NRA SANCTIONED 2015 NATIONAL RIFLE & PISTOL CHAMPIONSHIPS Camp Perry, OH

SHOOTER'S NEWS | M-15 REVIEW | SCORE SHEETS | COMING EVENTS

APRIL 2015 | VOL. 28 NO. 4

SPOR TS NRA’S COMPETITIVE SHOOTING JOURNAL

NRA STATE CHAMPIONS

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here was significant change passed at the Smallbore Committee meeting last September that needs to be brought to the attention of competitors. In order to enter the National Smallbore Rifle Champi- onships you now must be in possession of a Smallbore classification card issued by the NRA, or a recognized National Governing TBody like USA Shooting or CMP. Unclassified competitors will no longer be allowed entry into the National Championships. If you plan on attending the championships, please be sure that you obtain the necessary classification. We are still interested in locating experienced target pullers for the 2015 Fullbore Rifle Championship and the 2015 World Long Range Rifle Champi- onships. We are interested in volunteers, groups, clubs, competitors, etc., that might help us out. If you know of a group that would like to use this as a fund raiser, we will train them on how to pull targets and score. High school and/or college students, at least 18 years old, interested in earning a few hundred extra dollars before returning to school are also welcome. The NRA will manage the hiring of target pullers. Target pullers will be paid a flat rate of $75.00 per day plus have their housing furnished in either a hutment or a barracks room. We can be contacted at [email protected]. We are in need of approximately 130 target pullers. Target pullers will also receive official World Championship mementos for their participation. The NRA National Matches programs are posted and online at the NRA web site. If a program has the word “preliminary” attached to it, don’t let that scare you. It only means that the advertisements, etc., are not yet in place. The content posted is final. Once we have sold all of the advertise- ment space, and the ads have been created, they will be added to the program and it will then become “final.” Silhouette competition will be undergoing a change, moving away from the match books, currently sold for participation, and onto the NRA Clas- sification System. Competitors should not notice any significant changes in that the current classification ratings will be converted to the long standing NRA classifications. Master, AAA, AA, A, B will become High Master, Master, Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman respectively. Classification cards will be issued according to data collected in 2013, 2014, and 2015. This change will help maintain consistency with other NRA programs and make for much improved ease of use with the new NRA web site when it’s completed. Next up on the schedule is the MidwayUSA & NRA Bianchi Cup, May 20-23 at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Columbia, MO. Entry information can be found at http://bianchicup.nra.org. Space is limited so register early if you want to compete.

Dennis L. Willing Director, NRA Competitive Shooting Division

4 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM MENTOR PROGRAM

Introducing the NRA Mentor Program Attention Competitors! Many Americans have never been introduced to the shooting sports by neither a friend, family member, nor colleague. NRA Publications is proud to announce a new initiative to get more people to the range in a safe, comfortable way. Please take time to read the following message from NRA Publications Executive Director Doug Hamlin:

Dear Reader: What if you learned that coming soon, you could help the NRA grow and get stronger, help good people in your community, and have a chance to win valuable gift cards, while taking part in one of your favorite activities? We hope every Shooting Sports USA reader will join in the soon-to-be-launched NRA Mentor Program, an outreach from NRA Publications in conjunction with SIG Sauer and Magpul Industries. In short, we want to make May 2015 a special time when Americans learn to shoot. Getting involved is easy. Throughout the month of May, we’re encouraging all 4.5 million NRA members to take beginning shooters to the range. During the past five years, about 40 million Americans purchased their first guns. Many are in need of qualified assistance, and quite likely ▲ The Guide for some of them are co-workers, neighbors, or even family members. Along with providing a New Shooters safe place to shoot, you can help budding shooters understand firearm safety, handling, and is filled with tips range protocol. on safety, gear, gun cleaning You can download the Guide for New Shooters, which supports mentors with basic advice on and storage. how to get started, firearm safety, gear, shooting tips and details on gun cleaning and storage. You can download the guide at this link. You can also enter the Mentor Sweepstakes for a chance to win gift cards from Bass Pro Shops and the NRA Store. NRA leads the nation when it comes to firearms safety and education, and atnrainstructors.org you can learn about the many courses offered by NRA Certified Instructors or even how to become one yourself. When given fair opportunity, nearly everyone enjoys shooting. It’s fun, it’s gratifying, it’s a practi- ▲ Enter the NRA cal skill well worth developing. By lending a hand, we can show, once again, that NRA members Mentor Sweep- stakes for a chance are the good guys. to win gift cards Please join me and become an NRA Mentor! from Bass Pro Shops and the Doug Hamlin NRA Store! Executive Director, NRA Publications

Please take time to learn about the NRA Mentor Program at www.nrapublications.org/mentor and be sure to help out new competitors at your club or range. You may be laying the groundwork for a future champion!

Sincerely, John Parker Managing Editor, Shooting Sports USA

SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM | APRIL 2015 5 ▼ What's for lunch at your local match?

IN THIS ISSUE | FEATURES At the CMP Western Games, a one- woman BBQ offers elk or bison burgers grilled with a splash of merlot. 30 Read the story on page 48. ROB LEATHAM INTERVIEW— PART 2 OF 2 In Part 2 of our interview, Rob details his struggles with bullseye pistol competition. It turns out he is human, after all.

By NRA Staff 38 2014 NRA STATE CHAMPIONS Listed by discipline are your 2014 NRA State Champions.

By NRA Staff

48 CMP WESTERN GAMES: M1 GARAND AND VINTAGE MILITARY RIFLE MATCH With attendance rising year after year, this vintage rifle match is one of the best of its kind in America.

By Art Merrill

52 2015 NRA WORLD SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW Competitive shooters will face 12 challenging stages in several disciplines at the 2015 NRA World Shooting Championship, Presented by Magpul.

By John Parker

ON THE COVER Four of your 2014 NRA State Champions: (from left to right). A Publication of the Dave Lange, New Jersey—Conv. Pistol; National Rifle Association of America Anna Scheer, Alabama—Sbr. Rifle 3-Pos.; Wayne R. LaPierre Caleb Cooper, Colorado—Sbr. Rifle Prone; Executive Vice President Ralph Young, Vermont—Conv. Pistol. The NRA, the foremost guardian of the traditional American right to “keep and bear arms,” Cover Design by Jessica Kim, believes every law-abiding citizen is entitled to the ownership and legal use of firearms, Senior Graphic Designer, SSUSA and that every reputable gun owner should be an NRA member.

6 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM “If you want to beat the best, you’ve got to shoot the best.” -Dennis DeMille General Manager, Creedmoor Sports, Inc., Anniston, Alabama 2011 National Springfield Rifle Champion (record 297-8X), 2003 NRA National Service Rifle Champion, 2005 NRA National HP Rifle Champion

Lapua components Test-firing rig with chrony & imported from Finland chamber pressure gauge

Ammo Load Worldwide, Inc. Each round hand inspected precision ammo loader

Quality control at every step Range ready for bolt or semi-auto application Whether recreational shooting, or trying to take down DeMille, everyone needs precision ammunition. Creedmoor® Sports uses Lapua brass and bullets direct from Finland to make the CMP’s Match Grade .30-06 round at Creedmoor’s ammunition loading facility in Anniston Alabama. Loaded using the utmost care, pressure and velocity tested on-site, every round is hand inspected and packaged. Simply the finest ammunition available anywhere. Go ahead…try and beat him with his own ammo. Available exclusively through TM the CMP and Creedmoor Sports, Inc. www.TheCMP.org 1-888-267-0796 IN THIS ISSUE | DEPARTMENTS SPOR TS 4 COMPETITORS’ CORNER VOL. 28, NO. 4 APRIL 2015 12 Updates from the desk of Dennis PUBLICATIONS DIVISION Willing, Director of the NRA Executive Director: Doug Hamlin Deputy Executive Director: Chip Lohman Competitive Shooting Division. Integrated Marketing Director: Marshall J. Flemion Fiscal Operations Manager: Evelyn Q. Kessler Sales & Fiscal Assistant; Rachel Carr Executive Assistant: Terri A. Wolfe 12 SHOOTERS' NEWS Armorer: Karie Thomas Highlights from the world of Editorial Director: John Zent Managing Editor: John Parker competitive shooting sports and Editorial Assistant: Kylie Vess Creative Director: Harry L. Jaecks our monthly photo caption contest. Art Director: Susan K. Kilday Senior Graphic Designer: Jessica Kim Photography Director: Lloyd Hill 18 BOOK REVIEW Photographer: Peter Fountain Associate Photographer: Forrest MacCormack Jock Elliott’s take on Accuracy and WEB OPERATIONS Precision for Long Range Shooting, Manager: Michael Pedersen 20 Senior Web Developer: Tom Rickwalder A Practical Guide for Rifleman. Senior Web Designer/Video Editor: Steve Dulco PRODUCTION AND ADVERTISING SALES OPERATIONS 20 PRODUCT FOCUS Production and Advertising Programs Director: Daniel McElrath of Shooting Michael J. Sanford Production Operations Manager: Michelle E. Kuntz Illustrated reviews the Advertising Operations Manager: James C. Handlon Armalite M-15. Senior Advertising Coordinator: Samantha Brown Advertising Coordinator: Tiffany Ngu Senior Production Coordinator: Debra Oliveri Production Coordinator: Andrea Myers 26 SCORE SHEETS EASTERN SALES MANAGER Local matches from coast to coast. Tony Morrison (860) 767-9801 Southeast Sales Executive Stan Yates (850) 619-8148 56 A PAGE FROM HISTORY Detroit Advertising Sales Ken Glowacki (313) 779-8504 56 Reprints of past American Rifleman New York Advertising Sales Mike Edison (201) 819-1510 articles on competitive shooting. Eastern Direct Sales Executive Rachelle Trout (910) 262-0913

WESTERN SALES MANAGER 58 COMING EVENTS Courtney Olson (303) 955-2194 Coming Events list national matches Western Sales Executive James O’Neill (703) 267-1300 and provides a downloadable link Midwest Sales Executive Tim Hamill (703) 267-1300 to the monthly list of 11,000 local Western Direct Sales Executive Debbie O’Connell (805) 582-9856 matches each year. Official NRA positions are expressed only in statements bylined by NRA officers or in articles identified as such. 59 MEMBER INFORMATION Shooting Sports USA (ISSN 1069-6822) is published monthly by the National Rifle Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400; (703) 267-1000. Copyright 2015, the National Rifle Association of America. HAVE A SUGGESTION FOR A STORY? To update your e-mail address for the digital subscription, E-mail us at [email protected] simply re-register at www.shootingsportsusa.com. No advertised item is intended for sale in those states, or in those areas where local restrictions may limit or prohibit FOLLOW US AT: the purchase, carrying or use of certain items. Check local twitter.com/ QUESTIONS ABOUT NRA COMPETITIONS? laws before purchasing. Mention of a product or service in advertisements or text does not necessarily mean that it has SSUSA_Magazine E-mail us at [email protected] been tested or approved by the NRA. All rights reserved except where expressly waived. The editors are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA WARNING: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using NRA OFFICERS specific tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and over which the National Rifle Association President: James W. Porter II Treasurer: Wilson H. Phillips Jr. (NRA) has no control. The data has not otherwise been tested First Vice President: Allan D. Cors Executive Director, or verified by the NRA. The NRA, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained Second Vice President: Pete R. Brownell General Operations: R. Kyle Weaver by persons using such data and disclaim all liability for any Executive Vice President: Wayne LaPierre Executive Director, consequential injuries or damages. Secretary: Edward J. Land Jr. Institute for Legislative Action: Christopher W. Cox MEMBERSHIP ACCT. INFORMATION: The NRA, the foremost guardian of the traditional American right to “keep and bear arms,” believes every law-abiding citizen (877) 672-2000 is entitled to the ownership and legal use of firearms, and that every reputable gun owner should be an NRA member. MEMBER PROGRAMS: (800) 672-3888

8 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM THE LASER SAYS I’VE GOT MY OWN BACK.

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In a world of variables, one fact remains constant: Speed wins. With your handgun and the training to back it up, a laser gives you the ultimate advantage. This is Condition Crimson. AND IN CONDITION CRIMSON™, WE STAND.

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cause. effect.

