Maple Leaf Marksmen

Spring, 2000 Newsletter

We have just had our second range inspection from the Chief Firearms Office (CFO) and will have to make some changes to comply with the new laws. Overall, they were very impressed with the improvements we have done over the past few years. We were told we have one of the best looking clubs in Ontario!

Revised Club Rules & Regulations

The CFO recommended some changes, so we have re-written our Rules & Regulations. We ask that you read them over completely and fully understand all changes. An acceptance form must be dated, signed, witnessed and returned to club executive. We have to keep them on file!

Other Changes to be Made

The big job is the right side outdoor berm. It must be rebuilt with earth to a height of 12' from the 50 metre position back to the clubhouse. Jack has started this job with the help of various members. Thanks to Ralf Mason and Al Weller for the use of large equipment to move the earth. Sorry, but it will be a mess for a while.

We have been allowed to continue to use the rock face as a backstop as long as only lead bullets are used! All jacketed bullets (pistol and rifle) may only be fired from the 70 metre cross range position. We will continue roof over that area with overhead berm and will construct a berm on shooting bench that will not allow firearm to be turned in an unsafe positlon or raised above backstop. We will also construct a sand/earth trap 6' high at 70 metre position -- beams behind with wings to each side and sand/earth 6' high in front. Target would be hung in front of this.

A quantity of new signs have/will be installed for safety of all per CFO recommendations. Read your new rules and regulations for proper use. Indoor range red/green safety lights have been installed by Norm Botts (see rules) and a first aid kit installed.

Thanks to our club members, the cost of all these changes will be reasonable because of donated labour/material and equipment. We will have to make purchases but we are in good financial shape. Those members helping out will be reimbursed for expences incurred (equipment, etc).

Ceiling Tile on Outdoor Roof

Thanks to Jack, Derek, Roy, Gib, Bob, Hoss (and anyone else I forgot) for installing ceiling tile (which we received for free) on the outdoor range ceiling. This should help keep the noise from muzzle blasts down.

Club Kitchen

If you have not been up to the club lately on a Sunday morning or club shoot, you will not believe the food coming out of the kitchen! Burgers - chili - sausage - hot beef - milk shakes and all sorts of other goodies. "Check it out". Thank you Bob Clendennin, Kitchen Chairman. Thanks to John Kellaway for adding electrical wiring to kitchen for extra grills, small freezer and ventilation.

Club WebSite

Thanks to Robert Telford we now have a club website complete with pictures of events etc. Robert spent many hours designing it and will keep it updated. You must check it out, it looks great!

Black Powder Shoot

Our annual black powder shoot was held April 15th. Thanks to Norm, Dan, Brian, Mike and Bob for making it a success. $180 profit for the club plus kitchen sales. 16 competitors shot the match -- a great day!
1st place: Jim Moore
2nd place: Paul Haughton
3rd place: Sherman Arnold.

Upcoming Club Matches

Refer to the events section.

Every Sunday at 10:00 am, we have our outdoor "Polar Bear Shoot". Come out and give it a try. It's a fun shoot. .22 rifle with any sights including scope. After this shoot, Marko Jugley has also started a .22 bench rest rifle shoot (again, any sights) with 10 shots. He is also trying to start a 10-shot pistol shoot, after the other 2 shoots.

Club Crests and Jackets

Refer to the apparel section.

Future Work Parties

We will try to post work parties in clubhouse -- let us know if you can help out.

Late Dues

We still have some members who have not paid their 2000 club dues. Please let us know if you are re-joining A.S.A.P.

Information Centre

We have ordered all forms and information brochures from the canadian Firearms Centre (1-800-731-4000) and will keep them in clubhouse. Remember, you must have a valid F.A.C./Possession/Possession-Acquisition licence as of December 31, 2000 or you cannot have a firearm in your house or purchase ammunition! If you have any questions or are not sure, call the above number. If you have a handgun "Authorization to Transport" permit, it is not valid if your F.A.C. has expired.