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Archive for the ‘Shooting Sports’ Category

Paolo Bigerna Triumphs at the Skiritai Legacy Sniper Competition with ZeroTech Optics

Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

ITALY, 25th July 2023 – The Skiritai Legacy Sniper Competition, held on 24-25 June 2023, ended with a spectacular victory for Paolo Bigerna, Testimonial of C&C Hunting Srl and Instructor and Training Manager of the Long Range Shooting Division of the OP. 07 TRAINING DIVISION Academy.


The competition saw Bigerna overcome top-level sportsmen, expert shooters and other operators from various Italian armed forces and beyond.

The competition was a grueling 30-hour event, with continuous activity both day and night. Each sniper was equipped with a bolt action or semi-automatic sniper rifle, a pistol and a backpack with all the equipment necessary for the task, including food and water. Targets, both metal and paper, were placed at ranges ranging from 65 to 900 m.

Bigerna, with 22 years of active service in the Italian Army, distinguished himself above all in the more complex exercises. His performance was particularly notable using the ZeroTech Trace Advanced 4-24×50 FFP Tremor3 scope. Despite the difficult conditions, such as spotting camouflaged targets, Bigerna managed to achieve impressive results. Also very important is the role of Marco Mirroni, Project Manager of the OP.07 Training Division and Marketing Development Consultant of C&C Hunting Srl, who provides valuable and constant support in the triangulation of these partnerships by managing field tests and product development.

“ZeroTech optics have played a significant role in my success,” Bigerna said. “The product offers excellent value for money and is the ideal choice for precision shooting. My experience in military and sports shooting, combined with the quality of these optics, has contributed to achieving this important result”.

C&C Hunting Srl, Official Sponsor of the Shooter and Exclusive Distributor for Italy of Zerotech Optics, expressed its pride for Bigerna’s result and for the support received from ZeroTech international. “We are thrilled with Paolo’s achievement and the performance of the ZeroTech scope. This competition was a testament to the quality of our products and the skill and professionalism of our shooters and collaborators,” said Roberto Catasti, CEO of C&C Hunting Ltd.

Tactical Games Return to Iowa, Hosted by Brownells

Monday, July 17th, 2023

GRINNELL, Iowa (July 14, 2023) – The Tactical Games returns to Iowa, with 180 competitors scheduled to compete at the Big Springs Range in Searsboro, Iowa, July 15 and 16. 

Founded in 2018, the Tactical Games combines shooting with active physical fitness — as competitors perform physical challenges including runs, obstacle courses and weightlifting before engaging targets at various distances with rifles and pistols — all under time.

Competitors are organized into different divisions based on experience, age, sex and skill level.

Hosted by Brownells, the July 2023 games marks the second time the Tactical Games has operated a competition in the Hawkeye State, less than a year after the inaugural Iowa edition of the games back in October 2022. 

“We are very happy to be part of the Tactical Games again,” said Brownells CEO Pete Brownell.  “The Tactical Games challenges athletes to be excellent in many different activities from running and lifting, to climbing and shooting.  The intensity is inspiring and the community spirit is awesome. It’s a perfect partnership, and we hope folks come watch these games at Big Springs range this Saturday and Sunday”

Spectators are welcome during the two-day event, and there will be parking available at the Big Springs Shooting Complex located at 4945 IA-146 near Searsboro.

Spectators are strongly encouraged to bring their own eye and ear protection, as there will be ongoing live fire on the various ranges at Big Springs throughout the Tactical Games

To learn more about the Tactical Games, visit the Tactical Games website.

Nightforce Optics Sponsors The Tactical Games Athletes Jared Halbert & Megan Kennedy

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023

Orofino, ID – (July 10, 2023) – Nightforce Optics is excited to partner with two The Tactical Games competitors. The Tactical Games was created to test the skills and readiness of tactical athletes of all backgrounds and Nightforce is proud to be represented by two of the sports’ best athletes.

