Thursday, December 31, 2009

Beretta's Loss is ClayshootingUSA's Gain...John Bauer

Folks,
When I started this Blog, I stated that I would add to the discussion mix information on the business that surrounds the sporting clay world. Well here is a bit of news that many will find interesting, and whether you know the players personally or not, this news will be a certain change in the game. I believe it will be a good one.

John Bauer is leaving his job as Shoots Promotion Manager at BERETTAUSA, after 6 long years of rebuilding the Beretta Shooting Team and working tirelessly to promote clay target sports in the USA, for a position with Brunton Business Publications as Sales and Marketing Director-North America. Brunton publications consists ClayshootingUSA, TrapshootingUSA, and Texas Property Journal. JB [that's what everybody I know calls him] is excited about the new direction, and the exciting possibilities ahead.

While he earned his spurs in the firearms industry, JB had an early interest in journalism and publication. He studied  journalism in college, and is now able to blend his vast experience in the shooting world with publications that bring our sport together. Beretta's loss is the Brunton's, and I believe the  entire sport's, gain.


Best,

Will

National Sporting Clays Assoc. Director Announced

I would like to congratulate Robert Crow, formerly of the head of the sporting clay facility at Nemacolin, as the new Director of the National Sporting Clay Association. Click  here for  the headline from the NSCA's website ....congrats to Robert, and I look forward to him bringing a fresh point of view to NSCA Headquarters in San Antonio. Its time to take the great sport of Sporting Clays to the next level.

The new year is looking better and better,

Best,

Will


Tuesday, December 29, 2009

First teaching trip of 2010....heading to Georgia!

Well everybody we are looking 2010 right in the eye, and I for one am glad to see the new year coming, as I am glad to see 2009 in my rear view mirror! I am heading to Georgia for my first teaching trip of the new year. I'll be @ Big Red Oak Plantation 1/8-11/2010[ that is Friday thru Monday]. Big Red Oak is one of my favorite clubs to teach at, as the grounds are great, with 2 full courses, a five stand, and a 10 machine [wireless] training parcour. The staff is extra accomdating, and if you are coming in from out of town, there is lodging on the property[ I stay @ the plantation the duration of the visit].

If you are interested in booking some time, please contact me directly via phone or email....and....don't forget, Seminole Cup is just around the corner......

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Will Fennell
803-328-9321- Home/Office
willfennell@willfennell.com

Monday, December 28, 2009

Favorite Shotgun Lube

Well gang,
Earlier I discussed the the pro's and con's of whether to use oil or grease to lubricate your break open shotgun. What I didn't tell you is that I found out how to avoid that decision. The product I've been using with great results for the last year is from a handgun oriented company, Wilson Combat. They are makers of custom 1911 pattern handguns[ My favorite], AR15's, and tactical shotguns based on Remington 870's. They have a series of lubricants called UltimaLube including UltimaLube grease, oil, and another that splits the difference, universal. UltimaLube Universal is a very thick oil, or a thin grease, depending on how you look at things. I tend to think of it as a VERY thick oil. I use it to lubricate, not as a general rust preventative, as there are other products that do a great job of that. The other really neat feature of the UltimaLube Universal is the applicator. It is a syringe, with a pin point plastic "needle" to place the lube just where you want it, and not all over your hands, shirt, or sweater. Also, the end of the syringe twists, effectively turning the applicator "off", so it doesn't leak all over your range bag or gun case. This stuff works GREAT!
Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube Liquid Universal 10cc Lube SyringeWilson Combat Ultima-Lube Liquid Universal 10cc Lube Syringe
For rust prevention I recommend 2 items. First for general rust prevention, I like Birchwood Casey brand "Sheath"[Now branded by Birchwood Casey as "Barricade"]. It is a rust preventative, that doesn't leave as "greasey" film as some others, and really does a great job. I like the liquid as opposed to the spray, because I like to either apply with a rag, or a brush, depending on the part of the gun..
PS4 Sheath Rust Preventive 4.5oz Spout CanPS4 Sheath Rust Preventive 4.5oz Spout Can
Kleen Bore Nylon Bristle All Purpose Gun Cleaning Brush Md: UT221Kleen Bore Nylon Bristle All Purpose Gun Cleaning Brush Md: UT221
A rag is great for spreading the preventative on smooth surfaces like the blued barrels, and the brush is GREAT for rough areas like the top of the vent rib, or any engraved areas. Engraving provide a difficult area to treat as wiping with a cloth will just hit the high spots, and since on many finely engraved shotguns, the engraved areas are left "in the white" you need to get rust preventative all over the exposed steel. A brush, like the one above is great for getting the liquid Sheath all down in the engraved surface of the shotgun.

