VSSA is proud to support Project ChildSafe and we urge all gun owners to support this great program.  The below was received in our inbox this morning and we wanted to share it:

It’s hard to believe the start of fall is officially here. Kids are back to school and it’s an exciting time, but it can also make some children and teens feel stressed and anxious about fitting back in with their peers or handling academic pressures.

As students begin the new school year, it's important to remember that school readiness isn't just about having the right supplies, it's also about mental health.

The CDC reports that almost one in three American high school girls have considered suicide, and more than 40 percent of teens report feeling persistently sad or hopeless.

Back-to-School Mental Health

Project ChildSafe is committed to promoting teen mental health awareness and suicide prevention resources, including safe firearm storage information for parents and caregivers.

Here are a few of our top resources for starting a conversation with kids about mental health:

• Parents’ Guide for understanding mental health and suicide prevention through preventing unauthorized access to firearms
• Tip sheet for parents on the warning signs to watch for in teens who may be struggling with their mental health
• Resources for teens: what teens can do if they suspect one of their friends is going through a hard time or engaging in self-harm
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about mental health and suicide prevention. For example, what to do if a child seems to be facing mental health challenges but doesn’t want to talk or open up

See also: back-to-school mental health tips for parents and caregivers, including:

1. Encourage kids to define their goals for the new school year
2. Remind your child(ren) that you’re their biggest ally
3. Learn when to seek professional help

Remember: Safe and proper storage is the number one way to help prevent misuse of firearms—including suicide. If a teen is in crisis, they may make an impulsive decision to end their life. But if they can’t access a means to do so, there’s time for the crisis to pass or intervention. If a teen or anyone is in crisis, call or text 988.

Sponsors

Thank you CarbonTV and USA Shooting for sponsoring this newsletter! Your support helps us spread the message of responsible fireman ownership across the country.

      

To our supporters, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to working together to reduce firearm accidents, theft and misuse, and engage in suicide prevention education.

Sincerely,


 

Bill Brassard, Jr.
Senior Director, Communications
National Shooting Sports Foundation®

The Izaak Walton League of America - Alexandria, Chapter is holding a Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match on 10/07/2023.  The location of the range is: 2729 Garrisonville Road, Stafford, VA.  Match Begins: 9:00AM.

CMP Rimfire Sporter Rifle Matches offer shooters a recreation-oriented competition where they use .22 caliber sporter rifles (plinking and small game rifles) commonly owned by almost all gun enthusiasts. This is a unique match where all you need is a rifle and ammo. You fire with standard sporter-type rimfire rifles that can weigh no more than 7 ½ pounds, with sights and sling. Rifles may be manually operated or semi-automatic; shooters with manually operated actions are given extra time in rapid-fire to compensate for the difference.

There are three classes of competition – the standard “O Class” for open-sighted rifles, “T-Class” for telescope sighted and rear aperture sighted rifles and “Tactical Rimfire” class, which is a .22 caliber A4 or AR15 style rifle. Firing for all classes is done at 50 and 25 yards on a target with a 1.78” ten-ring and an 18” outer one-ring. Even new shooters can get hits on this target, but it’s still tough enough that only one person has fired a perfect 600×600 score – a junior, Sam Payne, in 2015.

$20 members, $30 non-members, under 18 FREE.

For more information, you may contact the match director: Eric Brown at eric.j.brown7@gmail.com or click here.

The Chantilly Gun Show is next weekend, 29 September to 1 October. The Virginia Gun Collectors Association (VGCA) needs a few volunteers who are willing to speak with interested show attendees about the VGCA. Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning are when we could really use some good people.

They will also be having a membership table at the Fredericksburg Gun show on October 28th and 29th and they need volunteers for that. Unlike the Chantilly show, VGCA can't promise free admission to this one. Anyone who wishes to volunteer for either can contact George Dungan at george@eccominv.com.

 

The VGCA September membership meeting is September 28th and the presentation will be on Smith & Wesson 44 Hand Ejectors. The location is the NRA building at 11250 Waples Mill road in Fairfax. The social hour starts at 6:00 and the meeting starts at 7:00. If you haven't been there before; the meeting is in the same tower as the museum. You might need to push the buzzer to get in. Once inside go the the elevator on your left and take it down to the conference center.

 

If you prefer to attend virtually the link is below, but the virtual meeting doesn't start until 7:00. After registering you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.  You can register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6432267701284881246

 In this Rifle Shooter Magazine article, long-time hunter Craig Boddington takes an honest look at new cartridges that are essentially remakes of old cartridges. Are they worth it? Some are; some may not be.

