"While I love the idea behind the CMP program, the major problem with it is not the rifles, but the fact they ONLY supply rifles because: This debate is all just elementary when the nearest shooting club is 100 miles north. I busted my butt for a year and a half to get something reminicent of the great WSU collegiate (sp?) rifle team that once existed, Springfields, Garands and M-14s-oh-my. Unfortunatly the most I ever got was some vague promise of "Join the NRA, and things will happen". Well, I cast my membership in this week, but I have a sneaky suspicion that nothing new is going to happen. People start building rifle-ranges out here and then for some reason or another quit, and all but a few PPSA (Palouse Practical Shooters Association) are realy interested in seeing new blood, and they just want cowboy shooters. Our biggest problem out here is not the left-wingers, its the apathetic state of most of the shooters. What's the advantage of having some spiffy hair-splitting "battle impliment" M1 Garand if you've got nowhere to shoot it?"
First, it has never been about "sport" shooting. That "spiffy" battle implement you mention has a far greater pedigree, and purpose, than target shooting. Understand that first, and perhaps a kind of catharsis shall overcome your body, spirit & mind.
Second, if you want a shooting range comfortably near you, get to work! I'd first start with that PPSA org and read them the riot act. Combine forces, get with the people who earn a living with firearms, your local dealers, contact your state's rifle & pistol association, start one if need be, .... YOU are the future; The younger. You *must* carry the baton to the next runner. Even though it be uphill. Do *not* expect the elders to carry that baton over your hill. They are tired, and have been running, for a long time. It is *your* generation that must make it happen. For all our honor, fortunes and freedom rest with *you*. Believe it or not.
"Now the reaction may be that I'm just lazy- not true, I'm a college student and I can't do everything by myself just yet. If there is anyone"
Alexander The Great had conquered whole countries at an age younger than you. King Tut ruled vast properties, Marines on Pelelue, Okinawa and throughout the Pacific and Europe were dying and living, for you & me, many at a subordinate age to you. I have every confidence that you are willing & able to get a shooting range in your area, should you truely desire it to exist.
"out there who can offer up time, and maybe help with getting a new range out here, I'll guarantee you that we can revive this thing, but until then, I stand by my decision to sell my M-1 (which, and no offense Walt, was a bigger clunker than the G-43 or Hakim I still own)."
I'll buy that M1, should you be shortsighted enough to sell it. Let me know.
"I urge anyone who can help here, to give me a reply, for the good of the shooting youth,"
Ryan, again, though I know you may hate to hear it, *YOU* are the future of the shooting youth. So, what are *you* going to do? We silverbacks want to know.
Hope this helps?
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All we do are M1 Garands, M14/M1A, M1 Carbines and AR15's.
Clint McKee
Owner
Fulton Armory