There is one additional rust preventative that I use, and it is very specialized. I use it mainly to treat the inside of the shotgun. Especially inside the lockwork. Especially inside detachable trigger groups, but inside the lockwork of guns that don't have detachable triggers or locks. Many, some, or none of you may know, I shoot a Beretta DT10, a gun that feature detachable triggers. I like to clean and degrease my trigger groups[ the one in the gun, and my spare ], then I soak the trigger group in Sentry Solutions TUF GLIDE....
Sentry Solutions - Tuf-Glide, 1/2 oz.Sentry Solutions - Tuf-Glide, 1/2 oz.
Sentry Solutions Tuf-Glide 8oz BottleSentry Solutions Tuf-Glide 8oz Bottle

This stuff does a GREAT job of rust prevention, with just a little lubrication....and it dries completely so the treated metal doesn't attract and hold grit and carbon. The only down side is that it doesn't have much "staying power" on surfaces that get handled[ The Birchwood Casey Sheath is better for that ], but if the surface doesn't get messed with, like parts inside your gun, it does a fantastic, long term job of rust prevention.

Now, before anyone gets upset that I don't recommend their favorite lube or rust preventative......take a deep breath and relax. These are just the products that I have found work well for me. I have used many more that work well also, I have lubed Perazzi's with motor oil off golf cart dipsticks, and kept Krieghoff's from rusting with olive oil, but these are the products I use when I have a choice. Use with confidence!


Best,

Will

Cold weather shooting,,,,,the gear.....

Folks,
I shot a bit of clays this past weekend, and the topic of everyone's discussion was how cold it was, weather it was going to rain or not, and how shooter's hate shooting wear heavy clothing. So naturally friends and students wanted to know how I deal with this conundrum. Well here is the most common piece of gear I use this time of year..... the Beretta Wind Barrier Sweater. They are warm wool, with a membrane liner that is totally wind proof, and water resistant. You get a warm outer garment, that is totally windproof, has some stretch to it so you are not restricted with your gun mount, and it looks sharp to boot! Highly recommended.....
Beretta Wind Barrier Shooting Sweater / Windbarrier Sweater - XXL

Orvis Beretta Wind Barrier Shooting Sweater

I was also wearing a new pair of boots.....a nice Christmas gift from my father, and I think they have earned a spot in the traveling gear box in my truck. These are boots from the Muck Boot Company....they are warm, dry, easy on and off, and just wash them off with the hose when they get filthy.....
MuckBoots Adult Scrub Boot,Garden Green,Men's 11 M/Women's 12 M
MuckBoots Adult Scrub Boot,Garden Green,Men's 11 M/Women's 12 M

Best,

Will

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Wet day @ Rocky Creek Sporting Clays, but the new club house is looking GOOD!

Well folks, we got a little flooded out for part of the day @ Rocky Creek, but we were still able to shoot a bit, and those that stayed for the oysters, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Hall Rogers[manager] is always a great host, even if David Chestnutt[owner] does get in Hall's way a bit and "help out". A great time was had by all!

Lots of construction underway @ Rocky Creek. The Flurry Station platform is finished, with a Promatic Huntsman trap array below the shooters feet. Shooters LOVE the flurry game.....be sure to try it on your next visit.

Then, there is the new club house....


.................that should be finished sometime before spring. Here is a pic of the front door, with Dad, Jeff Phifer, and Hall.













The main room has a great stone fireplace......















For those that haven't been to Rocky Creek, here is a view from the club house down to the covered 5 stand, and out on the course...


......where the course winds down along the banks of Rocky  Creek. Great course, great club....come by and visit when you are in the area. Best Regards, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Will

Friday, December 25, 2009

The weather is looking good for tomorrow @ Rocky Creek Sporting Clays!

Folks,
Tomorrow is looking good.....sunny weather......after the bleak Christmas Day, its looking good. Friendly round of clays[ its a 2 man team fun shoot ], see all my friends, work with the kids some, and fresh OYSTERS afterward. Possibly even and adult beverage[ after the guns are cased of course!]......it will be a great day.

Merry Christmas to All!

Will

More thoughts on the new NSCA Team USA selection Process

I'm very pleased that the International Committee has listened to input from shooters, and modified the selection process. We  now have a limited number of shoots where competitors can be compared, and a numerical, black and white, transparent method of comparison. This answers most of the complaints that have been leveled at the system in the past. Going forward, for this system to work well, the IC will have to give much thought to the allocation of these selection shoots.

Deciding which clubs get these shoots has been problematic in the past, and this process will just add to the scrutiny. There have been many times in the past when there weren't enough clubs even interested when it came to the FITASC selection shoots. 

