Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

CCRKBA Calls Chicago Cops' Hidden Microphones a Civil Rights Threat
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"Disclosure that the Chicago, Ill. Police department has apparently been 'experimenting' with tiny microphones in unmarked police cars that can pick up nearby conversations on the street is yet another civil rights slap in the face in a city where law-abiding citizens have already been effectively stripped of their gun rights."

"The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) today agreed with Ed Yohnka, spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois that there is a genuine concern about Fourth Amendment violations if such conversations would be recorded without warrants."

"'In Chicago,' said CCRKBA Executive Director Joe Waldron, 'they have already effectively trashed the Second Amendment and apparently figure that since they've gotten away with it, they can also trash the Fourth. Even the Chicago Sun Times properly alluded to the 'Big Brother' aspect of this equipment.'" ...

John Lott: 60 Minutes, Terrorists And Guns
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"Ironically within a week of Dan Rather retiring from the CBS Evening News because of the fiasco over the 60 Minutes Memogate scandal, this weekend 60 Minutes was at it again, this time stirring up fears about how terrorists would use 50-caliber rifles to attack Americans."

"Last year the big fear was over the semi-automatic assault-weapons ban just before it expired. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D., N.Y.) claimed the ban was one of 'the most effective measures against terrorism that we have.' Of course, nothing happened when the law expired last year. ..."

"Back in the mid-1980s it was the hysteria over 'plastic guns' when the Austrian company Glock began exporting pistols to the United States. ..." ...

The unlikely ACLU-gun-nut alliance Submitted by: Anonymous	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"When the American Civil Liberties Union and gun-nut lobbies make common cause, it is time to pay attention. That is exactly the case with the new Patriots to Restore Checks and Balances, an improbable coalition of liberal and conservative - nay, arch conservative - organizations cobbled together to contest the thoughtless renewal of the Patriot Act that President Bush has called for." ...

Preserve gun lawsuits
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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NOTE:
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Site username: Newslinks@KeepAndBearArms.com
Street Address: 123 Main
Zip: 10706
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"Mass shootings by lone gunmen have spiked up around the nation. A government report has indicated that suspected terrorists are exploiting America's lax gun laws. So how do members of Congress respond? By proposing to abolish a tool citizens have to encourage responsible practices within the gun industry: lawsuits."

"The industry would get what others can only dream about: wide immunity from legal action. Congress would give a pass even to a gun shop blatantly negligent in arming terrorists who then carry out an attack on American soil."

"The backers of this goofy, dangerous bill have their priorities all mixed up. No industry deserves immunity from lawsuits. ..." ...

NRA: Effectively communicating with lawmakers on S. 397/H.R. 800
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"As you know, 'The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act' was recently introduced as S. 397 in the U.S. Senate, and H.R. 800 in the U.S. House. This critically important, NRA-backed legislation would protect law-abiding firearm manufacturers from reckless, predatory, and potentially bankrupting lawsuits."

"With efforts to pass this legislation in full swing, below are some tips to ensure your communications with your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators produce the desired effect." ...

TSA Lied About Protecting Passenger Data (blog)
Submitted by: medicdave

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... "The Transportation Security Administration misled the public about its role in obtaining personal information about 12 million airline passengers to test a system that screens for terrorists, according to a government investigation." ...

"This is major stuff. It shows that the TSA lied to the public about its use of personal data again and again."

"Right now the TSA is in a bind. It is prohibited by Congress from fielding Secure Flight until it meets a series of criteria. The Government Accounting Office is expected to release a report this week that details how the TSA has not met these criteria."

"I'm not sure the TSA cares. It's already announced plans to roll out Secure Flight." ...
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Poster's Note: How long before gun ownership data flags passengers for tighter screening? The author hints at it here.

