JANUARY 2005 NEWSLETTER
© Bruce Buck, editor
CHRISTMAS PARTY SHOOT
Mid-County, Lagrangeville, NY
December 19, 2004
Weatherwise, this shoot is always a gamble as well as a gambol. Last year
we had a pile of snow to deal with. In 2003 it was mild and muddy. In 2000
we had that incredible rainstorm that blew trees across the road and killed
the power at Mid County. We had to cancel that shoot, but were able to
salvage the Christmas feast. The Travelers get their priorities right!
This year the weather gods were kind to us. Temperatures were in the mid
30s and it was overcast and little gusty, but not bad at all. The ground
was frozen hard as evinced by the shin-deep truck ruts in the path, but
many of the 103 shooters present shot without gloves, so you know it wasn’t
so awful. Thanks to the overcast there were none of the usual winter
“low sun” problems.
As usual Mid County’s members volunteered their time and talent to make our
shoot a success. There were a couple of warming bonfires on the course to
keep us thawed out. They even had a tractor pulled wagon to shorten up our
trip on one of the long between stations walks.
In the Christmas spirit, the course was a little friendlier than we usually
get. Not easy, mind you, but somewhat sympathetic. Anytime you get a few
scores in the 90s, you know the course is a bit more forgiving than the
usual self-flagellation. In this case it was the right move. As the first
real shoot of winter, cold weather and the clothing it demands are its own
handicap. A very slightly friendlier course makes sense.
Mid County has possibly the best terrain of any course we shoot. It has
fields, forested gullies, hillsides plus a stream and a lake. You can set
pretty much any target you wish. Just about all of our fifteen stations
were two machine presentations, usually one auto and one manual run by a
well swaddled club volunteer. As happens with almost any winter shoot, the
cold got to a couple of the traps forcing some backups for our 20 squads,
but it wasn’t too bad. You have to expect machinery to get cranky in the
winter. That’s why you wear warm clothing.
There was a pretty good mixture of birds with no one target presentation
dominating. There weren’t any long ones this time, or any ridiculously
short ones. Everything seemed sort of between 20 and 35 yards. You could
screw in your Light Mod and never change. You wouldn’t hit them all, but it
wasn’t the choke’s fault. Wisely, there weren’t any ground rabbits as
winter snow can play havoc with that presentation. In the winter it pays to
keep it in the air and keep it simple.
It also seems that more people shoot their O/Us in the winter, leaving the
gas guns home for warmer days. Winter shooting tends to lower shell
velocities slightly, which lowers recoil. Also winter clothing adds padding
which absorbs recoil. Come warm weather you’ll start to notice how much
those O/Us kick again, but for now their reliability sure is nice.
Mid County really treated us right in the dining department this year.
There was a full breakfast of eggs, ham, sausage, rolls and coffee waiting
for us when we arrived. Returning to the club after 3-1/2 hours on the
course, there were luncheon tables of hors d’oeuvres and hot soup waiting.
This was followed by shrimp cocktail, roast beef and sinful cake for
desert. The Travelers are notorious trenchermen and this feast was fully up
to standard. We’ll leave those six foot submarines for summer.
Big eaters, but big hearts too. Everyone brought gifts for the Toys for
Tots program. They were piled high under the Christmas tree when the
workers from the charity came to pick them up.
Our annual Sporting Sportsman award for those who have done the most to
promote the sport is shared by Bill Donaldson and Peter Wright of the Mid
County Gun Club. These men have worked tirelessly for a number of years
behind the scenes to raise Mid County’s sporting clays program and course
to a premier level.
After giving away presents it was time to receive them. Santa Al
distributed dozens and dozens of door prizes to the assembled multitude.
Prizes ranged from aluminum gun cases and canvas field bags to knives,
thermometers, clothing, knickknacks and even a Weed Eater. It looked like
Cabela’s catalogue.
Al announced the engagement of the popular Traveler’s score keeper Cyndi
Dalena and Jon Welsh. They will promise to love, honor and reload. We wish
them well.
It was also announced that Anthony Battaglia has earned the prestigious
Eagle Scout rank. This is a tremendous achievement. Both Anthony and his
father Vin are long time Travelers.
