ANNOUNCING the The 17th Annual
L.C. Smith vs. Parker Challenge

***Please note that RST shells will not be available at the Southern***

After last April’s COVID-19 forced cancellation, members of the LCSCA and PGCA will again meet to resume the L.C. Smith vs. Parker Challenge Event and shoot-out. This meeting will represent the 17th anniversary of the Challenge Event, which will again be held at the Deep River Sporting Clays and Shooting School in Sanford, NC.

The Challenge is an event for which the anticipation and excitement remains as strong as ever; and continues to be highly regarded and successful because of the tremendous love and support it generates and receives year after year from the wonderfully supportive members of the LCSCA and the PGCA. And with time “flying”, and that last full weekend of April, 2021 (April 23-25) approaching so rapidly; I’m especially pleased to know that this special weekend has not gone unnoticed, a fact demonstrated by the numerous postings already observed regarding Sanford travel plans and lodging. So therefore, and unless you happen to be a new and as yet fully vetted member of the L.C. Smith Collectors Association, you’re already aware of the meaning and import of this most anticipated vintage shooting event of each year!

But before moving further into a more in-depth outline of the 2021 L.C. Smith vs. Parker Challenge, I’d be terribly remiss if I failed to remind our readers that those unbelievably lucky “Boys of Meriden” have won the last three shootouts; all incredibly close, and did so over what were obviously extremely talented Teams of LC shooters. This unfortunate turn of events abruptly and inexplicably ended a four years long steak of absolute Challenge domination by Team LC; so 2021 must be the year the LCSCA reestablishes the proper “pecking order”. Therefore, uncase your trusty old L.C. Smith shotgun/s and spend some quality time at your local clays range getting reacquainted with your favorite shotgun/s so that you’re “in the zone” and ready to grind those elusive orange-domed Sanford clays into clouds of fine grey-brown dust!

And now that everyone’s memory has been jogged into the correct time frame, please proceed with all due haste to make your reservations and plans NOW to attend the 17th annual L.C. Smith vs. Parker Shootout scheduled for the weekend of April 23-25, 2021 at the Deep River Shooting facility in Sanford, NC; and which event will be held in conjunction with the Southern Side x Side Championships. If you’re a new member or an “old” member who has procrastinated in the past and have yet to attend this most excellent event; then don’t allow another opportunity to pass you by! Interest continues to grow each year so that the L.C. Smith vs. Parker Challenge has evolved into what most attendees view as a “family reunion”; that most special one weekend of each year when members of the LCSCA and PGCA travel from all corners of this great nation to reunite and enjoy those special fellowships developed thru this Event. I can assure every member who’s yet to attend a Challenge Event that you’ll not regret your decision to attend; and further, will be clearing your calendar for that last weekend of April each year moving forward; you’ll simply have so much fun, and make so many great friends and memories you’ll be forever “hooked”.

As is always the case, the LCSCA will have a display of rare and unique L.C. Smith guns and Hunter Arms artifacts on display inside our exhibit tent. These exhibits are special, and visitors will be privileged to see one-of-a-kind guns and items they’ll see nowhere else. But regardless of any planned display, members owning and willing to share any rare and beautiful L.C. Smith gun/s, or unique Hunter Arms artifact/s are also encouraged to bring their special treasures for all enjoy.

Members are further reminded that The Challenge Event will also be the venue for the 2021 L.C. Smith Collectors Association Annual Meeting; an opportunity for all members to meet their leadership team personally, and experience firsthand how LCSCA business affairs are conducted. This event will take place in the Deep River Club House and begin at 5:00 PM Friday afternoon, April 23; and is a meeting all members present are encouraged attend.

And in continuing what has now become a Challenge “tradition”, members of the LCSCA and the PGCA will continue the 16 and 20-bore Challenge Events scheduled for Thursday, April 22. These events will be managed by Rick Hemingway and all registration will take place at the trapper’s tent by the 5-stand fields. So if you can arrive at Deep River by noon on Thursday (April 22) be sure to bring (or borrow) your small-bore Elsie/s and join in the fun, as doing so will further enhance one’s overall Challenge Event shooting experiences (details for these added events are noted within the Events write-ups).

And please don’t forget that, prior to Sunday’s (April 25) Hammer Gun Challenge; the LCSCA will be hosting our member worship, which is open to everyone. Barring anything unforeseen this time of spiritual reflection will be lead by Pastor Charlie Brooks with the service scheduled for 8:00AM to 8:30 AM. All members are encouraged to make plans to attend and be a part of this special time of inspiration and fellowship.

The LCSCA and PGCA tent and exhibits tent will once again be conveniently located by the “dove field” and within a stone’s throw from the 5-stand layouts. Our spacious tent is a great place to fellowship; and a dry space should it rain! And although we do indeed intend to enjoy great fellowship with those guys and gals from the PGCA; we simply refuse to wish or concede to the ”enemy” any luck in winning the Challenge Event, the Hammer Gun Challenge, or any of our other highly competitive shooting events. Being able to “restore order” and once again claim victory for the LCSCA in the 2021 Challenge Event is a matter of Greatest Pride; but again, having the ability to achieve excellence in our shooting venues is only possible with dedicated preparation so practice, practice, and practice some more!

Challenge Event related postings are pinned below and will provide members with all necessary details related to the Challenge Event itself, as well as rules adopted for the Challenge Events; and all other LCSCA sponsored events and/or related shooting venues. The only event change for 2021 is that the Parker Gun Collectors Association will not be sponsoring a youth event this year.

As we await April 23 I respectfully request that those members planning to attend the 2021 Challenge Event either email or call so that we can prepare a tentative roster of LCSCA members and other LCSCA associated attendees (spouses, children, friends, etc.) planning to attend. Members are directed to contact Steve Arnett (Steve Arnett [steve-arnett@triad.rr.com) or email me directly (tomarcher@charter.net); and if you wish call @ 864/328-9753). And whatever you do, don’t forget that the Challenge Event is also a great family event; so all are encouraged to bring brides, kids, grandkids, shooting buds, the neighbor kid you’re mentoring, and even guy and gal friends as more people simply means more fun! In the interim I’ll be looking forward to seeing you all again, but until then; don’t forget to practice, practice, and continue to practice smashing those clays at the range! Trust me; it’ll be lots of fun!

***Please note that RST will not be selling shells at the Southern***