Political leaders nourish culture of deadly gun violence
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"The shootings at Red Lake. The Atlanta courthouse killings. The Lefkow murders. Recent headlines chronicle an America in the grips of an epidemic of gun violence and provoke debate over many valid questions. What about American society encourages these rampages? Why is our legal and criminal justice systems failing us? How do we detect and help disturbed children before they turn to killing?"

"But what about the guns?" ...

"The boy [who shot up Red Lake]used a gun that belonged to the grandfather he murdered. Still, the issue of gun control seemed to stay mostly under the radar. It's as though we have come to a place where society has accepted gun violence as an irrefutable fact of life -- and death." ...

The war of the wrong
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"Just as there is a War on Drugs and a War on Terrorism ongoing in this country, there is a war without such a catchy name that continues unabated in America. That is the War on Guns. And just as the War on Drugs has spent billions of dollars with quite literally nothing to show for it but growing incidences of violence and the highest incarceration rates in the world; and as the War on Terrorism has cost untold losses of liberty to date; the War on Guns has prohibitive expenses all its own."

"The grassroots forces in the War on Guns like to say that they're 'pro-gun control' or 'for the children.' In reality, they're anti-gun at best, and card-carrying members of the rights-denial contingent as a matter of course. ..." ...

A slew of new ammo gives hunters options
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"For the past two or three years incredible changes have taken place with new ammunition and firearms products coming into the market place, at an unbelievable rate. Clearly, Winchester has turned the ammunition world upside down with the creation of Winchester Short Magnum ammunition. In every single case the new WSM rounds outperform the standard rounds they replace. The shooting world hasn't seen this type of activity since Roy Weatherby was churning out Weatherby magnums that virtually smoked the competition."

"During this same two-to-three year time span, three new revolver rounds were introduced: the .480 Ruger, .50 and now .460 Smith & Wesson. ..." ...

The Trouble with Tasers
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"High-powered tasers are the new fad in law enforcement. They are becoming ever more prevalent even as their safety is increasingly in question. The proliferation of tasers in police departments across the country has led to unconventional uses. Among those hit by tasers are elderly people, children as young as one year old, people apparently suffering diabetic shock and epileptic seizures, people already bound in restraints, and hospital mental patients. Police used tasers against protesters at the 2003 Miami Free Trade Area of the Americas demonstration and against rowdy fans at the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. School systems are employing the weapons, with some officers carrying tasers even in elementary schools." ...

PA: 1 killed, 1 hurt in Wawa [apparent self-defense] shooting
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"A Philadelphia man shot and killed one man and seriously injured another after at least six others began fighting with him at a Bensalem Wawa early Easter morning, police said."

"No charges have been filed and police declined to release the names of anyone involved until their investigation is completed." ...

"... Shortly before 2 a.m. the crowd of young men got into a fight in the parking lot of the store with a 24-year-old man they didn't know, police said. It was unclear how the fight started, but [Bucks County District Attorney Diane] Gibbons said the 24-year-old was beaten before he pulled a gun and shot Matt Taylor ... and another Philadelphian, 18." ...

"... According to Gibbons, the 24-year-old man had a license for the handgun." ...

FL: Carjacking Suspect Shot After Victims Fight Back
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Two gunmen carjacked three men at an Orange County apartment complex and tried to force them to withdraw money from a local ATM, but the victims fought back."

"Detectives are questioning 20-year-old Antonio Sparks, of Orlando, at the sheriff's office. Investigators say he tried to make up some story that he was shot after getting robbed, but later confessed he was the one who tried to rob three people and got shot in the process." ...

CA: Emotions still run hot after shooting of teen
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"Five weeks after Oakland resident Patrick McCullough shot 16-year-old Melvin McHenry outside his house, emotions are still raw and the situation is far from over." ...

"McHenry's family is now trying to get a settlement from McCullough's homeowner's insurance carrier for his injuries. Ivan Golde, McHenry's lawyer, said they will wait for the claim to go through before a decision whether to file a civil lawsuit is made."

"'There's been permanent damage to his arm ...' Golde said. 'His leg is different. He has significant bodily injury, pain and suffering. A case of this kind of injury that's a probability that it could range up to $300,000.'"

