrels. I can't seem to add a picture though, attachments option at the bottom isn't working.
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Have you checked for correct file type and file size?
pv
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When I click on attachments and other options I do not get a browse tab as normal to upload a file at all. Have added pictures in the past without problems, but today it won't even let me browse to get the file.
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Not sure what it might be, I'm sure one of the more knowledgeable IT types will be able to figure it out.
pv
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COULD be the location. Being in the Announcement Gate may limit adding attachments or photos to only staff. I'll take a look when I have a minute. But best guess is location and permissions.
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Okay, just one week from today Teresa and I will be making the drive to start setting up the event.
:)
Come on out early if you can or want to. We are kinda winging it this year since we were faced with a change in venue. I ask that you please keep that in mind. As is the forum, our event will be a work in progress. We will only get better as we learn to adapt. Since we are having to make do with what WE have, please bring a popup if you have one and have the room to pack it. I am bringing A 10X20 canopy and a 10x10 popup. I may need help setting it up Friday and tearing it down Sunday morning.
Bring any targets you can. Preferably something hardy that can stand up to a lot of hits. LOL
I'm looking around for the steel reactive targets for the Big Bores but after my move, I'm really not sure where they are. So if you have some HEAVY metal stuff, please bring it. I have a BUNCH of low to mid power targets and lots of peel and stick targets. I'm bringing quite a batch of stuff but we prefer having TOO much rather than not enough. If you can bring targets, thank you!!!!
Plans are for Friday to be a setup, meet and greet, get targets in place, plinking, milling around and doing any wheeling and dealing.
I would like to see everyone sign in as soon as you arrive. Be sure to check in at the GTA table upon entering. There will be a welcome package there with a letter of event, a reusable clip on nametag and a door prize ticket. I know, check in will take you a few minutes to fill out everything. Please be patient and we will try to get you into the event ASAP. Be sure to buy raffle tickets, drop off your door prize ticket, buy your GTA apparel and sign the member register.
Saturday, MAKE SURE you have signed in. If you signed in Friday and already have your packet and signed the member register, no need to sign in again. We will be coming around and issuing the meal tickets to GTA members that have registered. You don't register you no eat for free. LOL
Anyone without a GTA meal ticket will have to pay $9.75.
Start buying your raffle tickets. We have some AWESOME donations this year by our outstanding GTA vendors!!! There will be signage at each item telling who donated it. Be sure to thank our supporting vendors for what they do to help make our event a fun and successful one!!! Their donations and your purchases will make sure GTA Forums stays alive and well. EVERY penny that is taken in goes to support the forum and our events, nobody makes anything except for our web hosting company and occasionally our programmer.
Saturday is the main event day and what I would like to see is free for all shooting up until lunch time which should start around 11:30 or so. We will play that by ear, we may start lunch a little early or may start closer to noon. Will see what our cook decides on that and will make sure to let you all know.
As soon as we finish lunch I'd like to start the paintball competition. Say roughly 1pm. This year I would like to have at least 2 classes going at once. So the springer and PCP may be shooting at the same time. Followed by the Big Bore. Folks are welcome to compete in one, two or all three classes but we must keep things moving. Last year there was some grumbling about how long it took for the competition. I do ask that you keep in mind this is a FRIENDLY and fun shooting event we have every year. Please don't fall into the mind set that this is serious competition, it really was started as a fun event we can all enjoy. We laugh at ourselves and each other and pat ourselves and our GTA family members on the back for the shots made. Pyramyd Air has stepped up again and donated gift certificates and I have gotten trophies again for the first and second place winners of each of the three divisions. Neat prizes but this is still a traditional FUN event.
There will be a sign up sheet before each event starts. PLEASE sign the roster so we can keep track of who shoots and works their way through the bracket to first and second places.
I need to have volunteer spotters for each event. An official referee of sorts. Preferably someone not competing in that event. If you have a spotting scope we can use, please bring it. Otherwise someone with a good scope can watch the paintball that is CALLED and be the official. Our competition is a one shot instant elimination deal. You MUST make a clean hit on the paintball. If you hit a tee, disqualified. I really don't like hearing grumbling, enjoy it and let's have fun!!! Or else....LOL.
Again, the classes are springers at 25 yards, PCP .25cal and below at 50 yards and Big Bore above .25cal at 75 yards.
As soon as the competition is completed and we are all laughed out, we will proceed to the Expo Center where we will award the competition prizes and trophies. Then we will draw for the door prizes and raffle items. After we make a few announcements we can get back to wheeling and dealing, enjoying visiting and back to free for all shooting.
Sunday will be a day of mainly cleanup and doing any last minute sales/trades/buying and possibly a bit more shooting. We will need some help cleaning up, I'm sure Eric will appreciate that we handle this!!!
And speaking of Eric, please be sure to meet and thank him and Michelle for all of the hard work that goes into hosting such an event. Thank him for allowing us to use his awesome land to gather on and have our Fun Shoot!!!
Y'all come on out and I hope you have a great time. I will be honest with you I'm a bit down knowing several of our great family will not be able to attend this year. It's quite a list of our normal attendees but I'm not going to start a list, because I'm sure I'll leave out someone. But believe me, YOU will be missed!!! And I do ask that you keep in mind the name of our event. We named it the Gene Curtis Memorial GTA Fun Shoot/Airgun Show in honor of our founding father. Without his vision, dream and determination we would not be what we are today. And the event has grown as has our airgun family. All due to his dedication.
I miss you Bawanah and I hope you are pleased with what we are doing with your legacy!!!!
Safe travels and see y'all there!!!!
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Dave, thanks for the update and the hard work. I will bring two EZ Ups and some big bore reactive metal targets. Chris and I can help setup and take down. Hopefully we'll also bring home a good share of the prize table :o
We have a good selection of air rifles to bring and let GTA members try. Please PM or post here if you have something that is particularly of interest as we can't bring them all. Have Rifles varying form Titan Mohawk, Park 91, FWB110, Anschutz 220, Hakim Egyptian trainer, 58 caliber pistol, TX200 SR, Pro Elite etc.....
Going to be a wonderful event!
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I will have a 10x10 pop-up triggertreat and I will share but may have room under it for one more on my end.
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This is the target Tom (tracker1955) built and was trying to upload and share. It's one of the targets we are bringing to the fun shoot. It is a really neat target and we tried it out for the first time today. The bottles react to the hits nicely then return back to their normal upright position. It has 2 ounce lead weights that bring the bottles back home. I think Tom said he was building two of them to bring, but ask that no one shoot the lead, just the bottles. There is some sort of spider wire type fishing line being used. I really like it and think it is a really good ideal and build that I have not seen before.
(https://image.ibb.co/gxjtTy/IMG_1006.jpg)
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That looks brilliant! thanks for sharing I'll have to give that a try,
might have have to experiment with different target or bottle filler to keep them together.
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The bottles in the picture are all made from blow-molded polyethylene type material so they don't shatter and are somewhat self-healing. Will be painting some new smaller bottles to replace the ones we just shot up.
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I am bringing a 10x10 pop up and a few metal targets. Anyone is welcome to share the shade.
I also found out the Gatorade bottle of doom isn't coming so I might have a chance this year! ;D
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Just remember.... if it's in a Mason jar.... it ain't water!!!
And since this is a combo shoot with rimfire central, it might behoove you to remember where your earplugs are. Remember those unsightly, uncomfortable things? Yeah, those. Bring those.
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Wow...now that is quite a neat target set there!!!
Possibly fill the bottles with expanding foam? I may have to build one of these for my back yard. Awesome idea!!!!
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;) ;D That may be but the NY connection will be there looking to make a name for themselves in the senior division ;D ;D
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Just remember.... if it's in a Mason jar.... it ain't water!!!
And since this is a combo shoot with rimfire central, it might behoove you to remember where your earplugs are. Remember those unsightly, uncomfortable things? Yeah, those. Bring those.
Yep, I have to use those quite regularly at work, train horns up close are very loud!
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Just remember.... if it's in a Mason jar.... it ain't water!!!
And since this is a combo shoot with rimfire central, it might behoove you to remember where your earplugs are. Remember those unsightly, uncomfortable things? Yeah, those. Bring those.
Yep, I have to use those quite regularly at work, train horns up close are very loud!
;D What do you cover your ears with the mason jars after you empty them ;D ;D
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Has anyone been watching the weather? From what I'm seeing looks like we could have a few small storms Friday evening/Saturday morning. The few days before definitely have rain.
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Been watching like a hawk I am leaving NY 1:00am on 5/17 when my son gets to my house after work. So I'm hoping that I have decent weather for the drive . From what I have heard there is always a little weather drama for the annual GTA fun shoots. ;) ;D ;D
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Well living in AR myself I know the old saying is true here, if you don't like the weather just give it a few minutes and it'll change, doesn't necessarily mean for the better tho...i personally don't think it will be to bad
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Unfortunately I sent advance notice to Dez that I can not make it this year.
