NRA Pistol Training Goes Online

ALSO FEATURED
New Open Airgun Nationals Format
Shooting is 90% Mental Part 2
Women of the USAMU
NRAS COMPETITIVE SHOOTING JOURNAL
SPOR TS
VOL. 27 NO. 7 JULY 2014
Silver American Eagles Gold American Eagles
IRA
APPROVED
IRA
APPROVED
Guaranteed & Backed by the U.S. Government
Shop Online: FirstFidelityReserve.com
In stock and ready to ship for IRAs
Follow Mike Fuljenz
TAX BENEF I TS HAS S L E F REE
TRANSFER
FUNDS
Roll over funds from
your IRA or 401K
BUILD YOUR
PORTFOLIO
We work with you to determine a
tailor-ft portfolio for your goals
Vault Verification: FSSPTIR0714 Limited Offer
CREATE AN
ACCOUNT
Call 1.800.336.1630 to complete
the IRA application
Mike Fuljenz
Consultant, First Fidelity Reserve

Americas Gold Expert

Gold & Silver. Life insurance for your portfolio.

DIVERSIFY
for long-term appreciation
When it comes to fnancial diversifcation, it is
well-documented that over the long-term,
many precious metals coins tend to appreciate
and many times have outperformed almost
every other kind of investment. Why? Because
precious metals tend to rise during periods
of stock market volatility.
TRUST
the experts in IRA planning
At First Fidelity Reserve, we are specialists in
United States rare coins and precious metals.
That is why the coins we most strongly recom-
mend for your IRA are Gold American Eagles
and Silver American Eagles.
RETIREMENT
with a precious metals IRA
In todays dynamic economy, many financial
or investment planners now routinely advise
portfolio diversifcation with tangible assets.
Enjoy up to a
$
300 REBATE
for the frst year of your
IRA Rollover or Transfer.
*
*Applies to a minimum $25,000 investment of low mintage Gold American Eagles.
Call Toll Free 1.800.336.1630 to get your free Award-Winning
IRA Diversifcation Kit and learn about the benefts
of diversifying your portfolio with a Gold IRA today.
Member:
Coin images are for representation only and not to scale.
Easy Steps
3
Please read important customer disclosures on our website or that accompany products purchased, including arbitration agreement.
BRAND NEW - IRA ELIGIBLE
2014 $1 Silver American Eagles
1oz .999 Fine Silver
Check or
Money Order
Limit 3 Per
Household
Coin images are for representation only and not to scale.
2014 $50 Gold American Eagles
1oz Gold
AT ONLY
1
/2
%
over our actual
dealer cost
*
Plus Express Shipping,
Handling & Insurance
SECURE UP TO
A 50 COIN LIMIT
2014 Gold & Silver American Eagles
Gem Brilliant Uncirculated Condition Guaranteed & Backed by the U.S. Government IRA Eligible
Prices subject to change Availability not guaranteed No dealers please
Call Toll Free
To Order

00
VAULT VERIFICATION
00
FSSPTIR0714
OFFER EXPIRES 07.15.14
1.800.336.1630
Member:
WIRED FUNDS CHECKS
Accepted
Payment
Methods
BONUS with purchase
Award-Winning
Gold Guide
& Gold IRA Kit
Call today for great quantity pricing,
availability and payment terms on
popular investment-grade gold
and silver bullion coins.
Great Quantity Pricing
SHOP
ONLINE AT:
FirstFidelityReserve.com
Follow Mike Fuljenz
*
The U. S. Mint charges a modest premium above the current market price of gold to cover minting, distribution and marketing costs.
**
Spot Price - the daily quoted market price of precious metals in bullion form. Spot price solely determined at time of transaction by First Fidelity Reserve.

Please read important customer disclosures on our website or that accompany products purchased, including arbitration agreement.
Over
Spot Price
**
Plus Priority Shipping & Insurance
$
2
85
CONTENTS // FEATURES
A Publication of the
National Rife Association of America
Wayne R. LaPierre
Executive Vice President
The NRA, the foremost guardian of the traditional American right to keep and bear arms,
believes every law-abiding citizen is entitled to the ownership and legal use of frearms,
and that every reputable gun owner should be an NRA member.
14
35th Bianchi Cup
Championships
This years Bianchi Champion
was determined on the very last
shot of the fnal event and was
won by eight-time USA World
Action Pistol Team Member and
long-time Bianchi participant
Kevin Angstadt.
By Chip Lohman
4 SSUSA JULY 2014
A shake-up in the
winners circle,
increased attend-
ance and $500,000
in cash and prizes
continues to
draw shooters
from around the
world. From left
to right are MidwayUSA Founder and
CEO Larry Potterfeld, Ladies Champion
Jessie Duff, Bianchi Champion Kevin
Angstadt and MidwayUSA Co-Founder
Brenda Potterfeld.
Cover Photo: Tam Adams
ON THE COVER
20
Shooting is 90%
MentalPart 2
This second installment
completes our review of
modern science as it applies to
the mental game in shooting
sports. Read what two doctors
who are also accomplished
marksmen have to contribute.
By Chip Lohman
26
Open Airgun Nationals
This year, shooting venues
grew from one central location
to 15 ranges spread across the
nation. Read what else changed
to help grow the sport.
By Damian Allan
PUBLICATIONS DIVISION
Executive Director: Doug Hamlin
Deputy Executive Director: Lourdes F. Kite
Integrated Marketing Director: Marshall J. Flemion
Fiscal Operations Manager: Evelyn Q. Kessler
Sales & Fiscal Assistant; Rachel Carr
Executive Assistant: Terri A. Wolfe
Editorial Director: John Zent
Managing Editor: Chip Lohman
Editorial Assistant: Ann Rezelman
Creative Director: Harry L. Jaecks
Art Director: Susan K. Kilday
Senior Graphic Designer: Jessica Kim
Photography Director: Lloyd Hill
Photographer: Peter Fountain
Associate Photographer: Forrest MacCormack
WEB OPERATIONS
Manager; Michael Pedersen
Senior Web Developer; Tom Rickwalder
Senior Web Designer/Video Editor; Steve Dulco
PRODUCTION AND
ADVERTISING SALES OPERATIONS
Director: Michael J. Sanford
Manager: Michelle Kuntz
Marketing Manager: James C. Handlon
Senior Production Coordinator: Debra Oliveri
Production Coordinator: Andrea Myers
Senior Coord. Ad Services: Samantha Brown
Coord. Ad Services: Tiffany Ngu
Eastern Sales Manager
Tony Morrison (860) 767-9801
Southeast Sales Executive
Stan Yates (850) 619-8148
Eastern Direct Sales Executive
Rachelle Trout (910) 262-0913
Western Sales Manager
Courtney Olson (303) 955-2194
Western Sales Executive
James ONeill (703) 267-1300
Midwest Sales Executive
Tim Hamill (703) 267-1300
Western Direct Sales Executive
Debbie OConnell (805) 582-9856
Detroit Advertising Sales
Ken Glowacki (313) 779-8504
Offcial NRA positions are expressed only in statements
bylined by NRA offcers or in articles identifed as such.
Shooting Sports USA (ISSN 1069-6822) is published monthly
by the National Rife Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill
Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400; (703) 267-1000. Copyright 2014,
the National Rife Association of America.
To update your email address for the digital subscrition, 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
the purchase, carrying or use of certain items. Check local
laws before purchasing. Mention of a product or service in
advertisements or text does not necessarily mean that it has
been tested or approved by the NRA.
All rights reserved except where expressly waived.
The editors are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts
or photographs.
WARNING: All technical data in this publication, especially for
handloading, refect the limited experience of individuals using
specifc tools, products, equipment and components under
specifc conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported
in the article and over which the National Rife Association
(NRA) has no control. The data has not otherwise been tested
or verifed by the NRA. The NRA, its agents, offcers and
employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained
by persons using such data and disclaim all liability for any
consequential injuries or damages.
SPOR TS
MEMBERSHIP ACCT. INFORMATION:
(877) 672-2000
MEMBER PROGRAMS:
(800) 672-3888
6 SSUSA JULY 2014
SUGGESTION BOX:
E-MAIL US AT SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA@NRAHQ.ORG
CONTENTS // FEATURES
8 Shooters News
Highlights from the world of competitive
shooting sports.
9 Bag Check
A mini-series by Barbara Baird, Womens
Outdoor News, on tips about what the Pros
take to the fring line in their range bag.
12 Score Sheets
Local matches from coast to coast.
34 A Page From History
Reprints from American Rifeman magazine
on competitive shooting in the early years.
38 Coming Events
Coming Events lists national matches and
provides a download link to the monthly
list of 15,000 local matches each year.
39 Member Info
CONTENTS // DEPARTMENTS
30
Women of the U.S. Army
Marksmanship Unit
Barbara caught up with four former
stars of the elite Army Marksmanship
Unit to learn what theyre up to now.
By Barbara Baird
VOL. 27, NO. 7 JULY 2014
9
12
34
28
Distance Education for Future
NRA Pistol Students
To improve content consistency
and reduce liability due to improper
training, NRA Basic Pistol classes
are set to go online in 2015.
By Sean Thornton
The Master Carry series of .45 ACP pistols combine Kimber

