Historical Document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.

Golden Spike

The scores have, at last, been posted for the June long range black powder matches at Golden Spike. There are also some photos.

We Band of Bubbas

Not only does the Mayfield Zimmerbixlers meet regularly in Mayfield, we also have a SASS affiliated gang of desperadoes, the Crow Seeps Cattle Co., that meets the first Saturday of the month. The club owns its well-appointed range just a bit northwest of town and welcomes newcomers. You get to dress up and you don't have to use your real name. Just ask Buffalo Juan or Pete O'Fee.

Milton Farrow

At the site for the Antique Reloading Tool bunch, you can see quite a variety of old reloading tools including this kit which was supposed to have belonged to Saint Milton.

Mayfield Pioneer Day

The holiday in Mayfield begins with the parade at 10 o'clock. Here you see the colors being paraded. The lad in the middle is the marching band and was playing our anthem. The parade led to the city park where there was food, games, contests, an auction, and a cowboy band. The final event was a thunderstorm.

Canis Fidelis

July Match

Our July match was Saturday at the PMAA Range off exit 134 on I-80. Although the temperature in the valley reached well over a hundred degrees, it never went over a pleasant ninety-two at our shady mountain retreat. As the scores attest, there was only enough breeze to keep the shooters comfortable and not challenge our marksmanship. Even though he did not shoot, it was good to have Paul Lambert in attendance again. Paul sponsored a .22 side match, providing the targets and ammunition. The range was not particularly crowded, which minimized the interference from other shooters. The staff at the range were particularly helpful and friendly.

I am thinking that we might want to have our August match here as well. I will appreciate your comments. Since the benches are not especially suited for rest matches, I propose a thirty or forty round offhand match and a twenty round warm-up match for the September Utah State Zimmerstutzen Championship. Tell me what you think.

To make a comment, click "Comment" below. Include your name in the text of the comment and post as "Anonymous." This will send your comment to the mailbox where I can then post it. Pix here.

Better Living Through Science

A ground breaking design from the fertile mind of Harlow Parkenfarker (see post below) comes a new target design guaranteed to improve even the worst shooter's score. The "Egg of Columbus" of the target shooting world.

This Day in History

Today in 1969, Apollo 11 was on its way to the first manned moon landing, little Theodore became the "Hero of Chappaquiddick," and I attended a Schuetzenfest for the first time in Salzkotten, Germany. In picture above is the target one has to knock to pieces with a rifle in order to become the Schuetzen King. Most shots, however, at this event, were taken from small glasses.

A Day at the Range

These are called "Trombini" and are just another way to have good clean fun.

July 21 Match Announcement

Our July match will be held Saturday the twenty-first at 8:00 am. We are having it at the PMAA range up Parley's Canyon. To get there, go east on I-80 to exit 134, then turn right at the stop sign and follow the road to the clubhouse. You must register at the clubhouse and pay your range fee of five dollars. As you will see, the situation will be a little different than at the Lee Kay Center but I believe the pleasant surroundings and good company will make it a worthwhile event. We will have our regular forty round match but at 100 yards. Gaylord has the downsized targets. We would also like to have a 100 yard side match with .22's, so bring yours.

While we are there, please take some time to inspect the facilities. We need to ascertain if we will want to have more matches there. I believe that if we can adapt to the place, it might be our summer home. Your comments will be welcome.

After the match we will have a King Match. I propose a slight rule change. First of all, there will be a fee of One Dollar to shoot. The King will take all. Next, entrants must shoot until they hit the target but remember, only the first shot is for score. I will bring a special target for the match. Perhaps we can persuade the winner to bring the next one. I am also proposing that while our Schuetzenmeister is compiling the honors, that the contestants and companions attend our Ice Cream Social.