:(
My line of work is always boon or bust and I am in a bust phase just now.
Fuel prices and the loss of contracts I depended on make it impossible for me to attend.
Home bills always come first and I have to sit tight on those before I do anything else.
I'm gonna miss you all this year! But that's life.
I was lucky enough to have been to Kentucky 3 years in a row and meet some lunatics!
;D
Dang! I'm gonna miss my yearly exchanges with Lunatics!!
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Unfortunately I sent advance notice to Dez that I can not make it this year.
:(
My line of work is always boon or bust and I am in a bust phase just now.
Fuel prices and the loss of contracts I depended on make it impossible for me to attend.
Home bills always come first and I have to sit tight on those before I do anything else.
I'm gonna miss you all this year! But that's life.
I was lucky enough to have been to Kentucky 3 years in a row and meet some lunatics!
;D
Dang! I'm gonna miss my yearly exchanges with Lunatics!!
Dang Jeff, was looking forward to hanging and shooting with you again, maybe some other time. Wish you the best tho.
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:'(
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Hold the phone! I just got an offer that will allow me to make it!
I hope you all don't hold it against me if I travel with a 7-Up machine in the Van.
The deal is I take the Company Van to Down town Nashville and grab a 7-Up machine!
Then head to the meet. I get paid $250 cash up front to cover fuel.
With the money I do have on hand I can be there!!
;D
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Hold the phone! I just got an offer that will allow me to make it!
I hope you all don't hold it against me if I travel with a 7-Up machine in the Van.
The deal is I take the Company Van to Down town Nashville and grab a 7-Up machine!
Then head to the meet. I get paid $250 cash up front to cover fuel.
With the money I do have on hand I can be there!!
;D
Yeah
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;) ;D And here I thought I had succeeded in scaring you off. Just remember there will be stiff competition at the shooting matches. My plan is to win at least one so be prepared to not win ;) ;D
Consider the gauntlet thrown ;D ;D ;D
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Hold the phone! I just got an offer that will allow me to make it!
I hope you all don't hold it against me if I travel with a 7-Up machine in the Van.
The deal is I take the Company Van to Down town Nashville and grab a 7-Up machine!
Then head to the meet. I get paid $250 cash up front to cover fuel.
With the money I do have on hand I can be there!!
;D
Here comes the entertainment!! ;D ;D ;D
Seriously, your ingenuity and perseverance are pretty impressive!
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Have you seen the Nova .25 at 103 yards?
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5853)
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I plan on being there Thursday, will help set up where I can Friday. Am bringing a bunch of empty pellet tins for targets, paintballs and tees, and my Champion pellet trap. Have everything needed to shoot, except shade. Looking forward to this, my first GTA Fun Shoot. ;D
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Here comes the entertainment!! ;D ;D ;D
Seriously, your ingenuity and perseverance are pretty impressive!
I told my Boss (Who happens to be my Son) that I was cancelling the trip.
He wants that 7-Up machine so bad he made phone calls to get it even though We lost the bid on the job.
They agreed he could have it IF he got it out of there before the job starts.
Thus the deal he's made with me. Sometimes I'm glad I didn't strangle him to death when he was a youngling!
;D
To be honest?
I've been bummed the last couple weeks seeing funds go low and dreading the point where I would have to say I would not make it this year.
To have my Son step up like this (In a some what selfish way) is so over the top that I can't explain it.
He's a Wizard at getting what he wants but taking care of his people at the same time.
Wonder where he got that gene?
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Glad you are going to be there I look forward to a fun time spent with a bunch of my friends. Best of all we will have Rocker and DEz here to mess with ;) ;D ;D
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Jeff had BETTER be there!
:D
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Glad you are going to be there I look forward to a fun time spent with a bunch of my friends. Best of all we will have Rocker and DEz here to mess with ;) ;D ;D
Well Don, unfortunately you're 50% right. David cannot make the event this year. And this takes a lot of wind out of my sails too, believe me. So I guess you will just have to settle on picking on me, Jeff, Liz and the others a bit more. Call it practice for next year.
:)
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I plan on being there Thursday, will help set up where I can Friday. Am bringing a bunch of empty pellet tins for targets, paintballs and tees, and my Champion pellet trap. Have everything needed to shoot, except shade. Looking forward to this, my first GTA Fun Shoot. ;D
Excellent Mike, see you there!!!
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I have the GPS coordinances locked and loaded for the lodge and venue. Tom and I will be headed out Thursday morning, but have approximately seven hours of face time with the windshield along with checking in at the lodge. We may be able to help out Thursday evening but for sure Friday morning.
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Tomorrow I will start logging and taking a few photos of the fantastic prizes we will have for raffle at the event. These are outstanding. Be advised I have been saving my money, I plan on buying a bunch of raffle tickets!!!
I will post a complete list once I get everything cataloged and packed but make SURE to thank our most excellent vendors as well as members for the donations.
Just as a teaser, a few of the items are:
FX Wildcat .22cal
TX200 .22cal
Gen2 Teryx stock setup
Guppy tank and fill whip
An assortment of quality Nielsen ammo
Beautiful custom grips and forearm pieces from Steve Corcoran
Disco bottle kit
3-9x42 Hawg Terminator scope with built in laser
2.5-10x50 SWF Hatsan Optima scope
Folding PRod stock setup
But wait, there's more....LOL.
There really is but I don't have all of them in front of me at the moment. I just wanted to let you know there are some most excellent items you need to there to buy tickets for.
And don't overlook getting to meet some of our good friends and outstanding GTA sanctioned vendors. Travis will be there and I believe he is either dragging along Matt or Jacob from JSAR with him.
Jeff from Trenier Outdoors will finally get to make one of our events.
I haven't heard for sure from Dennis Baker but he usually makes the journey.
Cathy (CharlieDaTuna) will be there as always.
Tom of American Air Arms will be attending also. And I suspect he will be bringing something new to tease us with. Darned enabler. LOL
Lloyd (our mad scientist) will be taking a break from the lab for a spell to make the journey.
So, there's many different reasons to attend this annual event. Good fun, great members to spend time with and get to know, meeting our fantastic vendors, possibly winning a great prize and of course, being part of making airgun history.
:)
This event is a family reunion. It's for YOU. So come on out if you possibly can. You will remember it for years to come, I guarantee it!!!
Safe travels to everyone and I'll see you in a few days. Now back to preparations, breaks over.
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;) ;D DEz I'm almost more excited about the meet and greet list than the raffle prizes but I did say almost> I'm really looking forward to the fun shoot and the folks that will be attending see y'all next Friday I will be driving down on Thursday and expect to arrive sometime around 8pm. Unfortunately my driving companion could not get off work any earlier than Wednesday at 12PM ::)
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Looking forward to it for sure Don. Safe traveling!!!
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;) ;D And here I thought I had succeeded in scaring you off. Just remember there will be stiff competition at the shooting matches. My plan is to win at least one so be prepared to not win ;) ;D
Consider the gauntlet thrown ;D ;D ;D
the contest is for second place in springer class, I'm gonna take all you peoples $$ home to the Sandhills with me ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
-
Tomorrow I will start logging and taking a few photos of the fantastic prizes we will have for raffle at the event. These are outstanding. Be advised I have been saving my money, I plan on buying a bunch of raffle tickets!!!
I will post a complete list once I get everything cataloged and packed but make SURE to thank our most excellent vendors as well as members for the donations.
Just as a teaser, a few of the items are:
FX Wildcat .22cal
TX200 .22cal
Gen2 Teryx stock setup
Guppy tank and fill whip
An assortment of quality Nielsen ammo
Beautiful custom grips and forearm pieces from Steve Corcoran
Disco bottle kit
3-9x42 Hawg Terminator scope with built in laser
2.5-10x50 SWF Hatsan Optima scope
Folding PRod stock setup
But wait, there's more....LOL.
There really is but I don't have all of them in front of me at the moment. I just wanted to let you know there are some most excellent items you need to there to buy tickets for.
And don't overlook getting to meet some of our good friends and outstanding GTA sanctioned vendors. Travis will be there and I believe he is either dragging along Matt or Jacob from JSAR with him.
Jeff from Trenier Outdoors will finally get to make one of our events.
I haven't heard for sure from Dennis Baker but he usually makes the journey.
Cathy (CharlieDaTuna) will be there as always.
Tom of American Air Arms will be attending also. And I suspect he will be bringing something new to tease us with. Darned enabler. LOL
Lloyd (our mad scientist) will be taking a break from the lab for a spell to make the journey.
So, there's many different reasons to attend this annual event. Good fun, great members to spend time with and get to know, meeting our fantastic vendors, possibly winning a great prize and of course, being part of making airgun history.
:)
This event is a family reunion. It's for YOU. So come on out if you possibly can. You will remember it for years to come, I guarantee it!!!
