Friday, July 10, 2009

A puff of feathers

Sitting in the house I saw a puff of feathers out of the corner of my eye off the top of the front yard bird feeder...



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Lost a hard drive.

Can't say I did not see it coming. I had been backing up data in anticipation of a hard drive crash.

The computer was maxed as it was, not able to easily handle newer programs. I be working on a project and the program would crash. As an example, I could not view a finished video project prior to conversion. On top of that the conversion could take a minimum of two hours.

Hardware updates was not an option, so a new computer was purchased.

That took a number of shoots off the calendar...


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Forum.

Registered users of the Lost Target Calendar and Information Forum now have the ability to post multiple photos in a posting from the newly installed Lost Target Gallery program.

Those who post firearms for sale should find this a handy option.

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Someone had a problem finding photos that were posted to Clays Vermont.

I think the problem was I had to many categories.

Deleting one page and combining two, I think I resolved the issue.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Selling Firearms to a Canadian

I receive several inquires each month about selling a firearm to a Canadian visiting the USA. I've posted on this in the past, but time to revisit the issue.

I'm not an FFL, nor an expert, I just do a bit of reading from time to time, so for what it's worth.

The short answer is NO!

You cannot sell directly to a visitor (Canadian) who is visting the USA for any reason; Attending a shoot, hunting, attending a gun show, vacation...

If the transaction does not go through an FFL, it's not legal under federal law!

An FFL can sell to a Canadian, but the FFL cannot let the Canadian take possession. The FFL must ship the firearm to Canada or transport it to the border after getting a US export permit and a International Import Certificate (IIC) issued by DFAIT Canada. Duties will have to be paid. Duties depend on country of manufacture.

The problem the seller will have is 99% of FFL holders will not handle an export transaction.

Leroy's Big Valley Gun Works has been exporting firearms to Canada for many years. Contact them and send them the firearm and they will do the rest. They charge a very reasonable rate.

Leroy's Big Valley Gun Works
Box 22, 527-2nd Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230 USA
Phone: 406-228-4867
E-mail: leroygun

ATF Publication 5300.18

Having a third party purchase a firearm for you from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) to possess in the United States

If you are not eligable to purchase a firearm from an FFL to possess in the United States, you MAY NOT have someone who is eligible purchase one for you. If you violate this prohibition, both you and the person who purchases the firearm for you could receive a maximum of 5 or 10 years of imprisonment, depending on the violation.

Purchasing a firearm from a nonlicensee to possess in the United States

A nonimmigrant alien generally MAY NOT purchase a firearm from a nonlicensee to possess in the United States. If you violate this prohibition, you could receive a maximum of 5 or 10 years of imprisonment, depending on the violation. If you have questions regarding possible exceptions to this prohibition, contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Nonimmigrant Aliens Purchasing Firearms and Ammunition in the United States - PDF

* The word GENERALLY means: The Canadian has resided in a State for 90 continuous days immediately before purchasing the gun (long gun) and intend to make a home in that State — it does NOT have to be the State where the long gun purchase is occurring. Only then can they take immediate possession. The rule for handguns is slightly different.

The publication I posted talks about ammunition purchased. The ATF has ruled not allowed unless the visitors is in possession of an ATF Form 6NIA and/or a stateside hunting license (from any state).

Speaking of ammunition. Ammunition purchased, won, or given as a gift cannot depart the USA without an approved export permit. Only ammunition brought into the USA on an approved ATF Form 6NIA can be taken out of the USA without an export permit.

I was just asked if an American could take a firearm into Canada and just leave it (sold to a Canadian).

The answer is NO!

All permanent exports of firearms must start with an FFL and an export permit, also an International Import Certificate (IIC) issued by DFAIT Canada must be in hand, as previously discussed.

One last item that is federal law in regard to visitors to the USA and firearms. A visitor to the USA, cannot borrow, possess or rent a firearm unless in possession of an ATF Form 6NIA and/or a stateside hunting license (any state).

The next time your at a shoot and a Canadian wants to purchase the firearm you have for sale and he tells you no big deal...

