Hello All,

The 20th Vintage Gunners Cup at Hopkins Game Farm in Kennedyville, MD, is approaching fast now. Three days of double gun and rifle fun are set for September 22 - 24. Besides the veritable plethora of shooting events, this year's VGC will host the annual Fox-Parker Challenge.

We expect to have at least as many outstanding vendors as last year. I'll post an updated list shortly, but among those already confirmed to be there are:

James Purdey and Sons -- Including seminars on best gun manufacture

Steve Barnett Fine Guns

James D. Julia Auctions - represented by Josh Loewensteiner

Heritage Guns

Dubarry of Ireland

Geoffroy Gournet, Master Engraver

Robin Hollow Outfitters

MacNab Fine Firearms

RST - Classic Shotshell Co., Inc.

Russell Moccasin Co.

Vintage Doubles (Kirby Hoyt)

BraeVal

Allgood Associated Sport Suppliers

Delaney & Sons

Vintage Firearms (Jay Shachter)


Link to Registration form: http://www.hopkinshunting-clays.com/uploads/2017%20Hopkins%20Vintage%20Gunners%20Cup%20Flyer.pdf


Hopkins Game Farm
Phone: 410.348.5287
Email: hopkinshunting@gmail.com
Website: http://www.hopkinshunting-clays.com

Great. Looking forward to a great weekend.

Just a suggestion: Is there any chance the vendor tents could be set up in the grass instead of the very course gravel lot? It would be much cooler and less dust too.

Thanks Hammergun, I'll mention it.

I added a couple of vendors to the list above, Julia's Auctions and Heritage Guns. ---Matt

Rumor has it that anyone displaying or selling guns in the tents needs to show proof of insurance... Is this true? If not, what is the policy of the Vintage Gunners and Hopkins Game Farm regarding the presence of guns on display or for sale in the tents?

The Sunday before, 9/17, is the Orvis Cup at Sandanona in Millwood, NY. Last year many of the same vendors were there as were at the Vintage Cup.

In the past it has been Saturday and Sunday, this year it's listed as just Sunday.

Added Purdey, Delaney & Sons, and Vintage Firearms to vendor list. Purdey will be presenting a seminar on fine gun making. ---Matt

The Orvis Game Fair this year is both 9/16 and 9/17. The olives Cup is on the 2nd day. Fun event.

This is what I was told. The Lefever Arms Collectors Association doesn't have any insurance because we cannot figure out why on earth we would need it. Therefore we are not coming.

Matt, is there a schedule of events posted? If not, do you know which day the Purdey Fine Gunmaking seminar will be presented? Thank you.

Craig Libhart

Craig, I am finding out about the Purdey seminar. Will post back when I have the answer.----Matt

I'm a LACA member and surprised to learn the Assoc lacks insurance. All it takes is one unfortunate accident at a promoted shoot like Lefevr & Fox to show organizerss why they need insurance. Then there's guns sold off LACA tables and raffled by the assoc. They may be safe as could be, but when a dolt does something stupid with it the seller is often on the hook. All it takes is a few dollars to start a lawsuit and way more to pay for defense. This is a word to the wise.

Craig,

The Purdey seminar will be given on both Friday and Saturday. I will be putting together a schedule of events. The German Gun Collectors usually have a lecture or two and we'll have a falconry exhibition as well. I'm sure there will be other items to add to a schedule of events. Thank you for asking.----Matt

Excellent; thank you for the information, Matt, and your keeping current postings on the event.

Craig Libhart

Hello All,

A little more info on some of the events at the Vintage Gunners Cup.

Trophies for The Two-Main Paired Gun Flurry will be awarded to the winning loaders as well as the shooters

There is a new 50-target “Side Event” for Ladies Only on Friday and Saturday. Participants may shoot any gauge and trophies will be awarded for Hammergun and Hammerless.

Trophies for the Main Event will be awarded for the Top 5 places.

Trophies for the Main Event Lady Shooters will be awarded for the Top 3 places.