There is a lot of overlap, duplication and redundancy in rifle cartridge performance. As an aging curmudgeon, I constantly question the need for new cartridges. But I do it in good humor, because I’m not yet irascible enough to bite the hands that feed me, and it’s in my best interests to write about new numbers. The last few years, I’ve written about a bunch of them: ARCs, Buckhammers, Bushmasters, Creedmoors, Legends, Westerns, Noslers and PRCs.

They’re all good stuff, but actual performance in terms of velocity and energy can’t be new because these levels were established long ago by the expansion rate of nitrocellulose.

There are modern nuances like the ability to cram more performance into specific action types and lengths, or better downrange performance thanks to modern aerodynamic bullets and faster rifling twists. Or you can purposely step down in performance to meet straight-wall cartridge criteria required by some whitetail states—and thereby avoid having to use shotgun slugs.

You can read the entire article at the link above.

 On yesterday's Bearing Arms Cam and Company, Cam Edwards asked that question:

Well, for starters the gun control lobby won’t just have a seat at the table in the Biden administration. Going forward they’ll have their own office in the White House.. at least as long as a Democrat occupies the executive mansion. Ranjit describes the move as “a dark development, an ember that should be taken with the seriousness of a five-alarm fire, because that’s what it’s going to lead to,” and I don’t disagree, though it also has the potential to turn into a dumpster fire for the anti-gun groups and the Democratic establishment intent on weaponizing the federal government against a fundamental civil right.

I don’t expect the move will have much of an impact on the actual policies coming out of the executive branch, given that the gun control lobby already has Biden’s ear and full-throated support. Biden’s announcement is part payback for the support of gun control groups like Everytown, Giffords, and Brady, which will play a large role in staffing the new office after giving him their ringing endorsement for re-election a couple of months ago. But it’s also a transfer of wealth of sorts, funneling taxpayer money to “gun violence prevention efforts” around the country, many of which are aimed more at eradicating gun ownership than crimes in which a gun is used.Cam went on to say there are a small number of cities and states that have already established similar offices and that none of them have done anything to actually reduce violent crime. He used the example of  Colorado's Office of Gun Violence Prevention and how it was the subject of a not so positive audit earlier this year which noted that after almost two years, little money had been distributed to the organizations that were supposed to benefit from the creation of the office.
You can hear the entire discusion below.

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The NoVa Sharpshooters will host a VSSA sanctioned air pistol match on Sunday Nov 5, 2023 at the Arlington-Fairfax IWLA Sills Air Range.  This is the sixth year that the club has hosted this match. The match is open to all athletes who were born in 2002 or later. Only Virginia residents are eligible for awards. Residence is based on home address.  More information and the match bulliten by clicking here. For more information contact novasharpshootersiwla@gmail.com.

One of the offices up for election this year in Chesterfield County is the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney.  The incumbant, Stacey Davenport (R), is running for re-election.  Her opponent, Erin Barr, is running as an "independent" but she has contributed to Democrat candidates in prior elections, including the Democrat that Davenport defeated four years ago.  What gun owners should beware of is where she stands on the issue of the right to keep and bear arms.  Look at the language she uses on her web site on the topic of "Gun Violence":

Gun Violence
Keep Our Community Safe.
​As both a prosecutor and a parent, Erin is aware of the increase in gun violence in our community, especially involving youth and domestic violence. Erin supports the ownership of firearms by law-abiding citizens, but also advocates aggressively for utilizing common sense gun reforms such as substantial risk orders to keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a danger to our community. As Commonwealth's Attorney, Erin would utilize the laws in place, aggressively prosecute gun violence, and support common sense reform.

Notice the terms by the gun ban lobby - "common sense gun reforms" and "substantial risk orders" (also known as so-called "Red Flag" laws).  It's the typical "I support the Second Amendment but" position.  There is no but.  You either support the right to keep and bear arms or you don't.  

If you are a gun owner in Chesterfield County, let you gun owning friends know that Erin Barr is no friend to gun owners.

The 2023 Virginia State Precision Pistol Championship is being held at the Fairfax Rod and Gun Club on Saturday, September 30, 2023.  The match program can be found at the following link:  https://www.fxrgc.org/pistol/bullseye-pistol/.  This match is being run on the same weekend as the Walter Walsh Service Pistol Championship to be held on Sunday, 10/1.  Both matches have been sanctioned as state championships by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).  CMP Excellence in Competition (EIC) matches will also be held that weekend for Rimfire Pistol, Service Revolver and Service Pistol.  EIC match results will be combined over both days.  Virginia State Precision Pistol CMP 2700 Championship on Sept 30, 2023, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM on the Walsh Range.  Additional CMP Excellence in Competition (EIC) events for Rimfire Pistol, Service Pistol and Revolver will also be fired after the completion of the 2700.  Note:  Results from EIC competitions fired on both 9/30 and 10/1 will be combined into a single event.  Competitors participating both days can only fire one of each type of EIC match during the course of both days.  For info & position requests, contact bullseye@fxrgc.org.