Safe travels to everyone and I'll see you in a few days. Now back to preparations, breaks over.
Dang! That is some sweet swag!!!!
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;) ;D And here I thought I had succeeded in scaring you off. Just remember there will be stiff competition at the shooting matches. My plan is to win at least one so be prepared to not win ;) ;D
Consider the gauntlet thrown ;D ;D ;D
the contest is for second place in springer class, I'm gonna take all you peoples $$ home to the Sandhills with me ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
;) Mike with all due respect and a great deal of fondness :P :P :P Remember what y'all said ;) ;)
I took the liberty of highlighting that statement I hope your favorite flavor is red that way it will taste better when you have to eat those words ;D ;D ;D
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;) ;D And here I thought I had succeeded in scaring you off. Just remember there will be stiff competition at the shooting matches. My plan is to win at least one so be prepared to not win ;) ;D
Consider the gauntlet thrown ;D ;D ;D
the contest is for second place in springer class, I'm gonna take all you peoples $$ home to the Sandhills with me ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
;) Mike with all due respect and a great deal of fondness :P :P :P Remember what y'all said ;) ;)
I took the liberty of highlighting that statement I hope your favorite flavor is red that way it will taste better when you have to eat those words ;D ;D ;D
If anyone has a good recipe for crow, at least one of these guys will need it!! :o
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;) ;D And here I thought I had succeeded in scaring you off. Just remember there will be stiff competition at the shooting matches. My plan is to win at least one so be prepared to not win ;) ;D
Consider the gauntlet thrown ;D ;D ;D
the contest is for second place in springer class, I'm gonna take all you peoples $$ home to the Sandhills with me ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
;) Mike with all due respect and a great deal of fondness :P :P :P Remember what y'all said ;) ;)
I took the liberty of highlighting that statement I hope your favorite flavor is red that way it will taste better when you have to eat those words ;D ;D ;D
If anyone has a good recipe for crow, at least one of these guys will need it!! :o
;D ;D Actually somebody posted a recipe for crow breast meat and according to what I have heard if done right it is very tasty. ;) ;D
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FX Wildcat .22cal & TX200 .22cal from AirgunDepot
Gen2 Teryx stock setup from Dave @ R. Arms Innovations
Grip and trigger guard for it donated by me and adjustable buttstock donated by Joe @ DiscosRUs
Guppy tank and fill whip from Joe @ AirTanksForSale
An assortment of quality Nielsen ammo
Beautiful custom grips and forearm pieces from Steve Corcoran
Disco bottle kit by Joe @ DiscosRUs
3-9x42 Hawg Terminator scope with built in laser donated by me
2.5-10x50 SWF Hatsan Optima scope from Vincent @ Airgunexporters
Folding PRod stock setup from Joe @ DiscosRUs
Wow...sorting through everything I have received over the past few weeks. And discovered a few items left over from last year. We actually had more than we needed so I pigeon holed some stuff for use later.
So...here are few more items that will be up for grabs as raffle or door prizes.
Umarex Strikepoint pistols - 2 each from AGD
Sig Sauer 1911 pistols - 2 each again from AGD
Audrius regulator for MRod (donated from me)
Air Venturi rotating targets - 6 each from AGD
Crosman 2200 Magnum donated by vigilandy and resealed by Motorhead
Brocock Bantam .25cal donated by Jeff @ Trenier Outdoors
Crosman 2260 donated by Dennis Baker
Walther Terus .22 - Remington Tyrant .22 both from AGD
1/2x20 threaded LDC by Neil Clague
PRod, MRod and Crosman universal LDC's by David (Rocker1)
Gen2 MRod Blaster stock donated by Thurmond @ T3P Ranch AGS
And in my inventorying and logging I'm finding some very good items for door prizes. Some I've bought over the years and some the forum has purchased when a great sale happened. No better time to utilize this bounty. And some of the above listed may be door prizes also instead of raffle items. Will see after we get there and set up.
:)
So there's some fantastic stuff that you folks will be taking home with you. Or maybe me if I can manage to win anything. :)
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Hold the phone! I just got an offer that will allow me to make it!
I hope you all don't hold it against me if I travel with a 7-Up machine in the Van.
The deal is I take the Company Van to Down town Nashville and grab a 7-Up machine!
Then head to the meet. I get paid $250 cash up front to cover fuel.
With the money I do have on hand I can be there!!
;D
Set up the 7 up machine near the firing line and make some profit on the sales.
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Set up the 7 up machine near the firing line and make some profit on the sales.
:o
Wonder how much extension cord I'd need?
;D
Actually looking forwards to this Meet just to get back with Lloyd and the .32 cal barrel!
And I have a thing for him and a bell for Marty to deliver.
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Glad you're taking the 7-Up machine away from Nashville. Never had it, never will. ;)
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If any of you folks who are attending the fun shoot have 1 or 2 of those Kruger 3x9 scopes from Ebay laying around I would be interested in buying a couple if you would be interested in parting with them. Let me know.
Brian
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Sometime between 5:30 and 6 AM tomorrow (Wednesday) Springrrrr and ElGuapop99 hit the road from east Tennessee for the 9 or so hour drive to the shoot.
We don't know how much we can get done to set up in that we are bringing our own table and chairs and a variety of targets, but if Eric needs a hand with anything, we will be there for him.
The weather seems to be changing minute by minute so we can only hope for the best. At least the temps are going to be reasonable.
See Ya'll there. Maybe we can teach the New York members some southern and have them eatin' biscuits and gravy before going home. I came from the N.Y area 16 years ago and still have a tough time with that stuff.
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Good deal Bob, safe trip. Teresa and I are hitting the road tomorrow morning. Should be there just after noon. Not sure how much we will do tomorrow, we may wait until Thursday to dig in and start setup. Eric has some activities going on in the Expo Center before our event starts. Will just play it by ear. I have a 10x20 shelter and a 10x10 popup to set up. I'll probably need help with those. Teresa is dealing with stress fractures of her left foot and has been in a boot for about 8 weeks. But being the trooper she is, she will be hobbling around doing the inside set up.
See ya'll soon!!!
Love me some gravy and biscuits for breakfast.
:P
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I originally planned to drive in on Thursay, but it looks like I won't get to pull out until early Friday morning. I should still make it by early afternoon, plenty of time for funnin'.
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Have fun everyone.
:(
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We are leaving early friday and should be there about noon or so.
Gipper
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Have fun everyone.
:(
:-\ ?? plans change again what happened to the 7UP machine ??
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Yeah Jeff whats up?
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One truck broke down and I spent the early part of today getting it to the shop.
The Van I was to take is still in Norfolk, VA as the Crew there didn't get the job finished yet. (Not their fault)
My usual company truck is with another Crew covering the broken down truck.
So recovery of the 7-Up machine is delayed as is what I would have been paid to do it.
Guess I'll finish studying and taking the test to get my Commercial Nuisance Wild Animal Control License in Ohio.
:P
Now that the meet is going to pass me by? Jobs are starting to roll in again so the old bank account will get built back up.
Been a VERY slim 5 months here!
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The forcast does call for some rain in the AM, but very small amount, 0.14 inch Thursday and ucer .05 inches on Fr and Sa. Should be beautful at the range. I'll probably bring a R1 All Weather, a Cerakote TX200 and a few others that can handle a light rain if a shower happens.
Any specific requests for guns to see or try?? Have a wide selection of European Springers to bring.
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One truck broke down and I spent the early part of today getting it to the shop.
The Van I was to take is still in Norfolk, VA as the Crew there didn't get the job finished yet. (Not their fault)
My usual company truck is with another Crew covering the broken down truck.
So recovery of the 7-Up machine is delayed as is what I would have been paid to do it.
Guess I'll finish studying and taking the test to get my Commercial Nuisance Wild Animal Control License in Ohio.
:P
Now that the meet is going to pass me by? Jobs are starting to roll in again so the old bank account will get built back up.
Been a VERY slim 5 months here!
That bites! Gotta be someone headed through your way you could hitch a ride with. What route are them New York boys taking? :)
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Lloyd and I are heading out tomorrow AM with an overnight stop west of Nashville and hope to be out there by Thursday afternoon.
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Excellent Marty. Will be great to see you two again. Safe travels my friend!!!
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I managed to fit a 6ft folding table in the back seat of the Mustang but no room for a canopy but will bring a 10 x 12 plastic tarp maybe suspend between two larger canopy's
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Excellent Don. I'm sure we can make it work!!!
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The forcast does call for some rain in the AM, but very small amount, 0.14 inch Thursday and ucer .05 inches on Fr and Sa. Should be beautful at the range. I'll probably bring a R1 All Weather, a Cerakote TX200 and a few others that can handle a light rain if a shower happens.
Any specific requests for guns to see or try?? Have a wide selection of European Springers to bring.
