XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Shooting Sports’ Category

« Older Entries

Laurel Hill Farm – A Hidden Gem Waiting for the Right Training Company to Come Along

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

A property referred to on realty websites as “Laurel Hill Farm” recently came to my attention. The house is modest with a large plot of over 78 acres. All-in-all it appears as a comfortable country home. But that’s not what caught my attention. Turns out, this property is home to the Jerry Barnhart Shooting/Training Facility which has a long reputation as training center of choice for marksmanship students both public and private.

Built in 1993, it includes these capabilities that makes it a shooter’s paradise:

• Shoot out to 500 meters.

• Two 360 deg ranges.

• Multiple flat ranges.

• Approximately 1 mile of gravel roads to all range areas; built to withstand the weight of a loaded tractor/trailer truck. Graveled parking areas as well as graveled areas for prop storage.

• Exterior perimeter berms are 30’ high, edged with boulders along roadside for aesthetic purposes. Interior berms range from 20’ – 25’ high.

• Two secure lockup areas.

• Security cameras and alarm system in all buildings. Dusk to dawn lighting at both entrances and around all buildings.

• Multiple hunting blinds in undeveloped areas; as well as a large pond to attract wildlife.

My understanding is that there are some additional capabilities which training companies would be able to take advantage of and will need to contact the seller if interested. As extensive as the campus is, there’s still room for additional construction such as specialized ranges, a bunk house for students, etc.

If that wasn’t enough to get your attention, this is the best part. I found out that the property is protected by the Michigan Sport Shooting Range Act (SSRA).

I checked into it and it’s true. As it goes, the facility endured a nine year legal battle with the township, eventually being awarded a unanimous ruling from the Michigan State Supreme Court that it is a protected shooting range under the Sport Shooting Range Act (SSRA) amended July, 1994. This makes it a unicorn, because such protections would not available if built today.

Protected under this law, this facility is “grandfathered” against local zoning controls, representing a near-impossible-to-replicate asset. This legal security overcomes a massive barrier to entry, ensuring long-term operational viability.

For those interested in acquiring this turn-key facility, it is situated minutes from local restaurants and stores with hotels less than a half-hour drive. Additionally, the Detroit airport only an hour away which makes this convenient for students.

Here’s a video of the property.

Finally, this is a link to the listing for those interested in acquiring this pretty and continuing a legacy of firearms training in central Michigan.

www.zillow.com/homedetails/3371-Noble-Rd-Oxford-MI-48370/24335469_zpid

Posted in Shooting Sports | No Comments »

SIG SAUER Introduces New SIG CONNECT App Features

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

Users can now create challenges directly within their favorite SIG CONNECT games.

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 28, 2026) – SIG SAUER, an industry-leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, optics, and ammunition, introduced today new features in its SIG CONNECT app. SIG CONNECT is a mobile training tool that turns shooting sessions at a range into interactive experiences with real-time hit detection.

Through the new features, SIG CONNECT users can create custom challenges directly within their favorite games or jump into existing competitions. Users can choose their game type, set the distance, and select the Optical Hit Detection (OHD) target, then define rules, including time limits, scoring zones, and attempts.

Additionally, users can name their challenge, set an end date, and share it with their friends or the broader SIG CONNECT community. Every run is tracked, scored, and ranked in real time, allowing users to battle for the top spot on the leaderboard. Altogether, the new features open up opportunities for ranges to host challenges and events, from start to finish through the SIG CONNECT app.

“At SIG SAUER, we’re leveling up our game development for our growing SIG CONNECT community who use our app to train and refine their skills or just for fun. These new features create even more engaging experiences for users to shoot with their friends and the broader community and to reinforce safe handling and shooting,” said Phil Strader, Vice President of Consumer Affairs, SIG SAUER.  

Key takeaways:

Optical Hit Detection

The SIG SAUER OHD instantly tracks a user’s shots, giving immediate feedback on accuracy and performance.

Games and Drills

Users can run structured drills or compete in skill-based games, with real-time feedback that breaks down every shot and helps accelerate improvement.

Download the SIG CONNECT App

Join a fast-growing community by downloading the SIG CONNECT app, available at the App Store and Google Play, to begin your training, create a multi-player group with your friends, or join a public community to compete.

For more information on SIG SAUER, please visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, Press Release, Shooting Sports, Training | No Comments »

2026 SIG SAUER Relentless Warrior Championship: U.S. Military Academy Takes Back the Title

Wednesday, April 15th, 2026

U.S. Military Academy at West Point wins the 2026 SIG Relentless Warrior Championship

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 15, 2026) – SIG SAUER, industry leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, optics, and ammunition was honored to host the 2026 SIG Relentless Warrior Championship (SRWC) at the SIG SAUER Academy. With eleven teams of one hundred and thirty-four competitors, the 2026 SRWC event marked the largest in the event’s history.

Cadets from the Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, Royal Military College of Canada, Texas A&M, The Citadel, US Naval Academy, University of North Georgia, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and West Point competed over two days among stiff competition. The event concluded with an awards banquet featuring retired SGM and Leadership in the Shadows author Kyle Lamb.

This year’s SIG Relentless Warrior Challenge put one hundred and thirty-four competitors through ten challenging stages, testing their skills in marksmanship, teamwork, fitness, and leadership through mission focused themes.  After two days of competition in some of the best weather to date, the US Military Academy at West Point was crowned the team champion.

“I am incredibly proud of the performance our Cadets delivered this past weekend. Coming out on top against ten other high-caliber schools and military academies was no accident. We emphasize that being a proficient shooter is only the baseline; the true requirement is the mental and physical fortitude to overcome any obstacle in their path,” said Gary Salman, coach of U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  “The lessons these Cadets learned this weekend are not confined to the range. These experiences build the operational capabilities they will carry into the Army as they assume leadership roles.  Everything we do revolves around our core mantra: developing leaders of character who will fight and win our nation’s wars.”

Awards for the SIG Relentless Warrior Championship:

Team Finishes

First Place – U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Second Place – Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Third Place – United States Air Force Academy

Fourth Place – Texas A&M

Fifth Place – University of North Georgia

Individual Finishes

Top Gun Overall Champion: Lewis Hare – West Point

Second Place Overall: Gavin Vollmer – West Point

Third Place Overall: Robert Woertink – US Air Force Academy

Fourth Place Overall: Tyler Wade – Virginia Polytechnic Institute 

Fifth Place Overall: Wojciech Ward?cki – West Point

High Lady: Kaia Gilfillan – RMC-Canada

Shoot-Off Winner: Thomas Nunnally – Texas A&M

Team Top Shots (highest finisher for each school)

West Point – Lewis Hare

Virginia Polytechnic Institute – Tyler Wade

Air Force Academy – Robert Woertink

Texas A&M – Thomas Nunnally

University of North Georgia – Jesse Shoemaker

US Naval Academy – Sam Reece

Virginia Military Institute – Alex Bodner

Coast Guard Academy – Dhiren Kettish

RMC Canada – Liam Septon

The Citadel – Ryan Bostanci

Merchant Marine Academy – Evan Hoang-Le

Spirit of the Warrior Award: Robert Farris – Virginia Polytechnic Institute

“SIG SAUER is proud to host this competition for the eighth year.  I’m relieved that these cadets had a chance to compete in great weather for the first time in a while.  They showed great resolve, competitive spirit, and leadership throughout the entire event.  We tested their marksmanship and fitness in a landscape where they could experience the skills, stress, comradery, and teamwork that will help develop them as future leaders in the military and beyond,” said Phil Strader, Vice President, Consumer Affairs.

For more information on SIG SAUER, please visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Shooting Sports | No Comments »

Joint Force Comes Together for Special Operations Sniper Competition

Friday, March 27th, 2026

In a demanding test of precision, endurance and teamwork, 17 elite sniper teams participated in the U.S. Army Special Operations Command International Sniper Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, March 15-19.

The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School hosted the competition, now in its 17th year. Special Forces sniper course instructors and leadership designed the various challenges and served as officials and scorekeepers.

“This competition represents the pinnacle of the sniper craft,” said Army Col. Simon Powelson, commander of the 2nd Special Warfare Training Group. “We have brought together highly trained teams from across the joint force and partner nations. These competitors are not just here by chance; they are the product of intense and specialized training within their respective units.”

The five-day event included special operations forces representing multiple allied nations with participants drawn from the ranks of Army Special Forces, Army Rangers, Naval Special Warfare Command, Marine Forces Special Operations Command and Coast Guard units.

Designed to strengthen interoperability and foster esprit de corps among partner forces, the competition featured a series of complex engagements conducted both during the day and under the cover of darkness that pushed competitors to their physical and mental limits.

Throughout the week, sniper teams of two highly trained operators were evaluated across multiple ranges at Fort Bragg. Competitors demonstrated proficiency with sniper rifles, carbines and pistols, engaging at distances of up to 1,200 meters while adapting to constantly changing scenarios.

The opening day set the tone for the grueling challenge ahead. Persistent thunderstorms brought intermittent rain and strong winds, forcing teams to contend with reduced visibility, slick terrain and unpredictable shooting conditions, adding a layer of realism for competitors.

“The weather played a significant role,” said Timothy Gozelski, the sniper course manager. “Our goal with the wind and rain was to make sure the visibility was the same for all the teams.”

In the following days, the weather cleared, but conditions remained poor. Temperatures dropped to 35 degrees, and variable winds swept across the ranges, complicating long-distance shots.

Competitors had to calculate wind speed and direction on the fly while maintaining communication and coordination with their teammates.

“Good, clear, concise communication is a must,” said Richard Cuza, a sniper course instructor. “It’s beyond important; it’s crucial.”

Each stage of the competition emphasized not only marksmanship but also teamwork.

Sniper pairs had to locate, range and engage multiple targets in rapid succession, often while maneuvering between firing positions. Communication, trust and synchronization proved just as critical as shooting accuracy.

“Being in sync with your teammate is equal in importance to communication,” Gozelski said. “To be successful, the two have to talk and be on the same page in everything they do.” 

Organizers emphasized the competition was more than a test of skill. It brought together international partners and joint force teams in a high-stress training environment. As a result, the event allowed competitors to build relationships, and it improved the joint forces’ ability to operate seamlessly in real-world missions.

“It’s awesome to have international teams competing,” Gozelski said. “It helps with interoperability and being able to look at each other’s equipment and techniques. It’s not just about competing; it’s about learning some things from our allies and how they operate. All the foreign teams are thrilled to be here. This competition helps us in expanding operational expertise.”

Cuza added that “it was great to have allies and teams from our sister services here. It will help us in working together and that’s important.”

After five days of intense competition, the Army Special Operations Command team emerged as the overall winner, demonstrating consistent performance across all events and conditions. The Army’s 3rd Special Forces Group team finished second.

As the competition concluded, participants departed not only with sharpened skills but with stronger bonds between allied forces and sister services.

“Most importantly, this competition is a powerful vehicle for building esprit de corps among an elite group of warriors who may one day serve alongside each other,” Powelson said.

By Ken Kassens, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School

Posted in Guest Post, Shooting Sports, SOF | Comments Off on Joint Force Comes Together for Special Operations Sniper Competition

SIG SAUER Expands Shooter Affiliate Program to Include Sal Hernandez, Ian Meyers, and Kevin Lally

Monday, March 9th, 2026

NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 9, 2026) – SIG SAUER is excited to welcome Sal Hernandez, Ian Meyers, and Kevin Lally to the SIG Shooter Affiliate Program. They will represent SIG SAUER at major competitive shooting events around the country, joining their teammates Tre’Von Barber, Kay Lane, and Todd Sindelar.

Sal Hernandez is an active member of San Antonio Police Department’s SWAT team, a Master class USPSA shooter, and a sniper and firearms instructor.  He is a dominant force in The Tactical Games and SWAT-focused competitions with numerous podium finishes.

Ian Meyers is a former U.S. Army Ranger and BORTAC operator currently working for the U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona. He is a GM and Master class competitor in USPSA and competes in pistol, 2-gun, and Multi-gun competitions around the country.

Kevin Lally is a former Metropolitan PD officer currently serving as a SWAT operator and instructor for a local NH police department. He is a Master class USPSA and IDPA competitor in multiple divisions and coaches his department’s shooting team.

SIG SAUER is excited to support these heroes who serve and protect our country while enhancing their skills through competition and training.  We look forward to being a part of their journey as they represent SIG SAUER on the range.

To learn more about SIG SAUER, please visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on SIG SAUER Expands Shooter Affiliate Program to Include Sal Hernandez, Ian Meyers, and Kevin Lally

Corson Piper Tied for First Place in PRS National Rankings After 2025 KRG Windbreaker Victory

Sunday, October 12th, 2025

SEDALIA, Mo. – October 9, 2025 – Sierra Bullets celebrates sponsored shooter Corson Piper as he moves into a four-way tie for first place in the national standings after an outstanding performance at the 2025 KRG Windbreaker. 110 shooters competed in this national two-day Precision Rifle Series (PRS) match, held in Cheney, Washington this past weekend. Piper secured a first-place victory, tying him for first place nationally and sending him into the national finale with 300 points.

“Sierra is proud to have Corson on our team, and it’s been incredible to see him crushing it lately,” said Sierra Bullets’ Marketing and Product Manager Colby Adamek. “We couldn’t be more excited to see him pushing 110’s to their full potential right before the big stage.”

The KRG Windbreaker challenged competitors with one field-style day and 20 demanding stages that each consisted of 10 rounds. Piper rose to the challenge, delivering a performance defined by consistent precision and control. In both this match and throughout the season, Piper has relied on Sierra Bullet’s 6mm 110 Gr HPBT/CN MatchKing. His continued success on some of the sport’s toughest stages underscores the bullet’s renowned ballistic performance and Sierra Bullets’ commitment to excellence in precision shooting.  

“The Sierra 110-grain has been nothing short of a game-changer for me this season,” said Sierra-sponsored shooter Corson Piper. “The results speak for themselves, and I’m determined to carry this momentum through the final stretch.”

Shooters sponsored by Sierra Bullets compete at the highest level with Sierra’s Match/Targetproduct line. Winning takes dedication and determination, which is the heart and soul that goes into every Sierra bullet. To shoot the bullets used by top athletes around the world, shop Sierra Match/Target bullets. Sierra Bullets looks forward to continuing its support of these talented athletes and is excited to see what the future holds for them in upcoming competitions.

For more information on the latest new products and offerings from Sierra Bullets, visit www.sierrabullets.com.

Posted in Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Corson Piper Tied for First Place in PRS National Rankings After 2025 KRG Windbreaker Victory

Sierra Bullets Celebrates Corson Piper’s Recent PRC Match Performance and Climb in National Rankings

Sunday, August 31st, 2025

SEDALIA, Mo. – August 29, 2025 – Sierra Bullets congratulates sponsored shooter Corson Piper on his outstanding performance at the 2025 Impact-Foundation PRC Match, held August 23-24 in Wetumka, Oklahoma. Competing in a field of 185 shooters, Piper secured an impressive fourth-place finish overall, bringing his national ranking from 10th place to fifth place.

The 2025 Impact-Foundation PRC Match, hosted at the Foundation Training Range, featured 18 diverse and demanding stages designed to push the limits of precision rifle skills. Shooters were tested on their ability to adapt quickly, work against the elements and perform strategically across a wide range of stages.

Competing with Sierra Bullet’s 6mm 110 Gr HPBT/CN MatchKing, Piper delivered a standout performance and demonstrated exceptional focus and precision. After tying for third, he narrowly missed the podium in a shoot-off, finishing just two points behind the winner. Ultimately taking fourth place overall, Piper’s strong effort launched him to fifth place nationally. This climb in the national rankings marks a significant step forward in the season standings.

“Corson’s ability to perform with control and accuracy in a such a challenging match perfectly reflects Sierra Bullets’ mission to support the highest standards of precision shooting,” said Sierra Bullets’ Marketing and Product Manager Colby Adamek. “We are proud to stand behind him and excited to watch him continue to rise in the national rankings.” 

Sierra Bullets compete at the highest level with Sierra’s Match/Target product line. Winning takes dedication and determination, which is the heart and soul that goes into every Sierra bullet. To shoot the bullets used by top athletes around the world, shop Sierra Match/Target bullets. Sierra Bullets looks forward to continuing its support of these talented athletes and is excited to see what the future holds for them in upcoming competitions.

For more information on the latest new products and offerings from Sierra Bullets, visit www.sierrabullets.com.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Sierra Bullets Celebrates Corson Piper’s Recent PRC Match Performance and Climb in National Rankings

CZ Shooting Team Dominates at the CZ Extreme Euro Open 2025, Capturing 13 Medals and 4 Czech National Titles

Sunday, July 13th, 2025

The CZ Shooting Team delivered an exceptional performance at the renowned CZ Extreme Euro Open, an IPSC practical shooting competition held June 26-28, 2025, at the Hodonice shooting range near Znojmo, Czech Republic. This year’s event also doubled as the Czech National Championship, crowning national champions in each division.