performance and
important concealed-carry features into an extraordinary package. Tactical Wedge
night sights, Round Heel Frame with serrated mainspring housing and Crimson
Trace

Master Series

Lasergrips

are standard. Master Carry slides are machined

from stainless steel and wear a KimPro

II finish for additional resistance to

moisture and salt. Barrels are also machined from stainless steel to critical match
grade dimensions for unequaled Kimber accuracy. One of the Master Carry models
is certain to meet any need. Visit a Kimber Master Dealer and see for yourself.
2013, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and specifcations are for reference only and subject to change without notice.
kimberamerica.com
(888) 243-4522
T H E C H O I C E O F A ME R I C A S B E S T
Crimson Trace Master Series Lasergrips
project a bright red dot that speeds aiming
in any light. Cut from tough G-10, their
aggressive surface ensures a positive grip.
The Master Carry Ultra .45 ACP has a
short grip, 3-inch bull barrel and weighs
just 25 ounces. It is ideal for all-day-
every-day concealed carry.
The Master Carry Custom .45 ACP is a
full-size 1911 with a stainless steel slide
and frame. Weighing 38 ounces, it is a
great choice for carry or home defense.
Kimber ofers nearly 200 purpose-built pistols and rifes to meet any need.
Unequaled Quality. Unmatched Performance.
Kimber Master Carry Pistols.
The new Master Carry Pro .45 ACP weighs just 28 ounces. A Round Heel
Frame ensures comfortable carry. Important features include night sights
and a stainless steel match grade barrel.
8 SSUSA JULY 2014
SHOOTERS NEWS
2014 December
Cover Contest
The SAFS courses have been a staple at the National Matches
since 1918, with the involvement of over 1,000 pistol and rife par-
ticipants continuing each year. The school is conducted by mem-
bers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and sponsored by the
Civilian Marksmanship Program. Whether youre an experienced
shooter or picking up a frearm for the frst time, enjoy a day of
fellowship and fun in one of Americas oldest pastimes with the
security and knowledge of some of the best marksmen in the
country. Visit http://thecmp.org/NM/Pistol.htm. Registration
information can be found at http://thecmp.org/NM.htm.
Pistol Small Arms Firing School in July
In May, Creedmoor
Sports announced a
new addition to their
familyformer Army
Marksmanship Unit
member and Nation-
al Rife Champion
Tyrel Cooper. From
General Manager
and National Rife Champion Dennis DeMille: We werent really
looking for someone, but when we heard Ty might be available,
we couldnt risk missing an opportunity to get him on board.
From Cooper: Ive known Dennis for a long time. I remember
watching him win National Championships when I was 14.
When I got his call, it was easy to accept his offer. Read more
about Cooper here.
Ty Cooper Joins Creedmoor Sports
A reminder to save your favor-
ite photos for the second annual
December cover contest. We
had many excellent submissions
last year and look forward to
more of the same. In October
well call for submissions of
your best, high resolution
(300 dpi or greater) photos of
youth shooting sports, famous
shooting athlete or shooters
on-the-line with eye and ear
protection. Color photos are
preferred and they must be
vertically oriented to ft the
cover format. Just tilt your
camera on its side. Well consid-
er all submissions and pick one
for the December, 2014, cover
of Shooting Sports USA maga-
zine. Professionals and amateurs
may participate as long as
reproduction rights are given
to NRA and no compensation
is expected, other than recog-
nition among your peers and
100,000 readers.
C
i
v
i
l
i
a
n

M
a
r
k
s
m
a
n
s
h
i
p

P
r
o
g
r
a
m
C
r
e
e
d
m
o
o
r

S
p
o
r
t
s
custo
M
cKenna Dahl knows exactly what she
wants to do after she graduates from
high school. This energetic 18-year-old
from Seattle moved to the Olympic Training
Center in May to begin her training regimen for
the 2016 Paralympic Gamesa journey that
began with a camp she attended six years ago.
McKenna has amyoplasia arthrogryposis,
which is the lack of development and growth of
muscles. At age 12, she attended a day camp
at Camp Access, especially created for children
with disabilities. She shot a .22 and liked it. A few
months later, camp director Ernie Butler invited
her to shoot at an NRA disabled sectional match.
Soon afterward, the Paralympic Training Camp at
the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs
sent her an invitation.
From there, I was hooked and I worked my
way onto the Paralympic Shooting Develop-
ment Team a few years later, said McKenna. She
shoots R4, R5 and falling target events when
available. The Olympic hopeful carries two types
of Samsonite luggage bags: Large for air travel
and smaller for the range. I love both of these
bags because they are easy for me to control
with their four wheels. I use the larger Samsonite
bag because it is one of the only bags big
enough to ft my tabletop shooting table. I use
Whats in Your Range Bag, McKenna Dahl?
By Barbara Baird, www.womensoutdoornews.com
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 9
the smaller bag to carry my shooting equipment
around the range, to and from the line. Every-
thing except my gun and tabletop ft inside so I
dont have to make a ton of trips to and from the
line. It is easy for me to handle and has survived
numerous airlines, reported McKenna.
What does she keep in her range bags?
A massive jumble of wheelchair parts
designed by a machinist in Lynnwood, WA
My Sauer shooting jacket and Contact II
trigger-hand glove
Finale Match pellets and Champions Choice
cleaning pellets
Cabelas toolbox with Anschtz gun oil,
blinder, cylinder adapter, and Allen wrenches
A binder with old competitor numbers, IPC ID
card, classifcation info and shooting journal
Gun stand
I am so thankful for the doors that shooting
has opened for me. My parents have been my
biggest fans and I would not be where I am today
without them, added McKenna. McKenna will
be competing at the Suhl, Germany, World
Championships in July. You may follow her at
her Facebook page, My Paralympic Dream.
U
S
A

