“Build it and they will come” describes the 138th Annual NRA Convention held in Phoenix Arizona May 14 – 17th, 2009. Attendees flocked to the Phoenix Convention Center an estimated 64,000 strong, standing in lines up to 2 hours for a chance to get into the show. Reportedly the largest convention to date held at the Phoenix Convention Center.

The 2009 Springfield Armory / USPSA Single Stack Nationals
A New Appreciation For Retro Equipment and Basic Courses of Fire

Hard to believe that we are nearly a decade into the 21st century. Our lives have been made easier and more enjoyable (though some may argue) by major technological advancements, i.e., Blackberries, search engines, social networking sites, Blogging and TIVO, just to name a few.

Headline: Rob Wins Again!

Rob Leatham wins the Springfield Armory 1911 Single Stack Classic for the 15th time. This amazing unbroken win streak started with the 1994 inaugural event then known as the 1911 Single Stack Classic. The win streak shows no sign of being over soon.

The Scene: Just before dawn day 2 of the 2008 Rio Salado Desert Classic Area 2 Championship, Stage 2 “And This Is For You”. Squad 21 receives their briefing and begins to prepare. The first shooter of the day loads in the predawn light, knife in hand awaits the signal to begin. Are you ready, Standby, the morning explodes awake with the new day of competition.

This is my Single Stack, there are many like it but this one is mine. I know it’s somewhat ugly, it’s worn and has scratches and dings. But that’s the way I like my 1911. The wear and tear proves that this is a shooter. It’s not a safe-queen. I’ve shot thousands of rounds, done hundreds of draws and reloads with this gun. It’s been snatched off tables and grabbed out of boxes. Jammed into ports, stuck around barricades, and under walls.

The Western States Single Stack Championship match is fast becoming a favorite match for single stack shooters across the country. With shooters from as far away as Florida coming back each year the match keeps getting better and this year was no exception. The 2007 WSSS was unforgettable to all who shot as the rain, wind, freezing temperature and finally snow accumulation in the middle of Mesa AZ surprised even long time residents let alone unprepared visitors looking for some mid-winter sunshine.