HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hopefully you all had a safe and happy festive season.  With the festive season so dedicated to binge eating and socialising, we have laid low on the correspondence, but being the start of February, and only 1 month before the shooting starts for 2007, it is a good time to make contact with you all.  But, this will be kept brief to a few important announcements that immediately concern us.

So read on, please, and help spread the word of shooting, XC, and the social happiness we experience when we all show up and see old friends, or make new acquaintances.

Happy reading…

CAMP PERRY 2007...
START PLANNING NOW!
Note:  WE NEED FINAL NUMBERS BY MID MARCH 2007 to book accommodation, organise ammo and team shirts (which look sensational this year).  Please let us know ASAP…

The National Matches, considered America's "World Series of the Shooting Sports", have been a tradition at Camp Perry, Ohio since 1907. Each summer, the nation's finest civilian and military marksmen and women square off for five weeks of rifle and handgun competition in a variety of formats and events. Visit the Camp Perry web site http://www.cpmr-oh.org for information on this historic location and a listing of events being conducted there.

Here is your chance!  Are you interested?  If you are interested in going to Camp Perry in 2007, then simply contact David Waters and let him know.

The whole trip will cost you around A$5,000 which includes flights, ammo, accommodation, transport, food – the lot!  However, the more you spend, the more you will either do, or come back with!!!

Specially note that there are a few shooters who want to stay in huts to keep costs down, so this will cut the bill back to $4500 easily.

Team AIHPA will organise accommodation and your trip itinerary with flight details, and event bookings etc.  All you will need to do is let us know you want to come to Perry and we will take care of the rest.  Up-front expenses before the event will be paying your entry fees (approx $500), ammo requirements (approx $500), flights ($2000) and accommodation deposit ($200 deposit, $500 balance).

Don’t worry about rifles etc for this event, there are plenty of AR15’s etc to borrow – which all of them shoot very well.

Hope you decide to come for an experience of a lifetime.  Your next trip won’t be your last!

Tentative High Power matches schedule for 2007,

        July 27-29      SAFS (Small Arms Firing School conducted by CMP and US Army Marksmanship Unit)

        July 29           Squadded practice (200 & 600)

        August 1-5     CMP Rifle Matches games
                                  - Presidents 100 (Individuals)
                                  - National Trophy Individual NTI
                                  - National Trophy Teams NTT (6-man team)
                                  - Hurst Doubles (2-man team)
                                  - Natioanl Trophy Infantry Teams NTIT (6-man team) - also known as "Rattle Battle"

        August 5-10    NRA National High Power XC Rifle Matches
                                  - Rumbold Teams (4-man team)
                                  - XC Nationals (Individuals) (3x 80shot Regional - 60 record shots per day over 4 days, plus sighters)

        August 11-14  NRA National High Power Long Range Rifle Matches

Camp Perry is located on Ohio Route 2, four miles west of Port Clinton and 40 miles east of Toledo.
From the east use Route 2 or Ohio Turnpike. From Ohio Turnpike exit gate 118, travel north on Route 250, then west on Route 2.
From the west use Route 2 or exit Ohio Turnpike at gate 91, travel north on Route 53, then west on Route 2.

2007 NATIONALS

CHANGE OF EVENT AND DATES

The 2007 Nationals have changed venues due to unforseen circumstances.  These are being sorted, and we are all hopeful that Coffs will put on a huge NRA week for us in 2008.

The details of the Nationals are yet to have the specifics ironed out, but at this stage they will return to Tamworth to couple with the ASRA Nationals 18, 19 & 20 May.  Please stay tuned for the formal announcement.

CLEANING YOUR LOADING GEAR

NOT JUST THE RIFLE

After we finish shooting, we can spent plenty of time cleaning the rifle, the bolt, etc, but we don’t clean important other equipment that all goes in to make up accurate shooting.

Dies and shell holders should be cleaned before use, and probably best to also clean after.  They can easily accumulate a build up of dirt and debris which can then mark cases, cause cases to stick, and also deform cases taking away any concentric related accuracy.