I have always had what I consider to be a "healthy" distrust of government.  I've seen nothing to change that and this interview with a just retired ATF agent solidifies that distrust.

The agent, John Dodson, is the whistleblower who revealed the ATF “gunwalking” scandal known as Operation Fast and Furious that led to the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. John’s decision to speak up was extremely risky, and he tells Glenn why he was afraid to start his car every morning after his family left. John also talks about the chilling reality of what’s happening at the southern border. Why hasn’t the illegal immigration problem been solved? John jokes that “the Mexican drug cartels must be huge donors to the Democratic Party." Take a look.

Over the weekend through Independence Day the nation saw more shootings in several metropolitan areas. It happens somewhere in America every single weekend. Biden's answer? Ban so-called "assault weapons", so-called "high capacity magazines" and universal background checks. The usual gun ban talking points. On radio last night, talk show host Mark Levin took these on and explained what is really at work, control.  That's what they want.  They don't care about you or our right to defend ourselves.  Take a listen below.

Biden constantly repeats lies about his gun control, lies that even and CNN has fact checked and said were untrue.  Gun owners need to remain active to push back on the constant attacks.  Use the information in the audio above and from the CNN fact check and write letters to the editor to your local paper and get the message out that law abiding gun owners are not the problem.

Editor's note:  The below appeared in the Arlington-Fairfax IWLA member newsletter.  VSSA has made minor edits to the report for this post.

On June 10th, Arlington Fairfax IWLA (ARL-FX) co-hosted the Crush'n Clays charity event with the Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA) at the Chapter's Skeet & Trap range. The turnout was fantastic, with approximately 100 enthusiastic shooters participating.   As if to endorse the event, the weather gods provided a perfect day, the sky-blue winds were light, and the temperature was in the 80s. 

This event holds a special place in our hearts, as over the past 24 years, VSSA and ARL-FX have raised over $400,000 in support of St. Jude.  Crush'n Clays is the longest-running shooting charity event in the nation as well as the longest running event supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  

On this day of camaraderie and giving, participants were treated to a memorable experience with ammunition, event t-shirts, and a delicious lunch from Tony' s New York Pizza in Manassas, Virginia. We want to extend our gratitude to Tony's for their fantastic catering and for helping make the day a resounding success. 

Entertainer Danny Thomas founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to treat children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. Their tireless efforts have significantly improved survival rates for childhood cancers over the years. Since its establishment, the survival rate for the most common type of childhood cancer, leukemia, has increased from 4 percent in 1962 to an impressive 94 percent today.  Moreover, the overall survival rate for childhood cancers has risen from 20 percent to 80 percent. We are proud to support such an incredible institution.  

Trap Shooting and Annie Oakley Event

The Crush'n Clays charity event featured trap shooting competitions with individual and four-person team categories. Participants demonstrated their skills with 25 targets from the 16-yard line and 25 from the 23-yard line. The team scores were determined by the best three scores on each squad. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Chapter's team, consisting of Scott Petitto, Sean Moore, Simon Williams, Steve Welch, and Pamela Meara, for winning the prestigious "High Team" award. Tom Muddleman emerged as the deserving recipient of the "High Over All" award.

In addition, to trap shooting, the ever-popular Annie Oakley event drew a tremendous number of participants. With over 70 entries throughout the day, the event showcased participants competitive spirit and camaraderie. Half of the entry fees were awarded to the winners of each squad, with the remaining half going to St. Jude. We commend the winners who generously donated their winnings to the event, embodying the true spirit of giving.

Gratitude to Sponsors and Volunteers

VSSA and ARL-FX would like to express our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who supported this event who were; The Arlington-Fairfax Chapter, Inc., Virginia Shooting Sports Association, Suburban Electric, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, D & F Construction, Mid-Atlantic Bowhunters, Tony's New York Pizza, Eastern Bullet, Equipment Works, Jeff Hafkemeyer, The Gilbert Family, and NOVEC. All played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this year's Crush'n Clays event.

Finally, VSSA would like to express a special round of applause for the hosts of this event and all the hours they donated of their time to see it happen, Arlington Fairfax's Bob Brino and Pamela Meara. Bob and Pam work hard each year on behalf of the club and Bob always donates the targets used for the event.  Pam spent a great deal of time and work this year to recruit sponsors for this event and played a major role in the success of the event.  Finally VSSA would like to thank Board members Joe Turner (also an ARL-FX member) and Andrea Smith, as well as VSSA Executive Director Lu Charette, who also played major roles in the success of this year's event.