NRA Competitive Shooting is proud to present, for purchase, The National Matches: 1903-2003 The First 100 Years… Newly available for Winter 2010, prepare for a literary thrill ride through the annals of National Matches history! The volume is a must have for every competitive shooting enthusiast.

This book is an outstanding example of NRA lore that offers readers a comprehensive history of the first 100 years of the National Matches, from the beginning at New Jersey’s Sea Girt, Creedmoor in New York, to the present day home on the shores of Lake Erie at the Camp Perry Training Site, Ohio. Readers will discover vivid descriptions and outstanding photographs throughout the pages of this conveniently organized volume.

Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge firearms technology, and, most of all, pure inspiration, The National Matches: 1903-2003 The First 100 Years… is an epic book loaded with National Match facts, notable shooter histories, and more.

For any shooter who has competed at the National Matches, or if you just have an interest in another fascinating look at NRA history, this book is an excellent addition to your home library. The National Matches: 1903-2003 The First 100 Years… will soon be available for purchase from the NRA Program Materials Center.

The atmosphere surrounding competitive shooting varies depending upon the discipline. Smallbore, for example, is a festival. Galleries are filled with canopies, flags, friends, and family. Spectators work the grill, yell out support, and cheer without abandon. Long Range High Power, on the other hand, is an island. No flags, no cheering -- just a solemn climate of concentration. Which is why the appearance of a family on the sidelines stood out during Long Range at Camp Perry.

Conspicuously stationed amongst the abandoned wagons on gear was the Litke family. Live and in person at Camp Perry for one reason and one reason only. "We wanted be here to show our support, we're very proud of him," the family echoed. And what a family it was.

Mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather, another grandmother, godmother, father–in–law, mother–in–law ... everyone except for the family dog. Well, almost everyone — apparently Mrs. Jared Litke (the competitor's wife) drew the short straw and was home watching the dogs. Talk about luck.

The rest of family Litke traveled two hours from their home base of Stow, Ohio, to watch their Marine in his second attempt at besting Camp Perry. "He actually shot pretty well for his first time in competition last year," said his mom. "He's doing well this year too. We're proud of everything he's done – especially joining the Corps."

Currently stationed in Quantico, Virginia, Jared joined the Marines four years ago this May. And the family couldn't have been happier with his decision. "We were excited when he told us he wanted to join," said his mom. "It was something he chose to do, he had a plan all together, and he simply completed the plan. He just went in and has been doing wonderful."

If you're not receiving Shooting Sports USA in your inbox for free each month, now's the time to sign up!

The September 2010 issue is hot off the press -- er, the Internet -- and here are some of its highlights:

• Camp Perry exclusive: National Pistol Matches coverage. Check out champ Brian Zins' rapid-fire target, at right.
• Meet a few more of the NRA Competitive Shooting Division staff. 
• Offhand Rifle Shooting, an article recycled from a 1941 issue of American Rifleman.

Check out the September issue now, and watch this accompanying video of the 2010 National Pistol Matches. Stay tuned to NRAblog for the latest on the NRA's Competitive Shooting Journal, manned by our very own Chip Lohman.

When it comes to class, Chip Lohman has more than his fair share. What else would one expect from the Editor of our very own Shooting Sports USA and a former Marine? But last week, he got a little more.

After his performance at the National Rifle & Pistol Shooting Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio, Lohman is now the proud holder of a Sharpshooter classification card. On hand to deliver Lohman’s card (pictured right) was Competitive Shooting’s John Parker.

“That was quick,” said Lohman. “You guys are on the ball up there.”

Classification cards are a measurement of your proficiency on the range. The better you shoot, the higher your classification. While classification has no bearing on your course of fire, it does have a bearing when it comes to the scheduling of awards. For Lohman, his classification rose from Marksman to Sharpshooter.

“It really comes down to experience,” explained Lohman. “2009 was my first time at Camp Perry in a number of years. I left a few things, like the mat placement and hydration, off my list. With a year under my belt, I had a better understanding of what to expect, how to practice, and how to prepare for the line.”

After receiving his card, Lohman can now purchase the corresponding Competitive Shooting Decal. Perfect for your car, office, or gun box, Competitive Shooting Decals are a great way to let others know you're moving up the ladder.

"With any luck, I'll have an Expert card and decal soon enough."

Bob Gustin of Cameron Park, California, didn't set out to establish a new record at the 2010 NRA National Rifle & Pistol Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio - so he set two. One as part of a team and one all on his own.