Active Fuel MAnAgeMent rAises engine iQ. vA riAble vA lve tiMing reADs the roAD. Go more. Stop less. We made the new Chevy Silverado stronger. Now for the street smarts. Literally. Driving on a But we also made it smarter with three fuel- city street vs. a highway requires different tactics. saving technologies.* We’ll start with Active Fuel That’s where the third technology, Variable Valve Management. This feature automatically senses Timing, comes into play. This automatic feature load and demand, then activates or deactivates monitors and adjusts the air that the valves cylinders accordingly. And because the valves’ take in and out of the engine, giving you optimal switching mechanism is depressurized, you won’t power when you need it and more efficiency notice the shift while driving. the available 5.3l ecotec3: when you don’t. So whether you’re pulling the Most fuel-efficient v8 in a pickup.** heavy equipment or pulling off the family trip, Direct injection wAstes no tiMe (or Fuel). EcoTec3 makes the most of every drop. What you will notice is the efficiency* (as in not wasting a drop of fuel), which brings us to the second technology: Direct Inch by inch, from hood to hitch, everything about the new Injection. This system delivers fuel to the engine at over 2,000 Chevy Silverado is designed to work harder for you. See psi for a more complete air and fuel mix. This creates a more for yourself at chevy.com/silverado and learn how over precise fuel distribution for fast, efficient combustion. 13 million miles of testing made us stronger.

B:10.75” T:10.5” S:10”

NEW CHEVY SILVERADO 2014 noRth aMeRican tRuck of the YeaR

* EPA-est. 18 city/24 hwy mpg (2WD), 17 city/22 hwy mpg (4WD) with the 4.3L V6 engine; 16 city/23 hwy mpg (2WD), 16 city/22 hwy mpg (4WD) with the available 5.3L V8 engine. EPA estimates not yet available for the 6.2L engine (coming fall 2014). **EPA-est. 16 city/23 hwy mpg (2WD), 16 city/22 hwy mpg (4WD) with the available 5.3L V8 engine. ©2014 General Motors. All rights reserved. Active Fuel Management® Chevrolet® Chevrolet emblem® ChevyTM ECOTEC® Silverado® 2015 model shown.

GMXS15MGW00__177998A01.indd 1 8/15/14 12:14 AM FS:7.125” FS:7.125” F:7.625” F:7.625”

GMXS15MGW00_LongFormEngine_SPD.indd Silverado Long Form Engine SPD 010-XCXSNMG4002 American Rifleman/American Hunter SPD4CB NC 6 177998A01 637-184658 11/1/14 8/15/14

Michele Jack Cam 15.5” x 10.75” Angel Beth cripes 15.25” x 10.5” 4 14.75” x 10” Chevrolet:Volumes:Chevrolet:2015 Chevrolet:637-184658 010-XCXSNMG4002 Silverado Print - August:Documents:GMXS15MGW00_Long- 1st Assembly 08/15/14 0.5” 8-14-2014 4:30 PM FormEngine_SPD.indd Actual Size

None LD15CHSL00309_V2.tif, Engine_Line_v2.psd, Chevrolet+Bowtie_SM_2in_CMYK.ai, FNR+Bowtie_SM_2in_CMYK.ai

Louis, Durant, Times B:15.5” T:15.25” S:14.75”

cause. effect.

B:10.75” T:10.5” S:10”

NEW CHEVY SILVERADO 2014 noRth aMeRican tRuck of the YeaR

GMXS15MGW00__177998A01.indd 1 8/15/14 12:14 AM FS:7.125” FS:7.125” F:7.625” F:7.625”

GMXS15MGW00_LongFormEngine_SPD.indd Silverado Long Form Engine SPD 010-XCXSNMG4002 American Rifleman/American Hunter SPD4CB NC 6 177998A01 637-184658 11/1/14 8/15/14

None LD15CHSL00309_V2.tif, Engine_Line_v2.psd, Chevrolet+Bowtie_SM_2in_CMYK.ai, FNR+Bowtie_SM_2in_CMYK.ai

Louis, Durant, Times SHOOTERS' NEWS OUTZEN DOMINATES 2015 3GN WESTERN REGIONAL USCA 2-GUN The 3GN Western Regional Championship kicked off the CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 3-gun season this past February in Hurricane, Utah. The match featured eight stages, with rifle targets out TCU ATHLETICS to 335 yards, slug targets out to 150 yards, and a 40 round TCU’S MILES shotgun stage. In the Unlimited SHOOTS RARE 600 Division, Craig Outzen finished a full 35 seconds ahead of the In February, Mindy Miles of legendary Jerry Miculek for Texas Christian University fired The 2015 Armalite USCA his first 3GN Regional Cham- a perfect 600 air rifle score. The National 2-Gun Championship pionship title, with a score of TCU freshman tied the NCAA will crown the sport’s 2015 World 592.27. In the Practical Division, record as she led TCU to the Champion this May 27-31 at the Rob Romero’s score of 621.57 Patriot Conference title. Miles, Peacemaker National Training earned him the top spot. a member of the USA Shoot- Center in West Virginia. The inau- ing World Championship Team, gural championship will feature competed last year in Granada, a $50,000 prize table split into Spain, as a junior competitor in Heavy, No Mag, Mil/Le, Tac/Ops, air rifle. Congratulations Mindy! and Open Divisions. Register here. 131st N-SSA NATIONALS The North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA) will hold its 131st National Competition this May 14-17, at Fort Shenandoah in Virginia. Member units will compete in live-fire matches with original or authentic reproduction Civil War period firearms. There are also competitions for authenticity of Civil War period military and civilian dress, period music and lectures. It is the largest Civil War event of its kind in the country. Spectators are welcome and admission is free. For more information, visit the N-SSA web site at:

N-SSA www.n-ssa.org/index.php.

12 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM BAG CHECK WHAT'S IN YOUR RANGE BAG, MIKE TAGLIAPIETRA? BY BARBARA BAIRD, WWW.WOMENSOUTDOORNEWS.COM

ou could say that Mike Tagliapietra had a great year last year. Named the 2014 Paralympic Athlete of the Year, this Wisconsinite’s performances in presti- Ygious world competitions qualified him to be the lead and the face of the Paralympic Program for USA Shooting. His perseverance and winning performance also propelled him to secure a berth on the Olympic team for 2016, to be held in Rio de Janeiro. Tagliapietra competes in the following disciplines: 10m air pistol, 25m sport pistol and 50m free USA SHOOTING pistol. He has been shooting competitively since ▲ Mike Tagliapietra’s perseverance and winning performance December 2011. He shoots a Feinwerkbau P44 propelled him to the Olympic team headed to Rio in 2016. for 10m Air; a Pardini SP for 25m Sport; and a TOZ 35 Vostok for the 50m Free Pistol. “My dad worked 38 years at a pipeline company He carries a Porta-Brace 2750 hard case. “I select- and worked his butt off to provide for four kids. My ed it because the company is in the USA and I mother’s job was equally challenging, staying at could get it in the color blue,” said Tagliapietra. home and raising four kids. My parents taught me Here’s what he carries in that case: numerous things in life, but two of the most lasting, 1. The pistols listed above, each packed in impressionable things were to work hard and take their individual case pride in what you do, even if it’s not your dream 2. Champion Olympic shooting glasses job. After my injury in 2003, I had many people tell me I couldn’t do this, I couldn’t do that, but what my 3. 2pluxx earplugs parents taught me helped me to persevere. What- 4. USA Shooting team towel ever it is you want to achieve in life, do not listen 5. Lyman digital trigger gauge to the doubters. Follow your dreams, work hard to 6. Hoppes’ BoreSnake Soft Sided Pistol achieve them and pursue them with vigorous pas- Cleaning Kit sion,” advised Tagliapietra. 7. Accessory kit filled with little things he may Asked for three words that describe him, he said, need, such as Allen wrenches, cleaning pick, “Determined, stubborn … as we found out after small metal file, sand paper, Quick Wood the Dortmund competition last year, I’m not a bad (for grip modifications), Loctite, Super Glue, dancer – though not nearly as good as my team- safety pins (for bib number), ammunition mate Shaun Tichenor. That guy can burn a hole in (has to be separate from firearms) the floor.” 8. Special back that meets requirements of IPC Follow Tagliapietra and the U.S. Paralympic (International Paralympic Committee) rules team’s progress at USA Shooting.

SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM | APRIL 2015 13 SHOOTERS' NEWS PARTNER’S CORNER This section of Shooter’s News is where we list companies who display the Shooting Sports USA logo and link on their websites. Here, we return the favor. To join the FREE partners list, please contact us using the magazine’s e-mail address: [email protected]

MARCH PHOTO MONTHLY March winning caption submitted by Matthew Cavicke of Lyme, Connecticut. "Hope I brought enough ammo to shoot all these targets." PHOTOCAPTION CONTEST Submit your humorous photo caption to shootingsportsusa@ nrahq.org no later than April 11, 2015, in order to appear in the May issue. Each month we will share submissions with our judges. The winning caption author will receive a complimen- tary smart phone WeatherFlow anemometer as reported here. •

APRIL PHOTO (Your Caption Here!)

14 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM AMERICA REMEMBERS PRESENTS the vietnam tribute to valor pistol

honoring all those who served in vietnam

Nothing about the Vietnam War was easy. Those who were there remember the swampy grasslands, rice paddies, dense jungles, the heat and an elusive enemy; a war that took place halfway around the world in a country divided by decades of bitter history. They came from all over the country, from all walks of life, to fi ght for freedom on the other side of commissioned specifi cally for this project by the world. They answered this call of duty with valor, courage, honor and America Remembers decorate each pistol in commitment. America’s involvement in Vietnam spanned many years, far sparkling 24-karat gold artwork with blackened longer than most wars. As a nation we owe all of our Vietnam veterans a patinaed highlights. debt that can never be repaid. As the United States offi cially marks its observance of the 50th HONOR VIETNAM VETERANS Anniversary of the Vietnam War, we are proud to honor those who WITH THIS EXCLUSIVE OFFER answered the call to duty. We can never repay the brave warriors who lost Reservations will be accepted in the order they are their lives and those who are still listed as missing in action. However, as received. Only 1,000 of the Vietnam Tribute to Valor Americans, we can come together to salute an entire generation of soldiers Pistols will ever be produced. To be sure of acquiring the who sacrifi ced and served with honor and courage. Tribute before the edition is fully subscribed, please place Now, to honor all those who served in the Vietnam War, America your reservation promptly. We will arrange delivery through Remembers is proud to introduce the Vietnam Tribute to Valor Pistol. the licensed fi rearms dealer of your choice. If for any rea- Issued in an exclusive edition limit, this handsome fi rearm captures the son you are not completely satisfi ed with your Tribute, you courage and sacrifi ce of all those who fought for freedom in Vietnam. may return it in original, unfi red condition within 30 days for a Craftsmen who designed this Tribute went all out to provide a fi nish unlike complete and courteous refund. any previous design. Once you hold the pistol in your hands you’ll be All the brave Americans who served with valor in Vietnam amazed at the depth of the artwork, including fi ne elegant scrollwork and deserve an honored place in America’s history. When the the remarkable punch-dot background. nation called, they answered. Few generations have faced a more daunting challenge than those who fought in Southeast Asia. HANDSOMELY DECORATED A GRATEFUL NATION REMEMBERS They didn’t hesitate to put their lives on the line and give STEEL GRIPS ALL THOSE WHO SERVED everything in defense of freedom. This Tribute features solid steel grips which For this historic Tribute, America Remembers selected a working Colt® Whether you are a veteran who answered the call to duty, or have been designed and produced specifi cally Government Model® .45 caliber pistol. Born for a combat role, the Colt you wish to honor your father, husband, brother or other family for this Tribute. Each of the custom-made .45 was the classic military fi rearm of the 20th century, a favorite sidearm member or friend, the Vietnam Tribute to Valor Tribute Pistol is grips is CNC machined and handsomely decorated with 24-karat gold and blackened of America’s military from World War I through Vietnam. Craftsmen sure to become a cherished addition to your collection. patina for a spectacular new look. The extra weight from the steel also lowers the center of gravity which some believe stabilizes the sight, increasing accuracy and softening the recoil. This is the fi rst time America Remembers has featured solid 24-karat gold decorated steel grips on a Tribute and we believe they will be extremely popular with collectors. Within the sleek scrollwork on the grips is an emblem featuring a fi erce dragon, standing ready to strike, in front of bamboo. This Extending gracefully across each side of the slide is an elaborately detailed Asian dragon, an important symbol representing the prosperity, power magnifi cent artwork is encompassed within and nobility of the nation. This art serves as a banner on both sides. On the left it reads, “Vietnam Tribute to Valor,” and on the right, “In Lasting bamboo text reading, “Vietnam Tribute to Memory of Unequaled Courage,” featured in a stylized bamboo text. Bamboo and dragons are so associated with Vietnam that both were Valor 50th Anniversary,” handsomely fi nished prominently featured on the Vietnam Service Medal, awarded to members of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam. with 24-karat gold. ©AHL, Inc. MODEL: COLT® GOVERNMENT MODEL® ★ CALIBER: .45 ACP

