Bradford Sportsmen Farm Florida Challenge (Friday)

Another cool day at Bradford.

We shot the West Course prelim and the 28 gauge in the small gauge event.  The small gauge is shot on a designated eight station course.

 

Broke the extractor in my 1100 on the first station.  Had three offers on a loaner gun, to include a Kolar, but I carry a spare bolt assembly in my bag and once it was determined it was a broken extractor, it was just a matter of changing out the bolt.

Not shooting until 2:30 on Saturday and will be hitting FITASC and the 5-Stand with camera in hand in the AM.

PHOTOS

Bradford Sportsmen Farm Florida Challenge (Thursday)

I'd registered for the shoot via WinScore and it was just reporting to the desk and confirming my information and picking up my shoot number.

Myself and my buddy Russ shot a practice 5-stand before going out.  The club has two permanent 5-stands. We shot off the elevated stand.  For major shoots the club installs two additional 5-stands for NSCA shooting.  I'll be taking some photos of the NSCA stands in the next day or two.

We heading out to the North Course (850-yard rifle range) to shoot Thursday Prelim. The rifle range is converted into a sporting clays course for major shoots and called the North Course!  They usually add two stations just off the range and they did this time also.

 

 

In the mid 50's.

SHOOT PHOTOS

Feb 25, 2015 Lead Shot Prices

Shot prices. I use Gamaliel Shooting Supply to track the price of lead shot used by clay target shooters.

Not necessarily the best price. 


Feb 25, 2015

$38.95- Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot 

$39.95 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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 Aug 6, 2014

$44.50- Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot (Unchanged)

$44.95 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot (Unchanged)

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Gamaliel Shooting Supply

Oct 4, 2013

$44.50- Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$44.95 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Gamaliel Shooting Supply

Oct 4, 2012

$41.00 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$41.50 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Gamaliel Shooting Supply

Jun 13, 2012

$39.00 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$39.50 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Jan 9, 2012

$36.00 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$36.50 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Oct 18, 2011

$37.50 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$37.95 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Jun 18, 2011

$39.50 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$39.95 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Feb 21, 2011

$38.50 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$39.00 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Oct 20, 2010

$36.50 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$37.00 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Gamaliel Shooting Supply

Sep 29, 2010

$31.50 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$32.00 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Gamaliel Shooting Supply

Jul 28, 2010

$29.50 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$29.95 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Mar 23, 2010

$36.00 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$36.50 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Oct 15, 2009

$31.50 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$32.00 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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Jan 7, 2009

$24.50 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$25.00 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

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February 28, 2008

$42 - Lawrence Brand Chilled Shot

$42.50 - Lawrence Brand Magnum Shot

Shooting with Friends @ WW Sporting Clays

Crowded when we arrived, but thinned out after we hit the course.  I think we hit the tail end of the morning crowd. 

Two young shooters on the squad and we weren't in a hurry.

Thankfully it was cloudy, as 79 degrees and humid.

I was talking to a shooter on another squad and found out he was retired navy, at one time assigned to the Battleship, New Jersey.  He also worked on an aircraft carrier.  The stories he could tell!

Ken Branham, former manager of the club, was on the course shooting and he came over to say hello.  Ken is one of the good guys!

Today was a practice day for myself and Russ McKittrick. We're shooting the Florida Challenge starting Thursday at Bradford Sportsmen's Farm. Russ is an old New York buddy who moved to North Carolina just a few years back.

Russ had a brand new, never fired Beretta 20 gauge that he was letting one of the kids use.  It did not like to feed the second shell.  Russ says Beretta firearms require a break in period.  Say what!  If true, maybe a trip to the trap range to break in the gun would be a good idea.

Russ McKittrick, Heide & Joe Potosky

 

 

WW Sporting Clays (Jacksonville, Florida)

On the way home Heide and I stopped at a store that had a large street sign in front of it that said, Ice Cream Parlor.
 
Maybe way back when, but when we entered and asked where in the store was the Ice Cream Parlor, the guy behind the counter pointed to a freezer.  I'm thinking a shake or sundae and their selling ice cream sticks out of an ice box.  We sure wanted an ice cream, but wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.  We drove a bit further and purchased a cone and shake at McDonalds.

Always looking for the best gas price.  We past a Kangaroo station on the way to the club that was selling gas for $2.19 a gallon.  Passed by several stations selling at the same price heading back, but that station was nearest to home.  Would you know it, they raised the price to $2.21.  The same thing happened a few weeks back, the same station.  Low price in the morning, higher price in the late afternoon.  A competitor about 10 miles north of that station and on the route we travel will now get my business.  Just think, three or four weeks back we were buying gas at $1.93 a gallon!