Now that the IC has done a great job of modifying the selection process, I would like to see them make the process of selecting the clubs to host the shoots just as well thought out and transparent.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

NSCA continues to tweak the TEAM USA selection process,...maybe they have it right .....finally?

Well gang, we have complained, and it looks like they have listened! The international committee of NSCA[ that is the group that manages the TEAM USA process and all international sporting[ English Sporting and FITASC] interests in the USA, has revised, again, the process for making the team. Follow the link below.....

2011Team Selection Process

....now understand, this is the process for selection of the 2011 team. This means that this governs the 2010 shoots that will select the 2011 team. They got it done just in time!

I will post further on this update, but on first blush, it certainly seems to make the situation MUCH better than last year, and all years in the past. Thank you goes out to the International Committee!

Best,

Will

Monday, December 21, 2009

Yesterday's Shotgun Instruction @ Turkey Hill Plantation

I had a great day yesterday at Turkey Hill Plantation. Worked mainly with youth shooters, and really found some youngsters that can SHOOT! I should be back @ Turkey Hill early next year......look for an announcement soon.

Best,

Will

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Shooting in Argentina

Folks,
I just want to let everyone that hasn't been to south america wingshooting know, that it is really as awesome as you hear. This is a pic of my father, Wallace Fennell, in a dove field outside of Rio Hondo, Argentina earlier this year.......



.....dad is trying to look serious, but he is having a blast! We are working with Tucuman Wingshooting [ Dad has been going to Argentina, with them for 6 years]. I went down this September for the first time with them, and it won't be my last! Service was great, people friendly, food was fantastic, cost of the trip was reasonable, and the shooting was unbelievable. I will be making several trips down this coming year, so if you are interested, get in touch! They have world class wingshooting, to include pigeon, ducks, perdiz, and of course doves.

There are so many birds, I can offer instruction on wild birds. More information to follow....

Best,

Will

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Great Newsletter for Sporting Clay Shooters in the Southeast......

Folks,
I want to tell you about a great online resource for sporting shooters, especially if you live in the southeastern states. The Georgia Sporting Clay Association has a GREAT weekly email newsletter that anyone can subscribe to......and they do a great job with it.....

Link to the current newsletter

.....there is a link at the bottom of the newsletter to subscribe. The Ga association not only takes note of Ga issues, but does a good job of reporting on all important sporting clay related issues around the country, especially the southeast. I usually recommend all my new shooter students subscribe just to help them "get up to speed" on the sporting world. Great source of info!

Best,

Will

Paper or plastic? Oil or grease?

Folks,
I have been hearing this questions since I started the game oh these many years ago......should I used oil or grease to lube my over and under? The truth is that it doesn't really matter, as long as you use one of them, and use it correctly. OK, so now you want to know what 'correctly' means.....

First, you need to understand the strengths and weakness' of the 2 types of lube.

Grease does a great job of lubricating, and does a good job of staying where you put it, but it does collect and hold dirt and grit. These solid particulates can quickly turn your grease into an abrasive compound, grinding away at your expensive blaster. If you like to use grease, you need to be diligent about wiping out the old grease, and applying fresh grease very frequently[ I suggest ever time you head to the range ].

Oil also does a great job of lubricating, and unlike grease, it holds dirt and grit in suspension and allows it to flow out of the way of moving part, thereby mitigating the abrasive qualities of the contaminates. So far, so good, but there is a downside. Oil does not do a very good job of staying where you put it.....it creeps, flows, seeps, and generally goes places you don't want it. Like on you new shirt, shooting glass lenses, or worse of all, falling victim to gravity and flowing down into your expensive wood when your shotgun is stored in a gun rack. Gun lubricating oil is VERY bad for your stock, so we don't want that happening. This is the main reason we don't recommend the ubiquitous WD40, as it is designed to penetrate and we don't want it penetrating your beautiful walnut gunstock.

Soooo, if you choose grease, change it often. If you use oil, use it sparingly, wipe off the excess, and consider storing your trusty boomstick upside down when it is put up long term in you gun rack.

I'll be following this up with a couple of additional posts regarding which lubes I recommend, and where to apply them. Before anyone gets too excited, as long as its not WD40, just about any lubricant will do.....

Best,

Will

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Boringly accurate rifle.....the TRG-22

Folks,
I mentioned earlier that this Blog wasn't going to be just sporting clays. Well, I really enjoy rifles and handguns also. The more serious my shotgun competition has become, the more I enjoy range time with precision rifles and custom handguns. Here is one I have been really enjoying getting to know lately.....the SAKO TRG-22.

