|
America's Rifle, Inc. Conducts Its
First Seminar
Dedicated to the AR-15
by LISC Staff Writer
In late 2001, America's Rifle, Inc. conducted its
first seminar dedicated to the AR-15. Hosted by America's Rifle Director
Mr. Tony Giammarino, the seminar offered an impressive array of guest
speakers. General topics included: Nikon Sporting Optics, the history of the
AR, competitive "High Power" rifle shooting, the ballistics of
the .223, use of the AR for home protection, legal issues and junior high
power shooting in New York State.
The America's Rifle Seminar began with a most
impressive lecture on sporting optics by Nikon Representative Jon LaCorte.
Mr. LaCorte explained and demonstrated the many newly developed sporting
optics by Nikon. With Mr. LaCorte's expertise in bench shooting, and his
active participation in the testing of new Nikon Optical Sporting products,
he easily related to questions from the audience.
The next phase of the seminar moved specifically
to the AR-15. Mr. Bruce Kraft, a local expert on the AR-15, gave a very enthusiastic,
flawless and informative presentation detailing the history of the rifle.
He continued by explaining the value of the module design of the AR and the
vast improvements that have been made in the rifle since its inception over
five decades ago. As an active participant in the sport of High Power
Shooting, who has earned the honor of being in the "President's
100,"(Top 100 shooters in the US), Mr. Kraft also shared his vast
experience on building an AR for competition.
Sgt. Major Joe Considine (Retired) followed Mr.
Kraft's stirring introduction of the AR, telling of the many local, state
and national opportunities that exist for anyone interested in
participating in the sport of "High Power Shooting." Sgt. Major
Considine is one of the most active leaders in the Long Island area in
promoting the sport. As a member of Board of Directors of the prestigious
Peconic River Sportsman's Club located in Manorville, Long Island, he
organizes and conducts the annual Small Arms Firing School and on-going
High Power matches on the club's impressive grounds.
Following Sgt. Major Considine, Mr. Evan Jordan,
Coach of the NYS Junior High Power Shooting Team and an active competitive
shooter, addressed the audience. Sponsored by the New York State Rifle and
Pistol Association, Mr Jordan's Junior Team has an extremely impressive
record. He spoke of the many positive aspects of the sport and its positive
impact on his life over the years. He also explained how it remains a
positive experience for the members of his State team. As a competitive
shooter, Mr. Jordan has, like Mr. Kraft, earned a place in the
"President's 100." Mr Jordan spoke of his first involvement in
the sport, detailing the positive influence Sgt. Major Considine, Mr. Bruce
Kraft and other High Power shooters on Long Island were in his development
as competitive shooter. Mr. Jordan recalled, with great pride, the many
lessons learned by his involvement in the discipline. He also explained how
the sport offered him numerous opportunities for travel and to meet many
interesting people. Drawing on his own experiences, he spoke of his
position as a coach and mentor to youngsters involved in the sport. He
added that competitive High Power Shooting is commonly enjoyed by juniors
throughout the US and in many other countries. He emphasized how the sport
develops a healthy competitive spirit and discipline in young men and
women. Coach Jordan spoke proudly of his team and how positive
characteristics gained from involvement in the sport reflected in their
success in both scholastic and social endeavors.
In
addition to the the competitive value of the AR-15, the rifle is deeply
respected as a self-defense weapon. Mr. Robert Firriolo, Esq. shared his
vast knowledge of the legal aspects/restrictions that exist for building
and possessing an AR for both competition and self-defense. In addition,
Mr. Firriolo illustrated the vast styles and accessories available in an AR
intended for self-defense. He also shared the findings of his extensive
research on the ballistics of the .223 round, commonly used in the AR. Mr.
Firriolo's research illustrated that this rifle, chambered in .223, is a
viable and practical choice as a home self-defense weapon. In fact, his
presentation and research offered one of the most convincing arguments this
author has heard.
The seminar offered all in attendance an opportunity to enjoy and
share a common interest, learn more about the last formidable gun in the
hands of the American People (especially important in today's atmosphere,
where American's have a new grasp on the evil that exist in the world) and
learn from experts what version of this module, diverse firearm is right
for them. All reports indicate that the AR-15 was the most sort after
rifles by law-abiding Americans after 911. It remains a symbol of security
and Freedom for many Americas.
|
