NSSA - National Skeet Shooting Association

The National Skeet Shooting Association is the world's largest organization dedicated to the sport of Skeet Shooting.

Final Shots: Kolar’s Don Mainland Passes

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We are saddened to report the passing of Don Mainland, the man who established Kolar Arms as one of the leading manufacturers of clay target shotguns since the 1990’s. Mainland acquired the company founded by Larry Kolar in the 1980’s, moving the tube-set business to his machine shop in Wisconsin. After producing trap guns for Remington, Mainland then began production of Kolar-branded shotguns made in the USA. The company is currently in its third generation of Mainland operation, with Don’s son Jeff and grandson Sean now managing the business.

In addition to the Kolar gun business, Don started Letsch Manufacturing, Pioneer Products, and Racine Air. He was known as a true visionary and naturally gifted and driven leader. He had many passions, including clay target shooting, cycling, riding horses, and golf. Don was an accomplished bike racer who raced in Japan’s Kierin circuit in the early 1950’s and held the U.S. coast-to-coast cross-country record, which stood for 11 years. Don was also a proud United States Marine. Above all, Don was known as a loving and proud family man. He was married to Ruth for 71 years, and together they had four children: Michael, Mary, Jeffrey, and Lisa, as well as 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Under Don’s leadership, Kolar Arms grew from a personal passion to a leader in the firearms community, synonymous with excellence and commitment to quality — a reflection of Don’s own integrity. His contributions have been recognized by multiple shooting organizations, including being honored by NSSA in 2011, along with Larry Kolar, Claude Purbaugh, and Jess Briley, for revolutionizing the game of skeet with their development and advancement of sub-gauge tubes. He was inducted into the Wisconsin State Trapshooting Association and honored by other professional organizations for his contributions.

As we mourn his absence, we also celebrate his life — a life richly lived and generously shared. A funeral service will be held on November 9 in Racine, Wisconsin. NSSA-NSCA extends it sympathies to the Mainland family, Don’s Kolar Arms family, and his many friends. See Don’s full obituary.

 

NSCA Legend Lois Neely Passes

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It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lois Neely, a true legend and cherished member of the sporting clays community. Lois departed this world on July 10, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the minds and hearts of our industry. Lois dedicated her life to sporting clays tournaments with an unwavering commitment to excellence, skill and service to our sportsmen. Her career began with the NSSA in member services in 1985. She moved to the NSCA in 1989, the first staff member to solely focus on the NSCA at headquarters, with member services until December of 1996 when she became the lead of the NSCA as Assistant Director.

In 2000, Lois struck out on her own as WyShotgun and offered tournament administration services to gun clubs throughout the country. Lois stayed on the NSCA Rules Committee and Hall of Fame Committee for another 10 years as an at-large member due to her knowledge of the game. Lois ran registration for every NSCA National Championship held in San Antonio from 1990 to 2022. Her tireless efforts earned her a spot in the NSCA Hall of Fame as a recipient of the Hal DuPont Service Award in 2021.

Our friend’s memory will forever live through the countless experiences, profound knowledge, and exuberant personality she generously shared with us. Funeral arrangement details will be provided when information is available. Let us be patient, understanding, and supportive during this difficult period, granting her family the necessary time and space to heal.

Final Shots: George Kenneth “Pappy” Beavers

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George Kenneth Beavers, known in the skeet world as GK Beavers or Pappy, passed away on May 28, 2020. Born in 1931, he served in the Army 45th Infantry and was a Korean Veteran, where he was awarded the Army Occupation Medal in Japan, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. George retired from Tinker Air Force Base civil service in 1989.

Pappy’s favorite activity was skeet shooting. He started the sport in 1966 and made numerous friends and memories throughout his career, winning several awards and trophies, as well as volunteering as a shoot manager, referee, or whatever capacity he was needed to fill. He shot 215,750 lifetime targets, attended 23 World Skeet Championships, and was an active NSSA member for 49 years.

He was a longtime member of the Tinker Gun Club, Ada Gun Club and OKC Gun Club. He was inducted into the OSSA Hall of Fame in 1986. He and his wife Betty traveled nationwide for skeet shoots and made lifelong friends along the way. He never knew a stranger and was liked and loved by everyone. NSSA extends its condolences to Pappy’s many friends and family.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037.

 

 

Final Shots: Louis Mosel

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NSSA regrets to report the death on May 6 of Louis Mosel of San Antonio, a Life Member who was Captain of at least 9 All-American Teams.