Tim Hasting, a good friend and student, has gotten me excited about long range precision rifle shooting. Tim is a long time 'sniper comp' competitor. Hearing his stories, and playing with his rifles got me really fired up to try my hand at this type of shooting. I got in touch with my friends at Beretta, and arranged to demo a TRG. So far, I'm just getting my gear set up, and loads developed, but I hope that next year, I get to go out west with Tim and train at longer ranges in field conditions.

Here is a pic with a 10 shot, 100 yard group....



Best,

Will

CLAYSHOOTINGUSA has a program to support youth shooting!

Folks,
Many of you many know that I am involved with the South Carolina Youth Shooting Sports Foundation. We have been working hard to promote youth shotgun sports here in SC, and I mentioned this to my friends Ben Brunton and John Imboden @ ClayshootingUSA magazine. We came up with a great promotion to help the SCTP nationally, and reward the hardest working SCTP team in the country! Follow this link and find out how!

ClayshootingUSA helping SCTP!

Any questions, give John Imboden a call @ 210-377-1117.

Best,

Will

2010 World FITASC Championships- ITALY

Folks,
The 2010 World FITASC championships, the GRANDDADDY of sporting tournaments, is just around the corner. It is not to early to begin planning. I expect this shoot to fill up within a day or two of registration opening[ Should be in mid January- look for an announcement on this blog]. I would not wait on travel/lodging plans till after you get registered. Start now. This post in my thread will be a clearing house of information regarding this shoot.

This link has some basic information on the shoot, to get you started.....

Official FITASC Presentation


I think this shoot will be one to remember!

Shotshells for 2010, what's old is new again! GAMEBORE

I'm generally pretty boring with regard to my equipment in the game[meaning I find stuff I like, and generally stick with it!], but I am making a change for the 2010 season. I was a GAMEBORE shooter 10 years or so ago, when they were first imported into the USA. I LOVE the shells.....I get the best long range breaks with the polished diamond shot that I have ever experienced. Unfortunately, the importation of the shells switched hands, and I could not get along with the fellow that owned the rights to the shells in the USA. I eventually left my sponsorship with the importer[ Royal Sporting- what a flaky "gentleman"!], and have always missed the performance of these great shells. When shooting in England, I would always try to find GAMEBORE WHITE GOLD for my tournament shells.




Eventually, the folks @ Royal Sporting faded away, and the GAMEBORE brand in the USA has been in limbo for a few years. Shift to 2008 and the good folks at INTA SPORT from Texas have secured the exclusive importation/distribution right for the GAMEBORE WHITE GOLD line of shells. I'm in HEAVEN! These shells are truly fantastic performers, with the 28 gram WHITE GOLD being my absolute favorite shells the I have ever shot. I have tested the current production ammunition, and found them to be the same great quality that I experienced 10 years ago[ some believe that Royal Sporting had meddled with the specification of the shells in order to reduce cost- I dunno, but these shells I have now are GREAT].

These shells are not cheap, but performance never is.....they are not as expensive as Federal Gold medal, which is the only US made shell that I believe they can be compared to.....more info to follow......

Best,

Will

Big Red Oak Plantation December trip

I just returned from one of my favorite sporting clubs, Big Red Oak Plantation in Gay, Ga. I'm at BRO about a week a month, and its always good to see old friends. Jimmy Warren was in fine form, as usual. Jimmy spent a morning with me honing the basics, with his sights set on Seminole!

Mary Pitts was there with her new gun, a really nice BERETTA 687EELL. We spent a bit of time on maintenance issues....how to loosen the stock should everything get soaked.....and what needs lube. Then on to crossing targets, to make sure Mary hadn't lost her touch. She is handling the new gun really well. I suspect this season will be good to Mary.

Jimmie Smith worked out a totally imaginary slump, and by the end of the afternoon, was bashing targets with abandon. Jimmie just needs to settle on ONE GUN. I think he is now convinced.

Some new faces rounded out a good trip, and I look forward to seeing everyone in the Atlanta area again in late January. Final date to be announced.

Best,

Will

Monday, December 14, 2009

The end of the old season, and the start of the new...

Folks,
My glass is certainly half full, and I am looking with bated breath toward the 2010 shooting season! Before anyone even thinks they are ready, the Seminole Cup [ the first big blast shoot of the sporting clay calender year ] will be upon us. NOW is the time to prepare. Follow along as I get ready for this upcoming season.

My blog will also include much more than sporting clays competition and instruction. I will give a bit of insight to the business of sporting clays, so follow me to the ShotShow in January for the latest news and probably a bit of gossip. I will also give insight into my other shooting passions, whether it be hunting, long range rifle shooting, or fine custom 1911 handguns.

So sit back, check in often, and enjoy the ride along with me.

Best Regards,

Will Fennell
TEAM USA
TEAM BERETTA
www.willfennell.com
willfennell@willfennell.com