DESERT MARKSMEN RIFLE & PISTOL CLUB ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA 2018 SUMMER EDITION

*WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DMRPC?* DMRPC membeship renewal process is in full swing:

Please beware that DMRPC does not send out reminder notices. For the easiest renewal process, use the DMRPC club website to ensure a timely renewal. The gate access combo changed on 1 July. Please remember to be in possession of your DMRPC club member credentials while on the DMRPC complex. Special thanks and acknowledgement to Jackie L., who has been the backbone behind the DMRPC membership and renewal process, a massive task that takes countless hours to complete, all of which is done on her (and a couple of helpers) own time. By the way, it is also Jackie who pre- pares those delicious meals we all enjoy every month at the DMRPC club meetings at the Finn & Feather.

MASSIVE BRUSH CLEARANCE/DEAD TREE REMOVAL PROJECT:

As we approach the fall fire season, take a look around the DMRPC complex; you will observe a number of large dead trees and lots of dried out heavy brush. This dead mat- erial is literally “fuel to feed a large fire”, that we as a club are responsible for reducing to standards as dictated by USFS (our landlord). To this end, DMRPC in the past has relied mainly on the membership to accomplish this task through events such as work parties, range clean-ups, minor grading, etc. While we applaud the efforts of those members who have continually given of their time, energy, and resources to accomplish this, we simply don’t have enough members who are able to complete such a large project in a timely manner. The actual labor involved is very heavy. The very last work party event had a very low member participation, and half of in attendance were not members. Special thanks to the Scout’s help. A recent visit by USFS officials has resulted in a brush clearance notice being issued that is beyond the scope of volunteer DMRPC members to address at the work party level; as a result your EXCOM is currently so- liciting bids from outside professional vendors to perform the work, and will schedule this major project as we work with USFS to determine ex- actly how much work needs to be done. The areas in need of weed abatement are not limited to just the camping and roadway areas; there is significant clearing that must be done on and adjacent to all ranges. Accordingly, members should expect to see an upward adjustment to annual membership dues. More information will be put forth as this pro- cess gets underway.

SUMMER HEAT IS HERE; BE PREPARED!

Here we go again!….It’s getting warmer, and being that DMRPC, as the name implies, is in the desert; this is the time to review a few points on hot weather conditions and some ways members and guests can min- imize those impacts and avoid heat-related injuries. The following is a partial list of tips to keep you going and safe in out hot weather: Wear light colored clothing that breathes. Drink plenty of hydrating fluids. Food: Dont go hungry; your body uses extra energy as the temp rises. Hat: one that works in conjunction with wearing protection, but also cov- ers your head to prevent burning. Consider soaking it in water. Sunscreen: apply prior to exposure, and re-apply after heavy sweating. Shade: some of our ranges are shaded, some not . A simple shade canopy, properly anchored, will keep you and your gear cooler. Physical condition: Don’t over-exert yourself during extreme conditions. Dehydration can have a rapid onset. Know your limits. Vehicles: Fluid levels, tires, batteries, belts, hoses, A/C, etc. must all be in proper working order. Becoming stranded in the heat has proven fatal. Some notes on hydration fluids: While plain water is a must to maintain health, specialized sports drinks that replenish lost electrolytes, salts, and certain minerals are an excellent addition to your range gear, and to keep on hand whenever traveling. Drinks that contain caffeine, most often in the form of soda or coffee, should be avoided prior to physical exertion in the heat. Some of my favorite hydration drinks including a powder for mixing direct- ly with your own water. The powder has a very long shelf life, and stores very easily. For the most effective use, keep your drinks in a cooler out of direct sun. Coolers/ice chests must also be kept very clean to pre- vent contamination that nearly always leads to sickness.

Snapshot Review: OKC

OKC (Ontario Company) has been in business producing quality cutlery since 1889, with the factory being located in Franklinville, New York. Currently, OKC manufactures both the M9 and OKC 3S models, of which are included in this edition of the DMRPC newsletter Snapshot Quick Review.

The M9 goes back prior to 1986, and has been produced under contract by six different makers, and is based on a Russian design and is used by at least nine different countries. It features a thick plain edge stainless steel blade, saw teeth on the back, and an oval wire cutter opening to be used with the stud on the scabbard. The heavy duty scabbard features a sharpening stone, belt clip, wire cutting stud, and snap closure. The OKC 3S is the current USMC issued bayonet that has replaced the M7 that was used since 1964. Both the 3S and M7 are designed to work with the M16, , and many variants of the AR-15 platform and a few others that have the proper mounting lug. The OKC 3S carbon steel blade has serrations for using the bayonet as a multi-purpose cutting tool, and a long tapered point profile designed to penetrate body armor The scabbard includes a sharpening stone, two snap closures, and is compat- able with MOLLE/PALS attachment systems. The OKC 3S as pictured for the review weighed 22 ounces with scabbard; The OKC M9 weighed 28 ounces. Weighed without scabbards, the 3S is 13.5 ounces, the M9 IS 15.5 ounces. Both these bayonets are very sturdy, well made, and designed for rough service. Both snapped into place securely on a variety of carbines and rifles equipped with the proper lug mounts. I purchased both bayonets from Midway USA on sale; the M9 was sold as grade “1” surplus, for $99.00, and appears to never have been issued or used in any way. It had a light coating of oil on the blade; scabbard matches and also appears to be untouched. The 3S was sold as “new in factory- original packaging”, and cost $99.00 as well. These were priced well under other internet retailers at the time (February, 2016).

Either of these bayonets would make an excellent addition to a field gear kit, hunt- er’s outfit, or as a camping tool. If you are interested in collecting bayonets, there is no shortage in different models, variations, manufacturers, etc.