OGCA is Booming  - By Cecil Parker, President


President Cecil Parker and wife, Myrtle,
at a recent OGCA banquet.  Our 75th Anniversary banquet is May 5, 2012.

May I borrow the phrase "Big Bang Theory"? No, I’m not referring to the Celestial Universe, but the OGCA Universe. In case you haven’t noticed recent membership statistics, OGCA is growing – big time! Almost 1,000 people have joined in the last four months, and over 30% of guests attending our Wilmington events are applying for membership!

As membership approaches 17,000, we have completed five consecutive years of uninterrupted growth for the first time in at least 16 years. Total members could soon surpass the peak years in Cleveland and Columbus.

What is causing this phenomenon? YOU ARE! You – loyal, dedicated OGCAers – bringing your family, friends, shooting companions, and prospective collectors and telling them about your favorite firearms organization. Could we have a new slogan? The Ohio Gun Collectors Association – 75 years and still growing!

You never know who you will meet at OGCA. One of our newest applicants, Keith Turpie, is the 1953, 1,000 yd. Wimbledon Cup, 1st place winner at Camp Perry. This NRA endowment member joined OGCA at 88 years young!

Member response to the 75th Anniversary projects is far exceeding expectations.

Very few of the Ithaca OGCA Model 37s are still available for sale at the March meeting. Less than ten matching pairs (20 and 28 gauge) remain and about a dozen 20 gauge guns. Please check out the details on page 10 and get to the show early on March 10th for your chance to buy these beautiful firearms at a great price.

The Anniversary Edition Daisy guns sold out within two hours. Since each member was limited to one of each model, you can imagine what the crowd was like around the PAC sales table. We are considering a second Special Edition with the OGCA logos but without the "1 of 100" serial numbers.

We have more great 75th Anniversary projects coming soon. Remember – every dollar you spend (donate) with OGCA-PAC goes directly to defend our Second Amendment rights.

If you are considering a run for the Board of Directors, March is the time to get your application and start your petition. See First V.P. Jim Tekavec’s article on page 15 for details.

Gun Quote of the Month:

"Never take a knife to a gunfight – unless it’s fixed to the business end of your M-16. "
                                                                                                              The Old Gunny, 1966

Cecil Parker, President
   

 Gun Collectors Etiquette - A Partial List

1. Every firearm should be treated as if it were loaded. Keep all firearms pointed in a safe direction. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard.
2. Never touch a firearm or remove the safety tie without permission from the owner.
3. Don't ask to handle a firearm unless you have serious intent to buy.
4. Look for signs that indicate what is appropriate. Collections marked "Display Only" are never to be touched.
5. Do not dry fire, work bolts or jack actions without permission. If you want to manipulate anything, get permission. Make sure whatever you’re manipulating is not a safety issue.
6. Avoid unnecessary wear. Never spin the cylinder of a revolver like you were playing Russian roulette or slam it closed by “flipping” it sideways.
7. When necessary to inspect a gun you have intent to buy, the tableholder should be the one that cuts the safety tie. The tableholder should also be the one that opens the bolt and clears a weapon in a safe manner before he hands it over.
8. Remember how a gun was laying and put it back down the way you found it. Never hit the gun against another gun or lay it down on top of another gun.
9. Hold a gun by the wood and not the metal if possible. If you get fingerprints on the metal, alert the tableholder so he can clean it.
10. Don’t allow children to run amuck. Keep your kids with you and instruct them on all safety rules and general etiquette.
11. Never set food or drink on someone's table.
12. Never interrupt a “sale in progress” or try to purchase an item someone else is holding or negotiating a price on.
13. Do not block a table or aisle chatting with your buddy. Keep traffic moving past the table so people can see his display.
14. "May I..." and "Thank You" go a long way and are just plain common courtesy.