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Welcome to The Target Zone
The Monthly Newsletter of Center Target Sports, Inc.
It's taken a while but the heat is finally upon us, summer is here and it was worth the wait. Along with the heat, the Supreme Court decision on the DC Gun Ban was long awaited and certainly we were equally excited when the decision was announced. I was a little disappointed in the 5-4 decision as I wish it would have been a lopsided vote in our favor. Nonetheless, the 2nd Amendment again survived an attempt on its true meaning and our ultimate right to bear arms.
I was curious to see the political makeup of the dissenters, so I did a little research to see what political administration appointed them. I was surprised to see that of the 4 dissenters, two were appointed by Democratic presidents and two were appointed by Republican presidents. Goes to show you that the gun issue crosses all political, economic, and social segments of our society.
If I may, allow me to get on my soapbox for a second in regard to the upcoming elections. Regardless of your political affiliation, I urge you all to take the time to research the candidates at every level of government. Please don't accept what the mainstream media is saying about anyone. The candidates will say anything to get elected. Take the time to read and study the voting records of these candidates as I believe this is the only way to measure their true political positions. For me, I believe their past voting record will be the best indicator as to the agendas they will support if elected.
Good news for all you Utah CCW holders. Utah is now honored in 34 States. W. Virginia and Pennsylvania have been added. Just 16 more to go :-) We will keep you informed.
A special thank you to so many of you for the kind get well wishes regarding my knee surgery. Seems my sneaky wife made a last minute addition to last month's newsletter and informed everyone I was scheduled for surgery. Well, it went very well (Dr. words) and I feel great. Had the surgery on Thursday and taught an 8 hr class on that following Sunday. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.
The Farnam class is almost full and I am so excited to have him here. Thank you for supporting this event. As you know this is the first time I have allowed an outside instructor to teach here. I wanted to wait for the best, and John is certainly the best. You folks that have enrolled are in for a treat.
Don't forget our Wilderness/Hunting first aid class this month. I wrote about it in last month's newsletter. This class is only offered twice a year so don't miss it.
I don't want to sound like a broken record here but Peggy and I want to thank you all for supporting our training programs. Two years ago, SOLD OUT classes in the summer time was unheard of. Not any more. We need training to survive and your word-of-mouth advertising has been a God send for us. My father used to say "you need to know where you came from to know where you are going". Well we have come a long way with Center Target Sports, but it is your support that continues to keep us going.
Thank You and Be Safe
Your CTS Family.
P.S. If your friends aren't receiving this newsletter and you think they'd be interested, let us know at www.centertargetsports.com . Just click on "Contact Us". |
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The Cost of Doing Business Everything around us is going up. Last March bullet lead was selling for 7 cents a pound. Today it is around 88 cents a pound. Ammo prices continue to climb. Let's not even discuss the gas prices. Our overhead has increased by more than 30% since we opened in December 2004.
We are not immune to the increased costs of doing business. We have not raised our prices associated with classes, membership or range access since we opened over 3 1/2 years ago. In fact, in an effort to keep shooting as economical as possible, we are selling our range ammo for less margin than in 2005.
The time has come for us to raise our fees a minimal amount. Beginning September 1st, we will raise our annual membership rates, the daily non-member use rate and some of our class rates. Our competitors raised their rate months ago and we just can't hold out any longer. Peggy and I are painfully aware of how the state of our economy effects us all. We hope that you will understand the reasoning behind our minimum increases and continue to support us during this year and as always we appreciate your patronage.
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 Meet Tom Keys
Peggy and I consider ourselves very lucky to have Tom as an employee. Many of you know Tom is part time with us as he is in his 3rd year with Idaho State Police. His journey to a career in law enforcement started with a 3 year stint in the US Army. Tom was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division and served a 16 month combat tour in Iraq. Tom held many positions of responsibility in the Army some of which included, Team Leader, Machine gunner, SAW Gunner, Initial Entry Man, Squad Designated Marksman, Scouts, and qualified for the Expert Infantry Badge.