BRING YOUR GEAR
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
We all know when one has a shoot coming up in a matter of days, last minute jitters may set in over the possibility of forgetting something you may need.  Typically, the item you forget is one of the most critical.  You then get in the car ready to departure, go a few k’s or so, then you think “oh know, that’s what I forgot!”.  It is annoying, but happens to be best of us, regularly.

The AIHPA website has a checklist of the basic shooting equipment you should take to a shoot, things you must have, things you should have.

On-line checklist - click here

If you can think of anything that needs to be added to the list, email us at info@ aihpa .com

Whatever you do, don’t forget for the few closed events this year, you need your membership card.

SAFETY, THROUGH TRAINING
NOT RULES.

We are all licensed shooters, we all had to do our safety awareness test, and we all consider safety one of the most important factors when attending a meet.  Lets not go overboard in one area, letting all other area’s of safety be forgotten.

-         We tell people to have eye and ear protection when working the pits, to only have people slip and fall because they are not careful doing something else.

-         We tell people to make a rifle safe and having it inspected, yet we aren’t concerned about the meat ants that may populate a firing point that a shooter might be critically allergic to.

-         We make an issue about squib loads.  So we encourage the alibis rule so people are NOT tempted to chase the stuck projectile with another.  Yet shooters will then complain about time taken to run an alibis relay.

All these issues, and many more, are about safety.  Remember the golden rule:

“SAFETY FIRST, LAST AND ALWAYS”

Safety first, last and always applies to ALL aspects of a shoot – parking under trees, kids on the range, dogs, ammunition, equipment, knowing your exits in case of immediate evacuation (bushfire, flood)....the list goes on.

On the other hand, we seem to be policing things that have absolutely NOTHING to do with safety, and if anything, inhibit our ability to run an efficient, affective and enjoyable meet.  Clearing a rifle for example, means ensuring there is NO ammunition in the rifle – the ONLY time ammunition should be in a rifle is when you are about to shoot.  To take things to extremes where it is insisted that magazines and stripper clips are also empty has got me completely mystified, as it is the most ridiculous thing ever heard of - it is a complete, and ridiculous, waste of time.  What is it for, and meant to achieve?  In fact, nearly EVERY place in the world insists the shooter BE READY to shoot at all times, and it is normal to have magazines and stripper clips loaded.

Lets put energy into controlling the event, and not the licensed and qualified shooter.  If the shooter is not familiar with local safe practices at a range, then apply the safety through "training" and help the shooter understand requirements. Likewise, if you are a new shooter to a range, and are not familiar with practices, then it is best for all concerned to ask.

REMINDER - RIFLE SPEC 1a
SUB SPEC OF 1 FOR COMMONWEALTH ISSUE SERVICE RIFLES.

High Power Rifle is one of the largest Service Rifle disciplines in the world – by numbers, it is one of the largest rifle disciplines period.  It is important that AIHPA maintain Australian service rifle history with roots of the commonwealth issued rifles such as the No.1 SMLE 303 etc, just as the CMP and NRA has done with its counties historical service rifles.

Sub-Spec 1a is a Std As-Issued (unmodified in any way) Commonwealth No.1, No.4, No.5 or No.6 that must be in 303 calibre.  For the full rule on Sub-Spec 1a, click here.

From 2006, the Australian Nationals, Australian Masters and ANZAC Memorial formally recognised the highest scoring shooter who used a “Spec 1a” rifle.    The champion title holder for this rifle specification will be recognised on the champions list.

Note that the shooters categorised as shooting Spec 1a ALSO are eligible for the Spec 1 title and any rewards that spec may offer.  1a is a sub spec only, not a separate spec.

State, Regional and club events may recognise Spec 1a at their discretion - typically depending on entires.