S
H
o
o
t
i
n
g
SHOOTERS NEWS
Partners Corner
This is a new section of Shooters News where we list companies who display the Shooting Sports USA
logo and link on their website. In this section, we return the favor. To join the partners list, please contact us
using the magazines e-mail address on page 8.
NRA Competitions: http://competitions.nra.org/shooting-sports-usa.aspx
Berger Bullets: http://www.bergerbullets.com/links/
Larrys Guns: http://larrysguns.com/
Ammoman: http://www.ammoman.com/2a-friends
Black Hills Ammo: http://blackhillsammo.wordpress.com/tag/shooting-sports-usa/
Pronematch: http://pronematch.com/category/other/
Krieger Barrels: http://www.kriegerbarrels.com/Links-c1246-wp5857.htm
Schneller Manufacturing: http://schnellermanufacturing.com/
Lee Precision: http://leeprecision.net/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/651/0/industry-news
Shoot VMR: http://www.shootvmr.com/
Anschtz: http://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?produktID=267&menu=99&sprache=1&produktShow=detail
AmmoSeek: http://ammoseek.com/view.now/friends.html
10 SSUSA JULY 2014
12 SSUSA JULY 2014
SCORE SHEETS
Connecticut Indoor Pistol Championship
Metropolitan Shooters, Inc.
Manchester, CT
Feb. 8-9
Submitted by Frank Savino
175 competitors
The match was won by New Jersey shooter
Dave Lange with a score of 888-39X. Resident
State Champion Shane Murphy (Torrington, CT)
was the high expert fring an 876-40X. Special
category awards went to Karen Pizzitola,
high woman who posted a score of 858-38X.
Steve Wheeler took high senior with an 858-23.
The grand senior award went to Robert Droesch
with an 836-19X. Top class awards went to High
Master, Steve Setian fring 875-37, Donald Norris,
Master, posting an 875-42X, 1
st
Expert was
Shane Murphy fring an 876-40X, John Monty,
Sharpshooter, with an 848-22X and Marksman
Peter Galenski who fred a score of 836-19X.
Texas State High Power Rife Long Range/F-Class Championship
Bayou Rifes Range
Juliff, TX
Mar. 6-9
Submitted by Benjamin Brooks
80 competitors
This Championship includes 2-Man team matches
on Friday, three 20-shot 1,000-yard matches on
Saturday and two 20-shot 1,000 yard matches on
Sunday. We had 24 Teams including 48 shooters
for Fridays team matches and 80 shooters for the
1,000-yard matches on Saturday and Sunday.
Weather on Friday was clear to partly cloudy,
with mild temperatures in the low 60s. Saturday
had overcast skies with threatening rains that
did not occur. Sunday morning was totally wet
with a cold front. Skies were dark gray with
light rain showers, and northerly winds picking
up to 7-10 mph. The decision was made at
8:45 a.m. to call the tournament, considering
the weather conditions and concerns for the
safety of the shooters and the range.
In the PALMA Class, Team National Blue
(Jon Rhynard and Stacey Tamaulinas) took
frst with an 870-39X. In the Any Rife Class,
Team P3BR (Ken Porter and Gary Henry)
won with an 884-43X, and Team IGNUNT
(Keith Stephens and David Alden) took 2nd
with an 861-27X.
In the F-OPEN Class, Team Last Round
(Mark Walker and Matt Davis) took frst
with an 888-39X, Team Third Generation
was second with an 884-44X and Team Two
Johns (John Gaines and John Myers) took
third with an 879-31X.
In the F-TR Class, Team RAX & SAX (Leatha Tampke
and Allen Tampke) won with an 860-33X.
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 13
Winner
David Fontaine
Westbrook, CT
552
2nd
Kevin Winters
Easton, MA
531
3rd
Rick Sten
Pembroke, MA
530
1st M
Jamie Delory
Rehoboth, MA
503
1st EX
Paul LaLancette
Attleboro, MA
526
International Air Pistol
Sectional Championship
Newport Rife Club
Middletown, RI
Mar. 22
Submitted by Richard Ashmore
16 competitors
Texas State Small Bore Silhouette Rife Match
Haltom City Rife and Pistol Club
Haltom City, TX
Apr. 12
Submitted by Joe Attwood
38 competitors
Competitors participated in two 60-shot matches with the standard rife match and
hunter rife match. Shooters consisted of a diverse group of 8 women, 2 juniors, and
10 seniors who came from Monterrey (Mexico), Amarillo, Albuquerque, Houston,
Austin, Corpus Christi, and points east, south, and west of Texas.
The standard rife match winner was Juan Villareal from Monterrey who shot a
fne 52. He was closely followed by Elisabeth Steiger with a 51 (match high woman
shooter) and Bill Motl with a 50 (match high senior). Joseph Steiger won AAA with 49.
Jack Shada won AA with 36. Jim Rocket won A with a 41 and Liz Rocket won B
with 25.
We shot the hunter rife match after a barbeque brisket and jalapeo-cheese sausage
lunch. Bill Motl tied Elisabeth Steiger with a 54 and then won the shoot-off to earn top
honors. First place AAA was Jorge Garza with 46. Nicholas Steiger shot a 44 to cinch
second place AAA and went home with top junior honors with a total score of 89.
Jim Rocket placed frst in AA class with a 39. Gerry Hernandez won A with a 25.
And Clay Rocket won B class with a 22.
Match winner
Elisabeth Steiger
with Match Director
Ernie Kuney
Black Powder Target Rife
Mid Range Prone
Butte Rife Club
Rocker, MT
May 11
Submitted by Mark Griffs
8 competitors
Those of us in the frst relay got to shoot in
snow storms at 300 and 600 yards, sometimes
waiting until we could see the targets. We did
manage to fnish. All of us were wet and cold
and Relay 2 decided not to shoot at 600 yards,
so we didnt have to pull pit duty. We have to
thank them for sticking it out for ours, though.
Congratulations to Wes Daems, he wonthe
matchspotting for himself.
Winner
Wes Daems
Ennis, MT
290-6X
45-70
Pedersoli
Sharps
14 SSUSA JULY 2014
L
ike a photo fnish at the Kentucky Derby
or the fnal lap of the Indy 500, this years
Bianchi Cup Champion was determined
on the last shot, of the last event, on the
last day of the three-day match. Since
1990, Doug Koenig has won the Bianchi Cup
15 times, but this years score of 1918-182X earned
him second place (among 295 contestants, the larg-
est attendance so far). While some may ask What
went wrong?lets examine what went right.
New winners, more contestants and some no-shows
made for an interesting Championship this year.
By Chip Lohman, Managing Editor
Top fnishers and presenters (l. to r.):
High Jr. Louis Surgi, High Sr. Kim Beckwith,
MidwayUSA Founder and CEO Larry Potterfeld,
Colt Marketing VP Joyce Rubino, Ladies Champion
Jessie Duff, Bianchi Champion Kevin Angstadt,
MidwayUSA Founder and Co-Owner Brenda
Potterfeld, Metallic Winner Kevin Worrell,
Grand Senior Adam Lennert and Production
Champion Rob Leatham.
T
a
m

A
d
a
m
s
FEATURE // BIANCHI
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 15
New winners, more contestants and some no-shows
made for an interesting Championship this year.
When Koenig fred his last 25-yard shot as the
tombstone target made its 6-second pass from left
to right, he knew immediately that it was outside
the eight-inch 10-ring. Keep in mind that the pre-
ceding 191 shots for the week were all bullseyes.
Those of us standing nearby could see his under-
stated reaction, which was simply mouthing the
word ooh. There was no exaggerated look to the
sky, no grimace or drama. He calmly waited for his
targets, confrmed what he already knew, thanked

