Well things have really picked up this past year in the Iowa HTF and I'd like to thank you guys for becoming more active in this forum and telling others about it as there's been a large influx of newer members coming around here.  The Spring and Fall Shoots we had this year were a big success as the last "Shoot" that I can remember having from this forum was in the late fall of 2003 I believe over in the Tama area where we had about 8 people attend...we've came a long ways just in this year from that get-together.  

For 2006 I would like to see us getting together more often, like we have done during the last couple Des Moines gun shows, where we've been getting together for lunch and refreshments.  I plan on us having a Spring and Fall Shoot again this year and hope to see more of the AR and other (AK) build get-togethers in the future, I'd also like to attend some as well as there's PLENTY I still don't know anything about.

Ozzy1038 I hope everything is going ok with your father and that he is out of the hospital by now.

Coltgunner it's good to see your post!  I agree with you about non-ARF.commers showing up for future Shoots at Bays Branch being welcome in hopes that they may stop by and stay awhile here.  Since we're not advertising the Shoots anywhere but here, and word of mouth from members to their friends, we shouldn't have to worry too much about a bunch of non-welcome attendees.  If locals decide to show up after hearing what we're shooting then so be it...but I would just as soon the word not get out that it's an open event for all the public as it would be too overcrowded and have to watch out for attendees not adhering to our rules of the range.  Since Bays Branch is a County run range and not DNR then we can continue shooting Class 3 firearms there for everyone to enjoy.  If ANYONE would like to host/setup a more formal type of Shoot for us to attend, in addition to the Spring and Fall Shoots at Bays Branch, feel free to say something as no one says that we only have to have two Shoots for the Iowa HTF members.  If someone would like to have more of a competitive/formal shoot I'd love to attend, and just not bring any Class 3, so feel free to ask around as this is OUR Iowa HTF and NOT just mine to determine what we should do.  Basically if you're not comfortable around all the machinegun noise and more of a bench rest shooter that's great...you shouldn't feel obligated that you have to attend the Shoots at Bays Branch.  I only shoot at paper targets once a year and that's when I have to requalify on the M-16, M9 Beretta and shotgun for my State job...I'm not competitive by nature when it comes to shooting as I'm more of a MOB (Minute Of Beer can) shooter but respect those that have just as much money wrapped up in their target/competitive rifles as I do in some of our machineguns.  Someday I'd like to be able to build up a Savage Tactical rifle w/optics (and suppressor) but for now I'm having fun learning how to "spray and pray" more effectively now with the machineguns.  

Boy talk about getting sidetracked...sorry for the personal rant but basically I meant to say there's nothing saying that we only have to have two Iowa HTF Shoots.

Points well taken and once I have time (and my computer back in running condition) I'll give my .02 worth on them.