Gentlemen:
A good new year to you all!

It's that time of year again to begin planning the 2018 Alaska Double Rifle Shoot. We will now host the shoot on the first Saturday in May so there is no arguing and debating about dates. The 2018 shoot is May 5th at the Birchwood facility about 20 miles east of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway.

A few of us will arrive at 9am to set up and the shooting begins at 10am when the range is open to the public. We will break at noon for lunch (provided) and resume shooting until our shoulders can't take it any longer.

All are welcome to attend and we host many each year from the lower 48 flatlands and some have joined us from overseas. This year a few are "thinking about it" from the UK, South Africa and Australia. A gent from England has confirmed. With enough notice the Alaska double rifle men can assist with transport and places to stay. My spare room is taken but I still have a cot and futon in the loft available.

Last year we had approximately 50 firearms there, most doubles (of course) including a couple of machine guns (with an original Thompson) and three howdah pistols.

I will have the following at the shoot: .450, .500, .500 no2, .577, 12-bore, 10-bore, 8-bore, 4-bore, .577 howdah pistol for my black powder doubles, and a .350 no2, .450-400, .450 no2, .500, .600 for my nitro doubles.

There will be one table set aside to put "for sale" items on.

All are welcome to shoot any and all rifles and we don't charge for ammo or food. In the past we have asked all to chip in to repay Rob for his payment of the range fee ($250 last year). And, last year when I announced to collect contributions, most quietly moved to the back of the crowd. This year when you register to shoot, rather than paying $20 to the range (which is the fee per person if the range is not reserved) we well ask all to chip in $10 for Rob. Any remainder will be put towards the food. (I am not alone in the hope Jim and Joyce will do the cooking).

You don't have to own or bring a double. Bring what you wish to shoot. Or, just show up.

I will email all those whom I have contacts with for confirmation in March and also ask the regulars what they can contribute in the way of food and drink.

Again, please remember all are welcome. Even if we piss and moan at each other on the forums, the shoot is neutral territory and I would like to see all of you here. MAC, Colin, Biebs, Steve, and all of you. Perhaps Biebs can display his Mossberg collection!

Cheers,
Cal

PS. I don't spend much time on the forums and PMs arrive once per day at 2am so please use email to contact me with any questions. <pappas@mtaonline.net>

Thank you for the Reminder Cal!!

Just a Note for Aviators, this is the same weekend as the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering at the FexEx Hanger and ramps at ANC International....This is worth flying to Alaska if the Double shoot weren't already...for pilots interested in back country flying.

Shoot on Saturday, do the Aviation show on Sunday...WHATA Weekend!!

Happy New Year to All!!

Cheers,