16 SSUSA JULY 2014
FEATURE // BIANCHI
the range offcer holding the targets and exited
the range. He rebounded to win the Open class
Colt Speed event the next morning.
We dont need a calculator to tabulate what
Doug Koenig has done right. He was the frst to
shoot a perfect score at Bianchi in 1990; hes
won the Cup 15 times, all with perfect scores
except in 2008, and he holds the Bianchi record
of 1920-187X, fred in 2011. Thats 192 bullseyes, of
which 187 were inside the four-inch X-ring. Did I
mention his sixth World Action Pistol victory the
week prior to this years Cup? Congratulations
Doug for your dedication, for raising the bar and
for your sportsmanship.
Having won 60+ State and Regional matches,
this is Bianchi Cup Champion Kevin Angstadts
15th Cup and his frst cleanthe only one to do
so at this years Championships. No newcomer to
the sport, Angstadt has been on every USA
Action Pistol Team since 2006. Angstadt shot an
1890-171X last year with a 450/480 on the mover.
He apparently put in the hours on a practice
mover since then, rewarding him with a mover
score this year of 480-35X. Said Angstadt: The
dream for all action pistol shooters is to come
here and shoot a 1920. I was just hoping to get
second place, but to win the whole thing? Thats
unreal. The Pennsylvania native is sponsored by
Midsouth Shooters, Safariland and Zero Bullets.
Amidst her television production schedule for
NRA All Access and Taurus sponsorship duties,
Ladies Champion Jessie Duff put aside a few
practice weeks to fne tune her shooting in prepa-
ration for the Bianchi Cups unique demands.
Responding to National Champion Julie Golob
on Gun Girl Radio, Duff said: Other events
put your adrenaline to good use with running
between targets and shooting fast. In Bianchi,
you stand and shoot. Theres no running to help
shake off the nerves. When I stepped up to the
frst target on the Practical this year, my hands
were shaking. I really have to work at staying calm,
especially on the Mover where all eyes are on you.
NRA National Police Pistol Champion and
Marine Corps Team Member Kevin Worrell
took top honors in the Bianchi Metallic Division
this year.
After 30+ years of professional shooting,
Production Champion Rob Leatham is still busy
winning and loving every minute of it. He
recently became the second person to win all six
USPSA divisions, the most recent one being the
revolver division. Julie Golob was the frst. As
Leatham jokingly points out, She did it with a
revolver I loaned her. So, technically, both titles
were won with Leatham guns.
Leathams frst Bianchi match was in 1982. He has
stood on the winners podium at Bianchi so often
K
y
l
e

J
i
l
s
o
n
T
a
m

A
d
a
m
s
Doug Koenig (l.), who placed second with a 1918-182X, congratulates
Kevin Angstadt on his 1920-171X victory. Rounding out the top three
was Nigel Gordon with a 1918-152X.
Taurus Jessie Duff took home her
fourth Ladies Champion trophy
after fring an 1893-135X.
2014 Bianchi Champion
Kevin Angstadt.
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 17
that NRA now orders the trophies with his name
already engraved (just kidding). Watch for a feature
article with Leatham later this year, after he shoots
Bullseye Pistol at Camp Perry this month. For those
new to the Bianchi Cup course-of-fre, see our
previous article here.
DAILY LEADER BOARD
Practical Barricade Mover Plates Total
OPEN DIVISION
Kevin Angstadt 480-41X 480-47X 480-35X 480-65X 1920-171X
Doug Koenig 480-45X 480-47X 478-42X 480-48X 1918-182X
Nigel Gordon 480-32X 480-40X 478-32X 480-48X 1918-152X
METALLIC DIVISION
Kevin Worrell 478-24X 475-26X 474-29X 480-54X 1907-127X
Robert Vadasz 474-27X 473-30X 480-33X 470-47X 1897-134X
Andre Schroeder 474-28X 456-31X 459-26X 480-48X 1869-133X
PRODUCTION DIVISION
Rob Leatham 468-22X 480-33X 476-31X 460-46X 1884-132X
Vance Schmid 449-20X 471-34X 474-28X 470-47X 1864-129X
Dave Sevigny 429-18X 453-16X 463-24X 480-77X 1825-106X
LADIES CATEGORY
Jessie Duff 474-29X 480-41X 469-18X 470-47X 1893-135X
Tiffany Piper 472-28X 480-42X 469-25X 470-47X 1891-142X
Cherie Blake 465-31X 480-34X 459-23X 470-47X 1874-135X
For all the scores, visit: www.gvshoot.com/forums/index.php?/page/gvbianchicup.
Marine Corps Gunny
Kevin Worrell won this
years Metallic Division.
After 30+ years as a pro, Rob Leatham
of Springfeld Armory was the
Top Gun in the Production Division.
P
h
o
t
o
s

b
y
T
a
m

A
d
a
m
s
18 SSUSA JULY 2014
FEATURE // BIANCHI
THE SUPPORT TEAM
Imagine running a match with only contestants. Weekly club shoots are often run this way but, for an
International Championship like Bianchi, people expect the bestand the Green Valley Rife and Pistol
Club delivers. Here are a few of the dedicated, friendly Bianchi professionals who make it happen.
Some have been supporting the Cup for over 20 years. (See the next page for their names.)
P
h
o
t
o
s

b
y

C
h
i
p

L
o
h
m
a
n
Event I: Practical
Event II: Barricade
Event IV: Falling Plates
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 19
Event I, and the frst stage for the top-squadded
Pros, is the Practical. From l. to r. on the previ-
ous page are Daniel Cook, Hayden Green, Chief
Range Offcer Diane Berkowitz, Jonathan Toalson
and Richard Johnson. For many competitors, the
frst words they hear at Bianchi are Dianes
Welcome to the Practical!
Next door is Event IIthe Barricade, which
boasts the fastest event at Bianchi: A draw from
the holster and six shots fred in fve seconds.
Team Barricade includes (l. to r.) Chuck Dungan,
Patricia Johnson, Sarah Toalson, Chief Range
Offcer Jessie Goff (13 years at Bianchi) and Tina
Brooke. Veterans of Bianchi remember Jessies
warm welcome and her frst question: Does
anyone have any questions about the course-
of-fre? A salute goes to Chuck for wearing the
designated pink uniform shirt.
Event IV is the Falling Plates, where everyone
knows your score: The plate either drops or it
doesnt. Team Plates roster includes (l. to r.)
Braden McLane, Karen Heddesheiner (22 years at
Bianchi), Chief Range Offcer Bruce Cook, Philip
Neff and Launa Burke. A member of Cooks team
tests the plates early each morning with a .22 cal.
pistol to ensure they all drop correctly. Our apolo-
gies to the three Mover Teams who were not
included. Well get you next year.
NEW SHOOTERS
One of the hurdles for growing our sport is to
avoid the appearance of being an elite group.
When new shooters come to a match to watch,
they have overcome several challenges, includ-
ing just fnding the range. We should all extend
a friendly hand to make them feel welcome.
Apparently, the Bianchi Cup has done just that
because the new shooter category continues
to grow. The number of unclassifed shooters this
year reached 98up from 79 last year. Do you
recognize the two new (new to Bianchi anyway)
tyros above? On the left is the reigning High
Woman Record Holder in service rifeJulia
Watson. To her left is six-time Womans National
Bullseye Pistol Champion, Kimberly Hobart.
Both competed this year and when asked, said,
Well be back!

