Spring Southern

[Mills Morrison]

The 2022 Spring Southern Side by Side is on and scheduled for Thursday April 21 to Sunday April 24, 2022, at Deep River Sporting Clays and Shooting School in Sanford, North Carolina. I will post updates here as they become available. There will be lots of shooting, good stuff for sale and, most of all, great camaraderie! We also hope Parker shooters practice and hone their shooting skils for the Smith-Parker Challenge and Hammer Gun Challenge.
:bigbye:

[Mike Koneski]

Preregistered, cart rented, room reserved, ammo ready, practicing again. As Uncle Ted says, "Cocked, locked and ready to rock, Doc!"

[CraigThompson]

Hotel room , golf cart , apple pie in liquid form ! All I need to do is load 100 or so 8 gauge with1 1/2 ounce loads , wash my truck , pack a bag , take a loan out for gas and hit the road :rotf:

[Michael Moffa]

South East Alabama - Auburn University Ducks Unlimited Spring Banquet is the 21st. That's where I'll be this year. You guys have fun and go get The Cup. See you next year.

[tom tutwiler]

Falling into the FWIW. RST will not be represented at the Southern this year. In other words, bring your own ammo. No world yet about their attendance at the NE SXS event in June.

[Mills Morrison]

That is right about RST, sadly. Also, the Parker Hall of Fame banquet is canceled too.

[Kevin McCormack]

That is right about RST, sadly. Also, the Parker Hall of Fame banquet is canceled too.

RATS!!! I was really looking forward to the HOF banquet!! I bet Putin had a hand in this!

[Mills Morrison]

I could say it could be worse, but the powers that be might take that as a challenge. It should still be lots of fun. The Parker - Smith events are on as always.

[Dean H Hanson]

Mills... this is my first Southern. Looking forward to being overwhelmed

[ED J, MORGAN]

Was dinner canceled because of covid?

[CraigThompson]

Was dinner canceled because of covid?

Louis Parker had back surgery and will still be unable to travel and attend . No use having it if the guest of honor can’t attend .

[Mike Koneski]

Yup, what Craig said.

[Garry L Gordon]

It was announced that the honoree, Louis Parker, would not be able to attend. I was really looking forward to it.

[Mike Koneski]

GAS--Should be $8 Bucks a gallon by Middle of April.
How many of you guys are going to Cancel out your plans
going to the ''Southern'' ? I also talked to a LIBERAL last week,
He said ''I would be glad to spend $10 per gallon'' how INSANE CAN THEY GET?

Harry

Our crew is still going and some first-timers are going too. Just because gas is going up we won’t be changing our plans.

[Dean Romig]

Our crew is still going and some first-timers are going too. Just because gas is going up we won’t be changing our plans.


But what if the gov’t puts us on odd/even days…?





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[Andrew Sacco]

Our crew is still going and some first-timers are going too. Just because gas is going up we won’t be changing our plans.

I would like to know what the average expenditure per year is per member on ammo, reloading supplies and GUNS, then see if not going over an additional $50 in gas makes any sense at all. I think we've all begun to dig the hole with this Parker thing, might as well keep on digging!!

[Garry L Gordon]

I would like to know what the average expenditure per year is per member on ammo, reloading supplies and GUNS, then see if not going over an additional $50 in gas makes any sense at all. I think we've all begun to dig the hole with this Parker thing, might as well keep on digging!!

Well, Andy, now you're talking like an economist.:bowdown: When I was still at the University and had tough budgetary decisions to make -- pragmatically -- I always consulted the economists.

Life's short, even shorter for some of us. Do what you can when you can.

[Mike Koneski]

But what if the gov’t puts us on odd/even days…?





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Plastic tubing and an empty gas can!! :rotf:

[CraigThompson]

GAS--Should be $8 Bucks a gallon by Middle of April.
How many of you guys are going to Cancel out your plans
going to the ''Southern'' ? I also talked to a LIBERAL last week,
He said ''I would be glad to spend $10 per gallon'' how INSANE CAN THEY GET?

Harry

Maybe or maybe not . Its kinda pointless to worry about it , cause there's not much we can do about it . You either go on as normal and pay the price or die at home sitting in your easy chair .