I've only seen pictures of a TX
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The forcast does call for some rain in the AM, but very small amount, 0.14 inch Thursday and ucer .05 inches on Fr and Sa. Should be beautful at the range. I'll probably bring a R1 All Weather, a Cerakote TX200 and a few others that can handle a light rain if a shower happens.
Any specific requests for guns to see or try?? Have a wide selection of European Springers to bring.
I've only seen pictures of a TX
Mike if you only have one under lever the Air Arms TX200 MK III .177 is the one to get
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The forcast does call for some rain in the AM, but very small amount, 0.14 inch Thursday and ucer .05 inches on Fr and Sa. Should be beautful at the range. I'll probably bring a R1 All Weather, a Cerakote TX200 and a few others that can handle a light rain if a shower happens.
Any specific requests for guns to see or try?? Have a wide selection of European Springers to bring.
I've only seen pictures of a TX
Mike if you only have one under lever the Air Arms TX200 MK III .177 is the one to get
I'm bringing my HW97KT if you want to make an honest comparison. But I've never held or shot the TX200 either so I have no input.
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Triggertreat (Keith) and I leave here around 7-7:30 AM Thursday, bout 5 and 3/4 hours per mapquest. Will be loading all the gear today when my wife is done with the Highlander. Made a 4" gong on chains for guys to take long shots at, Home Depot parts cost about $7. We'll see how it holds up.
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When the Jersey Boys got together for a fun shoot a couple years back I had the pleasure of shooting a Motorhead tuned HW97 of Joe Palone another GTA member. I also at the time owned a TX200 MK III that I home tuned with a Vortek SHO kit> I also still own the Diana D460 with the T06 trigger, this rifle also has a Vortek SHO spring kit install. In my humble opinion all are fine rifles and in the springer class all are definitely well worth the price.
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I'll bring a TX200 and its pretty sister - the ProSport. I'll even let the big cousin tag along - the Pro Elite.
Any interest in seeing a TX200 SR?
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I'll see all of you tomorrow about midday. Try to stay dry.
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Safe travels Jody.
We arrived here late afternoon Wednesday. Bob and Bob beat us here by 15 minutes. LOL
We hooked up at the River Lodge then headed out to see Eric and look over the place. Eric was busting it on the tractor and mower. We walked the levee and discussed the setup, the predicted weather and our best setup. Then we set out to cruise the area looking at different lodging and eating establishments in preparation for next year. :)
We hit it again early this morning and saw a few more folks arrive. Keith & Tom and Lloyd & Marty. As well as getting to meet uglymike. As always, it is absolutely fantastic to see old friends and meet new ones. We walked around and decided to make some changes to the firing line. It was a far better setup than we initially envisioned. It may be a shorter firing line but it's a much better one. If we have to (and I really don't think we will have to) we can take turns firing, checking out the indoor setup, eating and visiting with other members. We are once again a work in progress with our fun shoot. It's really a time to get together after all. I hope all that attend walk away glad they came and will be looking forward to the next one on their way home from this one. I know I will. :)
There are quite a few folks that we will sorely miss this year. Some were for medical reasons and some were work/retirement related. Just know how much all of you are missed, this event IS a family reunion. And it is much less of one without you there. So those that are making it here for the first time, we are extremely proud to see you here. And know you are here to help us handle missing our long time family members that can't be here. We want to see ALL of you next time.
Tomorrow we start the setup inside the Expo Center. I like to set up a little display to hopefully entertain you. Last year was a display of airguns Gene either built from scratch, customized or had in his personal collection. This year is the many faces of the venerable MRod. LOL
I already have an idea for next years display. We will also be setting out the fantastic items our members & vendors have donated. We will start the raffle ticket sales. As well as have the GTA items for you to buy and proudly wear. Every dime collected from raffle and GTA items sales goes right back into your forum. And helps pay for this annual event.
It's a lot of work but seeing everyone and helping you have a good time is a great reward for me & Teresa. Even if she is hobbling around with a fractured foot. LOL
For those coming, safe travels. We will be glad to see you!!! For those not making it this year, we WANT to see you next year!!!
More to come...
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I will be leaving within the hour!
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sadly tire problems (with brand tires ) SNAFU'd me making the trip this year. I was heading out Thursday when balance issues at highway speeds reared its ugly head. i had not driven on the highway since they were installed earlier this week. 8ish hours with wobbly tires was not something i wanted to mess with.
Shoot well all and looking forward to photos !
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I arrived at Memphis around 9:30, got the rental Mustang and hit the road. I’m currently in Trumann eating lunch and then it should be another hour or two.
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You can be sure I'm missing all my friends that are able to be there.
:(
And wouldn't you know? Rocker1 was gonna take me off his hit list if I was there!
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Yes Jeff you are missing out. I just finished my second day here at the Fun Shoot and the raffle prizes this year have really stepped up from last year. There's a big turn out too and everyone is having a great time shooting and greeting others. There are a lot more targets out this year too from 25 yards all the way out to 150 yards. Some really neat ones too. Definitely having a blast here and no big rain issues either. We are also able to drive our vehicles right up to where we are shooting from which was a last minute upgrade Dez worked out which has made this event really enjoyable. Nice setup with plenty of crosswinds to keep us on our toes though. Tomorrow's main events should be very interesting. Wish me luck, lol.
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I made it in about 1:30PM and it has been a blast. THis is the first one I've been able to make it to. Everyone is just as friendly as you would expect, and more than happy to talk about all things fun in life. Lots of shooting too!
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Thanks for rubbing it in Keith!
;D
Now I have to sit here for days waiting for the obligatory pictures!!
:(
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Geoff.....I couldn't make it this year, either. Not able to take time off from work. Miss seeing you at the shoots. Maybe next year.
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Im setting at home as well very frustrated My body wouldnt co.operate but I sent some gifts from JSAR so Im there in spirit. So sorry I couldnt make it. Further back treatments may allow me to be there next year. Please post pics of my friends asap.
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Here it is Saturday already and no pictures!
:o
Some people are having way to much fun and it's raining here so I can't shoot!
:(
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You can be sure I'm missing all my friends that are able to be there.
:(
And wouldn't you know? Rocker1 was gonna take me off his hit list if I was there!
Same here, we really miss seeing you guys. I hope you get great weather and I know you're all having fun. Looking forward to the pics.
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Marauder takes the win in the PCP class for the second year in a row at the GTA Fun Shoot. Congrats to C.J. (Ozarkairgunner) who won 1st place with a .25 cal Marauder.
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Tell CJ I said way to Go Mate!!!
:D
(You Guys are so Lucky me and the Nova ain't there!)
;)
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The weather has been great but very hot and humid, raffle today was great with nice prizes from our vendors, I didn't win anything again of course. Fun seems to be being had by all. I didn't shoot in the paintball contest today, my Marauder decided today was a good time for my valve poppet to break and leak all the air from my tube. Oh well, there's always next year. My thanks to Dave and his lovely wife for all their hard work. I know the amount of work that goes into an event like this having been a past president of a large model airplane club in Florida, we're very lucky to have them. Thanks Dave.
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Yes, I did take some pictures and will upload once I get home tomorrow and process them. I know Jeff from Trenier Outdoors had a video camera going so maybe he will share too.
It was hot but the rains held off. I had the .22 Synrod really dialed in well, but missed the holdover by a small margin as the wind really picked up at the squeeze. Oh well, I still had a great time and did win $300 worth of goodies from JSAR. Sorry Travis couldn't make it and am wishing him a fast recovery.
A special thanks to Dave and his better half for putting this event together. It really turned out to be a great one and I am really impressed at how these two made this event even better than the last one with being at a new venue too. Amazing couple for sure.
If anyone wants to learn how to knockdown all of the paint balls with one shot, just ask Dave (Dez).
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What a great weekend of shooting and seeing old friends and making new ones. This just seems to be more fun every year.
I would like to say thanks to Dez and Teresa on doing another fabulous job with this event. It keeps getting better every year and the hard work you and the other folks put into this event makes it one of the highlights of my year. Thank you from both AJ and I for making this another great weekend, I am already looking forward to next year.
Also a big thanks to Eric and his family for hosting us. More gracious people you will never meet and I look forward to seeing you and your family again next year. Eric had an awesome display setup of some early french fireams, and incredible mini SMG's and Gattlin guns, gorgeous stuff and very interesting history. Eric knows his stuff!
Only thing I can think of that would have made this weekend better was more of you there.
Brian
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I am sitting in a hotel room in hotel room in Bristol Virginia with Marty2 after driving about 10 hours today, half of that without AC :P, and another 5 hours to go tomorrow. But wow, what a great event again this year. I think this was my 7th funshoot, and each one has been different than the last. I hesitate to say "better", because they have all been so great! Meeting people and learning and looking and talking and helping.... how can it get any better than that? Thanks as always to Dez and Teresa, and this year to Eric (our venue host) and his family. What a great bunch of folks.