I wish to reserve ___ of the “Vietnam Tribute to Valor Pistol”, Name ______a working Colt .45 pistol, at the current issue price of $2,195.* My deposit of $195 per pistol is enclosed. I wish to pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, no interest or carrying charges. Address ______Certifi cate of Authenticity included. Thirty day return privilege *All orders are subject to acceptance and City/State/Zip ______❑ Check enclosed for $______. credit verifi cation prior to shipment. Shipping and handling will be added ❑ to each order. Virginia residents Charge payment of $ ______to: please add sales tax. Daytime Telephone No. ( ______) ______❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ VISA MasterCard AMEX Discover ® America Remembers No. ______10226 Timber Ridge Drive ★ Ashland, Virginia 23005 www.americaremembers.com Exp. ______To place your reservation toll-free call 1-800-682-2291 NEW For the Serious SIMPLER. Models Equipment that works Now at Our Gardener! STRONGER. LOWEST PRICES as hard as you do. DR® ROTO-HOG™ FASTER. EVER! POWER TILLER “ The RapidFire splits gnarly stuff FAR FASTER & EASIER to use as well as my old than hard-to-handle, walk- hydraulic splitter - behind tillers. Turn A Rough Driveway Into A Smooth Ride! but WAY faster.” BIG ENGINE POWER is —Ed V., Vienna, ME ideal for large gardens, landscape projects, “ Simplifi es a ‘walk-behind’ and food plots. operation beyond imagination!” — Greg, Montana TILL A 3-FOOT SWATH with DR® RAPIDFIRE™ each pass – twice the width of The magic of FLYWHEEL technology! most walk-behind tillers! Smaller Jobs? FLYWHEEL ® LOG SPLITTER Tows behind your ATV Try the DR ROTO- 6X FASTER than REMOTE CONTROL OPTIONAL DRAG SCREEN HOG™ Tiller/Cultivator. hydraulic splitters. SO SIMPLE it’s practically mainte- or Lawn Tractor DR® POWER GRADER nance free. No hydraulic pumps, valves, pistons, hoses or fl uid to 1-SECOND! RESURFACE YOUR DRIVEWAY without bringing leak or replace. in new material. SO STRONG its cast iron fl ywheel MINING GRADE CARBIDE-TIPPED TEETH and hardened steel components The FLYWHEEL shave down bumps, washboard and other high spots. 86628X © 2015 will last a lifetime. stores energy from REAR LEVELING BLADE with patented geometry, the gas engine and SO FAST it has an incredible 3- fi lls in potholes, ruts, and wash-outs with loosened unleashes it to split second cycle time 6 times faster material. even the knottiest logs with a rapid, than most hydraulic splitters. POWERED ACTUATOR raises and lowers the Tows Behind Riding Mowers, 1-second stroke!

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DRﬁ eldbrush.com 86626X © 2015 DRleafvac.com 86625X © 2015 FREE 800-790-7149 BOOK REVIEW BOOK REVIEWBY JOCK ELLIOTT uthor Bryan Litz is an uncertainty, range uncertainty, inher- aerospace engineer who ent precision, and muzzle velocity Aworked for the U.S. Air Force effects will alter hit percentage at on air-to-air missile design, modeling, different ranges. In Part II: Accuracy, and simulation. Noted for his role as he reviews the basics of accurate Chief Ballistician for Berger Bullets, Litz shooting, leveling your sights, is also an active and successful long- trajectory modeling, secondary range shooter. trajectory effects, calibrating ballistic Litz starts with a very simple premise: solutions, and live-fire verification. in order to get better at hitting targets, Part III: Weapon Employment Zone we must understand what causes us Analysis, tackles such subjects as to miss targets. The stated intent of .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 Win. BY BRYAN LITZ this 296-page book is to explore the Mag. versus .338 Lapua Mag., score ACCURACY AND uncertainties and inaccuracies of real shooting, wind sensor array, varmint PRECISION FOR world shooting, so that riflemen can hunting, big game hunting, as well as make well-informed decisions about military and tactical shooting. LONG RANGE how to improve their hit percentage. This is a highly technical book, filled SHOOTING, The book is divided into three parts: with math, charts and tables. The A PRACTICAL Precision, Accuracy, and Weapon reader should not expect to sit down, Employment Zone (WEZ) Analysis. zip through this guide, and “get it.” GUIDE FOR Precision describes small groups. Not at all. This book requires careful RIFLEMAN Accuracy is about centering that study and reflection on what is being small group on the intended target. said. One of the key statements in the WEZ Analysis is used to calculate hit book is this: “Long-range targets are percentage against various targets, missed more often due to a lack of and to analyze which factors impact accuracy, than for a lack of precision.” hit percentage. Rifles that can deliver a 10-inch To help the shooter improve hit group at 1000 yards, Litz says, aren’t percentage, Litz uses an evidence- particularly rare, but shooters who can based analysis that relies on four key hit a 10-inch target at 1000 yards on the factors (he also looks at a number of first shot are. Skillful shooting at long- other factors that must be considered): range requires a change in thinking, • Wind estimation the courage to face the difficulties • Range estimation presented by long-range high-accuracy • Rifle precision shooting, and studious application of • Velocity consistency the principles in this book. Bottom line: Throughout Part I: Precision, Litz this book is highly recommended for visually demonstrates how wind the technically minded competitor. •

18 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM P320™

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GOOD TO

By Daniel McElrath Photos by Peter Fountain

With a national 3-Gun champion as companyGO president, is it any wonder Armalite knows how to build a competition rifle?

have a lot of hobbies. I don’t mean to; it just If only a champion competitor in a particular shoot- seems to happen. In fact, I try to resist new ing sport were running a gun company—he or she diversions because, while they can be engross- would know how to build an ideal, task-specific gun ing, they can also be nerve-wracking, frustrating perfect for that endeavor. Take 3-gun, for example. and expensive as you begin to invest in the gear Why, I’ll bet a champion shooter helming a major Inecessary for participation. That is particularly true modern sporting rifle company could build a great of shooting sports. What gear is essential? Which AR-type rifle that would be just perfect for 3-gun. brand is best? What don’t I need, at least immedi- Huh? What’s that? Tommy Thacker? Armalite? ately? What will I eventually have to upgrade? Seriously?

20 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM A COMPETITOR’S VISION handguard; MBA-1 lightweight, Okay, for those of you who don’t fully-adjustable stock; and follow the machinations of the Timney 3-pound trigger. industry, Tommy Thacker, the 2012 The thing to bear in mind 3-Gun Nation National Champion, about all the enhancements, is now helming Armalite, the though, is that they are not a company that originally gave us random collection of upgrades. the AR-15 rifle, courtesy of Eugene Each was selected specifically to Stoner. Thacker, former director facilitate success in 3-gun. As Walt of Product Management for FNH Hass, vice president of Product USA, was named President of Management, says, “From the Armalite last year. beginning, our goal with this rifle Perhaps not surprisingly, one has been to provide shooters with of Thacker’s first moves was to a competitively priced package design a rifle perfect for 3-gun that is fully decked out for its right out of the box. The result is intended purpose.” the Armalite M-15 3-Gun Rifle. Thacker explains “There’s no The gun is a straight-up reason to go out and purchase problem-solver. Want to get new accessories or pay someone started in 3-gun? Buy it. Are you to gunsmith your new rifle. This is a seasoned competitor looking the gun that our Pro Team shoots to step up in class? Buy it. Want right out of the box; not many a gun that can adapt to you? Buy companies can make that claim.” it. Want a gun that can handle virtually any of the varied and EXCELLENCE THAT FITS ALL unpredictable courses of fire That, of course is exactly what encountered in 3-gun matches? I want to hear when investing in Buy it. (And if you’re someone gear for a new sport. However, the who couldn’t care less about risk of such an approach is that it 3-gun, but who wants a versatile, may be too narrowly specific. Do ▲ When Tommy Thacker was hired as excellent modern sporting rifle, I need exactly the same features the president of Armalite, his initial you may want to buy it, too.) as world-class competitors? GO goal was to design a rifle perfect for 3-gun right out of the box. The result The M-15 3-Gun Rifle Do I need the same ones as the is the Armalite M-15 3-Gun Rifle. incorporates a whole host of local schlub who finishes out enhancements and tweaks that of the money every weekend, distinguish it from the typical for that matter? What about my AR-platform rifle. It features an uniqueness as a shooter? Can’t EDITOR’S NOTE: 18-inch stainless steel barrel fitted a gun be so precisely tailored to Daniel McElrath, managing with a tunable muzzle brake; an one type of shooter that it’s ill- editor of our sister publication adjustable gas block; MIL-STD 1913 suited to another? Shooting Illustrated, did such rail; 15-inch, light-contour, freefloat If there is genius in Armalite's a great review of the M-15, KeyMod handguard, “Raptor” design, it is in the fact the that SSUSA decided to reprint ambidextrous charging handle; company foresaw just such it so that our loyal readers can MIL-STD 1913 front sight base a possibility. Yes, the gun check it out … Read on! at the 12 o’clock position on the incorporates the very best

SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM | APRIL 2015 21 PRODUCT FOCUS Super Carry Pistols. Unequaled Quality. Unmatched Performance.

▶ Armalite's tunable muzzle brake con- sists of a ported ▲ Each component of this rifle expansion cham- was selected to promote success ber followed by in 3-gun, a single-minded approach three baffles. that yielded impressive results.

enhancements that are almost universally desired, the 3-o’clock position (when looking down the gun but it also allows a tremendous amount of end-user from the shooter’s perspective) and leave a solid fine-tuning to get it just right for every shooter. plug (no aperture) at 9 o’clock. Additional plugs are “The most common upgrades competitive available when you subsequently need to retune shooters apply to their rifles are triggers and muzzle the brake. brakes,” says Hass. “We’ve eliminated that need; The low-profile gas block (.750” at the journal) The Super Carry Ultra+™ .45 ACP has a 3-inch barrel for easy concealment our tuneable muzzle brake is a leap forward in is likewise tunable. There are two set screws in and a full-length grip with round heel for additional control and comfortable technology, and the standard the gas block: a locking screw carry. It weighs just 27 ounces. 3-pound Timney trigger is the at the front and an adjust- benchmark of performance ment screw on the side. The among precision rifles.” handguard is indexed so that As Thacker points out, “No both screws can be accessed one has produced a rifle that with a hex wrench without allows the user to completely removing the handguard. tune the rifle to their individual Simply back off the locking All Super Carry pistols have custom The Super Carry Pro™ .45 ACP is one The Super Carry Pro HD™ .45 ACP is one specs. The adjustability of the ▲ Timney's single-stage 3-pound screw, turn the adjustment features like night sights with cocking of four models with a light weight of three HD models with a stainless steel trigger provided ample evidence of stock, gas block and comp, screw as needed, then shoulder, ambidextrous thumb safety and aluminum frame for easier carry. It has a frame for hard use. It has a 4-inch barrel why it is so popular, breaking like rounded/blended edges that will not snag. 4-inch barrel and weighs only 28 ounces. and weighs 35 ounces. along with a versatile rail glass without creep. retighten the locking screw. design and a standard Timney The gun is shipped with the trigger, make it the perfect adjustment screw backed off choice for any shooter.” five turns or “wide open.” This allows for the fastest Super Carry .45 ACP pistols establish a new benchmark for concealed carry The tunable muzzle brake is Armalite’s own. operating action and greatest reliability, even in and personal defense. Built in the Kimber® Custom Shop,™ no aspect of It incorporates an expansion chamber, three ports adverse conditions. Choking down the screw allows usability, dependability or performance was compromised. Round heel and three baffles. The ports, located at the 9-, the user to tune the gun to a particular load, finding frames are easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry. Barrels, 12- and 3-o’clock positions, have replaceable plugs the optimal position that minimizes recoil while chambers and triggers are machined to critical match grade dimensions for that can be drilled out to create apertures of differ- maintaining reliability. Choking down also tunes the superior accuracy. Directionally-engaging serrations guarantee fast, positive ent sizes to direct propellant gases to counteract gun to work with a suppressor, should you chose to operation. The KimPro® II finish is self-lubricating and extremely resistant THE CHOICE OF AMERICA’S BEST barrel movement. Follow the company’s instruc- add one to it. to both moisture and salt. Quality and performance are everything in a tions to drill appropriately sized apertures in the kimberamerica.com carry pistol and Super Carry models deliver both to an unequaled degree. (888) 243-4522 ports positioned in the direction of barrel move- VERSATILITY Visit the nearest Kimber Master Dealer and see for yourself. ment. For example, if the gun moves strongly up Just as there are variations among shooters, and slightly to the right, drill a large aperture at the there are variations in courses of fire in 3-gun 12-o’clock position, a medium or small aperture at competition. While out-of-the-box race-readiness

Kimber o ers nearly 200 purpose-built pistols and ri es to meet any need.