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL ARMS
M10 Reproduction of No.4 and variants

The committee has ruled (some 18 months ago) that the M10 faithful reproduction of as-issued military/service rifles will be permitted to compete under Spec 1 (not Spec 1a).  The M10’s in question are NOT the type with sport stocks etc, but only those M10’s that are a faithful reproductions that copy the original specifications and external dimensions of the original issued rifle.

We believe this is a fantastic initiative, as it allows our historically driven shooters to have the option of actually using a NEW rifle rather than spending countless hours trying to find an ex-service rifle with inherent problems and inaccuracies that can be costly, and sometimes impossible, to overcome.

M10 variants of as-issued rifles that are not reproductions may have the rifle fit into Spec 2 (Modified) if the rifle still retains an authentic service rifle appearance.  Otherwise, it will move into the open category of Spec 3.

AUSTRALIAN SERVICE RIFLE ASSOCIATION (ASRA)

www.servicerifle.com.au

AIHPA has a strong relationship with the Executive of ASRA, and we enjoy attending each others fantastic events which all AIHPA members and ASRA members are welcome, and encouraged, to participate in.  Many shooters are members of both associations, capitalising on the best cenario for your shooting future.

Greater than previous years, 2007 has 4 scheduled ASRA major shooting events containing HP, all of which hold a strong history with ARSA.  Namely, these events are the ASRA QLD State Titles, ASRA Brisbane Championships and Australian Shooting Games (sponsored by QLD Dept of Sport, but run by ASRA/QMRC).

Exciting news!  In 2007, the ASRA Nationals will be held at Tamworth in May, which doubles as the AIHPA Australian Open.  It is a perfect coming together for all our members and visitors to enjoy.  We hope you will support this event, in every way possible.

Is $15 per year too much for a good cause in your chosen sport?  For just $15pa, you can be a member of ASRA that is a dedicated service rifle group.  Where AIHPA is an internationally affiliated association for internationally recognised shooting activities, ASRA has memberships all around Australia and works with all like-minded shooting clubs and groups.  AIHPA supports its members to join ASRA, even if just a faithful sporting shooters donation.  Membership forms available from our website www.aihpa.com by clicking on the ASRA link middle front page, or by going to the ASRA website.

ADJUSTABLE BUTT STOCK
ESPECIALLY A MUST FOR SCOPED RIFLE SHOOTERS

(or shooters having trouble to reach the trigger)

Positional shooting is a challenge at any time.  Many shooters will take most of their shooting life to master a single position.  When it comes to the 3, or 4, unsupported positions, some may claim their want to master them all, but typically, as time is the depending factor, we will compromise time over all of them.

Shooting standing has the body in a very upright position, at least it should.  This is to balance your inner-ear keeping you in horizontal equilibrium.  However, when shooting standing, your scope is the furthest from your eye.

When shooting prone, your are laying into your rifle, the rifle butt is typically under you, resulting in your eye being closest to your eye.

Sitting, the distance between your eye and scope is somewhere in between.

See the point already?

Your rifle is fixed, your scope is fixed, and eye relief is fixed.  What is the variable?  You holding the rifle in the same place, and straining your neck for eye relief...right?

Shooting well, like anything we do well, is all about being as natural as possible while doing it.

David Tubb designed an excellent 4-way adjustable butt stock.  This butt stock allows shooters to shorten or lengthen the stock for pull length, eye relief, shoulder fit, and shoulder surface coverage – all very important issues to shooting.

While shooters continue to spend hundreds, and thousands, of dollars on equipment, ammo, days at the range practicing to master the unconquerable, a small one off investment in such a perfect and important shooting addition is a no brainer.  Buy once, cry, then laugh every time you shoot...

ECI's
EMPTY CHAMBER INDICATORS

When it comes to a successful meet, time is always a determining factor of success or failure.  There are so many pet duties clubs evolve into menacing and ridiculously overburdening duties, that shooting, frankly, becomes a painfully boring and over governed exercise that many would rather give up.  Our governments work against us, so it is plainly ridiculous that we work against ourselves also.