Raffle tickets for a side by side produced almost $1000 for the Kohler
Society Scholarship. To date the Travelers have collected $5,000 for this
worthy charity. It’s in the Christmas spirit.
HOA BOB REPELLA 92
I-1 John Hyrncewich 91
I-2 Lavert Cypher 90
I-3 Mike Greco 88*
II-1 Ed Davies 81*
II-2 Al Anglace 81
II-3 Lou Greenberg 81
III-1 Richard Burns 73*
III-2 Bruce Buck 73
III-3 Gary Fox 73
IV-1 Bob Foege 69*
IV-2 Ken Lion 69
IV-3 Lynn Narins 69
V-1 Jim Thorsen 63*
V-2 Bob Holtzman 63
V-3 Bob Markarian 62
VI-1 Frank Cucciari 51
VI-2 Kathy Girard 50*
VI-3 Jon Welch 50
Msdm Teresa Frisella 57
Ldy-1 Cyndi Dalena 79
Ldy-2 Kristin Canale 76
Ldy-3 Paula Moore 68
SrVet Don Brenton 88
Vet-1 Ed Moritt 88
Vet-2 Richie Frisella 86
Vet-3 Paul Cahan 82
Jr-1 Ben Slome 72
Jr-2 Luke Sproviero 58
Jr-3 Anthony Battaglia 47
Jr-4 Colby Costa 42
*Ties decided by tie-breaker stations
NEED A NEW NAME TAG?...
If you need a new or replacement Connecticut Travelers brass and cloisonné
name tag, send $10 to:
Barto Engraving & Awards
Six Meadow Drive
Brookfield, CT 06804-3519
email: BartoEngrv@aol.com
Tell them that you are a Connecticut Traveler and want a name tag. Include
your first name (or nick name) and last name, plus your return mailing
address. They will only produce the name tag according to CTSCA specs and
will not change the appearance. The $10 can be deducted from any non
co-sponsored monthly CTSCA shoot registration.
REALLY, REALLY BIG SHOOT…
How about this announcement from ClayShooting USA magazine’s publisher Mike
Brunton:
“It's official - Michael Brunton, publisher of ClayShootingUSA magazine,
www.clayshootingusa.com , has been able to bring together a consortium that
have committed to an investment and sponsorship package of $2.5 million
over the next couple of years. Top line sponsor is Vladimir Lisin,
proprietor of Fox Lodge Shooting School in Russia and current President of
the Russian Shooting Union. Passionate about hunting and sporting clays he
comments, "Heading a consortium of sponsors and investors that are truly
interested in growing the sport world-wide is an exciting project. Several
well-known companies have already committed to join the project and we
expect additional sponsors to be confirmed in the coming months."
“The concept is simple. To be promoted as the 'World Sporting Triple
Classic', a series of three major sporting clays Festivals are planned over
the next 18 months. The first will be held in the UK during June 2005,
followed by similar Festivals at Fox Lodge in Russia during the Fall of
2005 and in the USA during the Spring of 2006. Each Festival that makes up
the series will include a 200 target sporting main event and a 150 target
Parcour de Chasse championship over six layouts, each of 25 targets new
system. 5-Stand, Make-A-Break and end of shoot BBQ will all add to the fun
and games.” “Key to the success of each individual event will be the
impressive venue and facilities for shooters (and spouses), and vendors.
The services of various nationalities of target setters and cash prize
funds that exceed anything seen before in the sport will ensure that
entries for the Festivals fill quickly. Those shooters that compete in all
three Festivals will additionally accumulate points (in each class and
category) with the potential to win further cash and product bonus prizes
at the end of the series.”
”The first series of three 'World Sporting Classic Festivals' has
sponsorship funds of $1.25 million already in place.”And when the first
series of three shoots is complete, we will do it again," says Brunton
"taking the whole package to a $2.5 investment over three years. This truly
is a very exciting project and I'm thrilled to be working with Vladimir to
bring this independent and Open World series to market. As each day passes,
additional private and trade sponsors are stepping forward - and whilst
Vladimir's investment has got the project off to a flying start, the
sponsorship door is closed to no-one."
“Full details of venues, dates, prize funds and entry forms for the first
of the three Festivals will be promoted throughout Europe and North America
in the New Year.”