©2012, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and speci cations are for reference only and subject to change without notice. 22 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM Super Carry Pistols. Unequaled Quality. Unmatched Performance.

The Super Carry Ultra+™ .45 ACP has a 3-inch barrel for easy concealment and a full-length grip with round heel for additional control and comfortable carry. It weighs just 27 ounces.

All Super Carry pistols have custom The Super Carry Pro™ .45 ACP is one The Super Carry Pro HD™ .45 ACP is one features like night sights with cocking of four models with a light weight of three HD models with a stainless steel shoulder, ambidextrous thumb safety and aluminum frame for easier carry. It has a frame for hard use. It has a 4-inch barrel rounded/blended edges that will not snag. 4-inch barrel and weighs only 28 ounces. and weighs 35 ounces.

Super Carry .45 ACP pistols establish a new benchmark for concealed carry and personal defense. Built in the Kimber® Custom Shop,™ no aspect of usability, dependability or performance was compromised. Round heel frames are easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry. Barrels, chambers and triggers are machined to critical match grade dimensions for superior accuracy. Directionally-engaging serrations guarantee fast, positive operation. The KimPro® II finish is self-lubricating and extremely resistant THE CHOICE OF AMERICA’S BEST to both moisture and salt. Quality and performance are everything in a kimberamerica.com carry pistol and Super Carry models deliver both to an unequaled degree. (888) 243-4522 Visit the nearest Kimber Master Dealer and see for yourself.

Kimber o ers nearly 200 purpose-built pistols and ri es to meet any need.

©2012, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and speci cations are for reference only and subject to change without notice. PRODUCT FOCUS and end-user tunability were design goals for the to go. The front sight base was not a problem at all M-15 3-Gun Rifle, versatility was clearly an equally and helped improve that technique. strong consideration. A 3-gun competitor never I not only like this gun as a gun, but as product knows what he’s going to run into, so this gun is concept. If you’ve got the scratch, it radically simpli- ready for anything. fies the process of entering a new sport. The wis- “Versatility is the name of the game in 3-gun dom that usually is hard-earned from experience competitions,” says Hass. “Your rifle needs to has already been incorporated into the improve- perform at the same level of excellence whether the ments. It’s ready to roll, right out of the box, yet, it targets are right in your face or 500 yards across a allows for plenty on tuning to individual needs. And canyon. The 18-inch barrel provides that balance even the price is reasonable, all things considered. of velocity and overall size, and the 1:8-inch twist You don’t need to make any upgrades. It’s so versa- performs with a wide range of ammunition.” tile, you don’t need another rifle set up differently for different courses. And, as you advance from TRIGGER TIME novice to expert (or national champion), you’re not I slapped the new Leupold VX-6 on our test gun to going to grow beyond it. maximize both performance and “oohs” and “ahhs” I wouldn’t mind if a lot more things were at the range. designed like the Armalite M-15 3-Gun Rifle. • The gun is light and remarkably well balanced. It feels even lighter than its 6.9 pounds. The 18-inch barrel seems as fast-handling as a 16-incher, but swings smoother, with good control and not SPECIFICATIONS enough momentum to generate overswing. Skinny and fat work well together on this rifle. The slim Manufacturer Armalite; (800) 336-0184, armalite.com handguard is very easy to grasp and control, while Direct-gas-impingement operated, Action Type the oversize Ergo Grip is hand-filling and very semi-automatic comfortable. With its finger grooves and consider- Caliber 5.56 NATO able palm swell, hand placement is fast and sure every time. Capacity 30 rounds (accepts STANAG magazines) The MBA-1 stock felt like it was made for me because, well, it was—once I finished adjusting it. Barrel Length 18 inches; stainless steel, medium contour The stock adjusts for both length-of-pull and comb height. All the adjustments are made via knobs that Rifling 6 grooves; 1:8-inch RH twist are hand-loosened/tightened; no tools required. MBA-1, field-adjustable for length-of-pull Stock The gun mounted smoothly to the shoulder and the and comb height comb made for a secure, comfortable cheek weld. None; MIL-STD 1913 rail, and MIL-STD 1913 Sights That single-stage, 3-pound Timney trigger? Well, rail section 12 o’clock front sight base Trigger if it were any sweeter, the gun would have to ship 3 pounds, 5 ounces with a vial of insulin. Pull Weight 34.5 (buttpad collapsed) to 35.5 inches My one concern shooting the gun with vari- Length (extended) ous support hand positions popular in 3-gun was the muzzle brake. I’ve seen some shooters wrap Weight 6 pounds, 9 ounces their fingers across the front of a handguard, but I wouldn’t do that with a ported gun having a long Accessories 30-round Magpul PMag, manual handguard. Wrapping your hand around the hand- MSRP $1,599 guard with your thumb up top seemed the best way

24 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM T:7.625”

WORKS ALL DAY AND IS STILL UP FOR OVERTIME. T:10.5”

The 2015 Foreman® Rubicon and Rancher®4x4 Automatic DCT with IRS

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Powersports.honda.com UTILITY ATVs ARE RECOMMENDED ONLY FOR RIDERS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. ATVs CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. FOR YOUR SAFETY, BE RESPONSIBLE, READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL, ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. BE CAREFUL ON DIFFICULT TERRAIN. ALL ATV RIDERS SHOULD TAKE A TRAINING COURSE (FREE FOR NEW BUYERS. ASK YOUR DEALER OR CALL ASI AT 800-887-2887). NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, ON PAVED SURFACES, ON PUBLIC ROADS, WITH PASSENGERS, OR AT EXCESSIVE SPEEDS. NO STUNT RIDING. RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN RIDING. Best on Earth,™ Foreman® and Rancher® are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2014 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

1 10238249_ATV_WORK_7.625x10.5.indd Saved at 8-4-2014 11:39 AM from LANDLA-DMX1188 by Lapuz, Arion (LAN-DLA) / Hendel, Rick (LAN-DLA) Printed At None

Job info Approvals Fonts & Images Job 10238249 Art Director None Fonts Client HONDA Copywriter None Interstate (BoldCondensed, Bold, Regular), Media Type Page Ad Account Mgr S Soto Minion Pro (Regular), Helvetica Neue (65 Live 7” x 10” Studio Artist A Lapuz Medium) Trim 7.625” x 10.5” Proofreader A Almade Bleed 8” x 10.75” Images Pubs None Notes 38249.ATVCampfirePAGE.r5.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%), BOE_2013White.eps (15.23%), common Page 2 HondaBoxed_WhtOnRed_2013.EX.ai (14.45%)

Inks WRK Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black SCORE SHEETS AIR GUN 2014 NEW JERSEY STATE INDOOR PRECISION AIR RIFLE STANDING CHAMPIONSHIP Ridgewood Rifle Club Ridgewood, NJ November 30 16 competitors Submitted by Mandy Otero

Winner Lily Graham Harrington Park, NJ 568 Second Spencer Cap Cranbury, NJ 566 Third Peter M. Fiori Lebanon, NJ 561 1st M Mandy Otero Jersey City, NJ 555 1st SS Theresa Sawicki East Brunswick, NJ 546 1st MM Christopher Cuniff Belle Mead, NJ 5 11 1st Team Old Bridge Thunderbags Hillsborough, NJ 1573 2nd Team Ridgewood Too Old To Shoot Ridgewood, NJ 1452 High Woman Emma Frenchu Stockton, NJ 554 High Junior Spencer Cap Cranbury, NJ 566 High Senior Mandy Otero Jersey City, NJ 555 SMALLBORE RIFLE 2014 NEW JERSEY STATE INDOOR METRIC POSITION SMALLBORE RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP Ridgewood Rifle Club Ridgewood, NJ November 2 14 competitors Submitted by Mandy Otero

Winner Spencer Cap Cranbury, NJ 114 0 Second William Marciniak Sewaren, NJ 1119 Third Emma Frenchu Stockton, NJ 1115 1st M Mandy Otero Jersey City, NJ 1112 1st SS Lily Graham Harrington Park, NJ 1113

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RUGER.COM/AMERICANRIMFIRE ©2015 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 011914 SCORE SHEETS SMALLBORE RIFLE NRA 3-P METRIC OPEN AND STATE MATCH Frazier Simplex Rifle Club Washington, PA January 10 25 competitors Submitted by Joe Grabowski Twenty-five competitors from all over the region came to shoot in this 120 shot, 3-position match. The overall and gold medal winner, with a score of 1139-41X, was Cassidy Fairman. In second place overall and taking the silver medal was John Husk, with a score of 1125-40X. The bronze medal was awarded to Dean Trew, with a score of 1117-31X.

Winner Cassidy Fairman Indiana, PA 1139-41X Second John Husk Eighty Four, PA 1125-40X Third Dean Trew Bentleyville, PA 1117-31X JOE GRABOWSKI/FRAZIER JOE GRABOWSKI/FRAZIER SIMPLEX RIFLE CLUB NRA CLUB CHAMPION CHALLENGE 2014 TENAFLY RIFLE AND PISTOL CLUB CHAMPION CHALLENGE Tenafly Rifle and Pistol Club Tenafly, NJ December 7 16 competitors Submitted by John Hlinka Tenafly Rifle and Pistol Club (TRPC) of New Jersey and tactical pistol. David Horn was this year’s held the 2014 NRA Club Champion Challenge this champion, winning an "NRA Club Champion Only" past December. The match included stages in rimfire parking sign, and champion belt buckle. Connie rifle, big bore pistol, tactical rifle, tactical shotgun Shaw won both High Junior and High Woman. •

Winner David Horn Alpine, NJ 543.56

Second Wayne Placek Oradell, NJ 539.58

Third George Hatch Saddle Brook, NJ 516.09

High Senior David Horn Alpine, NJ 543.56

High Junior Connie Shaw Tenafly, NJ 229.93

High Woman Connie Shaw Tenafly, NJ 229.93

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Available at themakogroup.com, online retailers and gun shops everywhere. To order call 631-880-3396 Ext. 310. MEPRO M21 MEPRO MX3 MEPRO MOR MEPRO NIGHT SIGHT FEATURE | ROB LEATHAM ROB LEATHAM... ACTION PISTOL'S GREAT ONE PART 2 OF THE SSUSA INTERVIEW WITH ROB LEATHAM BY NRA STAFF TAM ADAMS TAM

30 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM month, we brought you the first part of our interview with TGO himself, Rob Leatham. Read on for more of Rob telling us about what he does best, action pistol shooting, as well as filling us in on his latest quest: adding a Last bullseye pistol championship to his already-crowded trophy room.

SSUSA: The gun you shot at Bianchi last year, SSUSA: Are you going to use the same gun at can you tell us a little about that? the next Bianchi Cup?

ROB: It was an XD(M) 5.25, in 9 mm. I had Dave ROB: Well, (laughs) that is another story in at Springfield tune the trigger, but other than itself. Dave Williams from Springfield, one of the that, it’s pretty stock. nicest guys in the industry, has built me amazing guns for about 20 years, and not once was I ever disappointed. He also deals with a weird SSUSA: That extra ¼ inch, do you notice it in program I have in place. When I win a national the sight radius? championship or a world title, I never shoot that ROB: Not at all. The XD(M) line has different gun again. That gun goes in the safe, along with barrel lengths than the XDs. Standard XD barrels the other 40 or so assorted pistols. Then Dave come in three, four, and five inch versions. But, will have to build me another gun. So if I have with the XD(M) line, they wanted to be different a very successful year, I’m a big distraction to so the barrel lengths on those are 3.8”, 4”, 5”, and his custom shop. Occasionally I’ll get a gun that 5.25”. When designing I just really like. It may the 5.25” model, for the look like every other one barrel length they asked next to it but, for whatever me, “How long do you reason, I bond with it. The want the barrel to be, XD(M) I shot with at the Rob?” I said “Here’s the Bianchi Cup last year has deal. It can’t be bigger the cleanest trigger I’ve than the USPSA box, nor ever shot on a polymer longer than what the NRA pistol. I shot phenomenal production rules allow.” scores with it—I cleaned Someone asked, “Does the barricade! It’s sad that 5.25 inches sound alright?” ▲ John Bianchi (r.), as well as Larry and Brenda I have to retire it, since I Potterfield (l.) are pictured here next to Rob To me, it didn’t matter; a holding the Bianchi Production Division liked to compete with it. fraction of an inch will not Championship Cup. The tradition of retiring make a difference. We just my gun after winning wanted the gun to be distinct. I think someone a championship comes from my constant liked the way “5.25” sounded. [Editor’s Note: experimentations. From one year to the next, Read Iain Harrison’s article on the debut of the there are little things I like to change. So, let’s say Springfield Armory XD(M) 5.25 here.] I win a match and keep shooting with that gun

SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM | APRIL 2015 31 FEATURE | ROB LEATHAM

◀ Rob (r.) stops for a picture with Bianchi competitors Vance Schmid (l.) and Jim Shepherd (c.) of The Outdoor Wire.