Tom has continued to be an overachiever. He was the Top Shooter at Idaho POST and was an ISP Advanced Academics recipient. Tom loves shooting and participates in IDPA, GSSF, and Bullseye. He especially enjoys realistic tactical shooting and force on force training.
Tom is very knowledgeable and a great asset to our team. Take the time to get to know him and don't hesitate to ask his advice on any of our products and services.
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NEW EVOlution Range Bag
 WOW!! Talk about versitility. We have just received our first shipment of the new iShot range bags.
Many of you know that iShot quality is unsurpassed. However, the EVO sets the standard for versitility. This bag is not for the shooter who goes to the range once a year. Clearly this bag was designed for the shooter who wants to keep his equipment organized, protected, and doesn't want to get to the range and realize he/she has forgotten any equipment back home.
Please look at the features listed below. You will soon realize this bag does it all. I have never seen a bag that provides so much storage not only for firearms, ammo, safety gear, but this bag has a specific section for cleaning equipment and maintenance tools as well.
Built for Strength with:
- CORDURA® Fabric!
- YKK Zippers!
- Duraflex Hardware!
- Heavy Duty Webbing
Cordura® for maximum durability
Cordura®, a high-performance fabric resistant to abrasions, tears, and scuffs
Cordura® stands for durability
Cordura® is: 2 x more durable than standard nylon  3 x more durable than polyester
10 x more durable than cotton duck
Characteristics 
External Dimensions
21" (L) x 11" (D) x 15" (H)
The EVO Accomodates
8 x pistol magazines, 8 x rifle magazines, Cleaning kit, Spare parts & tools, Timer, Ammo, Holster, mag carriers & belt, Water Bottle, Eye & Ear Protection
There are over 30 pockets just in the EVO's Main Storage Compartment Alone!
Come in and see for yourself. They will make great gifts for the shooter in your family. They will not last long!!!
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| Monthly Training Tip
A Review of the Fundamentals of Shooting
Let's take a look at the fundamentals of shooting in the most basic form. On a daily basis I witness shooters attempting to improve their shooting skills. They often attempt these improvements with disregard to the fundamentals. It is amazing how often I am able to assist shooters in their effort to realize significant improvements in their shooting by just re-emphasizing the basic shooting fundamentals as listed below.
I believe 95% of all shooting errors are related to the shooter anticipating the recoil and report of the weapon and NOT being surprised when the shot goes off.
Loose groups indicate focus is not on the front sight. The front sight must be sharp and crisp. While on the subject of loose groups, I would like to say bring your targets in closer. If you can't shoot a tight group at 10 feet why do you think you can at 60 feet? Remember, your subconscious must see the result of your conscious act within 1/3 of a second in order to record it and therefore replay it.
Cut these points out and stick them in your shooting bag. Use them as reference the next time you are on the line and can't seem to hit the mark. I think you will be surprised at the improvement.
- TRIGGER CONTROL - The ability to apply increasing pressure on the trigger and allow the hammer to fall without disturbing sight alignment. Remember my philosophy about pressing the trigger to the rear is making every effort to press the trigger to the rear in line with the bore. Straight to the rear without any undue side pressure or influence. Smooth almost detached, consistent rear pressure.
- SIGHT ALIGNMENT - The relationship of the eye, rear sight, and front sight. Sight Alignment is accomplished by placing your visual focus on the front sight and aligning it with the rear sight regardless of a target. Often students say they loose focus on the front sight after a few shots, this is primarily due to their holding their breath. Don't hold your breath.
- SIGHT PICTURE - The relationship between sight alignment and the target. It is established by super-imposing sight alignment on the target's center mass. Since the human eye can only focus on one thing at a time, the challenge is to maintain alignment and sight picture while focusing on the front sight.