MISS MANNERS...
Damon Dufus, Dudley's surviving brother, took his turn in the shooting box,
hitched up his vest and spread his feet to a manly width. Squinting his
mean squint, he growled "Buh-urd".
Nothing happened.
"Idiot trapper", he hissed. Lowering his gun, raising it again and
resquinting in his fiercest manner he again called "Buh-urd".
Nothing.
Now very picture of frothing discontent, he snapped his gun open and paced
about the stand opining on the intellectual capacity of the trapper.
About fifty yards away little Tommy Tucker, his fifteenth birthday just
behind him, was sitting on the ProMatic's trapper seat dreaming about sweet
Emily. Did she really like him? Dory had said so. Boy, if he could just do
something to impress her. Save her life or something. "Burrpff" came a
slight noise from the vicinity of the shooter's stand off to the left.
Yeah, that would do it, Tommy thought. Maybe save her from sharks or
muggers. Then she'd notice. "Blurrrp" came the noise again. She'd have
to notice me then. Maybe I could even get a date with her.
Damon Dufus was hopping mad by now. The miserable trapper must be
intentionally ignoring him. He always called "Buh-urd". That was his
trademark call. Everyone knew it was his call. He wasn't going to change
it or raise his voice just for some dumb kid. That boy would have to
learn.
There is a problem with a date, Tommy thought. My mom would have to drive
us. It would be really gross if any of the guys saw that. Emily dates older
guys with cars. "Burrpff" again in the distance. Maybe I should just meet
her somewhere. That's it! I'll tell her I'm busy with my hand to hand
combat training to get ready for the Marines and I'll have to meet her
after school.
Damon, beside himself after his forth sotto voce "Buh-urd", glared at
everyone present to make sure that all were aware of his righteous
displeasure and tromped off in a cloud of steam.
Miss Manners was the next shooter in line. Slight of frame and wiry, her
grey hair piled into a bun made her look taller than her actual 5'3". She
faced in the direction of the trap, which was far off and obscured by
bushes. In a clear voice with flawless diction she firmly announced "New
shooter". After waiting a moment to let that sink in, she crisply called
"Pull". The bird was immediately launched. Her twenty-eight gauge
Spaghettini Porcini with the marble cake walnut eased into her shoulder and
the target vaporized.
What had happened? Why was our Miss M so much better received than Damon?
What woke Tommy out of his lustful teenage reverie?
The answer is simple. Damon's call was indistinct and the word that he
used was not one that the trapper was waiting to hear. Miss Manners was
considerably smarter than Damon. She first announced her presence by
calling "New Shooter". This not only alerted Tommy and got him ready for
the next command, but it familiarized him with her voice. There were other
traps in the vicinity and it was sometimes hard for him to tell one voice
from another. Miss Manners had made it easy for him.
When Miss Manners was ready for the bird, she crisply called "Pull!". The
word started with a hard consonant and carried distance well. This is the
exact word that Tommy was waiting to hear. He was not expecting to hear
"Uh!" or "Boid!" or "Tra-la-la". He waited to hear "Pull!". With his hand
on the trap trigger, he reacted instinctively and instantly.
At the awards ceremony after the shoot Miss Manners walked to the front of
the room and crisply said "Thank you" as she received her trophy. Proper
diction also has its social uses.
Moral: Although many long stations have call buzzers, some don't and you
have to speak loudly. Stick up for yourself and learn to call effectively.
You are the only loser if you don't. A slow pull or no pull at all isn't
going to ruin the trapper's day, but it may ruin yours. First, let the
trapper know that there is a "New Shooter!". Then use the unambiguous word
"Pull!" and nothing else if you want a prompt response. Leave the rugged
individualism to other critical areas of life, such as selecting neckties
or bathroom wallpaper.
THE TECHNOID PERFORMS A BALANCING ACT...
Norbert Nimrod hovers glassy eyed in front of the shotgun display at the
local gunshop. The proprietor enthusiastically touts the benefits of the
latest London "best" Smythington Chutneygout sidelock or pigeon pounding
Spaghettini Porcini over and under. The spiel invariably includes the
seductive, "Just feel how this fine gun handles. See- the balance point is
just on the hinge pin."
