NRAblog Editor Lars Dalseide is in Arizona this week for a Precision Law Enforcement Rifle class. While there, he promises to provide daily updates of the experience here on NRAblog.

Phoenix, Arizona - While coming in for a landing at the Phoenix International Airport for my three day course in Precision Law Enforcement Rifle class, the first thing that struck me was the snow along the mountain tops. This was Arizona, after all … what’s with the snow?

More

Fairfax, Virginia - That's a view of the mountains from beautiful downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Taken during the 2009 NRA Convention, those mountains are close to where I'll be spending most of next week learning the ins and outs of rifle shooting from one of our Law Enforcement instructors Mark Fricke. Here's more on the class from Fricke's flyer:

The precision rifle is one of the most important law enforcement firearms used today. Properly deployed it becomes an effective tool for the law enforcement marksman. With proper application and tactics the rifle is the firearm of choice of the professional. American Firearms Training and Tactics is proud to offer this valuable course.

More

Phoenix, Arizona - The Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association celebrated its 100th birthday this past week. The association has spent the past century promoting shooting sports across the state of Arizona.

More

Nemesis displays .308 rifle that breaks down in 15 second to NRA Convention

Phoenix, Arizona - David Ives (above), owner of California-based Nemesis Arms, used the occasion of the 2009 NRA Annual Meeting & Convention to unveil his Windrunner Model 06 rifle. The rifle is remarkably dynamic, capable of firing a .243 caliber round, a .308 caliber round and a .338 Federal round.

“They are all interchangeable using the same action and the same magazine,” Ives told us.

The rifle can be disassembled and fit in a 21-inch briefcase. Without the optic attachments, the rifle weighs 11.5 pounds.

More on Nemesis Arms at NRA Convention in Phoenix ...

Victors filled with joy at NRA Gun Collectors Committee Awards

Phoenix, Arizona - Phil Schreier and Jim Supica are two of the NRA&rsuo;s firearms experts, but they certainly weren’t the only experts on hand at the 138th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. Thanks to Phil for the following:

The NRA Gun Collectors Committee hosted the 49th annual affiliate display competition this past weekend at the NRA's 138th Annual Meetings & Exhibits. Of NRA's 120 affiliated gun collector clubs, 25 of them participated in the competition for the venerable Gun Collectors Committee Trophy.

More on NRA's 2009 Gun Committee Awards presentation ...

Phoenix, Arizona - NRAblog was promised an exclusive interview with NRA Whittington Center Director Wayne Armacost. We will get that interview, but for now we have to settle for a piece of fine Whittington Center merchandise. Deputy Executive Director Andrea Cerwinske is holding up a light pink T-shirt that was a hot seller during the NRA Annual Meeting.

Titled “9 Reasons a Handgun is Better Than a Man,” the comical shirt was flying off the shelves at the Whittington Center’s display area on the Exhibit Hall floor. “This is the last one left, actually,” Robbie told us.

NRAblog is making its Whittington Center debut at the second annual Women’s Wilderness Escape this fall. Leading up to that event, we will be bringing you exclusive NRA Whittington Center coverage.

Phoenix, Arizona - The hall was abustle a few moments ago, but it is slowly making its way back to the cavernous empty space it was one week ago. Rather than dwell on the farewells of friends who see one another only once a year, or the sheer impossibility to do all one wants to do during the three days of exhibits, NRAblog is pleased to bring you a story of what it means to be a believer in the NRA.

William and Pamela Johnson came to Phoenix by way of Palestine, Texas. “It’s so small we don’t have a bank, or a school, or a post office,” Mrs. Johnson told NRAblog. “The two gas stations have a grill, and that’s it for local restaurants.”

More

American Hero Oliver North signs book on Iraq/Afghanistan War heroism

Phoenix, Arizona - During every annual meeting, a number of celebrities show up to share their latest project with the crowd.

Maybe it’s a live, in-person seminar like the one Uncle Ted held today, or it’s a book signing like the one held by Lt. Col. Oliver North.

His latest work, titled American Heroes, takes a look at the current war against radical Islam as well as Col. North’s experience as an embedded reporter in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Like the Colonel said, the book might end, but tales of American heroism in this fight do not.

“We’ve stayued really busy,” NRA Air Gun Coordinator Jessica McClain told NRAblog.

McClain was more then encouraged by seeing even more in attendance than last year's NRA Convention. In fact, more than five hundred shooters plinked and plunked on the lanes this Sunday alone.

“It’s been a good time for the volunteers and participants alike,” McClain said, noting that NRA volunteers make the range possible by donating their time to help new shooters.

Check out the slideshow above for an idea of what the range looked like at the Phoenix Convention Center.