“Jared Halbert and Megan Kennedy are highly regarded athletes who have chosen to use Nightforce LPVO riflescopes both professionally and in competition environments. We are excited to have them on our team and look forward to continuing our support of The Tactical Games community.”

-Alexander Crown, Brand Manager of Nightforce Optics

As the former owner of The Tactical Games, Jared Halbert is back on the competition circuit to continue his already impressive resume of achievements. Halbert has won the 2020 & 2021 Men’s Elite National Championships along with 11 Elite Regional wins with a total of 14 Elite podium appearances. Halbert is also co-owner of the Texas Shooting Academy, a premier shooting event center within the state of Texas.

Megan Kennedy has served as a law enforcement officer for 10 years and as a SERT (Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team) member. Megan has been participating in The Tactical Games since 2019, and has competed in ten individual and team events. She was the National Champion in the 2021 Women’s Elite Division.

Since 1992, Nightforce Optics has been a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium riflescopes, spotting scopes, and accessories. Nightforce serves the needs of elite military forces, competitive shooters, and hunters around the world by building the most rugged, reliable, and repeatable optics available. Through meticulous attention to detail in design, production, and quality control, every Nightforce is expected to withstand the most punishing conditions imaginable. For additional information on Nightforce technology and products please visit www.NightforceOptics.com.

Bushnell and RCBS Pro Robert Brantley Takes Top Tactical at 2023 K&M Kahles PRS Match

Thursday, June 22nd, 2023

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – June 21, 2023 – Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, along with RCBS®, the leading manufacturer of ammunition reloading equipment for rifles and pistols, congratulates pro shooter Robert Brantley for taking first place in the Tactical Division at 2023 K&M Kahles Precision Rifle Competition. Brantley, who used an Elite Tactical XRS3 riflescope to secure the win, has now won Top Tactical in back-to-back PRS events.

“This year’s match was incredibly difficult, with lots of targets unforgiving of any scope that doesn’t track or hold zero,” said Brantley. “However, with the Elite Tactical XRS3 these things were a non-issue and the G4P reticle allowed me to easily hold on the smallest of targets. The mover holds on the G4P also lined up perfectly, making light work of the three stages with moving targets.”

Brantley, who opted to use a new competition rig chambered in .308, mounted the rifle with a new scope three weeks before the match. Despite not having used either the rifle or scope in competition, his confidence remained high.

“I enjoy shooting the .308 as it doesn’t mask any of your flaws and forces you to stay in it,” said Brantley. “You must nail your wind calls, manage recoil and account for the drop in the heavier load. When shooting Tac, my goal is to always try and finish within the top ten of the Open winner. Having quality gear that you can rely on makes this a possibility.”

Brantley also relied on his RCBS reloading setup to prepare for the match, including his Rock Chucker® Supreme Press, MatchMaster Dies, Bench Primer, Case Prep Center, Chargemaster Supreme powder dispenser, and Ultrasonic Case Cleaner.

“My RCBS reloading setup is great because it helps me tailor my ammunition to my exact needs,” Brantley said. “I have more control over every detail so I can trust my ammunition will be consistent and accurate.”

To learn more about these products or to see their full lineups, head over to Bushnell.com and RCBS.com.

Two US Army Soldiers Win Bronze Medals at Shotgun Skeet Nationals

Thursday, June 22nd, 2023

Spc. Samantha Simonton and Staff Sgt. Hayden Stewart both earned Bronze Medals at the USA Shooting 2023 National Skeet Championships in Hillsdale, Michigan May 17 -22.


SPC Samantha Simonton, a marksmanship instructor/competitive shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Shotgun Team.

The competition pitted the Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Shotgun Team against more than 60 top skeet athletes from around the United States, including Olympic medalists.


SSG Hayden Stewart, a marksmanship instructor/competitive shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Shotgun Team.

The Championships required each competitor to shoot 10 qualification rounds of 25 targets before the top six were selected to move forward into a Final.

Simonton, a Gainesville, Georgia native, fired off four perfect rounds of 25 and four near-perfect rounds of 24, ending with a total of 241 hits, which was just one hit less than Austen Smith and Dania Vizzi, the Gold and Silver Medalist, respectively.