➊ ➋ ➌

for five more years, but then I never ➊ Leatham goes go really fast and everything will be into a personal win another match with that gun. It’s solitude when alright.” For some reason, that’s what probably because that gun is no longer at the firing line happens. I think of it as a tether, and in the configuration it once was. during a match, when that buzzer goes off that means which brings him to a height- it is okay for me to go. I don’t have ened level of to move quickly, but it tells my hands SSUSA: All those championships concentration. to start moving. It drops the shackles under your belt just go to show that ➋ Rob has thirty years of experi- and lets me start the competition your “weird program” is working. It ence in action process. For many shooters, when seems like the timer speaks directly shooting compe- the buzzer goes off, they have to beat to your inner brain. Do you just go on tition, however it has not helped something or someone. They attempt autopilot before you pull the trigger at him with his to compete in a manner they were a match, when at the firing line? bullseye game. ➌ Rob takes never intending to. All of a sudden ROB: It does, it reprograms everything time out for a hug they stop aiming, stop holding the gun with fellow Bian- I know and replaces it with, “Ok, just chi competitors. steady, and pull the trigger in a way

32 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM

FEATURE | ROB LEATHAM they never would. They stop paying attention to had the jerks.” I can’t explain it, even with all my the target they’re shooting at, and they’re worried experience in the sport. In my opinion, I should about the next event or stage. I always tell people be able to pull the trigger without even flinching. that you don’t have to multi-process to be a good As for the targets in that match, I had some hits shooter. You need to have a fast processor to be off the repair center. I know I didn’t hold the gun a fast shooter, but if you’re shooting slowly, you as tight as I usually would, but I rarely have a don’t want a rapid thought process—you don’t case of the “jerks”. want that information to come in too quickly. When I shoot the rapid fire portion in NRA Shooters need to be able to block out that urge, bullseye, instinct from 30 years of hauling ass because it can, in fact, overwhelm them. in speed shooting competitions takes over. The problem for me is, when my support hand is taken off the gun, the things I do wrong become SSUSA: Are there any other championship very obvious. I get frustrated, and the end result shooters that have a “fast processor”? is during bullseye drills, I’ll shoot a series of ROB: Doug Koenig for sure. When Koenig goes sixes and sevens. up to the line, some shooters can be put off by I suppose this is what other competitors feel his attitude. While he is at the line, completely like at the Bianchi Cup. At the National Pistol engaged in his competition process, others can’t get a response out of him, and he won’t talk to them. He is so intently focused on what he’s doing at the match, that he has no capacity to talk to others. That is Doug’s way of dealing with "I then go into a personal solitude which brings the stress. My version is that I can talk to anyone until it’s me to a heightened level of concentration." my turn to shoot, and that’s when I throw the switch. I then go into a personal solitude which brings me to a heightened level of concentration. However, I can’t remain in that quiet state for longer than 10 minutes or so. I don’t see the Championships at Camp Perry, I’m absolutely buzzer or the timer as a foe, rather I see the stunned when I manage to hit the targets. The whole event as an opportunity. When that timer movement of the gun, when I shoot a rapid fire goes off, it’s just letting me know I can start my string in bullseye, sometimes just makes me process. I never have problems with the speed want to stop, put it down and leave. On the other element, so I’m never worried about finishing hand, at the Bianchi Cup, I’m able to control my within the time parameters. My normal mode is pace and flinching with both hands on the gun. I to shoot faster than those time parameters, so I know I need to shoot a couple of inches low, but have to fight back, and slow myself down. two-handed. I recently shot a match with my .45, but I knew Bullseye shooters, such as Brian Zins, will tell I shouldn’t have competed. I was tired, and I you that they would not shoot conventional pistol didn’t want to shoot, but I told myself, “You need better with two hands. They actually see the other to go.” As a result, it was the worst score I’ve hand as a distraction, and it won’t help to steady shot in 20 years; a 7-60X. I did not have one the gun. When I’ve shot bullseye two-handed, my good string throughout that entire match. That’s scores were higher than when I shot one-handed, an inconsistency in my shooting career, but I and those scores were enough for an NRA High looked at it from the standpoint of, “That night I Master classification.

34 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM SSUSA: Speaking of Brian Zins, after his In my classes, I will take a student’s hand and first Bianchi Cup, when he returned to tell him or her to hold my hand, just as if it is a shooting pistol one-handed for bullseye, gun he or she is about to shoot. Then I’ll show he mentioned that his little finger became the class how I hold it for a string of fire, and I a whole lot more important. have never had any of my students say to me, “That’s how I hold my gun.” Every one of them ROB: Yes. The two games, conventional responds with, “Really?” I explain to them, this is pistol versus action pistol, truly have noth- why I can’t hold the gun like that for 30 seconds. ing in common, except that you’re shooting I’m gripping the gun so tightly, that I can only at a target. Other than that, nothing in my hold it for a few seconds at a time. shooting career has helped me during my bullseye endeavors. SSUSA: That tight grip must really keep your aim steady. For bullseye, do you use SSUSA: How tight is your grip? Zins mentioned a dot or iron sights? that he squeezes the life out of his grip when he shoots one-handed, do you take that approach ROB: It depends on the day. For example, as well? I was having the “jerks” one night while using iron sights, and I couldn’t see the severity of the jerk. So I switched to the dot on the pistol, and then it was really easy to see how “jerky” I was. As you fire the gun, the dot moves from "I then go into a personal solitude which brings into the black, to three or four inches away from it, and then it fires. Since the dot has me to a heightened level of concentration." shown your movement out of the black, you don’t have to wonder, “Why did that happen?” Everything I have learned to be a top-level speed shooter has been detrimental in all my bullseye experiences. ROB: I do. I can tell you that flinching is the most common fallacy when holding a gun. As I watch SSUSA: Maybe we should just call this interview people hold the gun, it will flop around as they "How Not to Shoot Bullseye” with Rob Leatham. shoot. It’s not because they are pulling the trigger So, why do you continue to shoot bullseye? poorly, it’s just bad shooting technique. They’re pulling the trigger while the recoil is forcing the ROB: Yes (laughs) maybe we should, because gun to come down, and then it settles on the I cannot shoot bullseye. Bianchi is funny because target, which is incorrect. People I train will say, it’s an “in-between” type of pistol sport. It can “I want to shoot faster,” and I tell them they can’t. be slower, yet more accurate than IPSC, but is Their gun isn’t pointing at the target, so they can much faster and requires less accuracy than fire the gun faster, but it’s not going to hit the bullseye shooting. So, the reason I shoot bullseye mark. So, they ask “What’s the solution?” It’s very isn’t because I’m out there to prove anything simple, make the gun stop moving. I tell them to anyone, it’s because I see it as another white to watch me shoot, and after they watch their whale. It makes me angry I can’t do it, and that response is, “Do you move the gun faster than is why I keep at it, day in and day out. That I do?” “No,” I tell them, “I never let the gun might not make sense to some people, but I move initially.” see the challenge.

SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM | APRIL 2015 35 FEATURE | ROB LEATHAM

Each year after the Bianchi Cup, I look for- SSUSA: Which gun did you shoot with when ward to trying something way out of my you won all those division championships? wheelhouse. I have an expert classification Revolver or semi? in bullseye, but I don’t feel like an expert ROB: Revolver. It was a dream come true for me class shooter. I don’t care what classification when they added the revolver division. I grew I’m in. For me, it’s really about getting a up shooting revolvers, even though my dad had higher score. a luger that he hated. Lugers are inaccurate and unreliable—why would anyone want one of those SSUSA: Earlier, you said you shoot a lot instead of a finely-tuned revolver? My dad also of bullseye. How much one-handed pistol loved the M-frames of the revolvers, we had practice do you get in? them in every size. But most of all, he loved his 1911, and to this day I do as well. Since I grew up ROB: Between now and Camp Perry, I will shooting revolvers, it’s become my fall-back gun. I be practicing bullseye just about every day. find it very easy to pull a revolver trigger; I’ve done The day I come home from Camp Perry, it since I was a kid and I still shoot revolvers to this I will immediately dive in to IPSC mode day. I even shot revolvers in the Bianchi Cup, until from the end of July, to early August. Then, Springfield Armory told me I really shouldn’t be in September, the USPSA Nationals start, shooting those in the match. I said “But I always so of course, I will be there. have … ” and Springfield responded with, “Well now that you’re working for us you probably SSUSA: That is a lot of pistol shooting! It is shouldn’t.” I realized they made a good point. no secret that you have a room full of shooting Shooting revolver was like coming home to me, trophies at your house. Over the thirty years and it has never been difficult. I was happy when of your career, how many USPSA champion- USPSA separated the revolver match out, and ships have you won total? made it a separate event. I jumped on it!

ROB: I have won six USPSA division championships, over 30 years. I have won Open many SSUSA sends a big thank you to Rob Leatham times, even before it was separated into differ- for his stories, advice and time. But don’t start ent divisions. So, I won Open in 1995, and prior missing him too much! You will be sure to to that I won the only division available at hear about him again soon, as the competition the time. season progresses. •

➊ ➋ ➌ ➊ Rob receives the Bianchi Production Division Cup in 2014. ➋ Rob is no stranger on the red carpet at Bianchi. Here he is pictured with Kenda Lenseigne and Mark Christopher Lawrence at the 2014 Bianchi Cup Awards Ceremony. ➌ Rob receives a place medal for the Practical Event at the 2014 Bianchi Cup from Josh Crawford of Blade-Tech Industries.

36 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM

FEATURE | NRA STATE CHAMPIONS 2014 DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR STATE CHAMPION IS? STATE CHAMPIONS BY NRA STAFF

he winners listed here are those reported by State Championship sponsors. Due to space limitations, not all classifications are listed, and for those states where no champions are shown, either no championship was held or the sponsors have not reported the necessary information. T For more information, contact Carolyn Chin at (703) 267-1457, or email [email protected].

CONVENTIONAL SMALLBORE RIFLE OHIO ◀ Caleb Cooper RIFLE PRONE Michael Geisecke 3184 was the 2014 ALABAMA Chris Rakyta (Woman) 1582 Colorado State Michael Dickinson 1596-124X Frank Borke (Sr.) 3151 Smallbore Rifle Maryann Banks (Woman) 1583-83X Michael Geisecke (Jr.) 3184 Prone Champion, Jimmy Cole (Sr.) 1531-36X OKLAHOMA with a score COLORADO Gary Miller 3190-196X of 3192-214X. Caleb Cooper 3192-214X Megan Hilbish (Woman) 1588-94X Jennifer Obee (Woman) 3181-203X Gary Miller (Sr.) 3190-196X Joe B. Farmer (Sr.) 3186-241X Megan Hilbish (Jr.) 1588-94X David Higgins (Jr.) 3185-245X RHODE ISLAND CONNECTICUT Hap Rocketto 1594-112X Lillan Davenport 3181-194X Dani Makusevich GEORGIA (Woman) 1581-87X Steve Hardin 3193-228X Alex Muzzioli (Jr.) 1588-90X HAWAII SOUTH DAKOTA Yuji Hata 3133 James Schwarz 1588-91X Cassandra Osaki (Woman) 3019 Bob Hartinger (Sr.) 1583-97X Merwyn Lee (Sr.) 3109 WASHINGTON Andre Wang (Jr.) 3042 Alec Patajo 3190 IDAHO Jeff Phillips (Sr.) 3187 Eric Nielsen 1565-91X METRIC PRONE Ally Forbes (Jr.) 1523-37X FLORIDA ILLINOIS G. Patrick Marino 2265-71X Quintin Miller 1595-97X ILLINOIS Charles Roubal (Sr.) 1592-93X Charles Roubal 1542-50X Quintin Miller (Jr.) 1595-97X Dan Stone (Sr.) 1533-59X MAINE Matt Durdaan (Jr.) 1538-57X David E. Churchill 1595 NEW MEXICO Kristin Yeaton (Woman) 1573 Virginia McLemore 2313 Andrew C. Taylor (Jr.) 1589 Gabe Arechederra (Jr.) 2147 MISSOURI NORTH CAROLINA Gary Tittle 3183-194X William Lupi 3098-131X Daniel Martz (Jr.) 3181-202X RHODE ISLAND NEW MEXICO Hap Rocketto 562 Virginia McLemore 3175 Rebecca Green (Woman) 477 NORTH DAKOTA Ed Jaques (Sr.) 474 Russell J.Theurer 1596 Maggie Flanders (Jr.) 562 Emily Haag (Woman) 1570 TEXAS Tom Reiten (Sr.) 1576 Meike Drewell 565 Joe Martin (Jr.) 1585 Larry Chapman (Sr.) 538

38 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM WASHINGTON KANSAS AIR RIFLE Owen Yeasting 777 Robert Sedlacek IOWA Randi Loudin (Jr.) 771 (3-Position) 1055 Ryan Cavin 537 Dick Lundquist (Sr.) 947 Mikaela Hingtgen (Woman) 501 Yixiu Li (Jr.) 530 Mikaela Hingtgen (Jr.) 501 CONVENTIONAL OUTDOOR 4-POSITION MAINE MAINE IOWA Thomas A. Logan Ashley Elliot 553 Eric Nielsen 749-6X (3-Position) 555 Kristin Yeaton (Woman) 543 Allison Forbes 723-6X Jennifer Green (Woman) 540 John Chamberlain (Sr.) 434 SOUTH DAKOTA Carroll Akers (Sr.) 547 Sarah Schnupp (Jr.) 489 Scott V. Larson 786-39X Odin Jubinville (Jr.) 512 MARYLAND NEW JERSEY Bernard A. Cheezum, III 581 Spencer Cap 1140 NEW JERSEY CONVENTIONAL INDOOR 4-POSITION NORTH DAKOTA Lily Graham 568 CALIFORNIA Joseph Martin 861 Justin Nissen 791-60X Lana Fairbank (Woman) 840 Darien Torrison (Woman) 791-57X Denny Coulter (Sr.) 781 AIR RIFLE 3-POSITION Justin Nissen (Jr.) 791-60X Joseph Martin (Jr.) 574 IOWA ILLINOIS WASHINGTON Ryan Cavin 550 Paula Lambertz 779-39X Alec Patajo 1138 Mikaela Hingtgen (Woman) 536 IOWA Randi Loudin (Jr.) 1113 Mikaela Hingtgen (Jr.) 536 Bill Besgrove 774 WISCONSIN OREGON Roger Howland (Sr.) 769 Michael Aeberhard 1153 Zack Brooks (Sporter) 537 Danny O’Rear (Jr.) 705 Beck Gerritsen (Jr.) 1107 Jazmine Wiles (Sporter) 532 MAINE Nelson Shew (Sr., Sporter) 459 Andrew Taylor 776-40X Jacob Riggs (Jr., Sporter) 537 Jennifer Green CONVENTIONAL OUTDOOR 3-POSITION Katlyn Belecher (Precision) 561 (Woman) 763-37X ALABAMA Anna King (Woman) Carroll Akers (Sr.) 762-24X Anna Scheer 1158-31X (Precision) 515 Andrew Taylor (Jr.) 776-40X CONNECTICUT Makenzie Kolkman (Jr., NORTH DAKOTA Claudia Duksa 1184-66X Precision) 540 Joe Martin 1192 Eric Sban (Jr.) 1170-45X TEXAS Madi Butler (Woman) 1166 NEW JERSEY Caroline Tinker (Sporter) 441 Tom Reiten (Sr.) 1144 Spencer Cap 1194-71X Meike Drewell (Precision) 578 Joe Martin (Jr.) 396 Lisette Grunwell-Lacey Larry Chapman (Sr.) 564 (Woman) 1182-73X WASHINGTON Domingo Otero (Sr.) 1159-36X Alec Patajo (Precision) 970 METRIC OUTDOOR POSITION Billy Azzinaro (Jr.) 1178-61X Jeff Phillips (Sr.) 881 IOWA NORTH DAKOTA Troy McCool (Sporter) 865 Allison Forbes 930-6X Joseph Martin 1190 Jimmy Alberhasky (Jr.) 902-6X Mari Burler (Woman) 1162 MISSOURI Lyle Stokkeland (Sr.) 1136 BB GUN Daniel Martz 2191-58X Joseph Martin (Jr.) 1190 ALABAMA PENNSYLVANIA TENNESSEE Hannah Irvin 368 Jack W. Anderson 2263-61X Thomas Byrne 1154 GEORGIA Cassidy Fairman (Woman) 2233-55X Nancy Parde (Woman) 765 Hannah Leggett 480 Amy Hammer (Jr.) 2255-59X Thomas Byrne (Sr.) 1154 Daniel Peters 383 RHODE ISLAND Nathan Sharpe (Jr.) 1148 MONTANA Alex Muzzioli 1106-33X TEXAS Nola Kleimer 464 Brenda Jacob (Woman) 929-13X Samuel Muegge 1192-80X TENNESSEE SOUTH DAKOTA Rhiann Travis (Woman) 1190 Daniel Brown 367 Scott V. Larson 557-20X Neil Shipley (Sr.) 1116 TEXAS WASHINGTON Rhiann Travis (Jr.) 1190 Evelyn Oram 380 Alec Patajo 559 WYOMING Mike Aeberhard 1130-35X CONVENTIONAL INDOOR 3-POSITION CONVENTIONAL HIGH POWER RIFLE OREGON ALABAMA Trent Hering 1184 Roarke Pendleton 776-26X METRIC INDOOR POSITION Dusty Taylor (Woman) 1169 Sammy Richardson (Jr.) 753-17X IOWA Nelson Shew (Sr.) 1144 Barry Mize Bill Besgrove 1040 Sheri Long (Jr.) 1016 (F-Class Long-Range) 984-40X Roger Howland (Sr.) 1022 WISCONSIN Laura Perry (Woman) 947-21X Allison Forbes (Jr.) 948 Nick Learn 796 Gene Graham (Sr.) 988-39X

SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM | APRIL 2015 39 FEATURE | NRA STATE CHAMPIONS

◀ Hap Rocketto, who often pens articles for this magazine, was also the 2014 Rhode Island State Smallbore Rifle and Metric Prone Champion.

Regan Alley (Jr.) 936-13X Gary Tittle (Mid-Range) 779-25X Royal Ritehey Gary Tittle (Sr.) 779-25X (F-Class Long-Range) 949-25X Sam Henderson (Jr.) 768-23X COLORADO MONTANA Donald W. Forington 441-14X Jamey Daniel Williams 1400-32X Emil Kovan Don Strom (Sr.) 1387-41X (F-Class Long-Range) 445-20X Sam Lindgren (Jr.) 1250-10X FLORIDA NEW JERSEY Mark Finizio (F-Class) 1194-79X Michael Schallow (Mid-Range) 592-33X Jonathan Faustino 790-38X Robert Stafford GEORGIA (F-Class Target Rifle) 562-14X Steve H. Culpepper 795-27X NEW MEXICO IDAHO Timothy Pacheco 774-12X Jeffrey W. Collins 756 NORTH DAKOTA ILLINOIS Thomas A. Thompson 771 Timothy Klaner 785-29X Duane Holien (Sr.) 768 Konrad Powers 789-29X Kohl Klein (Jr.) 760 Konard Powers Russel Theurer (Long-Range) 779 (Short Course) 791-29X Brian Suhr (F-Class) 781 INDIANA Drew Rutherford Jamie Piotrowski 778-18X (F-Class Target) 748 MAINE OHIO Kyle Bartman 773-18X Sam Ohlinger 789-28X MASSACHUSETTS Kent Roach 787-27X Michael J. Pietrowicz Kimberly Rowe (Woman) 750-14X (Mid-Range) 595-26X Baird Copenhaver (Sr.) 786-26X Robert Ward 789-30X Jonah Watts (Jr.) 764-16X Duane Brown (Service) 776-23X OREGON (OPEN) Maureen Trickett (Woman) 761-16X Eric Sundholm 1564-52X Verne Conant (Jr.) 769-24X Dusty Taylor (Woman) 1505-35X MINNESOTA Mike Vashaw (Sr.) 1544-39X Morgan Dietrich 799-50X Dusty Taylor (Jr.) 1505-35X Tim Thole (Service) 952-31X OREGON (REDUCED COURSE) Eric Rhode 969-34X Eric Sundholm 1467-51X Jim Biles (Sr.) 968-23X Dusty Taylor (Woman) 1395-22X MISSOURI Mike Vashaw (Sr.) 1443-38X Jeff Landblom 791-34X Dusty Taylor (Jr.) 1395-22X Rachel Apple (Woman) 682-08X Sean Bell (Long-Range) 969-30X Bob McCammon (Sr.) 746-17X SOUTH CAROLINA ▲ Anna Scheer won the 2014 Keegan Strannigan (Jr.) 713-11X James Erwin (Long-Range) 1119-19X Alabama Smallbore Outdoor 3-Position Champion, using her Anchutz .22 rifle.

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▼ Shooting a score of 2587-90X, Ralph Young became the 2014 Vermont State Outdoor Pistol Champion. Young (far right) stares down his target on the firing line.

▶ Competitors at the line during the 2014 Illinois State Pistol Championship.

▶ The 2014 Illinois State Pistol Championship had quite the junior competitor turnout!

