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Check out this new story on the MSIN The Accidental Ozarkian By: Barbara Baird   FIREARMS Listed by conservation area, county and contact phone number. ATLANTA  WA, MACON  660-785-2420 FOX VALLEY LAKE WA,  CLARK  660-785-2420 DEER RIDGE SF, LEWIS  573/248-2530  POOSEY SF,  LIVINGSTON  660-646-6122 SUGAR CREEK SF,  ADAIR  This range has just been completely remodeled.  The new facility is very good with separate ranges at 25, 50, and 100 yards and a new shotgun shooting area.  660-785-2420 GALLATIN WA,  DAVIESS  660-646-6122 GOLDEN VALLEY,  HENRY  660-885-6981  Princeton - Rattlesnake Ridge Shooting Range, R.R. 2, Princeton, MO 64673. Phone: 660-748-4624  Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol, Outdoor Rifle Indian Creek Muzzleloaders  have a shoot every month from March through November For info write mlh@marktwain.net Otter Creek Outfitters Sporting Clay Range North of Paris on 15 660-327-5376 web page link on bottom of hunting page Lake Showme  WA, Memphis, Rifle, pistol, trap and skeet 660-785-2420 Memphis, MO,  Lake Showme SW Corner 6:00pm Informal trap or skeet shooting on Wednesdays, in the sumer $2.50/25 targets! Email: gundy@nemr.net Phone:660-465-7743 Benchrest Rifle Club of St. Louis  Located 8 miles north of Wright City, MO  ARCHERY Cedar Ridge Bow Club Milan, Missouri 40 McKenzie targets email for details bowhunter@nemr.net banner@nemr.net or call Gary 660-265-5208 Kevin 660-874-4879 HEREFORDALE RANCH 3 D Archery Range CONTACT CURTIS OR JASON SIDWELL 660-766-2679 BILL SHAW  660-949-2202 Lunch on grounds, Camping and Cabins Available   2001 3D shoot schedule now available Herefordale Ranch RR 1 Box 137 Queen City, Mo. 63561 POOSEY SF, LIVINGSTON   660-646-6122 Pershing State Park Laclede, MO 7 miles west of Brookfield 660-963-2299 HUNNEWELL LAKE CA  SHELBY  314/983-2201   The Flatrock Traditional Archers will host monthly 3-D shoots on the third Sunday of every month. The shoots are held at the Bois D'Arc Conservation Area located between Willard and Ash Grove, MO on State Hwy. 160, 3/4 mile west of County Route UU, and 1.2 miles south on FR 61. For more information call Ben Buckner at 417-788-2780 or Rick Miller 417-883-8939.

Interested in sporting clays? Check out this link to the National Sporting Clay Association for all the info needed. You'll find ranges, information, and much more about sporting clay shooting.

Smith Dewlen
 

We are seemingly bombarded with join us requests.  Book clubs. Video/DVD clubs.  Hunting organizations.  This is the first of, I hope, several articles on the gun, shooting and hunting organizations.  I wish to let you know what there is that makes them worthwhile and what they offer and how you can use membership to gain information that YOU want.  Now I will not mention some to which membership would be advantageous.  If you have one that you wish to have discussed, just let me know.  I will need the name and a contact person for me to obtain information.  I will investigate and consider each suggestion.

Here is the list as it currently stands:  NRA, GOA, SACMO, SCI, RMEF, DU, MSSA, NAHC, Wildlife Forever, TRCA, and NWTF.  I will include contact information, both on and off the www.

Hopefully, you will see the advantages of membership in these fine organizations.

First up:
THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION

Most of us are aware of the NRA.  I expect that most of the readers are members.  There are three choices as to which monthly publication to receive.  The American Rifleman, The American Hunter or America’s First Freedom.  The choice depends upon your interest.  The American Rifleman is the oldest publication of the NRA.  It contains a more technical look at firearms and reloading.  The American Hunter is geared for those that wish more hunting related articles.  It includes information on the latest in hunting technique and now includes some archery articles.  America’s First Freedom. Relates to the origin of the second amendment and how applies to the current fight to maintain its integrity.  All will keep you informed on current legislative fights and what the anti groups are doing.

Since you are reading this from the Missouri Sportsmen’s Information Network, I kinda figure that you have access to a computer.  The NRA has excellent information on their web site.  ( www.nra.org)  The question is: “Do you use it?”  There is a lot of information of be put to good use.  Especially useful in the constant fight for our Second Amendment Rights.  Look for the Fact Sheet, this is a wealth of information.