Clearing a rifle is a VERY easy task.  Yet, I have seen rifles PHYSICALLY TAKEN from the arms of shooters,  held to the sky, and some person stick they head against he rear of the receiver or butt to look up the spout to check the rifle is clear, and no round is left in the chamber.  Outright crazy and very dangerous.  What if there was a round in the chamber, and it was discharged?  The round could go anywhere and the rifle would come leave a nice bruise on the person clearing.  Not to mention, that the person taking the rifle from the shooter is immediately assuming responsibility of the firearm, so, if it DID discharge and kill somebody, who is responsible – the clearer or the shooter?

STOP taking matters into your own hands by exercising stupid practices.  Rifle shooting is a sport that has hundreds of years of history, around the world.  The NRA in the US is one of the most experienced in the world.  So, how do they do it?

The NRA expects a shooter to have an “Empty Chamber Indicator” flag put into the open action which holds the bolt open, and the ECI step protrudes into the chamber, while a bright yellow tongue hangs out the side of the receiver.  This exhibits a clear firearm, and any safety officer can easily see the ECI has been inserted.

AIHPA encourages all shooters to poses an ECI – you never know when you may need one.  They are only a few bucks – very cheap insurance.  Note that some events will require an ECI as mandatory.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE
NOT A WEAPON

ANOTHER YEAR OVER (2006).

After Gilgandra last weekend, we have completed another year of fantastic shooting, and the NTS results for 2006 have been finalised.  Results below under relevant section.

GILGANDRA

Cooee Cup and Australian Masters

Because the July Australian Masters at Gilgandra were washed out, in the worst drought the country has ever suffered, mind you, the AM were moved to the Cooee weekend last week (8-11 Nov).  The event was one of the best run events ever, and all were well accommodated.  4 days of shooting is certainly a welcome addition to those with an itchy trigger finger.

Unfortunately we had to cut Sunday short.  Well, we didn’t have to, but it was decided to because of the terribly windy day, with winds gusting to 22MPh.  Due to drought, dust was a major problem over the last couple of days, and malfunctions occurred with some equipment.  To avoid further, or worsening, the problems, the day was called.  Also, the final event on Sunday would have taken a long time to complete due to the wind, making it a very late pack up for the weekend.

Next year, the Sunday vintage match will be the Aussie Deliberate, Rapid and Snap on figure targets.  This should avoid loss of time for target change-overs, and is in good spirit of the discipline.

Full write-up and results found on the website.

AIHPA TITLES CHAMPIONS..

Congratulations to all our AIHPA champions.

Note, below are for AIHPA titles only.  Regional, club etc titles are responsibility of the hosts, but are recognised by AIHPA for NTS through sanctioning.

Australian XC Nationals Champions: 
Spec 1:  Craig Mahoney
Spec 2:  John Barnier
Spec 3:  Peter Barnier
Spec 5:  Peter Barnier

Australian XC Masters Champs:
Spec 1:  Craig Mahoney
Spec 2:  Rick Gleeson
Spec 3:  David Waters
Spec 5:  Mark Guest

Australian XC Open Champs: 
Spec 1:  Dick Bennett
Spec 3:  Peter Barnier
Spec 5:  John Lambert

Australian XC Shooting Games: 
Spec 1:  Darren Ottery
Spec 2:  Michael Erdas
Spec 3:  Bob Faunt

NSW State XC Championships: 
Spec 1:  Roman Copot
Spec 3:  Peter Barnier
Spec 5:  Nick Abrahall

QLD State XC Championships: 
Spec 1:  Ken Allen
Spec 2:  Michael Erdas 
Spec 3:  Peter Barnier
Spec 5:  Andrew Griffiths

VIC State XC Championships: 
Spec 1:  Rob Richards
Spec 2:  Gary Sawle 
Spec 3:  David Waters 
Spec 5:  David Waters

National Tour Series (NTS) Champions: 
Spec 1:  Matt Avard
Spec 2:  Bob Harrold
Spec 3:  Peter Barnier 
Spec 5:  Greg Mills-Thom

Full results available here... http://www.aihpa.com/Events/results.htm

2007 CALENDAR

The 2007 calendar has been completed, and it looks fantastic.  There is a new addition to the calendar being the Hunter Valley rounds (see Hunter Valley section in this N/L) which are a welcome addition to the calendar.