Friends, trust the Technoid when he tells you that there is more to gun
balance than Nimrod is being shown. Drawing heavily on the assistance of
G.T. Garwood (the Technoid's patron saint), the effort required to swing a
gun depends upon its moment of inertia as measured about its point of
balance. You can hang a brick on each end of a broom stick and make it
seesaw where you will, but you could not call it properly balanced. Good
gun balance is dynamic, not static.
Look at the broom stick and brick example. If a brick were tied onto each
end of the broom stick, it would balance right in the middle, but would be
very hard to swing about due to having the weight at the ends. This
demonstrates high moment of inertia.
That same broom stick, with the bricks moved close together in the center,
would weigh exactly the same and balance in the same place. However, due
to the center weighting, the stick would have a very low moment of inertia
and would swing about with abandon.
Traditionally, the British game gun places the balance point and most of
the weight between the hands. This gives the gun a low moment of inertia
resulting in good speed and maneuverability, especially suited for field
shooting. Americans have usually opted for a somewhat more muzzle heavy
bias. This increases steadiness and is generally thought better for clay
targets, which do not change direction suddenly.
Balance is quite subjective, but there is a range of general preference.
If you like the way that your gun feels, consider yourself thrice blessed
and stop here. If you have found the dynamics of other guns preferable to
yours, you might consider some modest changes.
If your gun feels a little muzzle heavy and sluggish, like many of the long
barreled O/Us with screw chokes do, you can either add weight to the rear
or eliminate some from the front. Reduce nose weight by shortening the
existing barrels, substituting shorter or lighter barrels, or by backboring
the barrels. Backboring can remove a surprising amount of weight (see
Technoid, July 1994 RELOAD!) and is the best approach. Removing wood from
the forend may help for an extremely subtle change.
Adding weight to the butt may also reduce the muzzle heavy feel, but too
much can drastically alter the moment of inertia. It is best to add weight
to the stock by stringing it out along the inside of the stock, rather than
just adding a clump at the rear. Unfortunately, the former approach often
requires the assistance of a stockmaker. If you do not need too much
weight at the rear, some lead plumbers wool in the stock cavity would be
worth a try. It does not take much weight addition to subtly change the
feel of the gun.
If your gun is too light up front, like many small gauge Continental guns,
it is difficult to aesthetically add weight to the barrels. You can take
one of three basic approaches. First, you can remove a small amount of
weight from the stock by enlarging the stock cavity. Secondly, you can cut
hollow pockets inside the forend and fill them with lead. Thirdly, and of
limited application, you can install a set of sub-gauge tubes. Do not
clamp a skeet shooter's weight onto the barrel. It adds the weight all in
one spot.
Generally, be forewarned that the balance and feel of a gun are built in,
not added on. Subtle changes in balance and moment of inertia are
practical, but it is wiser to trade the gun if a more extreme alteration is
required.
*** 2005 CTSCA SHOOTING CALENDAR ***
JAN 16 MID WINTER MARTYDOM- EAST MOUNTAIN PRESERVE, NY
FEB 20 ANNUAL MEETING- EAST MOUNTAIN PRESERVE, NY
MAR 20 MARCH MADNESS - MID HUDSON SHOOTING GROUNDS, NY
APR 8~10 NORTH SOUTH SKIRMISH-SPRING TRIP TO MARYLAND
APR 17 TAX TIME REVOLT- OLD NEWGATE COON CLUB, CT
MAY tba COURTING CLAYS- venue tba
MAY 15 MAY MINUET- TAMARACK PRESERVE, NY
JUN 12 RUDY PASSERO CLUB CH- MID-HUDSON SHOOTING GROUNDS, NY
JUL 17 SUMMERTIME, SUMMERTIME- ORVIS/SANDANONA, NY
AUG 12~14 GREAT EASTERN LOBSTER CLASSIC- ADDIEVILLE EAST FARM, RI
SEP 18 SEPTEMBERSHUTZENFEST-MILLBROOK ROD & GUN CLUB, NY
OCT 1~3 ANNUAL FALL TRIP- PA & NY WEEKEND TOUR
OCT 16 SMALL GAUGE CLUB CH- FAIRFIELD COUNTY FISH AND GAME, CT
NOV 13 monthly shoot- tba
NOV 27 KOEHLER SOCIETY FUNDRAISER-venue tba
DEC 18 DICK LOSEE MEMORIAL SHOOT /CHRISTMAS PARTY- MID COUNTY, NY
tba- to be announced
NOTE THAT SEVERAL SHOOTS AND VENUES ARE BEING CHANGED FOR THE COMING YEAR.