I'm not going to try and name people 'cause I am terrible at that, but it was fun meeting everyone there. But I do want to thank Jeff of Treier Outdoors for driving all the way from Wisconsin and for bringing some seriously top notch raffle prizes, as did ALL the vendors.
This was my first year making it past round one of the springer paintball competition. In round one my RWS 54 did good, and in round 2, I messed up.
Here are just a few pics.
This is a look down-range as we were setting up Thursday afternoon. The large cardboard target stand is at 50 yards, and the orange steel disk near the tree line is at 150 yards.
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd79/loyd500/2018%20FS-6b_zpsqf2c8chm.jpg)
Here are a couple of views across the firing line late Saturday afternoon as the hard core continue to shoot after many folks have already headed back home.
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd79/loyd500/20180519_154559_zpsjoq0s9gc.jpg)
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd79/loyd500/20180519_154548_zpsxrhe76ou.jpg)
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What a great weekend. This was my first time attending but it won't be my last. Spending a weekend shooting and talking with a great bunch of knowledgeable air gunners is hard to beat plus winning a guppy tank in the raffle also was cool (thank Joe Brancato for your donation). One of the things I wanted to do was learn about PCP as I was considering moving from the large springers, my shoulders don't appreciate them much any more. Winning the tank sealed the deal. I also made some great new friends and look forward to more get-togethers. Thanks again to Dave and Eric and their family's for their dedication and commitment.
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Just got back where I had enough service to post anything, but I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that made this possible, this was my first year attending, planned on going last year but work got in the way. Took my son and we both had a blast, poor guy barely missed in round 1 of the paintball shooting, wind got him. I feel pretty good, got 1st, a lot of it by luck, but all in all had a great time and hope to be able to go in years to come. Got to put a lot of faces with names which is always a good time, and get input from some very knowledgeable shooters as well. Also I finally had a chance to compare a FX Impact and Crown side by side, both beautiful guns and still hard to decide which one I'd like to save for lol. Anyway, thank you to everyone that helped set this up from Dez and Eric working together with the place and arrangements to all the vendor donations, it really was a great weekend.
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I had a blast!! Finally got to meet people fluent in air gun. Nice venue, great people, who could ask for more? Kudos to all involved in making this happen. I'm still a little bit giddy over the honor, the privilege, of shooting a Wiscombe. 8) 8)
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Great time again this year. I wish more of the old Ramada Gang could have made it, but it was nice to see faces from last year as well as new ones. And as always, it was nice to visit with Miss Lizzie. Thanks to Dave & (Oh it's just you) Teresa for putting this together and Eric & his family for hosting us.
I would have done better in the paintball shoot but I lined up the perfect shot, squeezed the trigger, Ha! safety's on! So I line up again, and completely miss! But the table kinda sloped down hill, and I kneeled on a rock, and the sun was in my eyes, and I changed my grip, and, and,..........
Anyway, I had a great time and hope to see everyone next year!
Shawn
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I wanted to thank everyone again for putting this event together. I had a great time and enjoyed the fellowship with everyone and hope I have a chance to do it again.
Here are some photos I took of the event:
(https://image.ibb.co/dZphAo/20180519_110532.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/dgVHbT/20180519_105913.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/ezk0wT/20180519_110403.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/bKpAwT/20180519_110256.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/fAbRLo/20180518_092812.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/jeoqfo/20180518_092759.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/j4j7RT/20180519_105946.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/jVCY0o/20180519_110434.jpg)
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Looks like a very nice place to host a bunch of BB gunners .... Sounds like all had a GREAT time as usual.
Wish it was not so far away from the left coast or would have attended.
Scott
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I tell ya Scott, I was a bit excited and in anticipation mode. Someone had mentioned the rumor that you might show up. I was really wanting that to happen. And the left coast is not out of the question, some of our vendors usually make the journey. It IS worth it!!!
At least once....to get you hooked.
:)
Try to make plans my friend. Your public wants an appearance.
LOL
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I arrived at 10pm Thursday and was up bright and early for the first day of the fun shoot. My oldest son made the trip with me and we have another convert. We had a ball and even managed to miss a few paintballs on Saturday. Everyone was the best folks you could hope to meet. DEz as usual spent more time hosting and very little trigger time but it was a great time had by all. My son and I are already planning for next years fun shoot we are bringing my oldest stepson and my middle grandson . If we can locate a rental motor home we plan to camp at the fun shoot and spend more time hanging out with more of our forum buddies. Erik's wife won a beautiful Air Arms TX200 MK III with a nice beech stock that was donated by if I'm not mistaken Air Gun Depot.
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Don, it was MOST excellent to get to meet you in person. And Don Jr also. I am very proud you made that long journey and I hope it was all worth it. GREAT that we now have another convert and look forward to seeing both of you back. Next year I guarantee it will be even better. We were kinda winging it this year and had to make last minute adjustments. The firing line will be much improved next year and large enough to accommodate MANY more. We do have 250 acres to play with.
LOL
I actually got to shoot more than normal but still not enough. But my main goal has always been to spend my time trying to make sure everyone else has the best time they can...legally. LOL
I'm surprised that no one has posted about my historic and never to be matched paintball shot. Hmmm....
At least I supplied some entertainment.
Again, fantastic that you guys made the trip and made it back home safely. Tell Jr we said howdy and be sure to get membered up!!!
LOL
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Don, it was MOST excellent to get to meet you in person. And Don Jr also. I am very proud you made that long journey and I hope it was all worth it. GREAT that we now have another convert and look forward to seeing both of you back. Next year I guarantee it will be even better. We were kinda winging it this year and had to make last minute adjustments. The firing line will be much improved next year and large enough to accommodate MANY more. We do have 250 acres to play with.
LOL
I actually got to shoot more than normal but still not enough. But my main goal has always been to spend my time trying to make sure everyone else has the best time they can...legally. LOL
I'm surprised that no one has posted about my historic and never to be matched paintball shot. Hmmm....
At least I supplied some entertainment.
Again, fantastic that you guys made the trip and made it back home safely. Tell Jr we said howdy and be sure to get membered up!!!
LOL
I did post about your famous shot but got no love in return :'( .
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I wanted to thank everyone again for putting this event together. I had a great time and enjoyed the fellowship with everyone and hope I have a chance to do it again.
Here are some photos I took of the event:
(https://image.ibb.co/dZphAo/20180519_110532.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/dgVHbT/20180519_105913.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/ezk0wT/20180519_110403.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/bKpAwT/20180519_110256.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/fAbRLo/20180518_092812.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/jeoqfo/20180518_092759.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/j4j7RT/20180519_105946.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/jVCY0o/20180519_110434.jpg)
Must be something to do with the lead pellets that make bellies swell up like that. Mine has done the same thing. Oh well, I suppose it separates the real shooters from the talkers.
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Nah, must be the meal we provide. Nobody goes away hungry.
:P
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:o
Bill! You pokin' fun at Lloyd?
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Your probably right but I'm still pretty sure air gunners get fatter and happier as they get older.
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:o
Bill! You pokin' fun at Lloyd?
Nope, that was a general poke based on the picture.
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Ah, see it now Keith. And nobody wanted to respond with the awe of how to clear 16 paintballs with one shot?
Gee....see if I try to entertain again.
(whispering) now you know why I run around during the event instead of shooting....LOL
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We didn't get details and I wasn't gonna poke a Bear without them.
;D
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Must be something to do with the lead pellets that make bellies swell up like that. Mine has done the same thing. Oh well, I suppose it separates the real shooters from the talkers.
Ha ha. Triggertreat, now I'm not accusing you of anything underhanded, but it really looks like you did a bad photo shop job on that picture to make me look like I just ate a pumpkin, LOL? ;D But at least you got the color right. ;) I thought all the exercise running back and forth to targets would have used up at least half of that paunch.
Lloyd
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Ah, see it now Keith. And nobody wanted to respond with the awe of how to clear 16 paintballs with one shot?
Gee....see if I try to entertain again.
(whispering) now you know why I run around during the event instead of shooting....LOL
Next year we'll have to turn that target 90 degrees and see itf you can shoot lengthwise thru all the paint balls at one time. ;D
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I think he was going for a heart/lung shot. 😀😀😀😀
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Did he bother to zero the scope before he shot?
:D
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Not sure about that but it did knock down all the paint balls. ;D ;D
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Not sure about that but it did knock down all the paint balls. ;D ;D
Well. He's got the FPE dialed in.
;D
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WHAT? You mean you're supposed to shoot with both eyes OPEN??????
No wonder, I thought it was "closed".
Making it a REAL challenge. But I certainly did nail that #3, eh Jody?
HaaHaa
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:o
Bill! You pokin' fun at Lloyd?
Nope, that was a general poke based on the picture.
Now this is how I remember that picture. ;) See what a few wind sprints to the 100 yard targets can do.