- GRIP - Operate the weapon repeatedly without changing. One of the most common grip related corrections I make with shooters of all levels is their lack of "Dynamic Grip". Whether it is due to poor hand placement, improper gun/grip size, or a total lack of grip ergonomics, the grip is often the weak point in a shooter's foundation.
Both milking or breaking the wrist have a very negative impact on shooting accuracy and are often the result of an improper grip. Take the time to understand the hand/finger positioning in relation to the firearm required to accomplish a dynamic grip. There are many variations to the grip depicted here. However, the key points in any dynamic grip are, both thumbs on the same side of gun, and the index finger of support hand must touch the underside of the trigger guard. See the photo below:
- STANCE or POSITION - Least amount of body and weapon movement. Ultimately this is what we are striving for. Shooters of either Weaver or Isosceles shooting positions are faced with the same desired end result. Which stance works best for you or the type of shooting you participate in will depend on the individual.
- FOLLOW-THROUGH - We have heard this phrase in most every sport known to man. In its purest sense it is making every effort to continue what you were doing before the gun was fired after the gun was fired. Movement begins in the brain and any action after the gun is fired originated in the brain prior to the firearm discharge. Try to stay focused on the shot long enough to "call" the shot once fired.
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Commentary On Training
Just look in your local newspaper, shooting magazine, or phone book to see firearms instructors are available everywhere. But I believe the availability of instruction is no measure of the quality or even relevency of the material being taught.
Don't let the price of instruction be an indicator of quality. Recently we had some traveling students take a class at CTS who at the end of the day shared their thoughts with us. It seems that when they began their day they were under the impression that it would be a nice way to spend the day shooting. They did not expect much from the class because of the "Inexpensive Cost". After all, they have attended the Big named schools on numerous occasions and were used to paying 2 - 3 times what I charge for similar classes.
Well imagine my surprise, when they they told me the classes they had taken and payed so much for were similar in "name only". They told us they were "blown away" by the content and presentation of the day's training. The husband said he "never realized how much he did not receive in previous classes" until he trained at CTS.
I'm not saying I'm the best firearm instructor there is. I am encouraging you to evaluate any potential training opportunity on course content, relevency, delivery, practicality and safety before you factor in cost.
Look at the UTAH CCW course for instance. There are many sources for this training. However, I believe we are the only course that includes Fingerprinting, Passport Photos, Notary Service, Pre-addressed Envelope, help with filling out the forms and establishes the critical shooting proficiency standard for civil court.
In addition, you can repeat any class we offer for free forever upon successful completion.
Value comes in many forms. There are many facilities across the country that offer quality instruction. Take the time to select the best program to meet your needs and everyone wins.
Above all else, it is our Desire and our number one Goal to always offer training and value unmatched anywhere in the country.
UTAH CCW
good in
34 States
Remember if you take your Utah CCW training with us it is all inclusive. Our Fee Includes the Notary Service, Fingerprinting, Passport Photos and Even a Pre-addressed Envelope.
Truly, One Stop Shopping!!
Wilderness / Hunting First Aid
July 31st
5:30-9:30PM
For a complete list
Farnam is Coming! Very Few Seats Left!!!
CTS The Only Place To Try Before You Buy...
Friday Night Date Night
Unlimited shooting for both you and your date only $20 and 10% off Ammo and Targets
Refuse to be a Victim Class July 29th 5:30-9:30PM All proceeds go to the Post Falls Woman's Shelter
Farnam is Coming! Very Few Seats Left
Kubaton Class Aug 7th
1:00-5:00PM
FREE 1 Hour Class and Range Day with every firearm purchase. A $55.00 Value
New GSSF Match Series Starts July 19th 9am - 2pm
Farnam is Coming!
Repeat any class completed, forever for FREE!
CTS, The Only Place To Try Before You Buy...
Friday Night Date Night Unlimited shooting for both you and your date only $20 and 10% off Ammo and Targets
FREE 1 Hour Class and Range Day with every firearm purchase. A $55.00 Value
Remember Bullseye Every Thursday Night at 6pm |
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