It will be the seller (you) who will have to tap dance if the firearm is involved in an incident or stolen in Canada or found not to be registered in Canada and it's traced back to the seller in the USA (you)and no FFL was involved nor export/import permits accomplished.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Time to withdraw from Afghanistan?

Vietnam II?

Have we already forgotten the lessons of Vietnam?

The unseen hands of the administration are setting the rules of engagement and telling the military how to fight the war.

No surprise that Commander-in-chief Obama has handpicked his generals and they are following his marching orders.

The FBI will be releasing Terrorist if rights were not read. Yes, Terrorist outside the USA now have rights and they must be read to them, just like you've see on Law & Order!

If civilians are nearby, no gun play allowed (without permission, if you can get it)!

We will see Americans and military members from other countries killed by terrorist who escaped capture or death because of the rules set in place by the administration.

How long will it be before we read that an officer or Sergeant has been relieved of duty because a civilian was shot or killed during a firefight with terrorist and permission was not sought before hand for permission to engage.

If I was bad guy, the first thing I would do is kidnap a few civilians and make them be with me at all times. No fear of being killed by the good guys, as by time they received permission to shoot, I would be long gone! The second thing I would do is to make sure I had a good American civil rights attorney on retainer, someone recommended by the ACLU.

Time to send the boys (and girls) home before the administration gets them killed...

A hard-charging Ranger special operations officer, Lt. General Stanley McChrystal, was purposely named to be commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan (USFOR). He had express orders to push forward vigorously against the Taliban. Virtually immediately after this hand-picked warrior assumed command, he received new instructions from the White House via the Pentagon to avoid civilian casualties at all costs. If a firefight appears to be expanding so as to endanger "resident non-combatants," the engagement must be broken off. Air attacks must be limited to targets of strictly confirmed hostile character, with no civilian co-mingling.

The U.S. commander in Afghanistan will soon order U.S. and NATO forces to break away from fights with militants hiding among villagers, an official said Monday, announcing one of the strongest measures yet to protect Afghan civilians.

KABUL — Canadian commanders in Afghanistan received new fighting orders on Thursday which will prevent their troops from shooting at the Taliban if there is any risk of civilian casualties, even if it means allowing the enemy to escape.

The stricter rules of engagement were laid down in a "tactical directive" sent to all foreign forces in Afghanistan by U.S. army Gen. Stanley McChrystal who was President Barack Obama's recent choice to take over the NATO-led war here.

(CNSNews.com) – The Justice Department confirmed last week that FBI agents in Afghanistan are reading Miranda warnings to suspected terrorists captured there, a practice that Republican congressmen this week branded as "crazy" and "stupid."

Miranda warnings were mandated by a U.S. Supreme Court decision that said domestic law enforcement agencies must inform criminal suspects arrested in the United States of their rights under the 5th Amendment.

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law," says the typical Miranda warning. "You have the right to an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights?"

The Obama administration's decision to make this statement to terror suspects captured on the battlefield in a foreign country has sparked outrage among several Republicans in Congress who spoke with CNSNews.com. It also contradicts what President Barack Obama said in March, when he indicated that Miranda rights did not apply to terror suspects captured overseas

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

US & Canadian Olympic Trap Bunkers

I reorganized the page and added a few links.

USA & Canadian Bunkers

If I can't verify a bunker at a club I don't list it. I found some clubs advertising Olympic trap, but only had a lone wobble trap.

I've made a few inquires about the Saskatoon Gun Club's bunker in Canada, but as of yet have not received a reply.

The club was closed and forced to move. I was told by a Saskatoon bunker shooter that a hole had been dug for the new bunker, but I never received an update.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Wal-Mart Value Packs

Last week Wal-Mart had a price "roll back" on 100 shell Federal value packs.

$20 and change.

I made a purchase, but not many left on the shelf.

I've yet to see another chain beat the price of value packs sold at Wal-Mart.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

International Skeet @ L'Acadie this past Sunday

Visited Club L'Acadie to take photos and video of the Quebec Olympic Skeet Championships.

