Lars' #1 Story from 2011 - Tom Selleck's visit to the National Firearms Museum

I've "met" Tom Selleck at a number of events over the years. The first time was at a Safari Club International Convention in Reno, Nevada during my days producing NRANews. Next at an NRA Annual Meeting, then a SHOT Show and most recently during his visit this summer to the National Firearms Museum. But this time ... this time was different.

For this time I was actually able to talk to the man. Not that he's unapproachable, just that I have a rule when it comes to approaching celebrities when I'm working for the NRA. Basically, if they're already dealing with a crowd then I leave them alone. Needless to say, Selleck is always dealing with a crowd. But this time it was different. A special visit to the Robert E. Petersen Gallery followed by a casual meeting with staff meant the rule no longer applied.

After a walk through the Gallery (Bob Petersen was a personal friend of Selleck's), we retired to a private location here at the NRA and talked. Well, I really sat and listened more than anything else, but the rest of them talked. Bottled up inside were questions about Magnum, p.i., the Jessie Stone series and his work with the NRA. More

Bristow, Virginia - Yesterday we showed you photos from this weekend's Joe Gibbs Youth For Tomorrow Country Fair & Auctions where NRA's Youth Programs Department brought back the popular Air Gun Range. Stocked with Crosman air guns and loads of pellets, the range featured 16 firing points where shooters could take aim at a variety of targets including animal silhouettes, falling plates, and swinging targets.

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NRA's Youth Program's Department returned to the Joe Gibbs' Youth For Tomorrow Country Fair and Auctions for another year to bring attendees the Air Gun Range. Featuring 16 firing points, the Air Gun Range is a favorite among attendees of this charity event in Bristow, Virginia. Youth Programs Coordinators Sheri Judd and Claudia Olsen were on hand for the event along with Bill Poole, Director of NRA's Education & Training Division. 

But another person was the one drawing people over to the Air Gun Range - 2-time Super Bowl Champion and NRA Board Member Dave Butz. In addition challenging him in a shoot-off, participants could also get autographs from the Hall of Fame Redskins player and try on his Super Bowl rings. We'll have more on the event for you tomorrow, but for now, take a look at scenes from yesterday's fun.  

Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry welcomes the NRA and law enforcement competitors from around the nation to the 2011 National Police Shooting Championships

Albuquerque, New Mexico - The 2011 National Police Shooting Championships officially began today with this morning’s Opening Ceremonies. The event began with the Albuquerque Police Department’s Honor Guard presenting the colors as an officer sang the National Anthem. As the officer sang, Albuquerque Police Department’s helicopter hovered over the range, unfurling the colors from aircraft.

After the invocation, and an introduction from Deputy Chief Allen Banks , Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry took to the podium to welcome the staff, competitors, and visitors.

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Dallas, Texas - Phil Schreier, Senior Curator of the NRA National Firearms Museum, sends us these photos and a brief report from the 19th NRA Gun Collector's Seminar, held in conjuction with the Dallas Arms Collectors Associations' NRA Collectors Gun Show:

Featured during the seminar were presentations from NRA Board of Director's Member and Chairman of the Gun Collectors Committee, Wayne Anthony Ross as well as Jim Supica, Philip Schreier, Jim Mock on M1 Carbines and Judge David Jackson on the arms of the Texas Cavalry and Cowboy Action Shooting.

Participants pictured are from the Dallas Arms Collectors, Colorado Gun Collectors, Ohio Gun Collectors and Alaska Gun Collectors Associations.

Thanks for the report, Phil! The show opens today at the Dallas Market Hall. For more information on times, tickets, and more, visit www.dallasarms.com.

Ames, Iowa - With all eyes on Iowa, NRA is there. Tens of thousands of gun owners are here in Ames showing there support for NRA. The pictures above features NRA Board Member Pete Brownell and Executive Director of General Operations Kayne Robinson with our favorite NRAblog bags. Come up to Ames, Iowa today and maybe you too can stop by and say hello Kayne and Pete.

And if you get there in time, there's sure to be plenty of food, people, and maybe even an NRAblog bag for you too.

King, North Carolina - Summer brings about certain excursions for certain families. A visit to Grandma's house, a trip to the beach, or sending the kids to camp. There's one camp, YMCA's Camp Hanes in King, North Carolina, that added a particularly interesting course to their regular program ... shooting. Luckily, they were able to tap in to some local talent by way of NRA Board Member Richard Childress' grandson's Austin and Ty Dillon.

Taking a break from their busy racing careers (Austin sits in second place in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series while Ty is in first in the ARCA Racing Series,) the two stopped by ProShots Indoor Range to share their knowledge with the youths in that Camp.

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Raton, New Mexico - After the competition ends at the 2011 NRA International Youth Hunter Education Challenge, everyone likes to get together for a little fun. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, special events are held after hours for the everyone to let loose, make new friends, and spend time with old friends. Last night several activities were happening in and around the Coors Building at the NRA Whittington Center, but last night two events had everyone flocking to the Coors Building. 

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Last night the Coors Building at the NRA Whittington Center here in Raton, New Mexico was packed to the gills as competitors, coaches, family, guests, volunteers, and staff gathered to celebrate the start of the 26th Annual NRA International Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). 

The ceremony began with Bob Davis, Manager of NRA's Hunter Services Department, announcing each state as competitors entered the building carrying their state flag. According to Davis, there are 296 competitors, 77 coaches, and 46 teams from 17 different states, spanning from New York to Utah. 

Orienteering Event Director Bill Bower delivered the invocation, reminding all in attendance to marvel at the scenery and mountains that God has created, while asking the Lord to help coaches guide their competitors, and to watch over the young people who are carrying on the tradition of hunting here in America. 

Wayne Armacost, Executive Director of the NRA Whittington Center addressed the crowd next, saying: "It's an honor to have YHEC here again this year. We always look forward to having you all come to New Mexico."

Armacost also urged the youth to continue to exercise their rights and freedoms as Americans, adding: "The future of our country is sitting right here, and we're proud to have you here at the NRA Whittington Center."

Past NRA President Ron Schmeits was next at the podium, telling the crowd "YHEC represents the best of the best. I've met some of the finest young men and women here at YHEC."

Next to speak was Dave Butz, NRA Board of Directors Member, former NFL Player and two-time Super Bowl Champion. No stranger to competition, Butz spoke to the youth about being a good competitor. "Congratulations on getting here, now is your chance to shine. Help your fellow competitors by giving them advice and pick them up when they're down as they would do for you."

After Bob Davis introduce the YHEC Event Directors and NRA staff, he presented two awards. One was presented to the Raton Chamber of Commerce and was accepted by Schmeits, who also happens to be a Raton resident and President of a local bank. The second award was given to the NRA Whittington Center in appreciation for their help and was accepted by Armacost. Davis also thanked major YHEC sponsors MidwayUSA and Cabela's for their generous support.

The competition officially begins this morning, so stay tuned for more from the 2011 NRA International YHEC here at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico.