In response to "Once Burned", let me attempt to clear at least one misunderstanding; regardless of the Deep River Shooting facilities affiliation with the NSCA, the LC/Parker Challenge has absolutely nothing to do with the NSCA. And even though Deep River allows the LCSCA and PGCA to use their facilities, the LCSCA and PGCA has total freedom as regards establishing rules and guidelines of how the event will be run independent of any club rules and NSCA guidelines; therefore, any criticisims and complaints as to how the event was run should be directed to me and not to Bill Kempfer, owner of Deep River (and one LCSCA member did just that at last years event by taking me to task). Now, so that new entrants can have a basic understanding of the event itself, this event was concieved four years ago this month. The original purposes of the event were to promote/provide a venue to encourage the actual use of vintage Smith and Parker guns, promote fellowship between the LCSCA and PGCA organizations, and as an opportunity for our member shooters to support a worthwhile charity. We knew it would attract all types of shooters from novice to NSCA AA class; so we discussed at length a venue that would appeal to shooters of all levels (and NSCA membership is NOT required, only membership in either the PGCA or LCSCA). The event we choose was the 5-stand; we can move large numbers of shooters thru the qualification event in a timely manner, and it is a venue that allows spectators to witness the Challenge Event itself. Last year was the third year of the event; and it seems the Challenge has grown exponentially in attendance, participation, and reputation. And don't think winning the cup is not important, but it seems that the event is equally important now as a kind of "reunion" whereby so many collectors who live in all parts of this country and Canada, and had become friends via telephone and email, mark their calendars for the opportnity this event provides to actually visit face to face. Is the event perfect? Obviously not; but we evaluate successes and failures after each year's event to see what can be done to make the event even better. Challenge IV is already being planned and some major changes are underway to eliminate the problems with practice opportunities noted above. The most major will be two 5-stand layouts (we have been limited to only one previously) to accomodate those who wish to shoot warm-up rounds. That said, assuming turn-out continues to increase, practice times may still be limited given the time required for everyone to qualify. The absolute best plan is to shoot as much practice as possible prior to attemding the event. Beginning this year, target presentation will be changed for the qualifying round; then changed again for the Challenge Event final round. Under this format every shooter, regardless the number of times he shot the practice field, will see completely different targets. If anyone has a better idea on how the playing field can be leveled any flatter you need to let me know. We are also considering expanding the final event Challenge Round from 10 to 15 man squads so that it is not dominated by a few shooters; we want every entrant to have a realistic chance to earn that Challenge Team hat! I will be working with Mark Conrad of the PGCA and BIll Kempfer to finalize Event particulars very soon; and all details will be posted on this site, the PGCA site, on the Deep River site, and in our respective newsletters just as they have been in the past; so keep checking. Also, there is something about this event that has caused large numbers of AA Class shooters to shoot really poor qualification rounds compared to their typical scores. I can't explain why this is so, nor why so many average shooters qualified with great rounds; so again, my best advice is to have your practice done when you arrive. I am looking forward already to the last weekend in April and seeing everyone again. In the interim, if there are questions I am available. Tom Archer