"McCullough feels there are consequences to McHenry's actions." ...

FL: State errs with wide-open bill -- The bill expresses a 'meet force with force' attitude extending onto our streets
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"The Florida Legislature's passage of legislation making legal the use of lethal force any time an individual feels threatened is nothing more than political pandering that will ultimately leave our communities more dangerous than ever ..."

"As a member of the Congressional Sportsman's Caucus for nearly my entire career in Congress, I believe that responsible gun owners have every right to own and legally use a gun."

"But the state Legislature's actions have nothing to do with responsible gun ownership, as the National Rifle Association may want us to believe. Besides, acts of self defense are already legal under Florida and federal statute, clearly making this legislation not even necessary." ...

AZ: Central American gang targets vigil on Mexico border
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"Members of a violent Central America-based gang have been sent to Arizona to target Minuteman Project volunteers, who will begin a month long border vigil this weekend to find and report foreigner sneaking into the United States, project officials say."

"James Gilchrist, a Vietnam veteran who helped organize the vigil to protest the federal government's failure to control illegal immigration, said he has been told that California and Texas leaders of Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, have issued orders to teach 'a lesson' to the Minuteman volunteers."

"'We're not worried because half of our recruits are retired trained combat soldiers,' Mr. Gilchrist said. 'And those guys are just a bunch of punks.'" ...

NY: I Can't Believe It I Woke Up In A Hospital And She Was Gone
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"John Turco should have walked down the aisle yesterday to marry the love of his life."

"Instead, hobbling on a cane and wearing a blue plastic helmet over his broken skull, he visited her grave for the first time." ...

"The electrical contractor said he was waiting to pick up Inessa, as usual, from her job ... when he saw her walking toward him with a man in a ski jacket. He didn't recognize the man at first."

"'I looked at her face. I saw fear in her face. I sensed something was wrong.'"

"Vadim then spoke his last words. 'Hey, remember me?' he asked Turco, before shooting him in the face, shattering his cheekbone." ...

"Vadim kept firing his .380-caliber Beretta sometimes missing, sometimes striking." ...

TN: Elementary student accidentally brings loaded gun to school
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A seven-year-old first-grade student at a Nashville elementary school unknowingly brought a loaded gun to school in a backpack today.

Instead of bringing his own backpack to school, the Cora Howe Elementary School student brought a similar-looking pack used by his father, which contained the gun.

Police said the nine millimeter semiautomatic pistol had six rounds in the clip and one in the chamber.

When the student discovered the weapon, he told his teacher.

The student's father acknowledged that the gun was his, and said he no longer wanted it in the home. The police department will destroy the weapon, and no charges will be filed.

FL: Lake County Sheriff's Deputy Accidentally Shoots Self, Officer
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Two sheriff's deputies in Lake County, Fla., were shot and injured when an officer's gun accidentally discharged while training, according to a Lake County Sheriff's Office release.

The report said Deputy Jason Williams accidentally discharged a department issued Glock handgun at the Lake Tech Institute of Public Safety Driving & Firearms Range.

The discharged bullet struck deputy Williams in the hand and then struck Deputy Sheriff Richard Light in the lower leg, the report said.

The injuries are not life-threatening and both officers were transported to Florida Hospital Waterman for treatment.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the

PA: It's easy for kids to get guns in Pittsburgh
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"After Pittsburgh homicide detectives arrested a teenager in the March 16 killing near Carrick High School, many wondered how the young suspect got the assault-style rifle used in the shooting."

"The answer, unfortunately, is that those under the legal age to buy a gun can get one without much difficulty if they know the right people and have the money -- or drugs -- to make the illegal purchase. Or they simply steal it."

"Here, as elsewhere in the United States, there's a demand for guns by people who can't buy them from a licensed dealer because they're too young ... or have a criminal history that precludes gun purchases. Pittsburgh police said their arrests show that at least some of that demand is being illegally met."

