NRANews Executive Producer John Popp and his band of audio/technical wizards stopped by headquarters today to shoot segments for the show. They left with a little more than originally planned.

"Taping at NRA Headquarters accomplishes two things," explained Popp. "First, shooting here provides our viewers with an actual view of the building. We tape our interviews at the museum, in the hallways, on the range - where ever we can find a free space.

"Second is the wild cards. Today, for example, we ran into Competitive Shooting's H.Q. Moody. That impromptu meeting turned into two separate interviews. They wouldn't have happened if we weren't here at headquarters."

In addition to the Moody interviews, Popp and his crew had the opportunity to sit down with Ruthann Sprague from NRA Women's Programs, J.R. Robbins from NRAHuntersRights.org, and (pictured above) National Firearms Museum's Phil Schreier. All of which are scheduled air on NRANews.com somewhere between 9pm and midnight Eastern Time over the next few days.

NRA Clubs & Associations has opened registration for the year's final NRA Club University September 25 at the Albuquerque Grand Airport Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Register online now to save $5 dollars off the $40 registration fee.

Take the afternoon and learn how to improve your club's operations, increase membership, and become a part of the public. It's a a unique one-day forum where NRA Club University covers everything from marketing, to grant application, and business planning. The event is open to anyone with an interest in the shooting sports.

“You have to be on top of your game in today's economy,” said Clubs & Associations Marketing Manager Son Nguyen. “Whether you’re a range, a club, or a store, we can give you tips on gathering information, making facility improvements, and communicating with the public. Come learn!”

Members of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association and operation experts are joining NRA staff for the seminar. And as a special edition to the Albuquerque Club U, we're bringing in finance and promotions expert Tom Shay to share the promotional techniques and management schemes he developed while simultaneously running three family businesses. 

Sound like a good way to spend the day? Then sign up now at https://www.nrahq.org/clubs/club_university/registration.asp. Still not sold? Then contact NRA Clubs & Associations at (800) NRA-CLUB (672-2582) or clubs@nrahq.org. They'll have all the answers you need.

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."

Doug Wicklund, Senior Curator at the National Firearms Museum, provides NRAblog with a brief history on a true rarity on loan from Mr. Ellis Joubert.

The Isaiah Jennings All-Metal Breechloading Flintlock Rifle

One of the most unusual repeating firearms ever to be manufactured in the United States was Isaiah Jennings’ repeating flintlock rifle of 1821.

Built with a detachable skeleton-type shoulder stock as well as a removable 21-inch octagonal barrel, the Jennings rifle was capable of firing twelve shots without reloading. This multi-shot arm was loaded with a dozen superimposed bullets and alternating powder charges, each placed one on top on another down the bore, and was fitted with twelve individual touchholes, each also being equipped with a swivel cover.

In firing, the first charge towards the barrel was discharged first, and then the movable lockplate was pulled back to the next swivel cover position. The .44 caliber and reduced powder space in this rifle may have meant it was intended to utilize hollowed-out projectiles with the powder charge placed inside the bullet itself.

This intriguing transitional rifle, bridging technology from muzzleloading arms to cartridge repeaters, bears serial number 1.

The Quincy Herald-Whig brings us the following from the great state of Illinois:

Shot in the Arm: Donated hunt for raffle gives QHS rifle team financial boost

The Quincy High School rifle team just received a welcome shot in the arm.

Because of budget cuts, the team lost its funding by the Quincy School District earlier this year. So its only income now is from donations.

After hearing about the team's financial plight, the Olin Corp., which makes Winchester products and ammunition, donated a hunting package valued at $3,500 as a way to help the team raise some money through a raffle.

Ticket sales are under way now, and the winner will be drawn Oct. 1.

Jim Holtman, rifle team coach, said he was floored when he heard about the offer from Olin Corp. "I never dreamed that they would give us a hunt with that kind of dollar value," he said. "It's just way more than I expected. I just can't say enough about them standing behind us."

The hunt will be for two people at NILO Farms, a hunting/shooting facility near Alton owned by Olin Corp. The two-day hunt package will include lodging, meals, live birds (pheasant, chukar and ducks), dogs, guides, ammunition, shotguns if needed and "all the clay birds the winner can stand," Holtman said. If the winner doesn't have the needed license, they will furnish that as well," he said.

Read the entire story here.

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."

The Athens Banner-Herald details a Georgia Police Department's preparation for a Refuse To Be A Victim® seminar.

Class teaches skills to deal with danger

Oconee County deputies want to arm residents with the information to make themselves a harder target for criminals. "Criminals aren't looking for hard targets; they're looking for easy targets," said Oconee County Chief Deputy Lee Weems.

Weems and Cpl. Jason Lowe are gearing up to teach a four- to five-hour crime prevention program called Refuse to Be a Victim.

The program is taught across the country and gives people key information on how to be aware of their surroundings and what to do in a dangerous situation.

Refuse to Be a Victim is sponsored by the National Rifle Association, but is not a gun training course, Weems said. Instead, the curriculum focuses on how to avoid potentially dangerous situations through such practices as refueling a car during the day rather than after dark, and keeping distance between yourself and a stranger when asking for directions.

Read the rest of the article here.