It's my intention to make it to NC , to Rock Mountain and hopefully to SC in October . Hausemann's in June is on the fence for me and honestly leaning to the nope side . Allgood is having a 16 gauge shoot the saturday of Hausemann's June shoot , I can make do with that . Although I'll miss going to Rock Mountain on sunday after Hausemann's .

[Mills Morrison]

Like Craig said . . . .

I have non-refundable airline tickets to Hausmann's, so I will be there

[Keith Sirmans]

I'll need to find a case of 10 gauge shells to shoot up there

[Mills Morrison]

Good luck. I have some RST but am afraid to shoot them as I don't know where more will come from.

[Mills Morrison]

Just a reminder . . . . Just a few weeks away if you have not made travel plans

[Garry L Gordon]

Elaine and I are coming for a day to look at guns, etc. I had intended the trip to attend the HOF banquet. I've been to the "tent" in the past, but only run into a very few members (I assume most are very much engaged breaking clays out on the course). Is there any sort of informal gathering outside of the competitions? There are some members I'd sure like to meet some day.

[Mills Morrison]

Most members who attend congregate around the tent Saturday afternoon for the Smith-Parker shoot off. Otherwise, people kind of trickle through the tent between shooting or viewing the big tents with all the vendors.

A small get together would be great, but people seem more interested in socializing and saving room for dinner somewhere else. I bought some chips and other snacks one year and did not get a lot of takers.

[Stan Hoover]

Can anyone tell me more about the 16 & 20 gauge event held on Thursday I believe?

I was trying to find where this was talked about, but did not find it, I think you had said that this was not a Parker/Smith event, Mills?

[Mills Morrison]

The 16 and 20 events were pretty informal and not official PGCA events. Best thing to do is show up Thursday to shoot. Rick Hemingway was recently in charge of the events but not sure if he still is.

[Mills Morrison]

Here is the latest announcement from Deep River. Everyone should be making final plans now and I look forward to seeing many of you there.

https://shoutout.wix.com/so/7fO0PFBrx?languageTag=en&cid=256e9620-1831-43d9-89a5-aac16a587b0e#/main

[Stan Hoover]

The 16 and 20 events were pretty informal and not official PGCA events. Best thing to do is show up Thursday to shoot. Rick Hemingway was recently in charge of the events but not sure if he still is.

Thanks Mills,
I just haven't heard really much about these events, are they hammer & hammerless, any maker?
Stan

[Mills Morrison]

In the past it has been Parker vs. Smith, so one of those two makers was required. I am pretty sure it is very informal. I doubt they would not let you shoot with another brand but your score might not count.

Hammer or hammerless are both fine, if the rules are as in years past.

[Randy G Roberts]

Can anyone tell me more about the 16 & 20 gauge event held on Thursday I believe?

I was trying to find where this was talked about, but did not find it, I think you had said that this was not a Parker/Smith event, Mills?

In the past this has been a Parker/Smith event. I believe it was shot on the 5 stand on the right, shoot as many times as you like. Shoot offs if needed to determine the top 5 for each team and that was it, no challenge event. At least that what my memory is telling me.

[Mike Koneski]

Can anyone tell me more about the 16 & 20 gauge event held on Thursday I believe?

I was trying to find where this was talked about, but did not find it, I think you had said that this was not a Parker/Smith event, Mills?

The 16 and 20 are not hammer event and hammerless event. They are just 16 or 20 and they must be a Parker or Smith gun. They are part of the LCS-Parker Challenge with trophies and perpetual cup for each. These are usually finished on Thursday.

[CraigThompson]

The 16 and 20 are not hammer event and hammerless event. They are just 16 or 20 and they must be a Parker or Smith gun. They are part of the LCS-Parker Challenge with trophies and perpetual cup for each. These are usually finished on Thursday.

Oughtta see if he’d be up for adding a 10 gauge event . There was talk of it I believe for 2020 and of course the whole mess was cancelled . Heck if they’d have a separate challenge for the 8 , 10 , 12 , 16 , 20 and the hammer gun I’d give serious thought to forgoing the course entirely .

[Mike Koneski]

Craig, one year there was a 10g Challenge. I think it was eliminated due to logistics but I can’t be sure. I do remember one year shooting 20, 16 and then 10 on the 5-Stand. Easy to remember, I was straight with that 10 and missed my last bird!!

[Mike Koneski]

I looked up in my records and in 2019 there was a 10g Challenge event. That was the one and only year.

[Jay Oliver]

I hate to do this, but I am canceling my trip to the Southern. Family and work obligations are just too much this week and I won't be going. I'll miss seeing all of you and talking Parkers! Hopefully next year...

I am going to try and make to Hausmann's instead, which will be the first time for me going there.

Have fun!

[Dean Romig]

Jay - You’ll love Hausmann’s!





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[Stan Hoover]

Sorry you're going to miss this Jay,
but I know all about work and family commitments. But unfortunately, work is what makes this possible and I wouldn't want to do without my family.
We'll see you at Hausmans.
Stan

[Mills Morrison]

Sorry you could not make it Jay, but we will see you at Hausmann’s. Also sorry some other regulars could not make it. On the other hand, it has been good to see some newcomers this year and a few who have not been in a while. It is Thursday and there is already a big crowd

[Jay Oliver]

I hope your having fun Mills. I really wish I could be there. I had a crazy, but great day at work today, which reinforced my decision not to travel.

Enjoy your time there and I am looking forward to seeing you at Hausmann's!

Jay

[John Bastiani]

I hope somebody takes some pictures-especially the Parker Display of the small and big bores. I'm under the weather or I would have been there!

[Mills Morrison]

Congratulations to Team L C Smith for winning the 2022 Smith-Parker Challenge! More detailed results to follow.

[Mills Morrison]

Smith won the main challenge 117 to 113 - a nail biter!

Adam Pickett was HOA

John Truitt was runner up

Mike Koneski took third in a shoot off with Don Shumaker

Danny Patton won the Oscar Gaddy Trophy

Jackson Truitt won high youth - proudly following in his father’s footsteps

Harry Morrison was runner up youth

Sarah Spartz was high lady. Runner up was a new lady, Orenda Love, from Team Smith

[Mills Morrison]

Team L C Smith won a decisive victory in the Hammer Gun Challenge.

Marshall Harrell was HOA with Steve Harutunian as runner up, both of Team Smith

Team Smith continues to dominate this event, so we will have to work extra hard between now and next year to take both events

[Ed Blake]

Thanks Mills for what you do for the PGCA. It was great to see everyone

[Mike Koneski]

Smith won the main challenge 117 to 113 - a nail biter!

Adam Pickett was HOA

John Truitt was runner up

Mike Koneski took third in a shoot off with Don Shumaker

Danny Patton won the Oscar Gaddy Trophy

Jackson Truitt won high youth - proudly following in his father’s footsteps

Harry Morrison was runner up youth

Sarah Spartz was high lady. Runner up was a new lady whose name I did not get, but from Team Smith


RU Lady is Orenda Love.

[Mike Koneski]

BTW, the difference between first and fourth was ONE bird.

[Mills Morrison]

Thanks Mike! Rick threw some challenging targets this year and had everyone on their toes. Thanks for remembering Ms. Love. She seemed awful nice and hope she comes back

[Kevin McCormack]

If you have never been to a major event like the Southern SxS, the NE SxS at Hausmann's, The Vintage Cup, or the shoot at Rock Mountain, you stand to gain a very valuable education by simply listening to, participating in, or eavesdropping on the endless conversations between people who have come to buy, sell, or simply learn about guns.

The sheer breadth and depth of knowledge and experience shared at these events is a priceless inventory of "lessons learned" in the SxS gun world. To wit, where would one go for a cocking slide lever for a 20 ga. A.H. Fox? Or a return spring for a 28 gauge Parker top lever? How about a forend latch return spring for 20 gauge L.C. Smith?

Similarly, bargains surface from the depths of dealers tables as they sell off the "cream" of their offerings and replace them with their "also rans". How about a 20 ga. A.H. Fox A grade 28" ejector gun with about 80% overall finish for$2300? Or a 28" 16 gauge Parker VH 0 frame with good dimensions and clean as a pin for the same money? Or the BE Fox 12 ga. that showed up with great wood and lots of original color and blue for $3200?? What about the ultra-rare A.H. Fox "The Sterlingworth Co." 'Pin Gun' with great colors and wood with ejectors for $1900???

Like Vegas. auctions, and the lotteries, you've got to play to win. BE THERE!!!

[Garry L Gordon]

If you have never been to a major event like the Southern SxS, the NE SxS at Hausmann's, The Vintage Cup, or the shoot at Rock Mountain, you stand to gain a very valuable education by simply listening to, participating in, or eavesdropping on the endless conversations between people who have come to buy, sell, or simply learn about guns.

The sheer breadth and depth of knowledge and experience shared at these events is a priceless inventory of "lessons learned" in the SxS gun world. To wit, where would one go for a cocking slide lever for a 20 ga. A.H. Fox? Or a return spring for a 28 gauge Parker top lever? How about a forend latch return spring for 20 gauge L.C. Smith?

Similarly, bargains surface from the depths of dealers tables as they sell off the "cream" of their offerings and replace them with their "also rans". How about a 20 ga. A.H. Fox A grade 28" ejector gun with about 80% overall finish for$2300? Or a 28" 16 gauge Parker VH 0 frame with good dimensions and clean as a pin for the same money? Or the BE Fox 12 ga. that showed up with great wood and lots of original color and blue for $3200?? What about the ultra-rare A.H. Fox "The Sterlingworth Co." 'Pin Gun' with great colors and wood with ejectors for $1900???

Like Vegas. auctions, and the lotteries, you've got to play to win. BE THERE!!!

Okay, now I'm going to try to find you and follow you around.:)

It was indeed a great event. I always learn much, mostly about my own changing tastes, but Kevin, you are correct -- there are some interesting new things to learn and see.

[Dan Steingraber]

Some of those target presentations were from Satan himself.

[Mills Morrison]

Rick Hemingway doesn’t pull any punches

[Ed Blake]

Those#6 crossers i missed are probably still in flight

[Mills Morrison]

I shot 38/50 in the 2021 qualifier and 28/50 in 2022. I don't think it was just because I downgraded from an 8 gauge to a 12 gauge

[Dan Steingraber]

I watched the shoot off from near the tree line on the right side of the course looking out and 3 of the targets looked brutal from there. The #1 target looked like an SR71 Blackbird going out. The target quartering away right to left also looked like a rocket and if you couldn't tak it early it started to arc down and the slower looping left to right target from the middle of the field was fine as a report pair but combined with one of the rocket targets in a true pair looked really challenging as well because it just wasn't in the air very long. It took great shooting by all of the participants in the event.

[CraigThompson]

This year was my first experience in the main challenge event . My performance wasn’t great and wasn’t horrendous. But like anything else , I’m never really satisfied .

[Mills Morrison]

Here are some photos from the weekend

https://parkerguns.org/forums/album.php?albumid=1035

[Randy G Roberts]

I don't believe this has been mentioned previously but Team Parker did win both the 16 and 20 gauge challenge events. I do not have the names of the qualifying individuals. Maybe someone else does. It was hotly contested, I believe the 16 gauge event was won by one bird while the 20 gauge event ended in a three bird differential.

[Garry L Gordon]

Here are some photos from the weekend

https://parkerguns.org/forums/album.php?albumid=1035

Thanks for sharing your photos, Mills. It's nice to see the shooting participants.

[Victor Wasylyna]

Mills:

It was VERY cool seeing your young boy competing for Team Parker!

-Victor

[CraigThompson]

I don't believe this has been mentioned previously but Team Parker did win both the 16 and 20 gauge challenge events. I do not have the names of the qualifying individuals. Maybe someone else does. It was hotly contested, I believe the 16 gauge event was won by one bird while the 20 gauge event ended in a three bird differential.

I'd like to see the 16 and 20 scores along with who placed on both sides .

[Mills Morrison]

The 16 and 20 events are not put on by the organizations. In years past, someone has given me the scores and the trophies to announce and award but that did not happen this year. I did ask around and found out that Parker won both by narrow margins, 1 bird in one.

[Mike Koneski]

The 16 and 20 events are not put on by the organizations. In years past, someone has given me the scores and the trophies to announce and award but that did not happen this year. I did ask around and found out that Parker won both by narrow margins, 1 bird in one.