MISSING IN ACTION
Absent this year were:
Enoch Smith
Border Patrols Enoch Smith, last
years Production Division Champion,
was picked up by another agency
and was attending their academy
when the frst shot went downrange
at Bianchi this year.
Carl Bernosky
National Rife Champion and last years
second place Bianchi winner Carl Bernosky
was recovering from a back injury. He
hopes to be well enough to shoot at
Camp Perry later this month.
Randi Rogers
Third place overall in the Production Division
last year, Smith & Wessons Randi Rogers had
to bow out this year to flm the next season
of Ammo & Attitude in New Mexico.
So, with the 35th Bianchi Cup fled away
in the record books, practice for next year
begins today. Download the Coming Events
listing from page 38 and sign up for an
Action Pistol Match. Theres no time like
the present!
Julia Watson and Kimbery Hobart
C
h
i
p

L
o
h
m
a
n
(PISTOL)
BY CHIP LOHMAN, MANAGING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:
DR. JUDY TANT AND DR. MIKE KEYES


PART 2 OF 2 i
S
t
o
c
k
P
h
o
t
o
FEATURE // MENTAL TRAINING II
Here is the conclusion of last months review of how several
recent areas of neurological study offer new perspectives
on established training regimens. Please refer to Part 1
for endnotes and the biographies of Drs. Tant and Keyes.
SHOOTING IS
20 SSUSA JULY 2014
PRACTICE
Observation:
What does practice accomplish? Am I building
strength, or just a habit?
Research:
Neuroscience has countered long-standing
views about the brain, revealing that it can
change. The medical terms for this are plasticity
and neurogenesis. In her book, Train Your
MIND Change Your BRAIN, Sharon Begley
reviews studies by neuroscientists that have
replaced old myths about how our brain reacts
to repetitious training. Where the scientifc
community used to believe that we were born
with and maintained our neuro programming
for life, recent research confrms that the mind
is much more adaptive than once believed.
One of Begleys examples recounts how
Drs. Michael Merzenich and Jon Kaas severed
the medial nerve in a monkeys hand, leaving the
monkey unable to feel anything on the thumb
side of the palm. Several months after the sur-
gery, time enough for the monkeys brain to
realize it had not received any signals from the
thumb for quite a while, the doctors re-examined
the somatosensory cortex [the brains processor
for sense of touch]. Up until now, the standard
view was that one would discover a black hole
in the cortex where it used to receive input.
In fact, what the two doctors discovered was
that the region of the brain that had originally
received signals from the severed nerve,
now responded to stimulation of other parts
of the hand. Instead of receiving signals from
the thumb area, this region of the brain now
responded to signals from the pinkie side of the
palm. While the study was initially dismissed as a
quirk, the surrounding controversy led to
more experimentation that ultimately dis-
charged the myth of the stagnant brain.
In fact, these studies showed that our brains
physical layout, how much space is appor-
tioned to certain tasks and how strongly
one neuronal fring is connected to another,
is shaped by experiences and the life we live,
wrote Begley.
From Dr. Tant:
Research on humans has confrmed and
extended such fndings. Brain scans of concert
violinists and taxi drivers show enlargement
of brain areas important to the practice of their
profession (left hand for violinists, and the hippo-
campusimportant for spacial memory, in taxi
drivers.) [Siegel, p. 85]
More directly applicable to shooting is
research establishing that growth in the middle
prefrontal lobe occurs in mindfulness practition-
ers who are adept at paying attention to the pres-
ent moment in a nonjudgmental and non-control-
ling manner. Think of an ideal shooter, focused
on the center of the bull [with a red-dot scope],
observing but not forcing, accepting the
random movement of the sights and noting
the outcome of the shot with detachment.
Now think of doing it yourself, over and over
again, knowing that you are exercising and
growing your brain with each repetition.
Muscle Memory:
Further research suggests that not only can
the second room (the cerebellum) of the
brain store procedures, but the trained
brain has a better idea of tripping the correct
nerves and muscles, leading to memory
within the muscle itself.
an ideal shooter, focused on the center of the bull, observing
but not forcing, accepting the random movement of the
sights and noting the outcome of the shot with detachment.
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 21
22 SSUSA JULY 2014
FEATURE // MENTAL TRAINING II
BRAIN SPEED
Observation:
If I dont over-think things and just let my eye
trigger the shot, I shoot better.
Research:
Scientists believe that the newer frontal
lobe may not be able to keep up with deep
brain signals that transmit at nearly 300 mph.
This is explained when athletes talk about
letting go, rather than over-thinking the shot.
As Tim Conrad explained in his January, 2013,
article on muzzle fip, this conscious signal can
take up to 0.3 seconds from recognizing the
desired sight picture to moving the trigger
fngertoo long to capture the opportunity for
a perfect shot. However, if the signal is initiated
spontaneously in the cerebellum where such pro-
cedures are thought to be stored through repeti-
tion, the reaction speed is much quicker. Signals
are processed by the deep brain almost twice
as fast as the problem-solving frontal lobes.
From Dr. Tant:
Instructions, however well-meaning, from
the conscious (left brain, frontal lobe) are a sure
recipe for suboptimal shots (producing a donut
pattern, for instance). Working with an electronic
training system can illustrate this concretely.
Often, I have found that the best possible score
would have come about 0.3 seconds before the
actual shot was released. Diagnosis: I forced the
shot and lowered my score.
As an example of how patterns can be embedded
into the deep brain without direct control from
the frontal lobes, consider how very experienced
amateur radio operators have learned to recognize
the Morse code. While the highest level of licensing
requires that amateur radio operators copy Morse
code at 20 words per minute, very experienced
Hams can copy signals at 100 words per minute,
while reading a separate message out loud from a
newspaper. With years of repetition, the deep brain
for these radio operators has learned to translate
the sound of Morse code dots and dashes directly
to the written symbol, while the conscious brain
reads concurrently from the newspaper. From
Lones Wiggers interview, It takes 3-4 years to learn
how to shoot, and another 3-4 years to learn how to
winto deal with match pressure. It takes several
more years to learn how to do it when it counts.
FOCUS
Observation:
When Im in the zone, I shoot my best.
But, its hard to get there on demand.
Research:
This condition has been studied neurologically
in a number ofstudies showing how the brain
works when an expert is viewing an action in
their area of expertise or when they are work-
ing at a high level. From David Rocks Your Brain
at Work: A key part of maintaining good focus
occurs based on how well we inhibit the wrong
things from coming into focus. Theres that
concept againinhibiting what comes naturally,
like subduing the instinct to finch. Brock contin-
ues: Using scanning technologies, neuroscien-
tists have observed people inhibiting their
natural responses, and discovered the brain
networks that are activated when this happens.
There is one specifc region within the prefrontal
cortex that keeps showing up as being central
for all types of inhibition. Its called the right
and left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. So it
is with well-practiced shootersthis part of
the brain that inhibits unwanted activity is
stronger than in less-practiced athletes. While
we might say these athletes really know how
to focus, it may be more precise to say they
have spent more time in the brain gym,
strengthening the part of the mind that keeps
out unwanted distractions.
...it may be more precise to say they have spent more time in the brain gym,
strengthening the part of the mind that keeps out unwanted distractions.
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 23
From Dr. Tant:
This is different than telling yourself to stop
doing something, which perversely increases
the emphasis on it. It is more a process which is
a byproduct of focusing; the brain adjusts by reduc-
ing fring in nonessential or interfering areas.
Finally, from Brock, a slightly different take
on the concept of being in the zone: Heres a
big takeaway from all this. Manage what you
focus on. Pay attention to your attention, and
stop yourself from getting on the wrong train of
thought early, before it takes over. This is the
opposite of being mindless: Its being mindful.
From Dr. Keyes:
As for focus, there is a large range of ability
to focus among people in general, and probably
includes a genetic component. I did an accidental
experiment with U.S. pistol shooters in which I
asked them to work with a biofeedback machine.
Originally I was going to teach them relaxation,
but they all beat the machine right away. In fact
they had races to see who could do it the fast-
est. There was no need to teach relaxationthey
all had that talent (none had ever been taught a
technique), but none had a way to use it when
they were at the world championships or the
Olympics.They also had the ability to focus
intensely, but again were not able to use that
ability to their advantage.Focus can be learned,
but most shooters are self-selected and have the
talent to focus in the frst place. The trick is to be
able to use that ability in high stress situations