KS: Court Officials in Kansas Want More Security
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"The threat might come from a prisoner just sentenced or in a phone call or a ranting letter: I'm going to kill you."

"Judges have heard such threats forever."

"But they seldom talked about them until the recent killings of a federal judge's relatives in Chicago and of a judge and three others in Atlanta."

"Now concerned court officials nationwide are scrambling for solutions."

"In the metropolitan area, judges are discussing upgrading their home security, limiting courthouse access and adding X-ray equipment at unmonitored courthouse entrances. There's talk of bulletproofing some courtroom benches. And some judges want to start packing pistols." ...

PA: Easton Police Officer Shot, Killed -- News Wire Reports Say Shooting Was Accidental
Submitted by: James Cramp

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"A policeman died after he was shot in the Easton Police Department's headquarters complex on Friday, authorities said."

"Mayor Phil Mitman said the dead officer was Jesse Sollman, an eight-year veteran of the force who lived in Washington Township."

"'Sollman and another officer on duty were performing duties related to their police positions,' Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said. After he was shot, Sollman was airlifted to St. Luke's Hospital in Fountain Hill, where he died."

"When asked if the shooting was accidental, Morganelli said the investigation is continuing."

"'It would be premature for us to characterize it in any fashion,' he said. 'We need to get an objective review of what happened.'" ...

OH: Target 5 Investigates How Gun Gets Past Airport Security
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"A pistol made it through security at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport this weekend, causing the airport to shut down."

"The Transportation Security Administration said 500 guns were found at airports in 2004. One made it through checkpoints Sunday and airport officials are facing tough questions ..."

"'We're certain we had an image of a gun on an X-ray,' said Paul Wisniewski, the airport's federal security director."

"But one day later, federal security officials dont know who had the gun, where the person and gun went or how both got past security screeners."

"News 5 asked authorities what happened and what was supposed to happen. Security officials said the gun was unnoticed as screeners switched job positions." ...

IL: Illinois legislators seek ban on weapons, ammunition
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Illinois lawmakers are proposing to ban .50-caliber rifles because, they say, they pose a terrorist threat."

"The bill would have an impact on a Geneseo gun manufacturer that makes .50-caliber weapons for both the military and civilian markets."

"First used by the military during the Gulf War, the .50-caliber can puncture steel armor and is used to attack personnel carriers and fuel tanks. The weapon can be used to shoot with accuracy for up to 2,000 yards -- more than a mile -- and ammunition for this weapon can penetrate steel up to an inch thick." ...
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KABA Note: You can reach the author of this piece at kgonzalez@qconline.com.

PA: We Need Strong Gun Laws Now --What We Don't Need Is Another Task Force, Governor
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"LAST WEEK, Mayor Street went to Gov. Rendell for help with the gun problem in the city. The governor announced a solution favored by officials who are too tired, lazy, or limited to break a sweat taking actual action:"

"A task force."

"This one will examine funding and legislative issues to curb handguns, and will have 45 days to come up with suggestions that may very well be ignored." ...

"Except at the city's current homicide rate, that could mean another 40 dead Philadelphians before we see its plan."

"The violence visited on the city is a result of many complicated factors. At the top of the list: It's way too easy to get a handgun, and with no limits, people can buy as many as they want." ...

WY: 4-H teaches firearms safety
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"Safety in handling firearms is the biggest lesson members of the Cody Sharpshooters 4-H club can learn, leader Joe Desson says."

"The club usually draws about 40 youth ages 8-19, and there's still room for many more, Desson adds. County-wide, as many as 175 young people take part in 4-H shooting programs involving rifles, pistols and shotguns."

"The season for 4-H shooting sports is beginning now, and sign-ups continue through April."

"Desson said his aim is to promote a 'learning environment where kids can participate safely, learn safety and be more responsible.'" ...