Rick H puts on the event. It is an official event just not run by PGCA or LCSCA. I saw the list of the top five for both events but I don't have a photo to post the names/scores. I know what I shot but I don't have the other four shooters for both events. Sorry.

PGCA won the 20g 134-131 and the 16g 132-131.

[Mills Morrison]

Thanks Mike.

Next year, we'll have to get the scores publicized better and award trophies Saturday after the main challenge as in years past.

[Mike Koneski]

Besides myself, PGCA members who took home bling are-
Jim Garrett, Matt Haney, Victor Wasylyna, Aaron Kibby, Randy Roberts, Anthony Pilotti, Stan Hoover, Danny Patton, Carvel Whaley, Chuck Devinne, Jackson Truitt, John Truitt, Brian Hornacek, Mal MacGregor, Ed Blake, Dan Christoffersen, Cyril Gulledge and Harry Morrison.

This is probably not a complete list but it does give kudos to our PGCA winning shooters who ground 'em up throughout the entire event.

Here is the "Big Board" after the Main Challenge Shoot-Off-

[Mills Morrison]

Thanks again Mike! I also added some more photos to my album, including the "board" for the Hammer Gun Challenge

https://parkerguns.org/forums/album.php?albumid=1035

[Mike Koneski]

Thanks again Mike! I also added some more photos to my album, including the "board" for the Hammer Gun Challenge

https://parkerguns.org/forums/album.php?albumid=1035

NO, NOT THE HAMMER GUN BOARD!!!!! :shock: That was ugly!!

[Mills Morrison]

NO, NOT THE HAMMER GUN BOARD!!!!! :shock: That was ugly!!

No kidding about that. We need a strategy for next year to win that event

[Mike Koneski]

No kidding about that. We need a strategy for next year to win that event

Easy peasy, three of the five of us need to shoot better. Simple as that. :banghead:

[Mike Koneski]

Somebody needs to let Aaron borrow a Parker next year. Someone handed him a Smith and he shot their #4 score.

[Bill Murphy]

If we could get the Smith shooters to hang out at Drake's Landing all weekend like the Parker guys do, we could probably stand a chance. OK, I'll try out for the Parker team next year, but it won't do much good, the shape I'm in.

[Dan Steingraber]

I've decided to pull the trigger (pun intended) on a hammer gun if anyone knows of a nice shooter available. I almost bought a beautifully restored 1860's english gun at the Southern but decided to look for a Parker instead. PM me with advice if inclined.

[CraigThompson]

If we could get the Smith shooters to hang out at Drake's Landing all weekend like the Parker guys do, we could probably stand a chance. OK, I'll try out for the Parker team next year, but it won't do much good, the shape I'm in.

I was at Drake on Wednesday and I gotta say it was about 1000% better than trying to deal with the course at Deep River . I’ve had no less than a dozen folks visit me at the shop on Tuesday and today that said if they follow the program they had this year they’ll not go back . Personally I’m okay with Drakes on Wednesday and Five Stand the remainder of the time . I even went so far as asking Rick if he’d be up for adding a 10 gauge event to the challenge stuff , which he quickly said he saw no problem with .

[Dean Romig]

Bill has been approached dozens of times every year to please change his SC course - maybe add a second course - but he has resisted every time. I don’t get it.
It’s under new ownership or new management now as I understand… let’s see if it changes now.





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[Bob Jurewicz]

I have attended the Southern S/S for many years always enjoying all aspects including shooting. After traveling 650 miles and 10-12 hours I could not handle the "shooting environment" offered by Deep River this year. I will attend next year, but, if the shooting program has not dramatically improved I will just enjoy a good gunshow.
Bob Jurewicz

[Mike Koneski]

I've decided to pull the trigger (pun intended) on a hammer gun if anyone knows of a nice shooter available. I almost bought a beautifully restored 1860's english gun at the Southern but decided to look for a Parker instead. PM me with advice if inclined.

Buy a Parker! Leave the Eurotrash alone!!