42 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM Richard Byars 772-20X Zach Dunbar (Jr.) 791-20X OKLAHOMA Clark Marshall (Jr.) 713-9X Lite Hadders Rod Ron Doggett 2604-88X SOUTH DAKOTA (Long-Range Team) 3302-107X Connie Roberts (Woman) 2292-32X Eric Fratzke 782-25X Winnequah Sebold PENNSYLVANIA Richard Zolnowsky (Sr.) 781-21X (Long-Range F-Class Team) 3292-103X Brian Keyser 2234-36X Matthew Cwach (Sporting) 299-7X Dave Andrew 778-22X TENNESSEE Robert Hartinger (Sr.) 294-3X Rachel Trebiatowski (Woman) 423-4X William O. Treanor 2556-85X TENNESSEE Jerry VanTreeck (Sr.) 742-13X WEST VIRGINIA Clay Kesterson 478-7X Rachel Trebiatowski (Jr.) 423-4X Sally Talbott 2533-72X Kevin Forney (Jr.) 465-7X WYOMING Kimberly Hobart Matt Fitzmayer 779-22X Kenneth Lankford, II 990-35X (Woman) 2593-87X Matt Bozldin (Jr.) 740-11X Tom Crist (Service) 951-16X Mark Bentley (Sr.) 2499-70X Gene Graham Robert McClain (Jr.) 548-1X (F-Class Long-Range) 988-39X WYOMING Ronnie Ralston INTERNATIONAL SMALLBORE RIFLE Wayne W. Harris 2509-52X (F-Class Target Rifle) 971-25X MARYLAND Bill Vaughan (Long-Range) 988-50X Bernard A. Cheezum, III Dakota Hayes (Woman) 902-13X (3-Position) 566 INDOOR Dakota Hayes (Jr.) 902-13X DELAWARE Russel Theurer 1194-65X Gregory Barton 2519-64X Barry Holcomb BLACK POWDER TARGET RIFLE ILLINOIS (F-Class Open) 1194-65X MICHIGAN Scott Beyer 1748 Wade Fillingame John David Wier (Mid-Range) 566-14X MAINE (F-Class Target) 1176-38X Jodi Decker (Woman) 569-15X Lawrence Carter 860-28X Timothy Kreier Barbara Walters (Sr.) 557-7X Heidi Tarr (Woman) 779-9X (Service Rifle) 1130-24X Donald Wiechmann (Position) 282-6X Lawrence Carter (Sr.) 860-28X TEXAS MONTANA Keith Stephens 1268-44X Stuart Smith 853-21X Michelle Boyd (Woman) 1207-30X PRECISION PISTOL Nancy Miller-Valdez Bobby Adams (Sr.) 1217-30X OUTDOOR (Woman) 670-5X Samantha Holt (Jr.) 1204-19X ARIZONA Lewis G. Muller (Sr.) 833-14X Madison Butler (Service) 1161-37X Steve Reiter 2604-88X NEW YORK Freddy Haltom Brenda Silva (Woman) 2572-109X Edwin C. Hall 2579-56X (F-Class Open) 1198-77X Steve Reiter 2636-109X NORTH DAKOTA Bryan Schneider HAWAII Rob Sailer 854 (F-Class Target) 1188-56X Robert M. Mango 2625-115X OHIO Madison Butler (Woman) 1161-37X Stephen M. Hirasene (Sr.) 2513-61X Brian Zins 2645-144X Freddy Haltom (Sr.) 1198-77X ILLINOIS David Cooper 2589-94X Madison Butler (Jr.) 1161-37X Scott Beyer 2590-95X OREGON WASHINGTON INDIANA Jeff Hendrickson 2567-81X David Littlefield (Palma) 1291-39X Glenn Ornat 2555-70X PENNSYLVANIA Robert Pitcairn (Sr.) 1291-39X LOUISIANA Steve Gibbons 2616-123X Luke Rettmer (Jr.) 1232-25X Philip Hemphill 2628-123X Jenna Tomarelli (Woman) 2296-40X Rick Cram 1569-53X Philip Hemphill (Service) 837-25X Ron Steinbrecher (Sr.) 2600-100X Kristin Schwartz (Woman) 1506-30X MONTANA Jenna Tomarelli (Jr.) 2296-40X Mike Maurer (Sr.) 1550-52X Jimmy S. Sutton 2564-71X Ron Steinbrecher 2635-121X Luke Rettmer (Jr.) 1521-30X Debbie Harvery (Woman) 1114-4X SOUTH DAKOTA Carl Witteman (Service) 769-12X Lewis G. Muller (Sr.) 2453-55X Jeff Holyoak 1580 Ralph Malone (Sr.) 725-9X NEBRASKA Jennifer Johns (Woman) 1078 WEST VIRGINIA Jon Rosen 2591-106X Dennis Rabe (Sr.) 1561 Robert T. McClain 750-10X Charles W. Daniels (Sr.) 2308-20X Gary Popp 834-13X Lauren Owens (Woman) 705-10X NEW HAMPSHIRE Earl Girton (Sr.) 803-12X Aaron Flowers (Jr.) 717-12X William Tierney 2549-84X Jon Davis (Jr.) 511-1X James C. Jarrell (F-Class) 396-17X NEW JERSEY WASHINGTON James C. Jarrell (Long-Range) 386-12X Dave Lange 2659-140X Gordon Buttke 1722-55X WISCONSIN Dave Lange (Service) 852-23X WISCONSIN Jeremy Graves 781-25X Dave Lange (Distinguished) 846-14X Reed Van Ness 1669-34X Robin Graves (Woman) 768-18X Annemarie Pepitone (Woman) 2410-40X Jon Mikus (Woman) 1107-3X Robert Parrell (Sr.) 643-04X Ron Steinbrecher (Sr.) 2626-112X Waylon Burbach (Jr.) 778-24X Juan Pena-Velasquez (Jr.) 2434-52X Sandra Pagel (Long-Range) 845-41X NEW YORK ACTION PISTOL Sandra Pagel (Woman) 845-41X Richard J. Powers, II 2570-82X MICHIGAN Randall Gregory (Sr.) 839-48X Heather Powers (Jr.) 2323-34X Raymond L. Millsap (Open) 1692

SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM | APRIL 2015 43 FEATURE | NRA STATE CHAMPIONS

INTERNATIONAL PISTOL MAINE Kathleen Garvin (Sr.) 48-80 ILLINOIS Brittany Hubert 531 Armando Ceniceros (Jr.) 20-80 Scott Beyer (Standard) 565 Jennifer Young (Woman) 424 MICHIGAN Scott Beyer (Free) 538 MARYLAND Rich Franke 32-80 INDIANA Timothy Wood 554 NORTH DAKOTA Mark Patterson (Center Fire) 532 MONTANA Lee Widdel 22-40 Mark Patterson (Free) 520 Seth Burglee 554 SOUTH DAKOTA Mark Patterson (Standard) 540 Lewis G. Muller (Sr.) 531 Kelly Landis 25-40 Gabrielle Raisor OHIO WYOMING (Woman Sport Pistol) 489 Michael Creamer 543 Cathy Winstead-Severin 59-80 MONTANA PENNSYLVANIA Seth Burglee (Standard) 543 Jeff Lutz 557 Lewis G. Muller (Sr.) 530 Darian Shenk (Woman) 547 SILHOUETTE SMALLBORE RIFLE Jimmy Sutton (Free) 479 Chet Goutner (Sr.) 533 (ALSO SMALLBORE HUNTING Lewis G. Muller (Sr.) 455 Darian Shenk (Jr.) 547 RIFLE SILHOUETTE) Jimmy Sutton (Standard) 536 ALASKA Lewis G. Muller 513 Ron Fleischhacker 127-160 Lewis G. Muller (Rapid) 495 SILHOUETTE HIGH POWER RIFLE Ron Fleischhacker Matthew Egloff (Center) 522 ARIZONA (Hunting Rifle) 127-160 NORTH DAKOTA Tony Tello (Sr.) 40-80 FLORIDA Douglas Baker (Standard) 531 MICHIGAN Dan Makley 56-80 OHIO Jeremiah Hoover 40-80 Mary Watkins (Hunting Rifle) 56-80 Michael Creamer (Free) 533 NORTH DAKOTA GEORGIA Michael Creamer (Standard) 504 Lee Widdel 21-40 Stephen Culpepper 61-80 PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH DAKOTA Stephen Culpepper Bob Lineaweaver 505 Scott Larson 25-40 (Hunting Rifle) 64-80 Cori Herrold (Woman) 341 WYOMING MICHIGAN Cathy Winstead-Severin 63-80 Corey Salo 46-80 Richard Frank AIR PISTOL (Hunting Rifle) 57-80 ILLINOIS SILHOUETTE HIGH POWER HUNTING RIFLE NORTH DAKOTA Scott Beyer 564 ARIZONA Lee Widdel 29-40 IOWA David Bonner 58-80 Lee Widdel (Hunting Rifle) 29-40 Paul Porter 534 Joy Cox (Woman) 41-80 Scott Larson 62-80

▲ Dave Lange won the 2014 New Jersey Indoor State Pistol ▲ Dave Andrew (l.), the 2014 Wisconsin Championship State High Power Rifle Champion with a score with a score of 778-22X, is pictured here of 2659-140X. being congratulated by Todd House (r.).

44 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM

FEATURE | NRA STATE CHAMPIONS

Doug Keller (Hunting Rifle) 55-80 IDAHO SILHOUETTE HUNTER’S PISTOL TENNESSEE Klaus Schattleitner IDAHO Greg Hamilton (Scope) 57-80 Dan Golden 48-60 (Hunting Rifle) 44-60 Beth Morris (Woman) 44-80 Charlie Strasser (Sr.) 41-60 Greg Hamilton 45-60 Doug Gray (Sr.) 47-80 Dan Golden TEXAS David Heninger 59-80 (Metallic Sights) 45-60 Elizabeth Steiger 105-120 Beth Morris (Woman) 44-80 Charlie Strasser (Sr.) 28-60 Elizabeth Steiger Dave Gullo (Sr.) 54-80 SOUTH DAKOTA (Hunting Rifle) 105-120 MONTANA Leland Nordquist 62-80 WISCONSIN Doug Gazaway 58-80 Dennis Loertscher 45-80 Tasha Paulson (Woman) 44-80 Dennis Loertscher Doug Gazaway (Sr.) 58-80 SILHOUETTE SMALLBORE HUNTER’S PISTOL (Hunting Rifle) 37-80 Lucas Harris (Jr.) 24-80 IDAHO WYOMING Darrell S. Smithson Dan Golden 51-60 Cathy Winstead-Severin 76-80 (Scope) 68-80 Charlie Strasser (Sr.) 42-60 Cathy Winstead-Severin Heather Griffis (Woman) 52-80 Charlie Strasser (Hunting Rifle) 59-80 Darrell S. Smithson (Sr.) 68-80 Logan Richard (Jr.) 20-80 (Metallic Sights) 37-60 NORTH DAKOTA Dan Golden (Sr.) 37-60 SOUTH DAKOTA SILHOUETTE BLACK POWDER Ken Heier 42-80 CARTRIDGE RIFLE TEXAS Denis Kunze 66-80 (IRON AND SCOPE) Kenny Tebbe 57-80 ARIZONA Janet Dunbar (Woman) 28-80 Bryon Rosenbaum (Iron) 81-120 Ken Wienken (Sr.) 57-80 SILHOUETTE SMALLBORE COWBOY RIFLE COLORADO James Lee (Jr.) 20-80 ALABAMA Joe Scott (Scope) 62-80 Ken Wienken (Scope) 45-60 Davidson T. Landers 31-40 Carol Scott (Woman) 51-80 Jen Oliva (Woman) 38-60 PENNSYLVANIA Cody Smith (Iron) 65-80 Ken Wienken (Sr.) 45-60 Alan M. Bean 55-60 Jack Odor (Sr.) 58-80 James Lee (Jr.) 35-60 Judy Fisher (Woman) 47-60 Hal Simpkins (Sr.) 52-60

▶ Tony Tello of Team Lapua, SILHOUETTE COWBOY LEVER ACTION was the 2014 Arizona PENNSYLVANIA State High Power Alan M. Bean 56-60 Rifle Silhouette Judy Fisher (Woman) 49-60 Senior Champion. Hal Simpkins (Sr.) 53-60

SILHOUETTE PISTOL CARTRIDGE COWBOY LEVER ACTION ALABAMA Harvey H. Yoder 40-60 IDAHO Dan Golden 51-60 Raylene Houck (Woman) 46-60 Charlie Strasser (Sr.) 48-60 PENNSYLVANIA Mike Haynes 56-60 Judy Fisher (Woman) 52-60 Al Foust (Sr.) 55-60

SILHOUETTE SMALLBORE COWBOY RIFLE IDAHO Raylene Houck 51-60 Raylene Houck (Woman) 51-60 Charlie Strasser (Sr.) 50-60

SILHOUETTE LONG-RANGE PISTOL SOUTH DAKOTA Dennis Kunze (Unlimited Standing) 64-80 •

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY ART MERRILL

here’s a lot more to competitive shooting only gonna be one happy person out of 700. When than sending rounds downrange. There are you spend your vacation and all your money to go the private aspects we don’t see—building there, you’ve gotta enjoy being around the people.” T guns, loading our own ammo, dry firing in I enjoy shooting long-range and high power our living rooms, selecting gear—and for most of rifle, as well as a few other disciplines. The Civilian us, focusing on our shooting means shutting out Marksmanship Program (CMP) Western Games for all distractions and all other shooters, and maybe vintage military rifles, held in Phoenix each year putting on our game face. in October, is always the icing on my fun cake. But regardless of your particular shooting disci- Followed immediately by the Creedmoor Cup pline, there’s another aspect of interacting and high power matches, the entire 10-day event is like working cooperatively with others, and the familiar going on a shooting bender. This year, however, almost-paradox of competing against friends, circumstances limited my shooting to only two acquaintances and those who share our love of the matches, the M1 Garand Match and the Vintage sport. To quote long-time national and international Military Sniper Rifle Team Match. champion shooter Nancy Tompkins, “If you’ve got My regular shooting buddy, Ken, couldn’t make to win to be happy, well, at the nationals, there’s the Garand Match, so I went alone. On arrival, I

▼ Lining up for squadding by dawn’s early light.