Louis has been described as a full-time businessman, husband, father, buddy, friend, hunter, fisherman, craftsman and builder. He became a master plumber and worked at L.C. Mosel Co. from 1947 until his retirement in 2017. He loved building and construction so much that he built four boats in his lifetime, the largest being a 30′ twin-engine off-shore deep sea fishing vessel named the Sea Pauper which took five years of evenings and weekends to build. While in the process of building his fifth boat, a 42-foot yacht, he was introduced to the game of skeet by his son Kurt. Louis got the skeet bug and the boat was forgotten.

Louis took up skeet with the same vigor and determination as he did with all of his other hobbies. He competed in tournaments all over the U.S., winning numerous medals (476 trophies and awards are documented) and was named Captain of the Senior Veteran 1st Team for the NSSA All-American Team three years in a row. Louis was NSSA All-American Veteran Team Captain six times from 2000 to 2007 and Senior Veteran Team Captain for the Texas Skeet Shooting Association six times from 2009 to 2014.

At the age of 87, during the 2014 World Skeet Shooting Championships, he and his shooting partner Robert Myers broke six world records in the two-man team Senior Veterans event. Later in his life, after the seas were too rough, the shotguns were too heavy and getting to the office was a job in itself, he continued working on his stamp collection. Louis collected stamps his entire life and amassed a phenomenal collection. Louis was a life member of the NRA, the Texas State Skeet Shooting Association, the National Skeet Shooting Association, and the San Antonio Gun Club.

Final Shots: Jamie Gaines

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Jamie GainesWe are sorry to report the loss of a great skeet shooter, coach, and friend, Jamie Gaines.

Born December 8, 1948, in Louisville, Kentucky, Jamie was raised in the Bluegrass Region of the state. He attended parochial grade school and high school in Frankfort. In 1970, Jamie graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. He applied for and was accepted into Naval Flight Training in 1971. He was commissioned an Ensign and later received his wings after completing flight training in 1972. Jamie’s first assignment was to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 6 in Norfolk, VA.

In 1978, Jamie met Florida Highway Patrolman C.C. “Dusty” Rhodes and was introduced to the game of skeet, and as they say, the rest is history. Upon return from sea duty, Jamie secured a shore duty assignment at the Armed Forces Staff College. During his stay at the AFSC, he met and married Major Lorraine Shelton, USAF. During this time, he went to many skeet shoots in the Virginia and Maryland area with SMSgt. Al Talacek. Jamie also took on the role of Captain of the Navy Skeet Team, working to get funding and ammunition. He was able to get the Navy Skeet Team included in the Navy budget and secure funding and ammunition for years to come.

Jamie teamed up with Luke Deshotels and ventured to skeet shoots in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, in addition to those in Maryland and Virginia. Following his retirement from the Navy, skeet took Jamie’s full attention. He and Lorraine moved several times, but in each location he found a partner to shoot with at major shoots. In 1991, it was Mississippi where he teamed up with Gabby Hulgan, attending many shoots in Florida, Mississippi, and Texas. In 1995, it was back to Maryland, where he shot with Wayne Mayes. In 1999, Jamie and Lorraine moved to Helotes, Texas and Jamie learned he was in “skeet heaven.” After arrival in Texas, Jamie shot at many Texas shoots but also traveled extensively to major shoots throughout the country. Some of Jamie’s Texas skeet buddies included Rocky Goodman, Wayne Mayes, Mark Myers, and Van Boerner.

On May 9, 2003, Jamie lost his left hand in a construction accident. As Jamie put it, “It was a perfectly good excuse to quit skeet.” This did not stop him, though, because within a month, he was back shooting skeet with Wayne coaching him, and he even shot a 100 at his first shoot after the accident.

Some highlights of his skeet career include:

  • 2012: Induction into the NSSA Hall of Fame
  • Selection to eight Open First or Second All-American Teams
  • 1992: Won Mini and World .410 titles
  • 1993: Won the Mini .410 again.
  • Shot five 400x400s, including the only one ever shot at East Alton
  • Inducted into the Armed Forces Hall of Fame for shooting proficiency, as well as earning the K.E. Pletcher Award.
  • June 2012: Inducted into the Texas Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame
  • 28-gauge long-run record (1487) until broken by Stuart Fairbanks
  • World 2-man team Military Civilian HOA record (1097) with Gabby Hulgan.

Jamie will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

 

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