Every year at the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) conference, we take a trip to a local range for Media Day. That's where participants get a chance to try out the latest in outdoor equipment and accessories. While Lightfield munitions showed off their latest Less Lethal ammunition line and Alpen Optics provided scopes for some, the lines predictably started on the firing lines.

With everything from Remington 1911s to Winchester 20 gauges, there were plenty of firearms to go around. And the folks at the Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area Shooting Range were more than gracious with their assistance. One Range Officer, John Rozinkis, stopped us during a cease fire to show off his BlackBerry's NRA screen saver. He might have been jockeying for a blog mention -- it worked.

A nice addition to this year's Media Day was the opportunity to test drive a Dodge Ram Outdoorsman. Available with a 1500, 2500, and 3500, the Outdoorsman comes with a bigger tank, a bigger bed, and a RamBox Holster. The Holster allows you to store two long guns or six fishing rods in well-hidden slotted flaps above the rear wheels -- a nice alternative to rear window rack. And the suspension performed well through the mud and over the fallen trees we muscled through.

All too soon it was time for lunch and a return to business at hand. We were glad to get back to the seminars and grateful for the Media Day. After all, how else could we keep on top of the equipment and gear you'll be taking out tomorrow.

Earlier this season, Eddie Eagle joined a select cast of mascots and public servants for Heroes Day at the Florida Marlins' Sun Life Stadium. Always up to the challenge, Eddie (costume courtesy of a grant from the Florida FONRA) took his place along side his fellow honorees during the game's opening ceremony.

"It was great to be included in such esteemed company," said Eric Lipp, Manager of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe^® Program. "We're always happy to take advantage of any opportunity to keep spreading Eddie's life saving message; If you see a gun, Stop. Don’t Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult."

Heroes Day was a special event where the Marlins honored "local Super Heroes from the Fire and Police Departments." In addition to those from the Fire and Police Services, each nominated by their respective departments, Eddie was also paired with McGruff the Crime Dog and Marlins' mascot Billy Marlin.

Created in 1988, The Eddie Eagle GunSafe^® Program has reached more than 23 million children in all 50 states. For more information on Eddie Eagle, call the Eddie Eagle Department at (800) 231-0752 or visit www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie.

When the NRA hosted the 61st Annual Meeting of the Company of Military Historians, NRAblog sat down with West Point Museum's Curator of Arms and Armor Leslie Jensen as he viewed the new Hollywood Guns exhibit.

You are now the curator for the museum at the United States Military Academy at West Point, but how did your career start?

I always wanted to be involved with museums and I've worked with a number of military museums over the years. Joined the army system and run a couple of their museums. I've been at West Point for about six years now. I've been able to work with a lot of different collections, got to see a lot of good stuff. Of course, you have a lot of good stuff as well.

Tell us about the West Point Museum.

West Point is interesting because it's actually the oldest federal museum - it even predates the Smithsonian. A number of our items go back to the Revolution, a good deal of the artillery which is on display on the post for example. It's a really good collection in that every piece allows you to gain a lot about the story behind it.

Another great piece is the first British flag captured during the Revolution. Taken at Fort Chambly Canada, in October of 1775 from the 7th Regiment of Royal Bugleers. We also have the first Medal of Honor that went to Jacob Parrott. The guys who participated in the Great Locomotive Chase were all awarded those medals, but Parrott happened to be first in line. It's a good collection.

What is your favorite piece at West Point?

Probably a pair of George Washington's pistols. They are Hawkins, London made, brass barrel pistols presented to him by a Virginian named Turner during the Revolution. What makes that very interesting is that a thank you letter survived. I can't quote exactly what he wrote, but it was in the order of, "I don't usually accept this kind of thing, but these are so neat I just can't stand it."

Philip Schreier, Senior Curator from the NRA National Firearms Museum, files another report from the Boy Scouts of America's National Jamboree in Ft. A.P. Hill, Virginia:

NRA Rocks Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree: Part 7
By: Philip Schreier

Ft. A. P. Hill, VA - Of the five different areas Scouts can enjoy shooting at the BSA National Scout Jamboree, the newest Action Area is called Buckskin Games. Here Scouts experience numerous facets of life as a Mountain Man in the 1840's. Of course, no Mountain Man experience is complete without a chance to shoot a black powder percussion rifle. Here Scouts meet up with period clad NRA safety instructors and learn a bit not only about safe firearms handling but also on black powder shooting.

Once up on the firing line, they get personal instruction on loading the gun themselves and then they fire a .50 caliber Lyman percussion rifle at a playing card which they get to keep as a souvenir. They say that once you smell black powder on the firing line, it gets in your blood for life. At 300 Scouts a day at each of the 4 Action Centers, that adds up to a lot of future black powder enthusiasts!

----------------------------------------------------------------

Be sure the check out part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six of Senior Curator Philip Schreier's reports on the Boy Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary at the National Jamboree in Ft. A.P. Hill, Virginia.

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...

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.

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

Until then, enjoy the above shots of John in action and get ready for a boatload of photos from tonight's Awards Ceremony. Inside the Hough Theater, tonight at 8 p.m., Long Rangers only -- along with anyone else who wishes to attend.