Feb 12, 2015 @ Ancient Oak Gun Club

An afternoon visit to Ancient Oak Gun Club, located southeast of Tampa.

Some wind, but sunny and close to 70 degrees.

The club has been in operation for two years.  All stations are covered and we found two water stations (bottled water) on the South course.  A number of trees have been planted throughout the course and in several years they should provide a good deal of shade.

The shooting stands were well built!  Some thought went into there construction and no monies spared.

A North course and a South course.

If you shot 100 targets, show birds were free.

Target counter system in use!

We shot the South course, the harder of the two.

First station out and we're shooting modified choke. Turns out that the regular station #1 was closed and they were using the "long" bird station as a replacement.  We did resort to modified a few times, but a nice combination of target presentations with no unfair presentations, nor eye test.

14 stations!

 

 The club is having an upcoming benefit shoot and they were prepping the station for the shoot during are visit. We were asked if we shot registered and invited to attend the clubs next NSCA shoot. 

 

The club has a nice looking covered pavilion for hosting events.

 

I didn't shoot the 5-stand, but it looked like it would be fun to shoot!

PHOTOS

Feb 12, 2015 @ Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Clays

We spent the morning at the Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Clays club. 

In the parking lot we ran into long time Vermont friend Dennis Bosch.

Dennis Bosch & Heide Potosky

 

An active club; several shooting skeet and 5-stand, and a Big 50 ATA shoot in progress.

 

No problem signing up to shoot sporting clays.  The staff was friendly and knowledgeable.

 

Rental carts available.  The present course is walkable, but once you hit the last station you have to backtrack to get back to the clubhouse. 

 

Target counters in use!

 

A combination red and blue course, with the red the harder of the two. The red course is a good tune up course if you were practicing for an NSCA shoot.

 

 

The club just won approval to add an additional course and should have it up and running at this time next year.

 

PHOTOS

 

 

Feb 11, 2015 @ FishHawk Sporting Clays

FishHawk Sporting Clays, Lithia, Florida.

A first time visit.  Two sporting courses, skeet (1), trap (1), 5-stand, and archery.

The grounds looked great.  Fantastic they left the old trees when they built the club.  Impressive walking among the old trees when out on the course.

Pleasant weather!  Sunny, in the high 60's.

Signing in you have to fill out a release from liability form.  Common at most clubs that I visit.  Also, and something all clubs should do, is they harvest email addresses when your filling out the paperwork.  May I add, a very friendly person working the desk!

I think the first time we saw a skeet field built in the configuration they were using.  No houses, machines on stands.  A simple idea and an easy build!

A good looking 5-stand.  Golf course quality!

We shot the 16 station Red course. Target counting system in use!

An easy course to walk, but the club does rent carts.

A nice selection of targets and we didn't experience any machine problems.

When we arrived at station 14, the left to right target was not a problem, but when you swung right to left, a hawk was sitting in a tree.  He wouldn't move for nothing.  I even walked in front of the stand, waving my hands and given a yell.  He could care less.  Time to move on!

We shot stations 15 / 16.  When we returned to station 14 the hawk had flown off and we were able to shoot the station.  We ran into are friend the hawk sitting on a shooting stand on are walk back to the club house.

PHOTOS

Feb 7, 2015 @ Jacksonville International Skeet Open

Having travelled to several clubs through the years to take photos at International Skeet shoots I was  pleasantly surprised to see six squads in attendance.  Having been to shoots where they were lucky to have three squads, if not two, these were big numbers!

A good mix of shooters, many from outside the state.  I talked to a shooter from Texas and another from Tennessee.  The US army team was present!

A cool stat to the day, but sunny.  It warmed quickly and the wind was never a factor.

Two fields were dedicated for the shoot.  Squads were quick to take the field as soon as the previous squad finished. 

I didn't observe any machine problems and targets seem to be on the money.

SHOOT PHOTOS & VIDEO

The Jacksonville is an old club, but a modern club.  The club just opened a 15 station sporting clays course.  $30 member rate, $45 non-member.  Rental carts for $12.  I've not yet shot the course, but it was recommended to rent a cart and not attempt to walk it.

Jacksonville Skeet & Trap Club, Jacksonville, Florida.

Feb 1, 2015 @ WW Sporting Clays

WW Sporting Clays, Jacksonville, Florida.

The club is maybe 20 miles west of  Jacksonville city center, off I-10.

70 degrees was the forecast and 70 it was.

Larry Fleming is managing the club.  Ken Branham, former manager is retired, recovering from triple bypass surgery this past November.  I'm told we just missed him as he was at the club earlier in the day!  Larry has committed to running the club for one year!

Shooters of all ages and more then a few women shooters.  I talked to one women and it was her first time shooting and said she was enjoying herself.