Stewart, a Columbia, Tennessee native, impressively completed seven of his 10 qualification rounds perfectly, and the remaining three rounds were very strong, missing only one target per round. The Soldier’s near-perfect total score of 247 hits was unfortunately not enough to win the Gold Medal though since many other competitors were shooting near perfect too, said Stewart.

“That match was brutal. I’ve never seen scores that high in the United States before.”

Stress is typically high at National Championships, but this year there was even more pressure since the competition also served as Olympic Trials (Part 1) for the Paris 2024 Games. Not only that, the scores also determined the teams for the upcoming World Championships, World Cup Italy and Pan American Games. Knowing this, Stewart said he really needed to rely on his training in both shooting and resiliency.

“During my rounds, I was telling myself to trust my training and give every shot 100 percent. The three targets I missed, I knew what I had done wrong and made minor adjustments to hit it next time.”

The adjustments worked and Stewart claimed the Bronze Medal behind civilians Connor Prince and Vincent Hancock, who won the Silver and Gold Medals respectively. With only one point separating the top six athletes, a few shoot-offs were required to determine the medals. During all this intense competition, Stewart said all he could do was focus on his shot process.

“I honestly didn’t know what the scores were until the last round. I was focusing on what I needed to do to hit my next target.”


SPC Samantha Simonton, a marksmanship instructor/competitive shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Shotgun Team.

That focus allowed Stewart to qualify for the U.S. National Skeet Team along with fellow USAMU teammates: Simonton and Staff Sergeants Dustan Taylor, Christian Elliott and Mark Staffen.

The National Championship scores were combined with the 2023 Tucson Selection scores to select both the World Championship and World Cup Italy Teams. Taylor, Elliott and Simonton earned spots on these teams.


SSG Dustan Taylor, a marksmanship instructor/competitive shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Shotgun Team.

Taylor’s score, in combination with past performances, qualified him for the Pan American Skeet Team as well.

Getting five of our six Soldiers on the National Skeet Team was something to be proud of, said Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrery Holguin, the USAMU Shotgun Team Chief who is a 2008 Olympian.

“Staff Sgt. Stewart’s 247 and Staff Sgt. Staffen’s 246 are HUGE scores in Olympic Skeet, especially considering the first two days of the competition were cold, wet and windy.”


The International Shooting Sports Federation Italy World Cup is in Lonato July 8 -17. The ISSF World Championships is in Baku, Azerbaijan August 14 – September 1.

The Pan American Games are in Santiago, Chile October 20 – November 5.

By LTC Michelle Lunato

PROOF Research Greg Hamilton and Nightforce Optics Sean Murphy Score Another Team Win at the Tactical Games Sniper Challenge

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

The two-day event, held outside of Bozeman, Montana, was a new challenge and competition for the dynamic duo.

Columbia Falls, Mont. (June 2023) –The Tactical Games Sniper Challenge was a new competition for PROOF Research®’s Weapons Test Specialist Greg Hamilton and Sean Murphy of Nightforce Optics, but it did not slow down their winning streak. The duo took 1st Place Team at the Tactical Games Sniper Challenge which took place outside of Bozeman, Montana at the TacTic Range, from June 10 – 11, 2023.

The challenge tested the teams’ target recognition, ranging, wind calling, non-standard shooting positions, problem-solving, and physical stress management. The challenge also used time-plus scoring, emphasizing speed as a component during engagements, with hefty penalties for targets not hit, or failed to be engaged.

“The Tactical Games Sniper Challenge was a new event for us that required a lot of preparation due to the shooting and physical components,” Murphy explained. “We chose the Conviction rifle due to its precision capability in a lightweight package for carrying across multiple miles of Montana hills. The performance of these rifles was as expected, delivering precise shots on target and allowing us to excel.”