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd79/loyd500/Lloyd-FS-2_zpsaa9q0qg5.jpg)
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Oh...Popeye Sikes?
:)
Yeah, I met him once.
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Lloyd needs this shirt.
(https://cdn-img-2.wanelo.com/p/a5e/c55/8f4/0929581954ac61b624b8315/original.jpg)
Ah Dang! there goes my .32 barrel!
;D
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You guys are merciless.
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WHAT? You mean you're supposed to shoot with both eyes OPEN??????
No wonder, I thought it was "closed".
Making it a REAL challenge. But I certainly did nail that #3, eh Jody?
HaaHaa
You nailed it alright. Nothing like watching every paintball roll off of their tees through the sporting scope🤣
Off course you had to show up CJ who's winning shot split his target and took out the ones one either side.😁
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You nailed it alright. Nothing like watching every paintball roll off of their tees through the sporting scope🤣
Off course you had to show up CJ who's winning shot split his target and took out the ones one either side.😁
Oh! CJ was trying to be a Joe Palone with an Air Gun eh? Need to call those shots CJ!
;D
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:o
Bill! You pokin' fun at Lloyd?
Nope, that was a general poke based on the picture.
Now this is how I remember that picture. ;) See what a few wind sprints to the 100 yard targets can do.
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd79/loyd500/Lloyd-FS-2_zpsaa9q0qg5.jpg)
LMBO... Wait til Linda Evans finds out you photoshopped her picture.....
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Now this is how I remember that picture. ;) See what a few wind sprints to the 100 yard targets can do.
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd79/loyd500/Lloyd-FS-2_zpsaa9q0qg5.jpg)
That was Lloyd????? I thought that was an escape prisoner! I didn’t want to get shanked, so I didn’t say nuttin.....
;D it was great meeting you and Marty2...hope y’all can make it back next time!!!
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Must be something to do with the lead pellets that make bellies swell up like that. Mine has done the same thing. Oh well, I suppose it separates the real shooters from the talkers.
Ha ha. Triggertreat, now I'm not accusing you of anything underhanded, but it really looks like you did a bad photo shop job on that picture to make me look like I just ate a pumpkin, LOL? ;D But at least you got the color right. ;) I thought all the exercise running back and forth to targets would have used up at least half of that paunch.
Lloyd
HA ha, now you know why I took the pictures. My doctor told me to watch my weight so I got my belly out there so I can see it.
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That was Lloyd????? I thought that was an escape prisoner! I didn’t want to get shanked, so I didn’t say nuttin.....
;D it was great meeting you and Marty2...hope y’all can make it back next time!!!
Hey Eric. Yup, that was me. 8) Been working out in the yard at the complex. Cockin' two big springers at once. This airgun shootin' will keep you in shape. >:(
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Thanks very much to you and all of your "support staff" for helping to make this a successful event. A friendly and helpful bunch, and the BBQ and rib and chicken lunch was darn good. It's good that you are a shooter and have new ideas and are asking for suggestions to make it even better next year. I am already looking forward to it!
Lloyd
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I really wish I could have come. Looks like a great time for all. :) Maybe next year.
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I really wish I could have come. Looks like a great time for all. :) Maybe next year.
Jesse I will set you up right next to me and my son then we can decide who has the better looking kids ;) ;D ;D
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We had a great time! Thanks everyone and also for putting up with the camera. See you next year! Youtube link below.
(https://www.trenieroutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018-GTA-GC-Fun-Airgun-Shoot-Header.jpg) (https://youtu.be/sox4jy9T5To)
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Wow Jeff!
Excellent job with the vid!
Impressive- thank you for making it!
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I couldn't make it saturday to the fun shoot, due to my son having his regional trap shooting competition in Jacksonville that day. I did go
Sunday to see if anyone was still there and did get to meet Jim "Doorgunner" ,Don jr and Eric. Sounded like I missed a great gathering and hope to make it next year.
I did get to meet the man the myth the legend Dez and see first hand the target stand and see the hole that cleared a whole paintball rack with just one incredible shot,
so that in itself was worth the trip :)
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Great job Jeff
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Finally made it home yesterday afternoon after a long hot trip(AC went out a little East of Nashville). I would like to thank everyone involved with making this another great Fun Shoot. Looking forward to next years already. It was great meeting and putting new faces to names as well as seeing familiar ones from years past.
A special thanks to Neil for his contribution to the raffle and the generous lady that shared her winnings with me so I could surprise my wife, much appreciated.
I did take some pictures but have to figure out how to upload them to Imgur from a Mac.
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Great video Jeff!!! I just wished you had shot my good side, lol.
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Hi All!!
My wife and I (Cindy & Jim) want to say a Huge THANK YOU to Dave & Teresa, Eric & Michelle especially for all the work and effort you's put forth in making this such a wonderful and memorable event.
Thank you SO Much to Eric & Michelle for opening up your land, friendship and hearts to all of us who came and we're Very Much looking forward to next year.. LORD Willing.
This was our First time to a GTA "Reunion"... and What a Family it is!!... So many Great folks we met, Dave & Teresa, Eric/Michelle & "Just-us" ;D, C.J., Mike, Carl, Beth & their daughter..Telena, Lloyd, Scott, Lizzie, Jody,Tom, Don and his son, and forgive me for forgetting names not included, but the memories will forever be with myself and us.
Mark, was Great to see you once again... if you're Ever in our area in your travels.. don't ever hesitate to call, will get together for eats again.. and you're always welcome at our place (and we have LOTS of room to shoot as well ;)).
Arnold ("Doc") & Chris... Great to see you both again as always, and we hope to be able to make it down your way again for a NASA meeting and some 10M shoots as well.
Dave & Teresa... you two are an exceptional couple, and words alone cannot express our gratitude and thanks for what you've Both done on behalf of everyone in the GTA "family" to make an event such as this SO Memorable for everyone who was able to make it there. Your "hearts" were very evident to us in the true openness and warmth of your smiles and friendship, and the same... certainly goes for Eric and Michelle as well. Cindy & I were both honored to meet you's and look forward to continued and growing friendship in the future... as well as with the many that we met.
It was Great to be able to put faces with names, and new friendships with the faces.
Next year is going to be a VERY tough choice for me... "IF", the "reunion" and shoot is anytime in April or in the First Half of May (2019), as I am also a Very big "fan" of Steam... and the Union Pacific's 4014 ("Big Boy" 4-8-8-4) will be rolling out of the Steam Shop in Cheyenne (WY.) under "her" own power for the first time since 1962 (after re-acquisition from the Museum in Pomona,CA. and the ongoing total rebuild since 2014, and will be the largest working steam locomotive in the world alongside of UP's "smaller" 3985 "Challenger" 4-6-6-4) and in time for the 150th Anniversary of the "Golden Spike" Ceremony at Promontory Point, in Utah.. next May 10th, 2019.
So, Dave... PLEASE, don't make us have to "choose" between the GTA Reunion and the UP's "Big Boy" rollout (sometime in April for its mandatory FRA "shake-down" runs and tests) and later attending the Golden Spike event, May 10th, 2019. :'( :'( ;D ;)
Now that I know what to expect... I will come Much better prepared, next year.. with something I Know will hit what I'm aiming at.... you're Not the only one, Dave... that can get all the paintballs in a single shot, and I'll prove it to you. ;D ;D ;)
Shooting "projectiles" is ALWAYS.. Fun!!... but doing it with friends, both new & old.. is Always way more "funner" ;D.... and the Time spent Together with friends new & old, while sharing a common interest.... is ALWAYS the very Best part. ;)
Many Thanks with heartfelt gratitude to you (Dave), your lovely wife and to Eric & Michelle for making this not only possible, but SO Very memorable and fun... looking forward to Many More.
Much love to all, Jim & Cindy
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Great video Jeff! I thought that was your good side Keith! ;D
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Jeff was smart he left me out of the video 'cause I'm old and fat would have probably broke the camera but he did catch my son talking to the Bob's ;D ;D
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Jeff,
Really great video and editing. Thanks very much for doing that while the rest of us got to have fun shooting. Good talking to you and your side kick CW at the picnic tables at the hotel. Just goes to show that no matter how weird you think you are, there is somebody else there just as weird. Makes me feel at home.
Lloyd
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Great video Jeff! I thought that was your good side Keith! ;D
Ha ha. TBH, I don't really have a good side nowadays. I am just an old fart wishing I did.
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Glad to hear the video went over well. I was a little leary "being the guy with camera". Good sides, bad sides - LOL I can't tell the difference :) Good times for sure.
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I really had a great time and would suggest that anyone interested in airguns try to make it to this event. This was my first year and everyone welcomed me like I had been there from the beginning. It is also a great chance to try out guns you have always wanted and some you may have never thought about. I now have two guns to buy on my list. The Texan which I was unsure of due to the advertised length, I am very comfortable with and the Brocock which I had never considered before.