The shooting year, however, has most of the events evenly spaced out for most suitable convenience to all parties.  Please study the calendar, and mark out your most likely events to be sure you at least qualify for the NTS (need only 3 rounds, per rifle spec).  And, you are welcome to contest the NTS in each rifle spec.  Shooting 2 specs at the 2-day XC events is a double opportunity to submit scores to the NTS.

We are waiting for date confirmations of 2 QLD based events.  More when info comes to hand.

Note that the calendar is subject to change, and one should always check the calendar on-line to be sure of possible late changes.  Alternatively to checking on-line, call AIHPA.

http://www.aihpa.com/Events/2007/2007%20Calendar.htm

VIC STATE TITLES POSTPONED.

There are very few ranges in VIC that have pits and allow 3 position shooting – most pit ranges in VIC are prone only.  The few that are 3P friendly either require baffles, or are a long way from the mainstream of positional shooters.  Therefore, we have made the decision to postpone the VIC state titles until further notice.

We are working on arrangements with VIC to again host a state title there, but hopefully one that is economically beneficial to the discipline, and the shooters.  More news on this when something is arranged.

UPPER HUNTER

Just a couple of years ago, we had some fantastic meets at the old Fairlight range.  Since our last meet there in early 2005, the range was closed.  Thanks to Barney H, Eddie H and Upper Hunter Pistol Club, the range has been re-opened to rifle competition, as Upper Hunter Range, and we have been invited back with open arms to utilise their facility, for a great variety of positional rifle shooting - run for shooters, by shooters.

In 2007, the range will be hosting 2 sanctioned matches - the NSW State Titles and Upper Hunter Open.  Hope you will all welcome this venue back to our calendar and support the scheduled meets with your attendance.  There is shooting, camping, shooting, BBQ, shooting, fantastic scenery and more shooting.

http://www.aihpa.com/Events/2007/State%20-%20NSW%20State%20Championships/2007%20NSW%20State.htm

TACTICAL SHOOT

Over 2005 and 2006, we ran a challenging tactical shoot course of fire on the X-ring targets that proved to be a lot of fun.  5 sighters, then either 20 or 30 shots for record.  10 shots slow fire (deliberate) then 10 shots single snap and 10 shots double snap, or combinations of.

Course of fire is on the website for outline.  Although it is not an international event or course, we have adopted it as an Australian course of fire.  We all have a scoped rifle somewhere, so a course like this is a welcome addition for those who wish to try “something different” and fun.

http://www.aihpa.com/Courses%20Of%20Fire/course_of_fire.htm

RANGE & PIT COMMANDS

We have standardised on the range commands to increase consistency from shoot to shoot and hopefully build familiarity amongst the shooters.  This proved to be exceptionally successful at the recent Gilgandra Cooee Cup.

We cannot insist on any host club use these commands for local events, but all sanctioned matches will be run using these commands, otherwise the sanction will be threatened.

List of these commands can be found on the website in a downloadable .PDF document.  Knowing these commands with knowledge of shooting will make a more enjoyable meet for all shooters, and is one less thing to occupy your mind before attacking a shooting string.

We ask all shooters to download the standard range and pit commands for review and familiarisation.

http://www.aihpa.com/commands/String%20Operation%20Commands.htm

CLASSIFICATION (GRADE) CARD

Over the last few events, it has been noticed that people seem to be behind in keeping these cards up to date.  Don’t forget your grade card, and getting it updated, as these are your records of event results.  Keep them up to date, and be sure to ask questions if there is anything you are unsure about.

