Thanks to Phil Schreier for the following exclusive report from Maryland:

The Order of Edwardian Gunners, aka “The Vintagers,” held the World Side by Side championships at Pintail Point on Maryland's Eastern shore this weekend. Founded in 1994, the Vintagers has held 13 annual events where those who love double barreled shotguns and rifles come together and meet once a year, many in Edwardian attire, and shoot their prized side-by-sides. The NRA is proud to be a consecutive sponsor of the Vintage Cup.

Ray Poudrier, President of the Order of Edwardian Gunners, describes the event as low-key, low-pressure, and something that everyone can enjoy. He said, in keeping with the relaxed atmosphere of the event, "Those that shoot to win often lose. Those who shoot for fun always win." This is the fifth year that the Vintage Cup has been held at Pintail Point; the previous eight championships were held at Orvis Sandanona, in Millbrook, New York. Maryland's Eastern shore is a perfect setting for the shotgun enthusiast as it is the site of some of the finest waterfowl hunting in the whole country.

The four-day event hosts matches for both hammer and hammerless side-by-sides in 10 - 410 gauge competitions. Special classifications for 10 gauge and 16 gauge and below guns, as well as black powder cartridges, make for a variety of interesting stages. Other events feature Drilling combination guns as well as paired gun event where the shooter and their loader must shoot 200 targets in four minutes.

A stalking rifle and stopping rifle combination event offers the double rifle shooter some fun with moving paper elephant and rhino targets at typical safari hunt distances.

The event is complete with numerous tents where vendors from as far away as Europe offer some of the finest in side-by-side firearms, antique and modern, as well as vintage clothing and accouterments. There is a special "Bertie" award, the nick-name of King Edward VII of Great Britain, for the man and woman "whose attire, throughout the event, best celebrates the Edwardian period."

Information on the Vintagers, the Vintage Cup and the Order of Edwardian Gunners can be found at www.vintagers.org or by writing: The Vintagers, P.O. Box 31, Hawley, MA 01339.

Thanks, Phil! Pictured above are Deputy Executive Director of General Operations Andrea Cerwinske; Executive Director of General Operations Kayne Robinson; and Schreier, who is Senior Curator of the NRA National Firearms Museum.