which does require a lot of training and coaching.
As for the SEAL study [see Part 1], its not sur-
prising that they found that conclusion as these
men were not only chosen in a vigorous selection
environment, but are very highly trained to the
point of brain change, the way classical musi-
cians and a lot of other athletes are.
In addition, classroom teachers and trainers
often refer to a students attention span or inabil-
ity to focus, when describing their ability to learn.
An inexperienced persons mind may wander
during stress with thoughts such as Will I win?
Will my teammate do better than me? What will
my parents or friends think? Will I be embar-
rassed? With experience and maturity, we begin
to collate what is important and exclude that
which is not. Put another way, we learn to focus.
THE NEUROSCIENCE
OF BELIEF
Yale Professor Steven Novellas Your Deceptive
Mind explains the many faws in our minds
emotions and its tendency to take the path of
least resistance as a self-protective measure.
The default mode of human psychology is to
arrive at beliefs for largely emotional reasons
and then to employ our reason, more to justify
those beliefs, rather than to arrive at those
beliefs in the frst place. An example of this is
when we rationalize or attribute our behavior
to external causes. Without the use of critical
thinking (the frontal lobes), it is easy to give in
to deep-seated emotions to protect our self-
esteem. I lost because of ______, rather than
I wasnt prepared.
Like practicing the fundamentals, the habit of
critical thinking can become ingrained in the plas-
tic mind. While we cant change the evolved emo-
tions rooted in our lizard brain, we can change
how we respond to those emotions by engaging
the executive function of our frontal lobes. As an
example, rather than label pre-match nerves as
a faw that threatens our shooting performance,
instead, view the excess adrenaline as our bodys
attempt to prepare us for the match with better
eyesight and refexes.
...it may be more precise to say they have spent more time in the brain gym,
strengthening the part of the mind that keeps out unwanted distractions.
24 SSUSA JULY 2014
FEATURE // MENTAL TRAINING II
Dr. Tant:
What you are
describing here relates
to the whole area of
rational, conscious
reformulations of trou-
blesome emotions and
beliefs via self-talk,
which is the province
of cognitive-behavioral therapy, often referred
to as CBT in my feld. It is great stuff, especially
when it is kept purely positive. I describe it to my
patients as being a sort of mental hygiene regi-
men, to be used routinely to maintain a good
attitude, just as they would brush their teeth
daily or try to get enough sleep. Abundant
research supports its usefulness for treating
many psychological disorders and enhancing
many types of performance.
Opportunities for using it in competition
come up all the time for me. Just yesterday, I
shot a 2700 match at an indoor range where the
temperature was stuck at around 86 degrees
and I had come dressed for about 70 degrees, at
most. Even as I knew I was in for a long ordeal, I
told myself that everyone was in the same boat,
reminded myself that I tolerate heat better than
many due to my low metabolism and that, in any
event, it was going to be good practice for the
outdoor season. I didnt shoot well, but I didnt
sink into the negativity and I enjoyed the match.
The CBT/self-talk approach is easy to
understand, well-researched and a great place
to start for anyone because it is so accessible.
Its hallmark quality is the suppressing of unwant-
ed beliefs through the installation of counteract-
ing beliefs or positive self statements. Studies
in animals and humans have shown that the
old (negative) learning remains encoded in
our brains alongside the newer (positive)
learning. The old learning may not be active,
but suppressing it is only temporary unless
we periodically refresh the more positive,
desirable thoughts and beliefs that we seek.
(Yes, like brushing our teeth!)
There is newer (2004 and later mostly)
research however, that fts beautifully into the
neuroplasticity model that you described earlier.
The research establishes that the brain has a way
of completely, not just temporarily, revising what
it knows, erasing memories without just sidelin-
ing them or suppressing them. Termed memory
reconsolidation, it is a process that rewires a
memory or belief when three key steps occur:
(1) Reactivation of the original learning (belief,
negative self statement, etc.) in an emotionally
real way, (2) Creating or encountering a mis-
match with the belief or expectation while the
original learning is activated (produces instability
in the original learning), and (3) Within a period
of about fve hours, installing a new learning
that contradicts, or at least alters somewhat, the
problem thoughts. (This process is not what
behavioral scientists call extinction, which
appears to be a form of suppression and not true
elimination of memory. Memory reconsolida-
tion has been demonstrated for various types of
memory (e.g., procedural memory, declarative
memory, classical fear conditioning) and applied
in a whole range of psychotherapies, though
rarely explicitly. According to Ecker, et al. (2012)
in Unlocking the Emotional Brain, (p. 26): As of
this writing, this [three step process] is the only
behavioral process known to neuroscience that
achieves true eradication of an emotional learn-
ing, and it does so through the only known
form of neuroplasticity capable of unlocking
the synapses maintaining an existing learning:
memory reconsolidation.
The relevance for our purposes here is that
knowing about memory reconsolidation gives
the shooter a powerful tool to transform negative
...knowing about memory reconsolidation gives the shooter a powerful tool to
transform negative experiences and do it when they are at their most intense.
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 25
experiences and do it when they are at their
most intense. While having a coach at these
times would be a real asset, there is nothing to
keep us from deliberately using these experi-
ences as reminders to search for mismatching
information or evidence to help us change and
strengthen our mental game.
As a personal example, I remember a
2700 match some years back in which I cross-
fred early in the slow-fre portion of .22 and
had to face the rest of the day, down a bunch
of points. I recall feeling embarrassed and
defeated, as if the match was over and a disaster
already. Like a good cognitive therapist though, I
reminded myself, almost mechanically, to hang in
there anyway (positive self-talk of the suppress-
ing sort) and hunkered down to do my best
(more positive self-talk). At the end of the day, I
had shot some of my best short lines [25-yards]
ever with the .45, resulting in a half-decent
aggregate score. It was an aha! moment
for me. With the distress of the crossfring
(old, intense negative experience) still accessible
but destabilized by the conficting, contradictory
reality of an OK aggregate score, a new know-
ing settled in my gut (memory reconsolidation):
Never give up, ever! Ive crossfred since, not a
pleasant experience certainly, but I dont go back
to that old defeated place. Something shifted for
me that day and I believe the mismatch of my
initial negative assessment with the tolerable
outcome gave substance to the conviction that
its never over until its done.
SEEING IN
SLOW MOTION
Observation:
With timed fre, standing in the wind, moving
the trigger fnger and even fatigue from holding
the frearm, our training regimens eventually
address shot timing in an effort to shrink target
holes to a winning group size. As discussed in
Begleys book, extensive training can produce a
direct, neurological circuit between procedures
stored in the deep brain and the trigger fnger,
and may even educate the muscle itself in the
proper technique.
Slow-motion cameras capture many more
frames per second in order to reveal details
not visible at normal speed. In slow motion,
we are seeing a fraction of the original move-
ment, extended over the same time interval.
If only the human eye could slow down the
shooters sight picture so we could split that
last second into 10, or better yet, 100 frames,
enabling us to select the precise sight picture
frame prior to releasing the shot. As it turns
out, we can.
Recall the phrase after a moment of crisis:
It was as if time stood still. Law enforcement
offcers have described their actions under
stress as seemingly in slow motion. During
a slip on the ice that left the author hovering
several feet above the asphalt, I felt I had a
full minute to prepare for the fall, all due to
the intense, momentary crisis and subsequent
focus from the part of the brain dedicated to
fght-or-fight.
Research:
As weve learned, training can improve our
ability to exclude unnecessary thoughts. As
Lanny Bassham explained, a proper attitude can
re-cast the fght-or-fight reaction of our early
reptilian brain into the positive component of
hyper concentration. If we replace frames per
second with procedures per second and elimi-
nate most of the unnecessary data through better
focus, then the same amount of time is devoted
to fewer procedures. In effect, we are seeing in
slow motion.
Many thanks to Dr. Judy Tant and Dr. Mike
Keyes for their time and contributions
to this series. While wide-ranging, hopefully
these articles will help the reader with one
or more new perspectives toward a better
understanding of how our brain infuences
our shooting performance.
26 SSUSA JULY 2014
FEATURE // OPEN AIR MATCHES
For the frst time, airgun competitors could participate in the
Nationals from one of 15 locations. Here, shooters on the line
compete from Walhalla High School in South Carolina.
W
a
l
t