Quebec has a small but dedicated group of shooters. Several each year travel to the Canadian Championships. The championships are being held this year in Winnipeg at the end of July.

Overcast in the AM, but the sun popped in the PM. No wind to speak of...



Shoot Photos

For the first time in my memory the International Skeet shooters held all shoots for the year at one club, not three as in the past. I think not a wise decision! A decision that leaves me scratching my head. I fail to see how this benefits the sport!

With three clubs willing to let them hold a shoot and a forth also making an offer, you would think it would be a no brainer to hold at least one shoot at each of the clubs. If nothing else, but to showcase the discipline and hopefully interest new shooters.

I heard a few explanations of why they are only holding shoots at one club. I was not convinced. One explanation given was not even close to being plausible.

All I know is I saw the fewest number of shooters I've seen in some time for a International Skeet Shoot in Quebec. Maybe the economy has something to do with it, but I think not as much as some are trying to portray.

It can't be much fun going into the year knowing your only going to be shooting at one club, when there was the possibility to shoot at four.

If XYZ club does not meet the disciplines standards for holding a shoot, call them exhibition or fun shoots, but hold a shoot.

The idea is to expose the discipline to as many shooters as possible, not limit the disciplines exposure.

Shoots early in the season can be held at the clubs that don't meet standards, with those that do, scheduled on dates leading up to the Quebec and national championships.

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At the US border on NY I-87, U.S. border authorities were set up maybe 100 yards south of the Canadian border, checking all vehicles going to Canada.

Monday, June 22, 2009

2009 Vermont State Trap Championships

A few empty slots on Saturday at the Montpelier Gun Club, but pretty much five person squads.



Shooting started at 8:30 AM.

We showed up a little after 9 AM. No waiting in line to register. I paid with a check as the club does not accept credit cards. The club was offering pre-registration. I would recommend that is the route you take if you plan on attending a future Vermont State Shoot.

My wife and I were on squad 35, a five person squad.

200 targets, ten per post.

No wind to speak of, but the gray skies in the AM had me really looking hard at the targets on field #5.

No problems with the voice release on any field I shot on. I did see them replacing a speaker on one of the fields.

The trap on field 4 was given on and off problems (I was told), but from what I saw it seemed all problems were resolved, as I watched a few squads in the PM and I did not see any hiccups.

I had a string of 47's until the last 50, shooting a 49.

A large contingent of out of state shooters. I think at least three squads of shooters from Quebec.

A big shoot for the region, but keeping that small club feeling....

Shoot Photos

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Minute Man Sportsman’s Club Youth Shooters

Received from Hank Garvey. SCTP/AIM youth coach at the Minute Man Sportsman’s Club in Burlington, MA.

Short commercial precedes the clip!

We had our ATA state shoot this past weekend and I was able to get CH 7 news media from Boston to come out and highlight the youth team shooting in the state shoot. This in one of the big three media giants supporting kids with guns.

I also want to let you know I’m on the National Coach Development Staff for USA Shooting and NRA. I’ll be holding some coaches classes down here in MA.

Thanks and stay in touch.

Hank Garvey

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Ontario Canada Clay Target Shooting

A gateway site to clay target shooting in Ontario, Canada.

Clays Ontario

Ontario clubs, shoot photos and information.

Skeet, trap, & sporting clays.

If you don't see a clay target club listed, let me know.

The calendar will never be complete, as all clubs don't submit shoot dates or information for upcoming shoots. You will need to check with the individual clubs.

The same goes for shoot results....

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Guns and kids

The gun stories not seen on CBS, NBC, CBC, CNN, and ABC...

- Students hone character in gun club

- Tucson teen Luis "Taz" Gloria a high-caliber performer

- Jon Michael McGrath aims at Olympics

- TKA shooters win state championship

- Wisconsin State High School Trap Shoot drew a record field of 625 shooters

- Arnold Juniors bang-bang-bang their way to two titles, Trapshooting squad opens season with wins at state tourney

- 4-Hers add shooting competition to their talents

- Trap shooting program at Davenport West takes flight

- McGlory gives shooting sport a shot

- Arizona's young shotgun shooters continue to rise in clay target competitions

In spite of the national news organizations and efforts to demonize gun ownership, participation in youth shooting programs is expanding nationawide...