[Mike Koneski]

Before everyone bashes DR for trying something new, they said next year will be under the old format of even/odd stations. They thought there would be a lower attendance but it was higher than usual. A few reasons were discussed but we were informed they will not be shooting all guns on the same stations again. Even with the backups, David D got 12 guns in and I got 10, all events on the course. I usually get to shoot 12-13 course events but just ran out of time this year. As for comments that they should add another course, unless they purchase adjacent property, there is no room to expand. We’ll be back next year and plan on shooting more events again. If we want to shoot for fun we can do that anytime. It’s all about the competition for some of us. 😎

[Stan Hillis]

If we want to shoot for fun we can do that anytime. It’s all about the competition for some of us. 😎

Amen.

[Craig Larter]

I'm not a competitive or competent shooter LOL so the 5 stands were great for me. Rick and his crew did a marvelous job with the 5 stands. I can shoot a clay course at home without a wait.

[Dan Steingraber]

For what it’s worth, I was in the clubhouse Saturday afternoon turning in a card I wasn’t going to have time to shoot and a couple guys were talking about some reasons they had heard for the changes and the woman behind the counter very straight forwardly said: we made the change because every year we have lots of folks complaining that they don’t get to shoot with their friends because the shoot different gauges so they thought they would give this a try. I clearly didn’t work and we have learned from it and next year will e back to the normal course.

[CraigThompson]

To be honest it doesn’t hurt my feelings to shoot less in NC , because I know I can shoot a boatload of targets later in the year at Rock Mountain and Backwoods :cool:

[Charles Downs]

I agree, at the least my cargo will be lighter with less guns to shoot and enjoy.

[William Davis]

Size of the course is fixed, Deep River could have managed the course they have a lot better. Simply having assistants helping trappers organize cards in order & making sure squads step up to two lines and in order so they can shoot promptly. How about turning your card in on arrival at the station being guided to the right spot and being called to the station just before your turn ready to go.

Wait is one thing standing 20 minutes waiting in line no place to sit to protect your slot another . All gauges same station one line one trapper who has to explain over and over makes no sense. I felt sorry for them. If $1.25 per target won’t cover adequate staff charge more and deliver a quality shoot.

William

[Victor Wasylyna]

Wait is one thing standing 20 minutes waiting in line no place to sit to protect your slot another.

Exactly! That said, the Parker perusing and socializing were second to none.

-Victor

[Ed Blake]

There were two, maybe three fields, that were not used. Go to Small Bore and Large Bore stations and use every space that can be safely used to accommodate the extra traps. I didn’t really care for the two pair per station arrangement. I’m sure they had to refund quite a few cards. They’ll fix it

[Andrew Sacco]

Do they publish the entire scores? The link on the website seems to only have partials scores posted. I didn't get bling just wanted to see the scores from all the classes.

[Matthew Hanson]

Hey PGCA Members,

I want to give a big thank you to all of the Parker folks who stopped by my booth, Superior Case restoration. It was my first time at the Southern SxS and I was WOW' d at the size and excitement of being there. It seem my Field Bar was a big hit. Going to have to bring a couple of models next year for sure. Also to all of you who purchased Raffle Gun tickets. I think we sold quite a bit. It was also very nice to finally put faces with names that I have read posts from and corresponded with. Well its off to the basement for the next few weeks to get Randy's', and all of the other case repairs done. Thank you members and your families. Matthew Hanson

[Mills Morrison]

It was great to see you and Dean! Hope you both can make it to Hausmann's and the annual meeting

[William Davis]

1.25 dollars a target small change compared to what you spend overall at the Southern. Poor experience makes the total expense questionable. This observation related to around the course, skip the course stay on the 5 stand fields & vendors tents it’s a fine event.

William

[MattHaney]

It was good to see folks again this year. I enjoyed meeting Randy Robers in person out on the course. As always, great to catch-up with Mills and Julia. Got to shoot some of the five stand on Wed. Even the practice targets were pretty stiff!

This was the first year for Ed and Co. without any help from Bill and Mary Kempffer. They clearly missed a few things, and the course was backed-up. I didn't shoot as much as I would have liked. However, I'm willing to give them a mulligan and assume things will be corrected next year. I know they heard all about the problems.

My point is, I had a blast even with the slow course, and I'll be back next year, with the same enthusiasm as this year.

[Randy G Roberts]

Good to see you again Matt as well. I share your positive attitude with Ed and the situation this year in that I have heard they are addressing the issue. No matter what the outcome it's still a great double gun event that I won't miss.