* Shoot schedules are subject to last minute change. Always consult the current edition of “Reload!” Therein lies the truth. At least as we see it at this particular time…
*** OTHER 2005 SHOOTS OF INTEREST ***
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM
NO LISTINGS YET. PLEASE LET US KNOW OF ANY MAJOR UPCOMING LOCAL SHOOTS SO
THAT WE CAN SPREAD THE WORD
CONTACTING THE TRAVELERS...
CTSCA Home Office: Email <ctsca @email.com> (by far the best way) or
telephone 860-354-9351 if you absolutely must.
Membership, Address Changes and Shooting Class status: Contact Cyndi Dalena
at 860-582-3142 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Or Email
<shotguncyndi@prodigy.net>.
Guide Book questions, contact Dick Orenstein <oren@umich.edu> or call
203-226-5251.
To place an ad, post a shoot date in Reload! or simply heap abuse on the
editor, contact Bruce Buck at tel: 203-454-1080, or email:
<bcb23@columbia.edu>.
***FOR SALE*** CLASSIFIED ADS
***WANTED***
For Sale: PONSNESS WARREN model 800B 12ga. reloader in very good condition
with owner’s manual and some shot and powder bushings. $275. Please contact
Vince Salvo at (845) 629-3832 or vsalvo@att.net.
*NOTE: There is no fee for placing an ad in Reload! Ads are run solely as
a service to our members. It is the responsibility of the buyer and seller
to see that all relevant laws are obeyed. Advertised items must be related
to sporting clays.
**** THE UPCOMING TRAVELERS MONTHLY SHOOT ****
SUNDAY, JANUARY 16, 2005
MID-WINTER MARTYRDOM
EAST MOUNTAIN PRESERVE
DOVER PLAINS, NY
Start 2005 in the sensible way. Come shoot your gun up in the air and
freeze your fanny off! Yessiree, mid-winter is when the tough shooters
become flaky, snowflaky that is. No hunkering down on the divan, petting
the poodle and nibbling sugarplums for us. Besides, football season is over
and there is nothing left to do but watch people in their underwear heave
some stupid ball through a hoop. It makes ever so much more sense to stand
out in the freezing cold, dressed like the Michelin man, whupping up on
some defenseless piece of clay.
As always, arrive at nine to consult the stars and see which squad you are
on. Then you can have some high test Java, Dunkin’s fat pills and schmooze
a bit until Simon Lagree forces you and Little Eliza out into the cruel
winter snows. Actually, looking over past records, we usually have pretty
good weather for our January shoot. Usually. Well, sometimes…
Winter Rules: Everyone will appreciate it if you shoot with all deliberate
speed. Fidgeting and dawdling around on the stand keeps everyone out on the
course a bit longer. Even though the days are getting longer, they are also
getting colder. You might consider wearing ice creepers with metal cleats,
as the trails can be slippery. A little Thermos filled with warm bouillon
might be nice to bring along also.
After the shoot, there will be a nice warm fire and a delicious hot meal.
We promise that there will be hot brown food and plenty of it.
The entry fee for this shoot is $60 and GUESTS ARE WELCOME. Invite
everyone. More bodies equal more warmth!
DIRECTIONS to East Mountain Preserve, Dover Plains, NY:
At the junction of Interstate Rte 84 and NY Rte 22, take NY Rte 22 North
for about 27 miles to the town of Dover Plains, NY. Turn Right at the first
traffic light in Dover Plains (a few hundred yards after the McDonalds on
the right) and go straight for one mile directly into the East Mountain
driveway. If lost, call East Mountain at 914-877-6274.
EYE AND EAR PROTECTION IS MANDATORY AT ALL TRAVELERS SHOOTS.