Junior & Collegiate Shooting News

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Traveling to Canada with a Firearm

A posting I made to a talk board that was discussing entering Canada with a firearm.

Other then paying the $25 for a 60 day permit and getting the U.S. customs form prior to entering Canada, crossing with a firearm (long gun) and ammunition is not a big deal. A number of us attend shoots in Canada each month. I was in Canada as recently as last Saturday.

The US custom form that you get at customs prior to crossing into Canada is good for as long as the form is legible. You need to show the form at the crossing every time you return to the states. I have forms that are 15 years old. Don't bring your firearm into the US customs building when stopping to get the paperwork, they will come out to the vehicle to verify serial numbers.

I've had up to four firearms in the vehicle when crossing the border and enough ammunition for two shooters for a full weekend of shooting (4-gun skeet and doubles). Not a problem.

If you live close to the border, attend a Canadian Firearms Safety Class and get a five year Canadian firearms license.

Take the test first. If you pass you don't have to take the class. If you can't pass the written test you should not be in possession of a firearm...

A passport or Enhanced Drivers License will be required to enter the U.S. at all land crossings as of 1 June. For both Americans and Canadians. Kids can still use a birth certificate.

In my region its true you need to fill the gas tank before traveling north. A dollar difference if not more is common.

Canadian Taxes are considered high, but at present a very favorable currency exchange rate favors Americans.

Back to the border. If you cross (coming or going) and have attitude they are going to give you a hard time. I know some who have had repeated problems and I'm never surprised.

Also, a U.S. visitor can arrive at the border, fill out the form and pay the fee and be on his way in under 30 minutes. A Canadian must have his paperwork pre-approved by the ATF. It may take six to eight weeks to receive approval.

Don't ever arrive at the Canadian border with a handgun....

Bringing Firearms Into Canada

Bringing Fireams Into the US

Monday, May 18, 2009

May 17, 2009 @ SCFC, Vermont

We attended the Sportsman's Club of Franklin County Early Bird Fun Shoot this past Sunday. Events were skeet, trap, and modified skeet.

The club is maybe 4 miles southwest of Swanton, Vermont, off Route 36.

A cool start to the day. I shot the first round of skeet wearing my coat.

I was not paying attention when putting together my 1100 and shot station #1 with my trap barrel. I hit the targets and then ran over to the vehicle and grabbed my skeet barrel.

I did like the way the 30" barrel swung on station #1. The next time I shoot skeet practice I'm going to shoot the 30" barrel with a skeet choke and see how it goes.

It warmed just a bit, but the wind kicked up in the PM.

Registration was from 9am - 11am.

Those who arrive in the AM to shoot and wish to stay to the end, recognize the need for registration cutoff at fun shoots...

This is the only club that I shoot at that has PAT Trap Skeet machines. Great targets...

The club seemed to have plenty of help and the desk was manned by Canadian Garry Gosse.

Shells were given as prizes.

My wife Heide was 2nd in skeet after a three way shoot-off that ended at station #5. The wind had picked up and shooters were lucky to get off station #3.



Clays Vermont

Sunday, May 17, 2009

May 16, 2009 @ Club L'Acadie, Quebec

I visited Club L'Acadie on Saturday. They club was holding a charity sporting clays fun shoot. I was not shooting, but the club has treated me good in the past and I enjoy running around with a camera...

The club is 20 minutes southeast of Montreal, depending on traffic.

A forecast for rain, but not until late in the afternoon.

A bit of wind when I arrived.

A gray day and getting grayer by the hour.

The club manager was out and about and three or four kids were taking care of machines/targets.

The last station was a distance from the club and they were running a shuttle. A nice touch!

The rains did not hold off and around lunch time the skies opened.

Twice I lost my umbrella to the wind. Time to call it a day...