Widely recognized as one of the largest and most challenging shooting competitions globally, the CZ Extreme Euro Open drew 1,138 competitors from 59 countries, including some of the world’s elite shooters. Participants faced 30 demanding stages, testing their speed, accuracy, and tactical skills under varied weather conditions, from scorching heat to sudden thunderstorms.

The CZ Shooting Team secured a total of 13 medals, six gold, four silver, and three bronze, demonstrating once again their standing among the best competitive shooters worldwide.

In the OPEN division, Robin Sebo dominated the competition, taking home the gold medal and the Czech national champion title with his CZ 75 TS Czechmate pistol. Martina Sera earned silver in the Ladies category and captured the Czech national champion title using the same model.

In the PRODUCTION division, Argentine teammates Juan Pablo Duran and German Romitelli earned silver and bronze medals, respectively. Serbia’s Ljubisa Momcilovic defended his Senior category title, while Italy’s Camilla Almici topped the Ladies category. All CZ competitors in this division used CZ Shadow 2 Orange pistols.

The fiercely competitive PRODUCTION OPTICS division saw France’s Eric Grauffel claiming victory, while CZ shooter Martin Kamenicek earned bronze and the Czech national champion title. Junior competitor Robin Grauffel secured gold in his category and placed seventh overall, with both shooters utilizing CZ Shadow 2 OR pistols.

In the STANDARD division, Kahlil Adrian Viray from the Philippines achieved silver, and CZ shooter Zdenek Liehne won bronze, securing the Czech national champion title. Senior shooters Josef Rakusan and Petr Znamenacek captured gold and silver, respectively. The CZ TS 2 Orange pistol was the firearm of choice for these athletes.

The CZ Extreme Euro Open 2025 served as vital preparation for the upcoming IPSC World Championship, set to take place in South Africa at the end of September.

As the proud general partner of the CZ Extreme Euro Open, CZ-USA would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the organizers for their outstanding efforts, the referees for their dedication, and all participants for their sportsmanship.

Congratulations to all medalists and newly crowned Czech national champions: Robin Sebo (OPEN), Martina Sera (OPEN), Martin Kamenicek (PRODUCTION OPTICS), and Zdenek Liehne (STANDARD).

Full competition results:

OPEN Division Overall (122 competitors) 1. Robin Sebo (CZE), CZ Shooting Team – 100% 2. Marek Neumann (CZE) – 98.93% 3. Erik Stjernlof (SWE) – 98.34%

OPEN Division, Ladies Category 2. Martina Sera (CZE), CZ Shooting Team

PRODUCTION Division Overall (195 competitors) 1. Michal Stepan (CZE) – 100% 2. Juan Pablo Duran (ARG), CZ Shooting Team – 96.68% 3. German Romitelli (ARG), CZ Shooting Team – 96.28%

PRODUCTION Division, Senior Category 1. Ljubisa Momcilovic (SER), CZ Shooting Team

PRODUCTION Division, Ladies Category 1. Camilla Almici (ITA), CZ Shooting Team

PRODUCTION OPTICS Division Overall (199 competitors) 1. Eric Grauffel (FRA), CZ Shooting Team – 100% 2. Jacob Hetherington (USA) – 91.11% 3. Martin Kamenicek (CZE), CZ Shooting Team – 90.29% 7. Robin Grauffel (FRA), CZ Shooting Team – 84.36%

PRODUCTION OPTICS Division, Junior Category 1. Robin Grauffel (FRA), CZ Shooting Team

STANDARD Division Overall (110 competitors) 1. Rolly Nathaniel Tecson (PHI) – 100% 2. Kahlil Adrian Viray (PHI), CZ Shooting Team – 97.05% 3. Zdenek Liehne (CZE), CZ Shooting Team – 91.41% 7. Josef Rakusan (CZE), CZ Shooting Team – 82.26% 8. Petr Znamenacek (CZE), CZ Shooting Team – 77.77%

STANDARD Division, Senior Category 1. Josef Rakusan (CZE), CZ Shooting Team 2. Petr Znamenacek (CZE), CZ Shooting Team

Posted in Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on CZ Shooting Team Dominates at the CZ Extreme Euro Open 2025, Capturing 13 Medals and 4 Czech National Titles

« Older Entries