Murphy shot as primary using a PROOF Research Conviction 6mm Creedmoor rifle and Greg Hamilton shot as secondary using a PROOF Research .223 Conviction rifle. The Conviction rifle combines PROOF’s patented carbon fiber barrel with their laid carbon fiber stock resulting in a superior lightweight, robust, long-range tactical system. It features an adjustable cheekpiece, near vertical grip, standard low-profile flush cups, and a wider forearm to accommodate an EFR mount.

PROOF Research is a well-known brand within the precision rifle community and is one of the leading barrel brands used by champion competitors in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and National Rifle League (NRL). Developed to enhance mission success for our warfighters, PROOF Research’s carbon fiber barrels are designed for long-range accuracy, performance, and reliability under any environmental condition.

Find out more about PROOF Research barrels and rifles at proofresearch.com.

Blackhawk Tactical Athletes Dominate at Utah Tactical Games

Saturday, June 17th, 2023

Jared Halbert Takes First Place, Teammate Ehea Schuerch Takes Second

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – June 14, 2023 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, congratulates tactical athletes Jared Halbert and Ehea Schuerch for their strong performances at The Tactical Games Utah Regional Event. Halbert took home first place in the Men’s Elite Division while fellow teammate Schuerch placed second in the Women’s Elite Division.

Following his most recent win at the Tactical Games South Carolina match in the team event, Halbert returned to the podium as the winner of the Men’s Elite Division. Throughout the competition, Halbert ran a full suite of Blackhawk gear, including a T-Series® holster, Foundation Series Tac Nylon plate carrier and belt. 

“Utah was very hot, and the smaller footprint of the Foundation Series Plate Carrier helped keep me comfortable,” Halbert said. “I was able to win both the action shooting stages during the match by having a holster that allows for quick draws and a sling that is fast to manipulate, which helps when tenths of a second matter. Several times I was also able to stow rifle magazines in the cummerbund of my plate carrier instead of in the very back of my belt, which allowed me to place my pistol pouches in more advantageous positions.”

Teammate Ehea Schuerch fought through injury and a fierce field of competitors to take second place in the Women’s Elite division.

“This weekend was an opportunity for me to put my last two months of training to the test,” Schuerch said. “On day two when I rolled my ankle, everything became a challenge – but it was me versus me. Thankfully, my Blackhawk gear is tough and reliable no matter the environment. I have put my holster belt and Foundation Series plate carrier through the ringer, and they still work flawlessly.”

To learn more about Blackhawk or to see the full line-up of holsters and tactical gear, head over to Blackhawk.com.

SK Customs Sponsors A Regular Gun Guy’s ARMIII Range Day

Thursday, June 15th, 2023

HAYMARKET, VA – June 14, 2023 – SK Customs®, the Nation’s only series driven, limited edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to announce its sponsorship of A Regular Gun Guy’s ARMIII Range Day from June 16-17, 2023, at Ranges at Oakfield located in Thomasville, Ga.

“We’re thrilled to be the sponsor of A Regular Gun Guy and The Gun Camp’s ARMIII Range Day, and look forward to showcasing our products alongside our friends at Phoenix Trinity Manufacturing and array of other leading industry partners,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “SK Customs has launched a wide range of new productions representing rich history and intricately designed firearms this year. We can’t wait to showcase these works of art at ARMIII Range Day.”

With more than 300 firearm enthusiasts in attendance, the event features leading industry products and a variety of 2A influencers and GunTubers. Held at one of the top outdoor ranges in the country, attendees will have the opportunity to visit a dedicated range bay to participate in a steel challenge and visit a large display featuring SK Customs products. The event is hosted by YouTube’s A Regular Gun Guy, known for his firearm reviews and 2A content.

“The mission of A Regular Meetup is to allow the everyday gun enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the type of weekend that’s typically only awarded to industry insiders,” said Christina Myers, director of operations at Media Lodge. “We want the supporters to get a chance to meet influencers and celebrities they typically only get to see online and on television. The event also allows participants a chance to get up close and personal with some of their favorite firearms and accessory brands that they support every day.”

To learn more about new production offerings from SK Customs, visit skguns.com.