Spy Photo

We have a photo of what is believed to be the first of the long-awaited, low-cost sighting system, the High Visibility Plus (HIV+) from Parkenfarker Laboratories. With their unparalleled imagination, technical skill, and marketing savvy, we expect this to equal or surpass their other triumphs.

ISSA International Schuetzenfest Scores

The scores for the ISSA match at Raton are here. Gloria did quite well. I am sure it is her coach because as Dale would say, "If it were easy, girls would do it."

August Scores

The August match is over and the scores consigned to the history books. We are only publishing the top three scores for a couple of reasons, one of which is that we wouldn't want to embarrass some member who might have told a significant other that he was going shooting. Perhaps you can guess the other.
The weather was good, I only put a coat on for a little while, which isn't too bad for August. After the main match, we repaired to the pistol range for an estimated 15 meter Zimmerstutzen match. A quorum of paid-up members being present, it was decided that future Zimmer matches will use the spotting target that matches our regular target in our competition, thus making scoring consistent.
Schuetzen Brother Gary Nelson once more took home the honors, winning both matches. Out of consideration of available wall space at the Nelson home, we chose to use a Zimmer target for the honors match.

Historical Document

!!Schuetzenfest Scores!!

Scores are finally posted for the Schuetzenfest in Raton. Sort of. The WSU has posted the results from the other other national Schuetzenfest. Look for the results under "General Discussion." Nothing yet from the ISSA. I suppose the results will be published in the match book but not before. Those of us who wait in eager anticipation can, well, wait. There is a heated discussion related to this at the ASSRA forum which is interesting, informative, and a little frustrating. All three organizations have a couple of things in common: They all like shooting this way and their websites need updating. Of course, in most organizations like these, there are those that do things and those well-meaning members that don't but prefer to offer their well thought-out advice. I am not either-but I'd like to be.
Schiess Gut,
Rodney King

Club Hats

Hats with the club logo are yet still available. They are fifteen dollars and available from me. If you let me know, I will bring them to the matches, saving you the postage. Actual appearance may vary.

The Martini Gallery

Those of us who have red blood pulsing through our veins naturally have an interest in the British Martini rifle, particularly the small frame models. The Cadets, which could at one time be purchased by the pound, much like hamburger, were chambered for a cartridge of no particular interest to anyone. When the planets of Cheap, Plentiful, and Improvable align, things are bound to happen. Some of them are viewable here.

August Match

What I like about this picture is that the matador is left-handed, emblematic of the intelligence and grace common to all fine marksmen. On the other hand, so to speak, the Dip has his finger in the trigger guard and has funny clothes.

The August 18 match will be, once again, at the PMAA range off exit 134 on I-80 east of SLC. The match will commence at 9:00 am, allowing those more distant (ahem) travelers an extra hour of repose. Once again, the match will be at 100 yards. It will be our usual 40 round competition as well as a "King Match."

After the main match, we will have a 20 round Zimmerstutzen match at the pistol range. This is a warm-up match for the much anticipated Mary's Nipple Cup at the Utah State Zimmerstutzen Championship match next month in scenic Mayfield. Gaylord and Gary have been amassing enough Zimmerstutzens to both provide for all needy shooters as well as to alarm the small rodent and cockroach populations. Treats afterwards for everyone.

Butte Schuetzen House

The Butte Gun Club has been selling raffle tickets on a Shiloh Sharps in order to pay for some restoration to the Schuetzen House at the Rocking, MT range. Tonight is the drawing and with my previous good luck with these kinds of things, I have been loath to be far from the phone. It's getting late and I am beginning to wonder why no one has called. The picture is from 1899. I don't imagine that there are many of these original shooting houses left in existence. From what I've read, the club of today prefers to shoot their matches with black powder.

Cowboy Humor

The Return Home

I had a call from Gloria today. She and Ron are on their way back to Utah from the International Schuetzenfest at Raton. No scores yet but will link to them when I can find them. Thanks to B. Kellner for the photo.

The Golden Age

On August 3, 1914, Germany declared war on France. One of the minor tragedies among great ones ensuing from this was the effective end of the golden age of Schuetzen. Resources in Germany were devoted to the war effort and afterward, embargoes and reparations sapped the German economy. Following this came the Great Depression. Schuetzen rifles from this time often show a reduced ornamentation and innovation. The brief uplift in the economy brought by the National Socialists in the 1930's was counter balanced, in the Schuetzen community, by the forced change to military style competition. In the other great Schuetzen venue, America, it also met its effective end. I read that in 1900, the three big money sports in America were boxing, horse racing, and Schuetzen. Although after 1914 target shooting remained popular, the anti-German sentiment ended Schuetzen competition. In this time, such was the anger and guilt of Americans, businesses and streets were renamed, family names were anglisized, and folks like Ned Roberts wouldn't even call a Schuetzen rifle by its name.

German Gun Collectors Assn.

I'm not surprised that many schuetzen shooters are also interested in German sporting firearms. If you happen to be afflicted this way, then you should seek the services of the GGCA. Founded in 1998 by Dietrich Apel, this group of about 500 members puts out a fine quarterly magazine, "Der Waffenschmied," a "Bulletin Board" of advertising and association news, and the very handy "Almanac of German Sporting Guns," a compilation of interesting and oft-asked about subjects. They also have a large offering of related books for sale. Their website is worth a visit and credit cards are accepted.