Searcy PH Model Double Rifle Donated To Benefit NRA-ILA By Gilman Family

The first Gold Medal Concours d`Elegance of Fine Guns took place in January 2001, near Monterey, Calif. This was followed in September by a second event held at The Vintage Cup near New York City. The Gold Medal events feature fine guns—new and old, from around the world—for all to admire and for a panel of judges to rate. Since guns are not displayed for sale, the events draws superb pieces out of collections that otherwise are never seen in public.

NRA has been the presenting sponsor of the Gold Medal Concours since the beginning and makes a special award at the Concours. Last year, the Gold Medal Concours held a raffle to benefit NRA-ILA. The prize was a Searcy double rifle made especially for the event. The winner was a long-time supporter of NRA-ILA, Dr. Richard Gilman of California. Sadly, Dr. Gilman passed away before he was able to shoot the rifle he won.

Dr. Gilman`s widow, Janet, has asked that in his honor the rifle go back to the Concours to be raffled once again benefit NRA-ILA (http://www.goldmedalconcours.com/searcysweep.html). "The Institute greatly appreciates Mrs. Gilman`s splendid generosity," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. "Everyone remembers how excited Dr. Gilman was to win the Searcy rifle last year, so this donation is extra special."

The rifle is a presentation-grade version of Searcy`s PH model double rifle in 470NE with custom engraving. It comes in a fitted Dan Walter alloy travel case and includes two boxes of cartridges—courtesy of Dr. Gilman. The total value of the rifle is $12,000, with Dr. Gilman`s cartridges increasing the value by $500.

There will only be 749 tickets available at a suggested contribution of $25 per ticket, or $100 for five. You may obtain tickets by email ([email protected] ) or phone (207-594-9544) using a credit card. Checks also may be mailed to: Jeff Dodge, PO Box 1357, Camden, ME 04843. Please include your mailing address, phone number, and the number of tickets you`d like. The winning ticket will be drawn at the 2005 Vintage Cup in Millbrook, New York, on September 24. The holder of the ticket need not be present to win.