CO: Morgan County civilians ready for battle
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"When the United States won its independence from England, it was in large part due to the role that civilians played in fighting the English army."

"In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt started the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) to create a group of civilians skilled at marksmanship who could be called upon if necessary to help defend the nation in times of emergency."

"The program is still going strong today and enjoys a following in Morgan County. Every fourth Sunday of the month a group of individuals wanting to improve their accuracy with a rifle meet at the Morgan County Gun Club range opposite the county landfill to practice their shooting on targets 200 yards out." ...

MI: Lawmaker wants to muzzle nighttime rifle sighting
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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Senate would prohibit anyone from sighting a rifle from a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise."

"'Hunters shouldn't wait until hours before the season to fire off boxes of rounds,' said Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, one of the co-sponsors. 'It sounds like the start of World War III.'"

"According to the Department of Natural Resources, hunters are supposed to sight their rifles only at a range or on their own property."

"Barcia, an avid hunter who owns 100 acres in Schoolcraft County, said he has a problem near his property before the start of each deer firearm season when hunters gather in a clearing and shoot hundreds of rounds to sight their rifles." ...

PA: Gun Buyback Program
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Community leaders and the Philadelphia Police Department are offering the most money ever for the newest citywide gun buyback program.

Anyone turning in an assault weapon such as an AK-47 or Uzi will be given a voucher for $200. Handguns are worth $100 while longer guns like shotguns and rifles are worth $50.

No vouchers will be given for B.B. guns, paintball guns, or other non-firearms.

You can turn the guns in at any city police district through the end of April.

South Africa: Two soldiers investigated for attempted murder
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"Two soldiers are being investigated for attempted murder in Mpumalanga after one of them shot a suspected illegal immigrant in the leg."

"Police spokesman Captain Liphaphang Khoabane said the soldiers, one in uniform and the other in civilian clothing, approached the man at 1.15am outside an Easter night vigil in Amsterdam."

"'They wanted to arrest the man on charges of illegal immigration. An argument arose between the alleged suspect and the two soldiers who were armed with rifles. One of the soldiers then shot the man on leg,' said Khoabane."

"He said the two men appeared to have been under the influence of alcohol."

"Khoabane said the community reacting violently to the shooting and assaulted the soldier badly." ...

Taiwan: Army expresses regret over scams scandals
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"The army expressed immense regret over the recent scandals that indicate army officers suspected of operating illegal loan shark businesses but denied knowledge on army officer operated prostitution ring and the leak of military secrets yesterday during a press conference."

"An army spokesperson yesterday apologized to the public for the actions of several officers of the army. He further expressed regret over the army's tarnished image due to the actions of a few of the officers."

"Two army officials, suspected of running a loan shark and prostitution ring, were arrested on Sunday, officials announced yesterday." ...

Kenya: Police Must Follow the Law
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"The debate on whether or not the police should shoot to kill criminal suspects has generated a lot of heat in the face of rising crime and insecurity."

"Last week, police commissioner Hussein AIi clarified that suspects would be shot only as a last resort, saying that provisions under which an officer is allowed to use firearms are painstakingly spelt out under the law." ...

"The right to self-defence is vested on all Kenyans, including the police. But it is based on the premise that the force applied to thwart the execution of a crime be necessary, reasonable and proportionate to the danger posed." ...

MI: Celebration is right on target at Shelby shooting range (second story on page)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft

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"The eighth annual Easter Egg Shoot, hosted by the Detroit Sportsmen's Congress at its shooting range in Shelby Township, attracted 20 people to an unusual, loud, fun way to celebrate the holiday."

"For some shooters, the event was the appetizer to a big Easter dinner. For others it was the prelude to Easter Day church services. ..."

"The competitors arrived around 9 a.m. They carried bagged rifles, cased bullets and high-powered scopes on one arm and dainty little eggs in cartons in the other. They started with an egg-decorating contest. The eggs were pierced with string and strung up from a target stand 200 yards away from rifles resting on sand bags and bipods." ...