Thanks again to everyone who put this on for your hard work. To everyone who showed up and shared good times. To everyone who donated something. Finally, to everyone who let me shoot something they brought or use there very nice shooting bench or sporting scope.
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It was great to have you there Jody. We laughed through the entire event that we live only 15 minutes apart yet had to drive 4 hours to see each other. LOL
I have been to his place before but both of us are really busy so we don't get to visit often enough.
And many thanks my friend for being the official spotter for the PCP and Big Bore paintball competition!!!!
See you next year I hope. And maybe before? LOL
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I was initially unsure if I wanted to go, but then I felt that if I didn't go, I would later wish that I did. I am glad I made the decision to come out. It was a lot of fun, and I got to meet a lot of good people, and thanks to the hospitality I had the pleasure of getting to shoot a few guns despite the fact I wasn't able to bring any. Since I had such a great time, I will most likely make the decision to come again next year. I will also make an effort to bring some equipment now that I have an idea how to go about it.
I know this has been said a million times, but thank you to everyone for being such great hosts and making me feel welcome like family. I am an extreme introvert and generally shy, but it was very easy to break out of my bubble and have a great time.
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That's funny Dez.
I now regret not using my regulated .25 Synrod with 34gr MKIIs to buck the wind better. It is setup the same as C.J.s who pulled off the win. I did have my unregulated .22 Synrod dialed in to the point I could hit a spot less than a 1/4" over and over out on the 50 yard target set out. I had the holdovers really dialed in, but my unregulated .22 was out in the heat during all of that. I set the gun in the shade waiting for my turn and that may have thrown everything off. I have no clue where my first shot even went, but would like to have at least made it pass the first round. There's always next year and now more drive to have a comeback.
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I know this has been said a million times, but thank you to everyone for being such great hosts and making me feel welcome like family. I am an extreme introvert and generally shy, but it was very easy to break out of my bubble and have a great time.
It was great to meet and visit with you, Steven!
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I know this has been said a million times, but thank you to everyone for being such great hosts and making me feel welcome like family. I am an extreme introvert and generally shy, but it was very easy to break out of my bubble and have a great time.
It was great to meet and visit with you, Steven!
+1
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................. I am an extreme introvert and generally shy, but it was very easy to break out of my bubble and have a great time.
X 2 on that Steven. Whenever I get to ANY kind of social event, the first thing I am wondering is how soon I can leave without appearing too rude, LOL. But not so at the Funshoot!
I am very glad you came to this funshoot after we met a few years ago at the Roanoke airgun show. We will see you again next year.
Lloyd
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Okay, one more try. I spent 2 hours yesterday creating this post with photos and narrative for the complete event. Only to have my computer glitch. I lost the entire thing. :(
So, here we go again. Start to finish, what you folks would have seen.
The turn in driveway to the event.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5877)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5878)
The Tri-County Expo Center. Our home for the next few days.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5879)
As you came in the door you were met by Louise and Teresa. "You GTA? See her". LOL
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5880)
Husband Joe looks on as Kimmy helps Teresa get folks the registration packets and raffle tickets. MUCH appreciated help too!!!
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5881)
Even wearing a boot for 6 weeks due to compound stress fractures of her left foot, Teresa never stopped and never complained. She wore a smile the entire event. Again....I am blessed for such a wonderful better half. I surely couldn't or wouldn't do this without her support!!!
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5882)
Trophies for the annual paintball competition. And once again our fantastic Paul and Kristen of Pyramyd Air supplied gift certificates for us to present to the first and second place winners. MANY thanks!!!
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5883)
We set up several tables to hold all of the great prizes to raffle off to raise funds for the forum. Thanks to all of our fantastic vendors and members for supplying some excellent items as always. Here are some of the items up close.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5903)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5902)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5901)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5900)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5899)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5898)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5897)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5896)
Each item was prominently labeled with the donors name. I also set out a poster of recognition for those that we owe thanks to for making the event even happen.
Be sure to take a close look at the list and thank these folks. And support our vendors as they supported us!!!
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5895)
I like to set up a different airgun display each year also. This year it consisted of several of my MRods dressed up differently. The theme of the display was the many faces of the versatile MRod. :)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5894)
Eric did a lot of work setting up an awesome display of some rare rimfire guns. And some of the history of Tippman Arms. He says next year he will have a display of the full history from the birth to the death of the Tippman Arms company. MANY thanks Eric for the fantastic display and spending time talking with us!!!
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5893)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5914)
If you stepped out the back door of the Expo Center you had a short walk to the nice bridge Eric spent a lot of time and money building. Cross the bridge and you are on the levee to the lake. We had initially planned on shooting off the levee down but that posed a couple of issues. Shooting down would mean some adjustments to sights/scopes and we would have to go into the soggy ground to do any target changes. So we decided to move the firing line to the far end of the levee where we had a nice flatter area. The only issue with that was the width of the firing line.
With the firing line change, it was easier to drive right to the line. So, out the front door of the Expo Center and down the drive. Turn right and go exactly .5 miles till you saw the other GTA Banner.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5884)
Turning in you are driving Eric's private driveway. After passing his house you come to the field and the lake. You can see the levee and the nice bridge in the background.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5885)
Drive on through the camping area to the end of the levee. There was the firing line where all the shooting fun took place.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5886)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5887)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5888)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5889)
There was a fence row on one end of our firing line. We talked about the possibility of adding a gate so we could extend the firing line into the adjacent pasture. Eric owns 250 acres so we have plenty of room for expansion. We were just going with the flow and making what adjustments we could at the last minute. That is how an event goes with a first time venue. I think we adapted pretty well.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5906)
Let the shooting begin...
Our buddy Brett still sporting his winter wool. LOL
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5905)
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5904)
We also changed the times for the annual paintball event. 1) To try to beat the heat of the late afternoon and 2) to only make one trip to the Expo Center instead of three trips. After changing the firing line location, it was a bit of a walk to and from.
After the winners were decided we headed back to the Expo Center. There we enjoyed a great meal catered by JR and his smoke wagon. He prepared pulled pork, ribs, chicken quarters and smoked turkey. And supplied sides and a drink. The food was fantastic and I hope he will bless us with his services next time too!!!
Changing the time up a bit proved to be the right thing to do. All throughout the week we were surrounded with scattered showers and thunderstorms. When we stepped into the Expo Center for activities, we heard it raining. By the time we finished, we stepped out to a sunny sky. Weather was not a factor this year, we were blessed.
Cindy and Kimmy making sure everything flowed well while JR was setting up the serving area in the background.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5913)
After the excellent meal, everyone settled down in anticipation of winning some great goodies.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5892)
Eric's lovely wife Michelle proudly displaying the TX200 she won. Thanks to AirgunDepot for putting that smile on her face.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5891)
After the raffles I presented the paintball winners with their trophy and PA gift certificate.
uglymike First Place Springer Class
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5909)
Bob (springrrr) Second Place Springer Class
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5910)
CJ First Place PCP Class
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5911)
Jeff (Mr Trennier Outdoors) Second Place PCP Class
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5912)
Brian First Place Big Bore Class
He was half of the father/son team that took the Big Bore win this year. Great job fellows!!!
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5907)
Alec Second Place Big Bore Class
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5908)
To his surprise, after the trophy awards, I presented Eric with a plaque of thanks from his new GTA family.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5890)
He, Michelle, Justus, Louise and JR worked their tails off for us and it did not go unnoticed. Their help made this the most enjoyable event yet for Teresa and I. We cannot thank everyone enough for all of the help and just to everyone that showed up. This event is for you, so I hope you can attend next year. You can see the comments from attendees that it is very well worth the time and travel. After the raffles and presentations, we opened the event up to free-for-all shooting, wheeling and dealing and whatever the folks wanted to do.
This year I really missed a lot of our old friends. I could run a list but I would certainly miss a name or two. But rest assured you were on my mind. I really had doubts that I would enjoy this years event, going into it knowing ahead of time that you would not be there. But after arriving, we met and talked with many old friends and had the pleasure and honor to meet and talk with a bunch on new members. And even converted several and gained a few new members. And some that say that this was their first one and they would definitely become repeaters.
There are so many things to be grateful for when you plan an event and it goes this well. Thanks to all that snapped and shared photos. Thanks to Jeff for taking the time to make and share the video. I bought a new drone and had full intention of getting it in the air for a birds eye view of our event. Maybe next time I will have the opportunity to get it airborne and can combine my video with Jeff's.
I can't say enough about Eric, Michelle and crew as well as all of our fantastic vendors and members for the support. And to all of you for taking the time to come to the annual GTA family reunion. And again for all of you that volunteered to help in any way you could. It took valuable time away from your shooting and bull shooting and it was greatly appreciated. All of you made this an event to remember for years to come. Let's meet up again next year and just see if we can possibly make it better. Like one person said, the only thing that could make it better is if YOU are there.