Last week, Heide's 1100 started having problems. I discovered the Action Bar Sleeve had a bad case of metal fatigue (see photo).  I replaced the part and not a hiccup!

Club Manger Larry Fleming

 1100 Action Bar Sleeve 

Gas Station a few miles from the club (Off I-10)

Jan 28, 2015 @ Palatka Skeet Club

A sunny day, but only in the low 50's.  On the windy side and changed direction during four rounds of shooting. Made for interesting targets!

Parachutist from the nearby airport!

$5 member rate, $7 non-member. 

Clubs located in Palatka, Florida.

On the way home we stopped at a farm stand and purchased produce harvested from surrounding fields.

Revised ATF Form 6 NIA (Bringing Firearms into the USA)

Application/Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens

 
OMB No. 1140-0084 (11/30/2017)

The revised application addresses the change in law that states Non-VISA visitors to the USA don't need a Hunting License or Shoot Invitation.

If you DON'T need a VISA to enter the USA, you still need this form to temporarily import firearms and ammunition into the USA.  You just don't require the supporting documents that were required in the past.

Additional Information

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The latest Lost Target revision to the "Type In" version is Jan 28, 2015.  Recommend that if you downloaded prior to this date, re-download.  Revisions based on feedback from various users!

Jan 20, 2015 @ Flagler Gun & Archery Club

We hit the Flagler Gun  & Archery Club (Bunnell, FL) to get in some trap practice.

Only 52 degrees, but no wind and pretty decent shooting weather. Overcast, but no problem picking up targets.

The New Gate!

Heide

Can't complain about the background!

 Skeet

 

Members shoot for $4.55 a round after purchasing a punch card.

 

Sneakers may not be the best choice as grounds can be a little wet for a few days after a rain.

 



Jan 17, 2015 @ Amelia Shotgun Sports

We paid a visit to Amelia Shotgun Sports (North of Jacksonville, Florida).  63 degrees and no wind.

The club offers sporting clays, skeet, trap, 5-stand.  The club holds a number of sporting clays shoots each month and Big 50 Trap shoots. 

One sporting clays course, but Red and Blue stands doubles the size of the course. 

Shoot the blue course and if you wish, take a shot at the red course, or shoot both.

The course can be easily walked. 

Integrated  into the course, but in a designated area. is the Yellow course.  50 target course for first time shooters.  I don't think I've ever visited when it was not in use.

A rare photo of the Lost Target : )

Heide

Pink Targets on select Stations - Easy to see!

First time shooter receiving instruction!

Dead Bird!



Skeet - Trap- 5 Stand

We shot a combination of Red and Blue stand targets. 

Three rabbit machines on the course.

The club is open Wednesday through Sunday.  Loaner guns and ammunition available.

On the way home.

First gas I purchased for under $2 in many years.  If I had purchased a car wash at the pump, an additional $.15 off a gallon.  But, just had the car washed the previous day!  Next time.....

Jan 10, 2015 @ Bradford Sportsmen’s Farm

We dropped in on the Bradford Sportsmen’s Farm  annual Member Appreciation Day.  We're not members but found from past visits that non-members are always welcomed and encouraged to enjoy the provided meal!

A nice gesture by the club, giving something back to members! Members shoot at a discount and also receive a free lunch.  Besides hamburgers and hot dogs and all the fixings, fried venison was offered.  A home run on the venison, really tasted good!  By the way, lunch was all you can eat.

Both owners were out and about!

A cool start to the day, only in the upper 40's, but little wind and sunny skies.  When we departed it was 56 degrees.

I shot both the west and east course, the wife just the east. 

Walking down the east course road we had three deer cross the road on the run in front of us.

We shot three hundred shells out of a pair of 1100's and only one failure to feed. 

Was using factory RIO shells, 1210fps.  Something I don't remember happening in the past, was after shooting a report pair I literally had a flame shooting out of the open chamber.  It startled me and caused me to drop the shell I was attempting to insert. I gather unburnt powered igniting.

No target breakage (no bird calls) and no machine breakdowns.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

I was last at the club in March 2014.

The road between the club and the main road has seen major work.  No more wash board driving and looks like a major effort was made to improve drainage.  

It looks like the road around the west course has seen improvement.

Several shooting stations on the west course now have covered shooting stands.  No short cuts on the build, they look professional built.

The Promatic system on the west course is new.

A the host many shoots, as well as the state shoot from time to time.

Each year the club holds the Florida Challenge, a major NSCA sporting clays shoot.  This year the shoot is  February 26 - March 1, 2015.

The shoot includes FITASC, 5-Stand, and small gauge events, as well as a 200 target main even.

Several shooters that I know just come in and shoot the prelim event and pass on the main event. A few others just shoot FITASC.

Video and Photos from the 2014 shoot!