"Guess it was my time," Gustin mused. "After 46 years of shooting here at Camp Perry, I should have set a record at something."

First on the agenda was the Palma Individual title. That's fifteen shots from 800, 900, and 1000 yards. And how many times did Bob make it out of the ten ring? Not once.

"I cleaned it," said Gustin. "I've shot a perfect round before, but never with this many Xs."

His score of 450-33x beat the old mark by six of those Xs. And who's numbers did he beat? Palma teammate Nancy Tompkins-Gallagher. Just to show there were no hard feelings, Nancy and her daughter Michelle joined Bob along with Bryan Litz to set a new Palma Team Match record of 1796-119x. A quintessential feat for the boy who once begged his father to take him to the range.

"Dad never shot a rifle in his life," said Gustin. "I asked so he took me. My father was great that way."

Bob started shooting on the smallbore range. Then, in 1980, he switched to reserve shooting with the service rifle section until ultimately moving to high power in 1990. Twenty years later, he's perfected the shot and spends even more time on the range.

After retiring from a 31 year stint on the California Highway Patrol (No CHiP references please - "I haven't said anything nasty about you yet" ... Bob Gustin ) Bob now gets to do what he really loves.

"I shoot," Gustin laughed. "Well, I also drive my wife around in our motor home. Last place we saw was Shipshewana, Indiana. There's a nice Amish community there that she likes to visit for the quilting, the food and the people."

But retired or not, Bob always finds time for practice. We all do when it comes to doing what comes natural aids in perfecting one of the things he loves best.

"I just like shooting. It's fun and you meet a lot of interesting people. Especially here at Perry."

A flurry of phone calls on Friday afternoon led to the appearance of NRAblog contributor Lars Dalseide on NRANews.com.

"It was great to be back in the studio and see the guys," said Dalseide. "The only odd part was being in front of the camera instead of behind the scenes."

Before he came to work at the National Rifle Association, Lars was a producer for NRANews. Then his days were spent researching stories, booking guests, and producing the live show. Now things are a touch different.

"On Friday's show, for example, I was able to promote the National Rifle & Pistol Championships, the National Police Shooting Championships, Disabled Shooting clinics, POMA, and more," said Dalseide. "If there's a choice between producing the show and appearing on the show, I'll take appearing every time."

Pictured to the right along side NRANews producer Cameron Gray, Lars ended up staying for the entire show. Before long, he started to creep back into his old producer shoes.

"I was helping with the guests, taking a few calls, and even started making camera suggestions," Dalseide recalled. "That's when I knew it was time to step back. The guys who run the show today do an incredible job. The last thing they need is me mucking up the works."

NRANews received a number of calls regarding this interview. You can now view the Lars Dalseide interview on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=N87yIvCCbNk

Yesterday's Palma Team action marked the end of the 2010 National Rifle and Pistol Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio. NRAblog was honored to serve as your source for all things Camp Perry, and we encourage you to stick around. More coverage is in the queue.

This year, Camp Perry spectators and NRAblog readers watched previous champions Brian Zins (Pistol) and John Whidden (Long Range High Power) reclaim their crowns. SSG Shane Barnhart took first in smallbore's 3-Position and Prone matches, and last year's Long Range champ Sherri Gallagher staked her claim to the High Power Championship.

Rising juniors and savvy veterans endured the unique weeks of sun, rain, and wind that only Camp Perry provides. Seasoned coaches shared their knowledge with teenagers in grueling week-long camps. Competitors marveled at the friendships built through their sport and listened to stories from expereinced warhorses like  Fred Cole and Nancy Tompkins. And don't forget NRA's dedicated volunteers, some of whom spend their entire summers helping out. The NRA said thanks to all our hard-working volunteers with a thank you beach party, but that can't begin to express how much we appreciate their efforts.

Some competitors left with trophies. Others left with questions; did I shoot too fast, should I have waiting for the wind to past, is this the best I can do? The only way to find those answers is to maintain the training and return to Perry for the 2011 Championships. With a little luck, and a couple more Xs, we could see some new names on next year's trophies. More...

Palma Team Match awards were handed out this afternoon in a ceremony held at the base of Viale Range. While top billing went to team Litz-Gallagher with a recording breaking score of 1796-119x, there were still plenty of other prizes to hand out.

Scores are listed below: Congratulations to all team members and competitors.

Photos from the Palma Course Team Matches Awards at Camp Perry

The Remington Band of Brothers match has concluded, but do you know the significance of the trophy associated with this competition? Pictured at right, this trophy is awarded to the winner of the 1,000 yard Any Sight Match at the NRA National Long Range Championships.

