Hi Larry & All;

  LaGrande was a hoot. Regarding Larry's remarks about me, I guess all I can say is:" I resemble that remark".

  My Hunting Partner(my grandson Drew) really enjoyed his first match as well as meeting the folks at LaGrande. He really is tuned in to what the task of shooting in competition is all about. When the commence fire command was given, he was deliberate, focused and was not interested in 10's, he was after the X's.

  His first record target was a 50-1X; He was not really pleased with that but after it was over we discussed what Sharon Nunn usually says,("points are better than X's) Drew then went on to shoot 50-4X, 50-4X, 50-5X & 50-4X.    250-18X. All with a 22PPC on a Remington action. As Larry said, I was a proud Granpa.

  My hat is off to the whole bunch at LaGrande. They welcomed Drew into the fold and reveled in his accomplishment. Larry treated him just like he does all others; by trying to get under his skin between matches. Drew and I had discussed the Beaver Pond from both a historical as well as a biographical perspective on our drive that morning so he was prepared for what was to come; and what that was was a splendid day and a neat life experience.

  Now, as far as the full 308 versus a 30 BR, well, that is like apples and oranges; even though they are both fruit, they are different. (I think orange pie would be awful). With my just turned 60 year old eyes, that 36X scope is a hoot. Arrived at the range preloaded with cases that I had neck turned and prepped 2 days before and proceeded to shoot 21X's. With very little extra effort, I am sure there is a 25X in there soon. Thanks to Randy for the information he shared about the 30BR the learning curve was rapidly flattend.

  Now credit is due where it was earned; Larry shot a 250-19X to win the Hunter Class field of 11 shooters, even with the handicap of a 6X scope and a Full 308. He was the frosting on the cake for Drew that day.

  Happy Holidays to all and further reports to come.

Ron Baldner