The One-Shot Competition was fun, as expected. Nowhere else will you see that many Cooper Arms rifles in one place.

Anyway, my dad, my friend from Florida (Wade Woodward), and I competed. My daughter came along, too. Prior to the actual One-Shot Competition, which is shooting at two-foot diameter oil paintings at 150 yards, there were money shoots. I participated in two $5 and two $10 ones, and won both $10 ones, meaning that I paid $30, and won $80. I came out ahead $50. Wade did the same, and won one $10 money shoot, and came out ahead $10.

My dad and I didn't win the paintings at which we shot, but Wade won his, which was of an elk. Wade also was able to participate in the shoot off for the rifle (an M54 Classic in .308 with French Walnut stock), but didn't win it. (The first and second place shooters on each of the five paintings participate in the shoot off for the rifle, meaning ten shooters.)

First of all, let me start by saying I'm a big fan of Cooper rifles. I have a Montana Varminter in .308 and they make very nice rifles.

That being said....I have always found the following story to be absolutely crazy.

I can't believe how many people were bamboozled by Obama.....the "socialist" writing was on the wall well before he was elected. If you voted for Obama and are now very disappointed with him....shame on you!

www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-10-30-gun-ceo-ousted_N.htm

Doug, you wrote:I took my first three pronghorn antelope with the same rifle, in terms of configuration and cartridge.
While only Dan Cooper knows what was going through his mind at the time, it doesn't change the fact that Cooper Arms makes extraordinary rifles.

Also, Cooper Arms has had a new owner, Hugo Vivero, for about a year and a half. He is an outstanding gentleman. I have met him several times, and he clearly has a strong passion for the company.

Actually, Dan Cooper became a friend of mine several years ago, and regardless of his lapse of judgment and political views, he will remain a friend.

Ken,
Thanks for the pics!
I think I'll have to "acquire" a Ruana sooner than later.
Cool looking knives!

Very interesting photos of the Ruana shop. I really like my Ruanas a lot. I've been by Bonner many times but never had a chance to stop in.

I was also able to choose the handle material. Here is the box from which I was able to choose:



And, here is the CB CK blade blank together with the handle material that I ended up choosing:





Here is Mike putting the Stag back into the box:



You know how RMK has a display case that shows the various stages of making an Randall? Well. Ruana Knives has something similar in their show room:



This was also in their show room:



Here is something special: a "Bleeding Heart" Tomahawk, with Stag inlay in the handle:



It turns out that my dad and Victor Hangas have something in common: fly fishing. They chatted a bit about this fabulous sport, and my dad gave to Victor a dozen or so flies to try.



It was a great visit, and am more than ever looking forward to the CB CK later this year, especially because I was able to hand-pick the Stag for its handle.

That is very cool to pick out the stag yourself and great pictures.

Ken,

Thanks for the info! I'm hoping to pull a Montana Mountain Lion Tag this year (bonus point from the one I didn't get last year) and will definitely go by Ruana on my way back to the Misoula Airport. Great looking stag and awesome to be able to pick the piece your knife will be made from.

Regards,

Tom Flynn

Good news. I got a call from Mike Hangas today, letting me know that my CB CK is a week away from being done.

Even more good news. The CB CK arrived today! It turned out better than my expectations, and my expectations were fairly high. Photos in a day or two...