Trophies for the Main Event will also be awarded for the top shooters who did not place in the Top 5 shooters or Top 3 Ladies in the following age groups:

Top Senior – Aged 16 - 60

Top Veteran – Aged 61 – 70

Top Super Veteran – Aged 71 and over

The Registration Form is available on the Vintage Gunners website(http://www.vintagers.org) as well as the Hopkins Game Farm website(http://www.hopkinshunting-clays.com/sporting-clays-tournaments-maryland.asp). Naturally, you may register when you arrive at Hopkins.

I mentioned this in another thread, but I plan on having a Doublegun Forum meet-up at 4:30pm on Saturday September 23rd, at the tables by the food area. I hope any members of this board attending the VGC will drop by so we can put names and faces to profile names.

I look forward to seeing some of you there. ----Matt

Top Senior – Aged 16 - 60

Top Veteran – Aged 61 – 70

Top Super Veteran – Aged 71 and over

Matt,
I think you may have that wrong... Top senior Aged 16-60...............

Are there any additions to the vendor list since July 31? Fifteen vendors at the Vintage Gunner's Cup?

Matt, Gary, how about an update? It's all about courtesy. To be honest, it's all about making more money and more friends.

Among the vendors and exhibitors you can add to the list are:

Stephen Cobb Quality Guns

John Liberati Books

Albright's Gun Shop

Best Vest (from Australia)

Parker Gun Collectors Association

Fox Collectors Association

L.C. Smith Collectors Association

German Gun Collectors Association

There will be over 30 vendors and exhibitors in total. Come out and see them, shoot some targets and HAVE FUN! ----Matt

Eis, that is what it is. See the registration form (and fill it out and come join us this year). Under 16 would be Junior. ----Matt

looking forward to it

I am starting the packing process today. This year, I am coming to shoot.

I have heard that SxS sales are slow. It is not my fault.

Since last year I have added a Parker 12ga VH 28"/32" 2 bbl set, a Churchill Premier 12/30" SLE, Petrik 20 O/U, Midland 12 30" BLNE (project), Midland SLE 12 30" (Very Best Quality), a Fox Sterlingworth 12 30" BLE and a Robust self-opening 16 SxS with working retractable sling hidden in the stock. I sold other guns to off-set the purchases. SxS activity may be slow, but it is not dead.

The Petrik 20 is not a SxS. However, it has POW grip, double triggers, ejectors, no side ribs, a solid rib for sighting. It is the strange early toplever bolting gun design that Remington used to make the 32. It has great engraving. It was just too weird not to own. I guess you could say it is the great-grandfather of the K-80. I had only seen one in 12 ga before finding this gun.

I may pair up the Churchill and Midland SLEs for the flurry. I will have the Boswell pair of Best side-lever BLEs as an option for the Flurry. There are events for single shooter with pair and teams with pairs. I will be available to help other shooters with pairs who need loaders or stuffers. Just look me up. It wouldn't be the first time I loaded for the folks who beat me for HOA (including last year).

Last year I bought a new vest from Best. I have been very happy with it. Best will be returning as a vendor this year.
Give his rack a look. My vest is now embroidered so I can be found. Please say Hi if you spot me.

I am looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

Joe Norcom
Charlotte, NC

Matt,
I was referring to you listing seniors as 16 to 60 or whatever, I just think you switched around the seniors age group for the vets age group, that's all. So if my post upset you, I won't be able to make it this year unfortunately

Eis, Seniors would normally be described as shooters "Over 60" or whatever age is determined by the organization. 16 to 60 would be more appropriately described as "Open Class"

Eis, I apologize for sounding frustrated. I'm sorry you can't make it this year. I do hope you'll join us again one year and I get a chance to meet you. ---Matt

The Vintage Gunners has added or modified some events to encourage more women shooters. Please pass the word. I think the 50-target Ladies Only Side Event to be shot on Friday or Saturday will be very popular. Any gauge is acceptable plus there will be winners in the Hammer Gun and Hammerless categories.

I am thinking about coming on Sunday. I have never been before. What time do I need to be there by to shoot the main event? Is there a single start time, or just start when I get there? Info about how the day goes is appreciated.

I will be the guy with Lederhosen (non of my ancestors would have starred in Downton Abbey) and a yellow Labrador. See you all Saturday.

Newlyn1, You'll need to be there in time to be on the course by 1pm, I believe.

The weather forecast is very good for the whole weekend. Look forward to seeing everyone there.---Matt