W
a
l
t
e
r
s
B
a
r
b
a
r
a

S
h
e
w
By Damian Allen, National Airgun Manager
Local Precision Rife winners from Albany, OR, included (l. to r.)
Andrew Dudley, Taylor Dueck, Shyanne Bennett and Casey Miller.
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 27
A new format with more locations and competitor
categories helped boost participation, while online
scoring made it seem like a shoulder-to-shoulder event.
T
his years Championships were held
during March 29-30 and April 5-6 at
15 locations, thus retiring the long-
standing tradition of hosting the
matches at a central site. NRA also
implemented the Orion scanning/scoring system
so that the scores from all 436 competitors were
reported in near-real-time. Even the National
Champion was declared within moments of fring
the fnal shot. Shooters from the East and West
Coast, the Midwest and even Alaska and Hawaii
were able to compete without traveling halfway
across the globe. And, in order to make the compe-
tition more accessible, this years Championships
also began accepting a wider variety of competitors,
including adults. Some veteran shooters dusted
off their air rifes from long ago, while others had
kept their skills current and were
among the frst to register. In
addition to presenting more
opportunities for adult competitive
shooting, the expanded format
allows older shooters to pass on
the marksmanship lessons they
have learned throughout their
lives. Though currently dwarfed
by the number of junior competi-
tors, adult airgun competition
is expected to expand in the
coming years.
One of the main goals of the
Open Airgun Championships is to
include as many competitors as
possible. In addition to a category
for adults, the 2014 Open Airgun
Championships introduced a
category for Adaptive Competi-
tors. Programs such as those run by the Paralyzed
Veterans of America use airguns to introduce
adaptive shooters to competition. The Open
Airgun Nationals represent yet another opportunity
for individuals with disabilities to compete.
This years Precision Rife Champions were
Tim Sherry (Fairbanks, AK), Jack Anderson
(Franklin, PA) and Michael Steinel (Lowell, OH). The
top scores in Sporter Rife were delivered by cham-
pions Justine Hamilton (Zion, IL), Kevin Hamilton
(Zion, IL) and Carmen Paige (Ft. Benning, GA).
There is a great deal of airgun talent through-
out the United States, with national awards sent
to competitors in Alaska, California, Georgia,
Illinois, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania,
South Carolina and Washington. Every participant
from each of the 15 different locations had a chance
for a national award and, while many locations
stand out as having excellent programs that pro-
duce fantastic marksmen, no single region domi-
nated the competition.
The new format for the
Championships allowed more
shooters to compete than ever
before, reaching all the corners
of the United States. With more
locations, one might have expect-
ed many more problems and
logistical concerns, but each
location was able to post their
scores online within the allotted
time period. The chief lesson of
the 2014 Championships was the
value of local shooting clubs. The
multi-location format benefted
from the fact that there is a great
deal of know-how at the clubs and
schools that run airgun events
each month. Taking advantage of
the regional expertise has brought
more shooters to the Nationals this year, and prom-
ises to allow increasing improvements in the years
to come.
Becky Martin (Emerado, ND) took
home a handful of medals that
she won at Ayr, ND.
E
d
i
e