QUALIFICATION

Don’t forget that AIHPA now rewards members with qualification rocker (patches) trophies for FREE.  Keep your grade card up to date with the results from sanctioned matches and you may claim any earned rocker patches.

SLING

A sling is as important as the sights on your rifle.  Without it, making every shot count to the best of your ability and the limits of your equipment can never be developed to full potential.

A sling is as much a target shooting implement as it is a tool to carry your rifle.  Almost all slings sold in shops are for the purpose of carrying, not shooting.

A locally made sling for the purpose of target shooting is a Bespoke sling, made by Graham Harries in Tamworth.  They are leather, come in 2 lengths (54” & 60”) and tan or black.  Email info@ aihpa .com to get yourself one of these slings for a cheap price of $70.

Get yourself a sling, and practice with it over the break so you are ready to go in 07...

WEBSITE – www.aihpa.com

Please keep using it and referring to it ESPECIALLY before an event to check for range maps and make sure the event you may be interested in does not have any last minuted changes – such as cancellation, schedule, course of fire, etc.  Make sure you refresh pages with each visit.

Remember, you can add suitable and relevant content to the website by simply emailing it to webmaster@ aihpa .com

FROM THE PRESIDENT

David Waters

Welcome to another newsletter, a newsletter well overdue.  I have been so busy over the last 6-8 months, that I lost track of time.  After my 4 weeks away in July/August for Camp Perry this year, which was AMAZING, then work travel following directly after, my return to Australia was not a relaxing one.  The back up of home work, shooting work (trying to organise 2007) and business work (a desk piled with work touching the ceiling) took 3 months to clear.  But, now, finally, I think I’m back on top of things, and have finally had a spare few hours to string this N/L together.  I hope they will be more quarterly in the future.

Many thanks to all the hard working volunteers, club captains, dedicated shooters, presidents and interested parties for the support this year.  This year has seen relatively low numbers at meets, but that has been the case for all forms and styles of shooting lately which, when you think about it, is a shame.  Lets hope for a complete turn around for heavy attendances in 2007 – but it will take help from all of you.

All the best wishes, and hope to see you soon.

Dave

CAMP PERRY 2006

A write-up for the trip, along with pics, has been posted on the website.  It is not a complete write-up because it would take months to do the event justice.

We had only 6 Aussies go to Perry this year, but we are hoping to have a lot more next year (2007).  Please make an effort to be part of the team.

Australians are treated like royalty by our friends in the land of the free, and unless one has been there to speak with first hand experience, then the best thing to do is get there and see it for yourself.  More soon...

http://www.aihpa.com/Events/2006/International%20-%20Camp%20Perry/2006%20CP%20write%20up.htm

CAMP PERRY 2007

Start Planning NOW!

There is little doubt that attending the National Matches at Camp Perry Ohio will be an experience one will never forget.  The main hurdle is making the commitment, and the retardant in that commitment is the unknown.  We now have over a dozen people that have experienced CP, many of those as late as this year, who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have for planning your trip.

Costs to attend CP are relatively cheap, all things considered.  Assuming one visits the US to shoot the matches only, the trip should cost no more than A$5000.  If you are not equipped for a big shoot, with equipment such as scope, cart, coat, stand etc (and you will need these), then we have good contacts and experience over there to buy these things at minimum price (then you have them for life) or borrow most of it.  Comparing the price of this trip for 2 weeks of great shooting on the other side of the world, to a domestic holiday – it is VERY cheap.

Team AIHPA will organise accommodation and your trip itinerary with flight details/bookings and event registration.  All you need to do is let us know you will be part of the team for Perry and we will take care of the rest.  Some up singled out costs are entry fees (approx A$400), ammo requirements (approx A$500), flights (A$2500) and accommodation ($A200 deposit, A$700 balance).

We have contacts to sort you with rifles (AR15’s), so you can have the time of your life with a semi.  And, if you want to shoot the big banger M1 Garand’s, M14’s etc, then we can help you there also.  Why not experience shooters paradise, retail heaven, another culture, another event, another scale, another world...?  Your next trip won’t be your last!