BUT, it does no good sitting there.  In order to do good, it must be used.  Just like so many other things.  You are ill, you go to the doctor, he gives you a prescription, you even have it filled.  Now are you going to take the medication or stick it on a shelf to gather dust.  Folks, we must come out of our shell and take the medicine if we are to get better.  The same applies to the ‘prescription information capsules’ and apply them.

I have another question for you.  Do you wear Levi jeans, Docker clothes. Subscribe to Sports Illustrated, Time, Progressive Farmer, is TBS Superstation on your cable or dish?  If you answered yes to any portion of the question, you help support the anti-gun groups.  Even now I am guilty, guilty as sin.  I am on AOL. Newsflash: online services from the NRA – now available – see web site for info.  The NRA Fact Sheet listed Levi Strauss and a financial supporter of an anti-gun group.  After I cut the Levi labels from my jeans, I headed to the I-net.  I intended to let Levi Strauss know my thoughts.  Their web site then told me that they make Dockers.  More cuttin’ to do.  I wanted to contact Time, so to the Time-Warner site my fingers flew.  Guess what?  The magazines I listed and the cable station, and so many more companies that I deal with are part of the Time-Warner group.

The Fact Sheet also informed me that the Missouri professional sports team’s head honchos use corporate funds to defeat the Right to Carry bills here in Missouri.  I’m talking about the Chiefs, Rams, Cardinals and the Royals.

OK, now you have some information and can find more at the NRA site.   What next?  Ready or not here it comes.  GET OFF YOU’RE * AND MAKE CONTACT. The NRA site has direct links that will allow e-mails to your legislator. ‘Just Do The Dew’ as the drink commercial spouted.  “just do it” according to NIKE.  Let the listed companies know that until they stop supporting the removal of you rights AND make an equal contribution to the NRA and GOA (Gunowners Of America) we will not purchase their products.  I know that this is not always possible; I cannot obtain local phone service except through Sprint, yet.  Did I mention Sprint opposes your right to carry?  At least my long distance is being switched.

Before you contribute to any charity or purchase items ask for a written official statement as to their position on the Second Amendment and the carry legislation.  I have been a supporter of the Missouri Troopers Assn. for quite some time.  Now I cannot, though the individual Troopers may not be against my carry rights, the official position through their leaders is opposed.

Remember this.  To the rest of the world YOU are the other guy (gal).  We all know that the other guy (gal) will do something.  Right?
 
 

TRACKER
Send us your scavenger hunt!  If you are looking for a hard to find gun or gun part let us know and we will put it on the list.  Free!

I'm looking for a 14 in. Hunter 30-30 barrel. For a T/C Contender. Jim Bowers jbowers@cableone.net

When I was sighting in the ol' meat getter (742 Woodsmaster) 30:06.  It reminded me of something I learned the hard way with this gun severalseasons ago. This gun and probably many other semi-auto rifles do not likeold tarnished brass. This is probably the leading cause of centerfire riflesjamming.  I shot some today. Every round that went through the gun jammed if ithad dirty brass, every shiny shell cycled like it's supposed to.  I am sure it happens with many of us you buy a box of shells they goin the truck, you only use two of them and the tags are full and we forget about the rifle and the bullets till next year, they oxidize and when wepull them out we fill the clip and go.  For one thing guys, don't go hunting without checking your guns accuracyon the bench before each season. The other thing, if you have a gun thathas ever jammed don't put dirty brass through it when it counts. Save yourselfsome frustration and polish that brass with some steel wool or give thedirty ones to your brother-in-law and use the new box you just bought.   A chemical tarnish remover also makes this job a little easyer.  A jammed gun can diminish the fun!

By Smith Dewlen

RUST, a problem, is preventable.  Instead of using oil on the exterior of any firearm, use good automotive paste wax (without the cleaning additives) or even boot wax in a pinch.  Pure wax or wax with silicone will keep rust at bay.

Stainless steel or bluing will be protected.  (Yes, stainless steel does have a form of corrosion.)

First remove the stock.  Remove the trigger guard and butt plate.  Wax and polish the stock inside and out, I prefer three coats.  I use an old cotton sock, so my hand will fit inside and preclude the cloth from slipping.  Now, give the stock one more coat of wax.  THIS TIME DO NOT POLISH THE WAX.

Apply the same three coats leaving the last unpolished, to exterior metal of the firearm.  I prefer to do the wax job before installing scope mounts or I remove them to wax under them.

Reassemble the firearm.  Now polish the exposed wax.  The firearm is ready to use or store.