It makes its debut on stage at Camp Perry last night.

The Remington “Band of Brothers” Trophy is a large bronze sculpture created by Sculptor James Muir. The trophy depicts a D-Day Scenario in World War II, with U.S. soldiers in a jeep breaking through enemy lines to carry a wounded officer to safety.

The sculpture is very detailed, including “bullet holes” surrounding the jeep and a large American flag on the jeep hood to avoid drawing the fire of Army Air Corps fighter planes. The trophy has a 24-inch wooden pentagon shaped base. The jeep is guided by the iron hand and nerve of its 4th Infantry Division driver and guided by an eagle-eyed 101st Airborne "Pathfinder" riding shotgun with a Springfield M1903-A1 sniper rifle.

This piece of artwork was donated to the NRA by Remington Arms Company, Inc. as a tribute to the heroism of “brother” Americans who fought to preserve freedom against the stronghold of Fascism.

The Palma Course Team Matches are halfway through at Camp Perry. Match #523 (Palma Rifle), #524 (Service Rifle), and #525 (Any Rifle) are fired concurrently from 800, 900 and 1000 yards. Four-member teams shoot unlimited sighting shots and 15 shots for record in the prone position at each point.

Here are photos of competitors shooting from the 800 and 900 yard points:

When walking the line here at Camp Perry, one can’t but help to notice a feather or two firmly planted in the ground. Pick one up, and the officials will pounce. After befuddling a few shooters while searching for the answer, NRAblog tracked down Assistant Chief Range Officer Neal Waldron for an explanation.

“They mark off the blocks,” said Waldron. “And if you run over them with a golf cart then they’ll pop right back up. You won’t get the same performance from a big metal stake.”

Blocks are the areas of responsibility that each Block Officer manages. If a shooter needs an armorer, a target pulled, or a rule clarification then it’s the Block Officer who starts the ball rolling. But they can only roll the ball in their sector – which is sectioned off by the feathers.

“Camp Perry is the only place I’ve seen them used,” said Waldron. “We usually find them on the range or on the beach. That fella down there, he brings his own. Think he likes to put them in his hat. But it works. Nobody can argue with that.”

NRAblog sat down with 2010 Long Range High Power Rifle Champion John Whidden after the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday night. Here’s a portion of that interview:

Standing on the stage with a smile that just won’t quit, three-time Long Range High Power Rifle Champion John Whidden has little time for thought. Much like his performance on the firing line, it’s all intuition and instinct as he’s flooded with questions and congratulations. Hands are thrust from every direction through arms, past heads, and between the bodies that block the way. He does his best to keep up with the action, but the crowd's enthusiasm is difficult to tame. Eventually, he finds an opening and steps back from the action.

“It felt good getting off to a respectable start on the first day,” Whidden reflected. “That just sets the stage for everything.”

A respectable start was a bit of a surprise as John all but neglected his usual summer training regiment. Eventually, as calendar trudged on into new year, he started ramping things up.

“Over the past few weeks, I got really excited about the Championship,” said Whidden. “I started training really hard. It was sort of like cramming at the last minute for the big exam.”

The cram sessions worked and now John is one of the few three-time champs. Still, you get the impression that win or lose, he has discovered a hint of contentment in the mere act of competing. With the right group of companions, just being there is enough.

“I had a great time, enjoyed the shoot offs, man it was just great. Being surrounded by a bunch of really good folks, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my trip.”

The complete interview with 2010 National Long Range High Power Rifle Champ John Whidden will appear later this month on NRAblog.

Last night marked the conclusion of the Long Range High Power edition of the 2010 National Rifle and Pistol Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio. Today NRAblog heads out to the Viale Range for the Palma Team matches. While we wait for those results, take a moment to view the pictures from last night's Awards Ceremony.

Long Range High Power Awards at Camp Perry

Nothing is official until names are named tonight at the Hough Theater in Camp Perry, Ohio, but for all intents and purposes, the national Long Range High Power Champion of 2010 is John Whidden. With an overall score of 1243-75x, he bests the AMU's Brandon Keith Green by three points and, if the bulls came into play, 15x.

Still shooting at the same mountain side he fired on before his first championship in 2007, the only thing more important than Whidden's membership in the three-peat club is the possibility of making it to the four-peaters. There he would join long time adversary (and 5-time Long Range champ) G. David Tubb. But for that you'll have check back with us next year.

From John Whidden-Camp Perry