2006 MEET NUMBERS

Lower than normal.  We need to turn it around!

The competitor numbers at our 2006 meets have been well down on previous years.  This is also common across all other disciplines - looking at the results to see for yourself matter what the hype may say.

AIHPA is all ears to listen to genuine ideas on getting the people back to the shoots, and having a go.  Also, we’d like to see your support and encouragement to inexperienced or new shooters to try out our sport.  However, and please consider this, that shooting is YOUR sport, and its success or demise is directly responsible to each and every shooter – YOU!  In order for your sport to survive, you need to help in any way you possibly can.

POLITICS

Up-Coming 2007 NSW State

As we should be aware, March 2007 is an important day for NSW shooters.  We will see the NSW State election battles between parties contesting the Upper and Lower House.  Roy Smith, Executive Director of the SSAA NSW is running for MLC (Upper House – Legislative Council) under The Shooters Party banner.  AIHPA has written a letter to Roy asking for his views on our sport from a target shooters perspective.  When we hear back from him (it has been 1 month now without reply) we will let you know the details of his response, if it comes.

MEMBERSHIPS

Changes to Fees.  Renewals are due.

When AIHPA started, it was a touch and feel approach, and so far, things are good.  We are using less money to run the Assn than planned, so we have since reduced the membership fees.  Now, the fee structure is as follows:

            Joining Fee:                $20 Joining Fee, includes first year.

  Additional years:      $5 per year (add to Joining fee – any

                                         multiple).

  Renewal Fee:                       $5 per year, in increments of 4 years ($20).

Note that ALL current members have had their expiry adjusted to reflect this new schedule, and a new membership card will be sent out to you in time.  However, all those who joined for 1 year ($20), your expiry is per your card – please get your renewal in.

JUNIORS FREE.  Juniors receive free membership to AIHPA, provided they don’t turn 18yo before 6 months of the membership date, and are ineligible to vote.  Juniors receive member merchandise at discounted prices.

At just $5 per year, we hope everybody who is interested in shooting will join AIHPA.  Every membership is a benefit, every membership a donation.

PLEASE GET YOUR RENEWALS IN TO US.  For $5/year, why not?

SPOTTING SCOPE

KONUS KONUSPORT - GREAT VALUE!

– by David Waters

On my 2005 trip to Camp Perry, I carted over my $2,500 Leica scope, and spent the whole trip worrying about it.  The travel, the handlers, the carting to and from the firing line, exposed to the weather etc – it was an undercurrent of constant concern I could have done without.

This year at CP, 2007, I had pre-purchased a Konus Konuspot 80 spotting scope over the internet for US$179 (approx A$240) incl freight to anywhere in the US.  These scopes sell for around A$370 here in Aus.  It has an angled eye piece and power ranges from 20-60.  I compared this new cheap scope of mine side by side with a Leica and a Kowa.  At 15% of the price, it was only 10% behind in optics.  AMAZING!

Every shoot I go to, I encourage people to get themselves a scope.  A scope is a CRITICAL piece of equipment in your shooting kit, and is a key item in steps to being an accomplished marksman.  If you don’t have one yet, then this scope deserves consideration.  Note if buying this scope from US, you must add freight, which will cost around A$40-50.

GUN MAINTENANCE

Lubricate Your Bolt

Just as important as cleaning your rifle, or loading your ammo correctly, it is important to keep your bolt lubricated.  There are many specialist rifle lubes out there, selling for all prices, but a simple trip to the local auto shop will give you a vast array of high pressure anti-seize lubricants.  One could argue that equal best for rifle bolts is Nulon XL90.  It has good adhesive properties, so doesn’t wipe off with the lightest touch of the lubricated surface.  The best thing, is NO MORE sticking bolt and having to use your boot to belt your bolt open – OUCH!

EQUIPMENT

Standing Shooting - You need an ammo holder