If you wish to protect the firearm with the camo tape, you can do so without damage from the adhesive to the wood or metal.  To later remove the adhesive, should you remove the tape is easily done with a little alcohol or carburetor cleaner on a clean cloth.
 
 

By Smith Dewlen

When using a two gun case to hold two long guns, often there can be slipping of the firearms.  This can cause damage to one or both through dents or scratched.  To prevent such slippage is easy and inexpensive.  Purchase a piece of foam pipe insulation that fits ½ inch pipe.  Cut the foam insulation a couple of inches shorter than the case.  Simply insert the foam insulation between the firearms and close the case.  You can now forget about gun slippage and damage.

By Smith Dewlen

When you get the “Tim the tool man Taylor” urge for “moooore poowweerrrr”  and finally have in your hands (watch out for sweaty palms and endless drool) the Big Boy of your choice, there is often a sneaky accuracy robbing problem that comes with it.  It is the dreaded flinch.  No. it is not covered in the warranty.

I well remember my first time to shoot a big bore rifle.  I had watched the owner shoot several rounds.  The muzzle jumped and he would roll with the recoil that would make “Ole Elvis” proud.  Now it was my turn, to have the Big Boy manhandle me.  My friend handed me the rifle and told me all I had to do was let off the safety and shoot.  I held it snugly against my shoulder, pushed off the safety and sighted carefully.  The sights were right.  I squeezed the trigger and …..CLICK.

He had given me the rifle with the chamber empty.  He heeded to know if I would flinch.  Somehow I had not.  Then he loaded one round. I shot.  Each time after that, he would not let me know if there was a round in the chamber.  More times than not, there was only a click.  But, I didn’t flinch when the rifle went off.

I use this approach often.  Yes, even on myself.  I will have a friend hand me the gun so I do not know if the chamber has a round in it or not.

With a revolver, you can fool yourself.  Load five empty cases and one live round.  Give the cylinder a spin.  No fair peeking.  Now, try only the times to fire and give the cylinder another spin, unless the live round is fired.  It takes time, but is worth it.

By Smith Dewlen

I use several firearms in different calibers and bullet weights for hunting.  Each has a different trajectory or bullet drop rate.  In order to keep the information on each handy, I employ a piece of ¾ inch masking tape or medical adhesive tape.  The tape is applied to the top of the scope or on the top of the grip.  I write the ranges and point if impact for each range.  For instance: 50/.6, means that the bullet will be sis tenth of an inch high at 50 yards.  250/-2.3 indicates that at 250 yards the bullet will be two and 3 tenths inches low.  I am able to refresh my aging mind with glances all day long.  With this at hand, I should be able to place shots well.

Project HomeSafe offers gun locks to Missourians
The Conservation Department, CFM and Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell are combining forces to ensure firearms safety in the home.

JEFFERSON CITY -- The keys to helping prevent deaths and injuries from firearms accidents, literally, are coming to a city near you. Firearms locks, keys to secure the locks and safety brochures are included in free firearms safety kits being distributed by the Conservation Federation of Missouri, (CFM), Missouri Department of Conservation agents, hunter education instructors and the state's law enforcement agencies.

Sixty thousand safety kits will be given away in Missouri. The gun-lock give-away is part of Project HomeSafe, a national campaign promoting safe firearms handling and storage.

Project HomeSafe was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and funding from NSSF members, the manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers of shooting sports equipment. In addition to distributing the locks, local cooperators in the program provide firearms safety education.

"This program can prevent parents from facing the anguish of their children being seriously injured or killed from firearms accidents," said CFM Executive Director Denny Ballard. "We're giving people a simple device that can make their homes safer. The locks assure guns are stored properly and help prevent kids from getting guns in their hands."

The firearms locks consist of vinyl-covered steel cables with one end permanently secured to a keyed padlock. They fit a wide variety of firearms. Firearms must be unloaded before the locks can be engaged. The cable passes through the chamber or action, making it impossible to load the firearm.

Learning to use the locks takes only a few minutes. The locking devices can be detached within seconds, allowing an authorized user quick access to a gun if necessary.

According to the DoJ Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, firearms are the fourth leading cause of accidental deaths among children ages 5 to 14. The DoJ also reports that about one-third of the deaths resulting from accidental shooting could be prevented by a firearms safety device such as a trigger lock.

Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell launched Missouri's Project HomeSafe program May 10 with the announcement of the Project HomeSafe Safety Tour. Maxwell says educating state residents about firearms safety and giving them a way to secure guns from unintended use is vital to protecting Missouri's children.