Clays Quebec

No traffic at the border when I crossed back into the states.

* Passport or Enhanced Drivers License required as of June 1, 2009.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Jim Chapman Skeet Shoot @ Lamoille Valley

Lamoille Valley Fish & Game has scheduled an NSSA skeet shoot for August 8, 2009.

“The Jim Chapman Open” Registered Skeet Shoot.

I believe the first registered shoot the club has held, if not the first, the first I'm aware of.

12 & 20 gauge.

If anyone should have the honor of having a "first shoot" named after them, Jim Chapman is the person, as Jim is well thought of throughout Vermont.

I dropped a shoot I had on my shoot calendar and will participate in the Jim Chapman Open.

I've never visited the club, so a first time visit.

The club is located off Route 15 in Morrisville, Vermont on Garfield Road. I took the liberty of posting a google map as I did not see directions posted on the clubs website.

For those who have shot at Underhill, the club is 30 minutes east of the Underhill club.

See you at the shoot...

Clays Vermont

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Nine months of Lost Target Videos

I've been putting up shoot videos for nine months.

I've come a long way but still learning!

Posting videos was something I wanted to do for at least a year prior, but I did not want to purchase a camera that required the use of tape and I could not find a reasonable priced digital camera that fit my needs. Canon final came out with a camera that fit my needs and my pocketbook.

I purchased a digital video camera for ease of moving the video from camera to computer and ease of editing.

I wished I'd spent a few hundred dollars more and bought the next model up, but I didn't know what I know now.

As with the still camera my rule is try not to embarrass anyone. I'd rather not use the video if the person did not hit a target or seen doing something stupid.

A windy day can mess up the sound. I'm thinking of using some type of material on the camera to muffle the sound of the wind, as it can be very distracting.

Closer is better. Sometimes I forget : (

A tripod is a must! For close-ups I can hand hold the camera, but anytime I use the telephoto lens I'm better off with the tripod.

Sunlight is my friend, especially if I hope to get a good camera shot of a breaking target. As it is, targets have to be relatively close.

It's pretty easy to get a shot of a target in flight at a trap shoot, not so easy in Bunker trap unless you sit on one station and read the traps. A hard time getting a good shot of a sporting clays target unless the targets/machines are close.

It's funny, but I find you don't need to hear the ref call lost when I'm shooting a video, as the body language or facial expression as seen on the video display says it all.

I'd post names of shooters, but most times I have no idea.

As with posting photos, in many cases using less video is better, as it can get boring very quickly unless it's your home club and you know all the shooters.

I like to have a beginning and end to the video, to include music. Some may not like the music, but something I enjoy.

I've been forced to cut back on my musical selections, as YouTube has been rejecting videos with copy right material. I recently had two rejected and had to re-submit with the original music replaced.

The video process from start to finish is very time consuming. With photos I can have a shoot posted within an hour from the time I arrive home. With video, my goal is to have it posted within six - twelve hours and not always possible if I have a software hiccup or I just don't have any energy left after a long day.

Not only do you have the shooting of the video at the shoot, but it takes a couple of hours if not more to edit a video. I may have a hundred short clips if not more to look at and edit. Also, have to check for swear words and embarrassing moments.

Almost two hours to render the video as a file that can be used by YouTube. I could cut down the editing and rendering time considerable if I had a more up to date computer, but a new computer purchase is not in the cards at this time. You need a modern processor, a 512 video card, if not higher, and 4GB of memory if your going to do it right.

I've replaced a couple of posted videos as I was not happy with the editing.

Not always happy with YouTube as many times they degrade the quality of the video and you lose detail when viewing. They also from time to time have problems counting video views, and not all views are counted but they think they have it fixed but some who post videos on major sites think otherwise.

Two videos scheduled for this weekend. One I'm not participating, just attending the shoot with cameras in hand. No way I can participate in every clay target shoot scheduled as it would blow the budget. I attended three shoots this past winter where I did not bring my gun, just my cameras. I can honestly say I enjoyed attending the shoots with just a camera...

Lost Target Videos