GOD Bless and see you next year. Same time same place.
And as always....
SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
8)
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I like many other first timers can only add that all the GTA family and our hosts were always warm and welcoming. I attended with my oldest son and we had such a good time that he is planning to purchase his first PCP shortly along with joining the GTA. Without our venerable leader devoting so much energy to the forum and the Annual Fun Shoot I'm certain that the forum and fun shoot would not be quite the event and forum they are today.
Again thank you all for the great time and great forum
Regards,
Don Sr & Don Jr
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Man! I keep feeling worse and worse I couldn't make it this year.
Keep the pictures coming I'm a sucker for pain!
:D
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Man! I keep feeling worse and worse I couldn't make it this year.
Keep the pictures coming I'm a sucker for pain!
:D
;) ;D Jeff i would be more than happy to share the kidney stone I passed on Saturday with you then you could really feel some pain ;D ;D
The good news is I still had a great time
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Man! I keep feeling worse and worse I couldn't make it this year.
Keep the pictures coming I'm a sucker for pain!
:D
That's right Jeff, feel the pain, wish you could've been there, it's been far to long since we last shot together, the Mrod has undergone a transformation since you've last seen it, but I'm still using the MK2s that you got me hooked on lol.
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Was great to see you took the Top Spot!
:D
Sure wish I coulda been there.
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Thanks bud, I really didn't expect to be there tho, I think a lot of it had to do with my new scope. Well that, a good bit of luck, and my just a tiny dash of skill lol. It probably didn't hurt that I've shot that gun almost everyday, or at least every chance I get.
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I know this has been said a million times, but thank you to everyone for being such great hosts and making me feel welcome like family. I am an extreme introvert and generally shy, but it was very easy to break out of my bubble and have a great time.
It was great to meet and visit with you, Steven!
X3! It was nice talking with you, Miss Lizzie, AJ, and even Brian ::) at dinner Saturday night. Hope to see everyone next year.
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I know this has been said a million times, but thank you to everyone for being such great hosts and making me feel welcome like family. I am an extreme introvert and generally shy, but it was very easy to break out of my bubble and have a great time.
It was great to meet and visit with you, Steven!
X3! It was nice talking with you, Miss Lizzie, AJ, and even Brian ::) at dinner Saturday night. Hope to see everyone next year.
Ahhhh I am feeling the love!!!!! Was great to meet you Steven, hope to see you back next year.
Brian
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Hahaahahahahah Brian......YOU know we love ya! :D
Just wouldn't be the same without you and your dry sense of humor there- Hah!
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Hahaahahahahah Brian......YOU know we love ya! :D
Just wouldn't be the same without you and your dry sense of humor there- Hah!
Dry sense of humor? And here I thought I was witty, and perhaps even a bit cheeky!! Who knew? ;D
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By the way, I hope everyone that attended had a chance to meet the member that traveled the farthest to the event. I think I was just in shock when I first met Neil at the event. I tried to make a joke that he came all the way from the UK just to be at the event. Well, it was no joke, he did. AND to spend time with his brother John. :)
They were the only campers besides Mark.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5918)
I checked on them Saturday morning to see if they slept okay. Seems the crickets and probably tree frogs serenaded Neil and kept him awake all night. Welcome to the country Neil. LOL
Thanks for the very timely donation of the royal wedding cup and the Marmite. I thought those items were going to start a fight. But the winner was gracious enough to GIVE it to Marty. That way Marty could take the surprise gift home to his better half and be the hero for a LONG time.
Anyway, it was great to meet you and John and I hope you both can both make it next year. And I see you were wearing the GTA cap I shipped over the big pond to you a few weeks ago. :)
I hope you enjoyed the event and will make a return visit.
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Yes! It was wonderful to have Neil and John there!
What a cool surprise.....great visiting with you, and i hope to see you again!
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Definitely cheeky too, Brian! :D
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Man! I keep feeling worse and worse I couldn't make it this year.
Keep the pictures coming I'm a sucker for pain!
:D
I'm with you Jeff. I'm glad you guys had good weather, and great pics too.
I especially missed seeing the Ramada gang.
Edit: Great video Jeff! That made me REALLY miss being there. Hopefully I get a chance to meet you next time.
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By the way, I hope everyone that attended had a chance to meet the member that traveled the farthest to the event. I think I was just in shock when I first met Neil at the event. I tried to make a joke that he came all the way from the UK just to be at the event. Well, it was no joke, he did. AND to spend time with his brother John. :)
They were the only campers besides Mark.
(https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/MGalleryItem.php?id=5918)
I checked on them Saturday morning to see if they slept okay. Seems the crickets and probably tree frogs serenaded Neil and kept him awake all night. Welcome to the country Neil. LOL
Thanks for the very timely donation of the royal wedding cup and the Marmite. I thought those items were going to start a fight. But the winner was gracious enough to GIVE it to Marty. That way Marty could take the surprise gift home to his better half and be the hero for a LONG time.
Anyway, it was great to meet you and John and I hope you both can both make it next year. And I see you were wearing the GTA cap I shipped over the big pond to you a few weeks ago. :)
I hope you enjoyed the event and will make a return visit.
These were both fine gentlemen, I was happy to make their acquaintance.
There actually were a couple of other campers as well. Teep camped out with us Friday and Saturday night. And the gentleman who had the fine display of rimfire rifles for sale including a *left hand* CZ452 (sorry, didn't get his name) also camped out with us Friday night. The evenings in front of the pond, clear skies above, with no illumination but the fireflies, was absolutely incredible.
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Yes, it was very gracious of the winner of the cup to GIVE it to me. It took me several times explaining how I came by the cup but it was well received by my SO ;) ;D
Here are some more pictures from the Fun Shoot.
(https://i.imgur.com/mtYJJj9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YXqtIR6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3CVs2NG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/InZDkPu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZvjlIaT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hUFFEQy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WFCXg7J.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BSzGDXe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FrqJR7G.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aNueCco.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/80b9mTh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4tV6tjU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/X4GM2ql.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DEaqZW1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dG9GR2h.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hp6U6ua.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CiTxpTW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VY1BcKa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Oz52bdl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WP61MYL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MmtUiBy.jpg)
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Looks like more fun than the stories I've heard about Woodstock. :)
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Hey Marty I think that Harley tee shirt makes me look fat ;) ;D Next time a picture of my skinny profile might be more flattering ;D ;D
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Dear GTA friends
Here is my take on the fun shoot.
The bad bit
Its an awful long way to come and miss!
The good bits
I don't know where to start. The members are some of the nicest most helpful people you could ever wish to meet.
The food was great.
The camping area was really good, wish I had brought the fishing rods (rods = English for poles). Fire flies were beautiful. The other critters, well they let their presence be known.
Tri counties exhibition centre, this was air conditioned and big enough for our needs.
I shot many different rifles. I would like to thank everyone who offered their rifles to me.
The competition, well it was fun and that is the essence of the weekend. I joined the miss club first round.
Was it worth the trip? Most definitely .
I hope I get the opportunity to go again sometime.
Anyone who has not been before should make the extra effort to go at least once. You will not be disappointed.
Neil
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Neil don't feel slighted you were in good company I was a member in good standing for both Springer and PCP ;D ;D
On a side note I believe that my son and I were either first or second place for driving the furthest to the fun shoot
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This was my first GTA Fun Shoot and I had loads of fun. I want to thank Dave & Teresa and our gracious hosts Eric and Michelle for all their hard work. Also thanks to all of the vendors for their support and thanks to everyone for the great pics and videos. All of the people were super friendly and I was really impressed with the amount of knowledge that people openly shared. Thanks to all the enablers that let me shoot their guns. Of course, after winning the Prod LDC I had to order a Prod to go with it as soon as I returned home. To Lloyd and Don, remember, the camera adds 10 pounds. Hope to see everyone again next year.
Bob
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Neil don't feel slighted you were in good company I was a member in good standing for both Springer and PCP ;D ;D
On a side note I believe that my son and I were either first or second place for driving the furthest to the fun shoot
Don, it was really good to finally meet you. We only talked for a few minutes but I got to check out those fine guns you brought when you weren't looking, and especially the RS. That is one solidly built gun.
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Neil don't feel slighted you were in good company I was a member in good standing for both Springer and PCP ;D ;D
On a side note I believe that my son and I were either first or second place for driving the furthest to the fun shoot
Don, it was really good to finally meet you. We only talked for a few minutes but I got to check out those fine guns you brought when you weren't looking, and especially the RS. That is one solidly built gun.
Keith, Yes the Fun Shoot was as much fun as I could hope for and meeting the forum members (putting names to faces) was the best part. The RS II was my first PCP and no regrets it is a definite keeper.
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Marmite jeez my wife likes that stuff, not me looks like axle grease and taste worse. David
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Marite, you either love it or hate it.
There is no in between.