"This is a program supported by all people regardless of their position on Second Amendment issues," said Maxwell. "The cable locks can prevent tragedies from happening."

The tour features two 16-foot mobile classroom trucks in which Missourians can watch a safety video and view displays of safe firearms storage equipment. The buses will travel to about 30 cities across the state. At each stop local conservation agents, hunter ed instructors and police officers will provide instructions on firearms safety and use of the firearms locks. Visit the CFM website www.confedmo.com and click on key word "News" to view the HomeSafe Tour schedule.

Missourians in cities not on the tour schedule have several other options for getting firearms safety kits. Conservation agents, hunter education instructors and officers in every state policing agency also have received locks to distribute. Local Project HomeSafe participants also will distribute locks at county fairs, firearms safety training classes and other local events. For details on how to get cable locks for distribution at special events, contact the nearest Conservation Department office or the conservation agent in your county.

- Arleasha Mays -

Firearms knowledge is a potent safety tool
Proper storage is only half the solution to firearms safety for children.

JEFFERSON CITY B If your son found a pistol, do you think he might be tempted to pick it up? If your daughter was at a friend's home and another youngster got a rifle out of a closet to show his friends, would she know how to tell if it was loaded? In either of these situations, would your children be wise enough to tell an adult immediately?

Knowledge of firearms is half the answer to gun safety for kids. The Missouri Department of Conservation has programs to ensure that children have the firearms knowledge they need to protect them against gun-related accidents.

Project HomeSafe, a national program aimed at getting gun locks into the hands of residential gun owners, recently launched a month-long campaign in Missouri. With the backing of Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell and the Conservation Department, Project HomeSafe seeks to make guns safe. But Conservation Department officials say gun locks are only part of the firearms-safety equation.

"Project HomeSafe is a terrific idea, said Protection Programs Supervisor Bob Staton. "But realistically, we know that it can't reach every gun owner in the state. To be sure our kids are safe, we need to educate them so they respect firearms and know how to handle them, whether they are hunting, target shooting or just visiting in a neighbor's home."

Staton said the Conservation Department and cooperating organizations have several programs to accomplish this goal. The most widely available is basic hunter education classes. Hundreds of these 10-hour classes are offered each year throughout Missouri. Finding a hunter education class in your community is as easy as calling the nearest Conservation Department office or visiting the Conservation Department Web site, http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/hunt/heclass-search.html.

The Wildlife Code of Missouri requires anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1967 to successfully complete a certified hunter education class before buying a hunting permit. You must be 11 or older to be hunter education certified. Most other states have similar requirements and recognize training taken in Missouri. The classes are free, although a few host organizations charge $2 or $3 to cover the cost of facilities.

Other programs cater to youngsters who want to take their firearms safety training a step further. This year, for the first time, the Conservation Department is offering a Hunting Skills University for youths 11 to 15 years old. The four-day program will provide advanced training to graduates of basic hunter education classes.

Hunter Skills University participants will study firearms safety, firearms maintenance and skills needed to hunt deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game. They also will participate in live-fire exercises with rifles and shotguns. The program is made possible by grants from the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Graduates of the program will be eligible for follow-up hunts under Conservation Department supervision.

Hunter Skills University is scheduled for Aug. 5 through 8 at the United Sportsman's Club in Jefferson City. Enrollment is limited to 30 to 35 youths. For more information call 573/884-6861, ext. 221.

Another program that increases youth's firearms awareness is the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). Sponsored by the National Rifle Association, this program helps youths further develop the outdoor skills and ethics they learn in hunter education classes. Participants work with adult coaches to prepare for competition at state and international levels. All contestants are eligible to participate at all levels of competition, regardless of skill level or how they place in state contests. The emphasis is on having fun and learning.

YHEC competition is divided into junior (up to age 14) and senior (14-19) divisions. First-, second- and third-place winners in each event receive outdoor equipment as prizes. The biggest prizes go to those who score the most total points in all events. Competitors provide their own .22 cal. rifles, shotguns and archery equipment. Sponsors provide muzzle-loading rifles and ammunition for all firearms competitions.

This year's YHEC competition will be held at June 22 and 23 at the United Sportsman's Club in Jefferson City. Further details are available from: Missouri YHEC, P.O. Box 38, Imperial, MO 63052, or at http://www.moyhec.com.

"These programs are ideally suited to channel kids' natural curiosity about guns and give them the knowledge they need to be safe with firearms wherever they encounter them," said Staton. "Safety training like this, together with proper storage of firearms, is the best way to protect children from firearms-related accidents."

- Jim Low -
 
 

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