48 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM found that the strong winds from the previous night strings for prone. The 15-20 mph winds, gusting and had blown over all the portable toilets. “Hmm,” shifting from 10 to one o’clock, obviously increased I thought to myself, “they all fell pointing away his wobble area in offhand, and he ended up with from the impact berm. If a wind from 12 o’clock is five misses. blowing at 50 mph, does it still have no value?” “Geez, that one missed high,” he said after a shot. The sun was just inching above the horizon when His target came up with a miss at 12 o’clock but I about a hundred of us shooters lined up, and I was encouraged him, “Hey, you know you’re doing well squadded with a geologist, Rob, from California. when you can call your shots.” And you know what? Rob was shooting his second-ever match, using an He called all his misses—pretty good for a guy M1 Garand he purchased from CMP. First, we both shooting only his second match. went to the pits to pull Target 42 for Relays 1 and 2. Poor Rob. He had a shooting mat but no jacket; Some shooters don’t like pulling targets, but I’ve shooting prone in a T-shirt in the Phoenix heat for always enjoyed it as just another part of the two days, left his elbows bloody. At the end of the game. In fact, while most match when he was picking competitors like to shoot up his gear I asked him,

Relay 1, before the wind ▼ Life in the pits: bringing out the 600-yard “So, does the blood help picks up, I prefer pit pig duty targets. A very nice pivoting, counter- your elbows stick to the beforehand because it helps weighted target frames on the left and, mat?” “No, not really,” he yes, that’s a hot air balloon in the distance, me zone in, and be more a common sight early mornings at BASF. said, and we laughed. focused when it’s my turn The next day Ken, my on the line. Even though regular shooting partner, providing good pit service and I carpooled the 70 is serious duty, there’s still miles back to the Ben Avery plenty of opportunity for Shooting Facility (BASF) for conversation. I became the Vintage Military Sniper acquainted with Rob, the Rifle Two-Man Team Match. geologist, and with the We had no time to practice pullers on Target 41, a with the M1903A4, so we father/son pair also from went in cold. Ken hadn’t California. Near the end even shot his rifle past 200 of our time in the pits, the yards, so I hit the library shooter (on Target 41) put and found the come-ups for a low shot into the top of his original M84 scope. He the berm, smacking gravel was on paper right away, into the target and the but unfortunately, our lack target pullers. Startling, for of preparation showed. I sure, but no harm done, had used up so much of and it even got a few rueful the 5-minute sighter period chuckles from onlookers. at 300 yards, that Ken was While I was scorekeeping allotted none. A major for Rob on the firing line, mistake because finding his I watched him shoot like way into the X-ring with all a beginner, inching into shots counting for record Marksman scores during cost us too many points. We the slow and rapid fire were smarter at 600 yards,

SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM | APRIL 2015 49 FEATURE | WESTERN GAMES letting Ken shoot sighters ➊ we enjoy in the shooting first since I already had my sports, but it must be a 600-yard zero. major factor because we Unlike the previous day keep shooting even though we had almost no wind to there can be only one winner. contend with, though the And the reality is that most hefty desert mirage laying shooters (even those who down first right, then left, compete for decades) don’t showed that the limp flags actually win matches, so weren’t being entirely there must be something truthful. Consequently, at else drawing competitors 600 yards, my shots weren’t back year after year. landing as called. ➋ Interest continues to Bang! grow in the CMP Western “Center!” I called. Games, attracting large “Two o’clock 9-ring,” numbers of high power rifle Ken responded. shooters. “This is our most Bang! successful year ever for the “Eight o’clock 10-ring!” ➌ Western Games,” CMP’s “Eight o’clock 8-ring,” Shannon Hand told the group Ken corrected. assembled for the last day That’s when I noticed a Sniper Rifle Match Awards crack developing in the stock Ceremony. Hand informed us behind my receiver tang. that 231 shooters participated Long story short, when I in multiple categories this uncased the rifle later at year—Garand, Vintage home, a thumb-size chunk Military, Modern Military, of wood fell out of the stock Springfield and Vintage behind the tang, and the Military Sniper Rifle. Many receiver was loose in the competitors will stay on for ➊ Doc (l.) and Jeff (r.), from the M1’s for stock. Hmm … do you think Vets organization, pose with a CMP the Creedmoor Cup and EIC that could explain the group staffer for the obligatory award photo. Leg matches. size expanding at 600 yards? ➋ If competitions had awards for At the awards ceremony Ken also learned that his creative vanity plates, this one loud, enthusiastic applause would be a winner. M84’s center post completely rose for those who earned ➌ At BASF’s many major shooting obliterates the entire target at events, a one-woman BBQ pit awards. “Now that’s great 600 yards, requiring a change offers elk or bison burgers grilled shooting!” someone shouted with a splash of merlot. What’s to a “stick & lollipop” sight for lunch at your shooting range? at the bronze medalists. picture and six o’clock hold. Winners posed for Did we win? As I heard Ken obligatory “grip & grin” tell someone on his cell phone during the drive photos. Some teams had fun names like “Gravel home, “No, but we came real close. We only missed Bellies” and “I Want That Shot Back.” Given by about a hundred points. But we had fun.” our own dismal performance at 600 yards, I Nancy Tompkin’s perspective is spot-on. suggested to Ken that next year we call our team, We don’t often talk about the camaraderie “White Paster Investments.” •

50 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM M&P® PISTOLS. AN EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE TO FEEL TO BELIEVE. ERGONOMIC FIT FOR MORE CONTROL. PRECISION BUILT FOR MORE ACCURACY. .22LR • 9MM • .40S&W • .45ACP

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2015BY JOHN PARKER NRA WORLD SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY MAGPUL PHOTOS BY FORREST MACCORMACK FORREST BY PHOTOS

September 24th, the NRA World Shooting NRA’s generous corporate partners have provided Championship, presented by Magpul, more than just firearms and ammo. The “World ON will be held at the Peacemaker National Shooting Champion” will receive $25,000, and Training Center in Glengary, West Virginia. The NRA second and third places will receive $3,000 and will gather the world’s top shooters, as well as the $2,000, respectively. The Lady Champion will next generation of competitors, to test their prow- receive $10,000. ess in virtually every type of major firearms shoot- Amateur shooters will have their own prize ing sport. Featuring stages in pistol, rifle, shotgun, table, with a total value of $25,000. The top five and combined firearms, shooters will be competing amateur shooters will be eligible for special prizes. in 12 disciplines over three days. Winners will also be randomly selected from those What sets this championship apart is all firearms who complete one of the six special side matches. and ammunition will be provided for each stage, The side matches are separate from the overall thus shooters will compete with equal firearms and championship, and do not affect the aggregate ammunition. This alleviates the need for shooters match score. to purchase expensive new equipment for an event All competitors are eligible to win the champion- they might not be familiar with. Competitor travel is ship for an individual stage, and competitors will greatly simplified when the match sponsors provide be able to win multiple stages. Stage sponsors the equipment. will donate a top prize for each stage champion.

52 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM

FEATURE | NRA WSC

▲ The NRA World Shooting Championship features 12 stages divided among pistol, rifle, shotgun, and combined firearms. With so many diverse shooting disciplines represented, the championship will humble the most seasoned competitors.

▼ All firearms and ammunition will OFFICIAL MATCH STAGES OF FIRE be provided for competitors at the Stage 1) Cowboy Action NRA World Shooting Championship. Stage 2) NRA Conventional Pistol Stage 3) NRA Bianchi Mover Stage 4) NRA F-Class Stage 5) 5-Stand Stage 6) Double Wobble Trap Stage 7) .22 Smallbore Standing Stage 8) 3-Gun Stage 9) USPSA Stage 10) USCA 2-Gun Stage 11) PRS Long-Range Challenge Stage 12) NRA Action Rifle Introducing Nosler Ballistic Tip Ammunition Registration for the championship is available at Long before the term “free range,” we were ﬁ nding ours down range. That’s why Nosler BT Ammunition, www.nraworldshootingchampionship.com. • with its unique polymer tip, delivers the accuracy, consistency and lethal punch to put meat in the freezer. So don’t let anyone ask where your food comes from. They can ﬁ nd their own hunting spot.

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54 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM Introducing Nosler Ballistic Tip Ammunition Long before the term “free range,” we were ﬁ nding ours down range. That’s why Nosler BT Ammunition, with its unique polymer tip, delivers the accuracy, consistency and lethal punch to put meat in the freezer. So don’t let anyone ask where your food comes from. They can ﬁ nd their own hunting spot.

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SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM | APRIL 2015 57 COMING EVENTS

NRA SANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS To be listed, NRA must sanction matches by the 15th of the month, two months prior to the month of the magazine issue. If you are interested in entering a tournament, contact the individual listed. For any cancellations or changes to this listing, please contact Shelly Kramer: (703) 267-1459; [email protected], NRA Competitive Shooting Division.

2015 MIDWAYUSA 2015 NATIONAL & NRA BIANCHI CUP RIFLE & PISTOL Columbia, MO CHAMPIONSHIPS May 20-23, 2015 Camp Perry, OH

The MidwayUSA & NRA Bianchi Cup is Jul. 7-12 Pistol Matches the most prestigious handgun tournament Jul. 16-22 CMP High Power Rifle and in the World. Competitors from all over come Games Events to Columbia, MO, to compete in this annual Jul. 23-28 NRA High Power Rifle and event. If you are interested in attending or Mid-Range Championship competing, please call (877) 672-6282 ext. 5; [email protected]; or write to: Jul. 29–Aug. 2 NRA Long-Range High Power NRA Competitive Shooting Division, Rifle Championship ATTN: NRA Bianchi Cup, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Aug. 3-7 NRA Fullbore Championship Fairfax, VA 22030. Please include your full Aug. 7-14 World Target Rifle mailing address. Online registration is Palma Championship available at http://bianchicup.nra.org/. Also, check us out on YouTube and Twitter Please click here to sign up for the NRA keyword: nrabianchicup. National Rifle and Pistol Championships.

58 APRIL 2015 | SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM NRA MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 2015 NATIONAL SMALLBORE INTERNET ADDRESS: www.nra.org MEMBER SERVICE (800) 672-3888 RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIPS NRAstore.com (888) 607-6007 Bristol, IN MEMBER PROGRAMS Hertz Car Rental CDP# 166609 July 10-22, 2015 (800) 654-2200 AVIS Car Rental AWD# A832100 (800) 225-7094 Jul. 10-11 Metric 3-Position Championship NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs Jul. 12-13 Conventional 3-Position Championship (877) 672-3006 NRA Endorsed Prescription Plan Jul. 15-18 Conventional Prone Championship (888) 436-3700 NRA Endorsed Check Program Jul. 21-22 Metric Prone Championship (888) 331-6767 NRA VISA Card (866) NRA-VISA NOTE: ALL competitors must have a Classification card or NRA Real Estate/Relocation Services classification from a recognized NGB. (800) 593-2526 Online registration begins April 1, 2015. View the championship NRA Endorsed Moving Program North American Van Lines (800) 524-5533 program here. For entry, please email [email protected] or Allied Van Lines (800) 871-8864 [email protected] with your request, or via snail mail at: INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Lois Wenzell, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030. Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT (877) NRA-GIVE 2015 NRA NATIONAL SILHOUETTE THE NRA FOUNDATION (800) 423-6894 GIFT PLANNING (800) 672-4521 CHAMPIONSHIPS & BLACK POWDER EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM TARGET RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP (800) 231-0752 FRIENDS OF NRA (703) 267-1342 Mar. 20-22 Air Rifle Baton Rouge, LA WOMEN ON TARGET Jun. 29-Jul. 2 Cowboy Rifle Raton, NM (800) 861-1166 Jul. 6-7 Black Powder Cartridge Raton, NM REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM (800) 861-1166 Rifle Scope INSTRUCTOR/COACH Jul. 9-10 Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Raton, NM (703) 267-1500 COMPETITIVE SHOOTING Aug. 2-4 Smallbore Rifle Ridgway, PA (703) 267-1468 Aug. 6-8 High Power Rifle Ridgway, PA FIELD OPERATIONS/RANGES (877) 672-7264 Sep. 21-26 Black Powder Target Rifle Raton, NM GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS (703) 267-1601 For 2015, two methods to register for the National Championships NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS listed above will be available, online or via paper. Program and entry (800) NRA-CLUB cards will be available online and via paper format after April 1, 2015. HUNTER SERVICES (703) 267-1500 To register, contact us at: NRA Silhouette Department, 11250 Waples LAW ENFORCEMENT (703) 267-2640 Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030; (703) 267-1474 or [email protected]. • NATIONAL FIREARMS MUSEUM (703) 267-1600 EDUCATION & TRAINING (703) 267-1500 MEDIA RELATIONS Download the entire Coming Events list (703) 267-1595 YOUTH PROGRAMS (703) 267-1505 PROGRAM MATERIALS CENTER (800) 336-7402

SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM | APRIL 2015 59 longdistance carriers

THIS could be your RIFLE. At Savage, we understand the difference between a shooter and a rifleman. For those wanting to test their skills at extreme distances there is the M110 and M111 rifles in 338 Lapua. A lot of companies make guns for shooters. Savage makes them for riflemen.

M110 FCP HS PRECISION, 338 LAPUA

M111 LONG RANGE HUNTER, 338 LAPUA

M110 BA, 338 LAPUA Also available in left-hand (Scope and bipod not included)

Supersonic 1100 yards 308 WIN. View our catalog

Supersonic 1800 yards 338 LAPUA SAVAGEARMS.COM