F
l
e
e
m
a
n
28 SSUSA JULY 2014
FEATURE // BLENDED TRAINING
O
n Saturday, April 26, a little after
1:00 p.m., I was present at the
NRA Annual Meetings as NRA Train-
ing Department National Manager
John Howard made a rather signif-
cant announcement to nearly 800 NRA certifed
trainers. True, there were a couple of other
announcements made, such as online instructor
recertifcation will soon require a record of teach-
ing activity (any frearms teaching activity); an
online refresher course to make sure that train-
ers are on the same page as the certifed NRA
curriculum; as well as exploring the creation of
simulator-based training classes. But, that was
not what caught the attention of most of those
assembled. No, it was the announcement that
NRA would be moving the Basic Pistol Course to a
Blended Learning format in the following year.
This spurred many questions from the trainers in
attendance, not the least of which was: Whats
Blended Learning?
I spent a great deal of time after the announce-
ment, along with John and Instructor Program
Coordinator Mark Richardson, answering as
many questions as we could. However, given
the number of trainers and the time available,
it was impossible to address them all. So,
allow me to get into the weeds a bit and see
if I cant help illuminate some of the fner
points, as we know them today.
First things frst: What is Blended Learning?
Wikipedia describes it pretty well: Blended
BY SEAN THORNTON, NRA SENIOR TRAINING PROGRAM COORDINATOR
FOR FUTURE NRA PISTOL STUDENTS
The Times, They Are A-Changin
NRA Instructor Program Goes Blended
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 29
learning is a formal education program in which
a student learns, at least in part, through online
delivery of content and instruction with some
element of student control over the time, place,
path or pace. While still attending a brick-and-
mortar school structure, face-to-face classroom
methods are combined with computer-mediated
activities. In essence, taking part of a curriculum
and putting it online as a preliminary, standard
introduction, before classroom discussion
takes place.
This then prompted the question, Why dont
you have an example or fnished product that
you could demonstrate and allow trainers to see
how it works? We wanted to get way out ahead
of this initiative and inform our trainers (we have
116,000 at present) of what the future will look like
for NRA training. We did not want to announce one
day that: As of next week, the switch is fipped
and you must now use
this system. Rather, we
wanted to communicate
well in advance that this
is being developed so
that the transition can be
as seamless as possible.
Which brings me to
the primary reason this
initiative was started
increased standardiza-
tion of class content, for
the students beneft. We
have all heard stories of
a trainer who has shirked
their duty to the student
and either omitted or
changed NRA-certifed
material or the process,
for any number of rea-
sonsall of which were inadequate. Our primary
concern and responsibility is the student, and we
must explore making use of the tools at our dis-
posal to help ensure that they get the best training
we can offer.
We want to make sure that the student is, with-
out question, exposed to the material they are
supposed to receive during a class. In the case of
online education, the student will be introduced
to such things as basic safety knowledge; nomen-
clature; ammunition; scoring a target; opportuni-
ties for ongoing training and practice; and other
similar objectives that will be moved to a uniform,
web-based e-learning format.
Instructors will remain the most important part
of implementing the blended training program.
Instructors will be providing instruction during the
second phase of Basic Pistol training, including
teaching and verifcation of practical range exer-
cises, prior to validating the diploma. The range
session will include loading and unloading the
various action types, performing safe gun
handling fundamentals, learning a position, etc.
Remember to advertise all your courses on
www.nrainstructors.org.
There are some big upsides to this method:
Increased standardiza-
tion for the student,
as I mentioned earlier;
reduced liability for the
trainer and the NRA;
reduced need for class-
room time and room
rental; and the change
from student materials,
previously purchased by
the instructor, to online
documentation. If youre
already an NRA instruc-
tor, you will receive
additional information,
as appropriate.
We made this
announcement early
to give instructors an
opportunity to wrap
their minds around this new concept and to adjust
accordingly. The NRA has been developing
instructors for more than a hundred years.
This partnership will continue to be the gold
standard of frearms training in America.
For more information, contact:
nrainstructors@nrahq.org.
...standardizing the
students knowledge
and continuing to be
the gold standard for
frearms training
in America.
30 SSUSA JULY 2014
FEATURE // WHERE ARE THEY NOW? BY BARBARA BAIRD
W
hereas many might think of the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in terms of the
worlds toughest men, it also trains steely-eyed women champions. From AMU
public affairs offcer Michael Molinaro: In 1959, SFC Barbara Hale joined the unit
and won the 1961 service rife championship. In 1965, LtCol Sallie Carroll became
the frst woman to join the service pistol team. And then we had the likes of
Olympian Margaret Murdoch [now a career nurse] and Sherri Gallagher [now with the Army Golden
Knights skydivers], among others. We asked four women AMU alumnae to tell us about their days
with the unit and whats on their to-do list.
Kimberly Kolb-Eakin shot service pistol and broke eight national records, four
of which still stand. Today, she is an incurable entrepreneur. Having sold her
gourmet wine business, she now sells machine guns with her husband and is
assisting him with the launch of his new book, Showdown:The Truth Behind the
Gun Control Crisis. She served in the Army from 1990 to 2011.
OF THE AMU
Where are they now?
(l. to r.) Former AMU team members
Eakin, Dement, DeWitt and Golob
posing with unloaded guns.
C
l
a
s
s
3
o
n
l
y
.
c
o
m
OF THE AMU
Give your AR the ultimate workout with the most massive M-223 yet. Bulked-
up main tube puts supreme strength and enhanced-diameter interior lenses to
work toward increased resolution and maximized elevation adjustment. Its versa-
tile power range and wide eld of view offer a profound mix of targeting speed
and top-end precision. Add platform-focused ballistic technology and Nikons
exclusive Spot On optimized reticle and youve got a challenging 600 yards
rmly in your capability bucket. Available in standard and illuminated BDC 600.
The M-223 30mmexperience the power of big.
Higher Resolution. Faster Targeting. Increased Strength.
WARRANTY
LIFETIME
A
l
l

N
i
k
o
n

t
r
a
d
e
m
a
r
k
s

a
r
e

t
h
e

p
r
o
p
e
r
t
y

o
f

N
i
k
o
n

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
i
o
n
.
32 SSUSA JULY 2014
FEATURE // WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Joetta Dement was a member of 19 different World Teams in Trap and Double Trap.
She retired from the Army in 2014 and has been catching up on the things she said
shed do when she retired. Today, she is the Merchandising Manager for Jager Pro,
a company of 10 retired Army soldiers who eradicate feral hogs. She served in the
Army from 1994 to 2014.
Terri DeMitt competed in the 1996 Olympic Games in Double Trap and earned
Armed Force Female Athlete of the Year, among numerous other awards. She is
now one of two Program Managers for the MidwayUSA Foundation that provide
sustainment funding for youth shooting teams. She served in the Army from
1991 to 2011.
Julie Golob competed in Action Pistol and earned Army Female Athlete of the
Year in 1999. She is now the Captain of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Team,
record-setting national champion, [most recently placed second at the World Action
Pistol Championships], author and frequent television guest star. She served in
the Army from 1995 to 2003.
WHAT LESSONS DID
YOU TAKE AWAY
FROM THE AMU?
Kimberly: The quality of my training depended
directly on how well I paid attention to daily
routines and their effect on my shooting. With
5-6 hours of range time each day, I was forced
to examine every little habit and fgure out if it
worked for me or not. I also had the opportunity
to shoot shoulder-to-shoulder with the nations
top shooters.
Joetta: Discipline, working together as a team,
and not to ever let anyone tell you you cant
do that. Always believe in yourself.
Terri: Success is a journey. All things being
equal, attitude will determine outcome.
Julie: Leadership and the value of hard work.
Regardless of the weather or how tired we were,
we were there to shoot, to train and to win.
That experience taught me about goal setting.
A series of seminars by Lanny Bassham also
taught me about mental management.
WHATS ON
YOUR SHOOTING
BUCKET LIST?
Kimberly: Go back to Camp Perry and
win the National Championships. And,
Sandra Uptagrafft may coax me back into
Air and Sports Pistol, yet.
Joetta: My focus has switched from me
to our son. He loves to shoot and we have
started taking him hunting.
Terri: In addition to working on a Masters
Degree in Sport Coaching, Ive been asked
to participate in Wobble Trap, which is a
modifed version of International Trap.
So, Ill need to start training again.
Julie: After world travel with the Army and
Smith & Wesson, Id still like to shoot and/or
hunt in all 50 states. And Id like to get back to
Camp Perry and achieve the Presidents Hundred;
try my hand at cowboy action shooting;
and maybe, one day, become competitive
in Olympic Sport Pistol.
U
.
S
.

A
r
m
y
J
e
r
r
y

G
r
u
e
n
e
m
e
i
e
r
Y
a
m
i
l

S
u
e
d
I Am the CMP.
TM
www.TheCMP.org 1-888-267-0796
When I
compete in
air rife shooting
at the CMP
Marksmanship
Center, Im
following in the
footsteps of
Olympians,
present and
past.
When I
compete in
air rife shooting
at the CMP
Marksmanship
Center, Im
following in the
footsteps of
Olympians,
present and
past.
To learn more about
opportunities to
participate in the
CMPs frearm
safety and
marksmanship
programs, call or
visit us on the Web
today!
To learn more about
opportunities to
participate in the
CMPs frearm
safety and
marksmanship
programs, call or
visit us on the Web
today!
A PAGE FROM HISTORY: AMERICAN RIFLEMAN, AUGUST 1955
34 SSUSA JULY 2014
A PAGE FROM HISTORY: AMERICAN RIFLEMAN, AUGUST 1955
36 SSUSA JULY 2014
38 SSUSA JULY 2014
COMING EVENTS
NATIONAL SMALLBORE
RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIPS
BRISTOL, IN
Jul. 14-15 Metric 3-Position Championship
Jul. 16-17 Conventional 3-Position
Championship
Jul. 19-23 Conventional Prone Championship
Jul. 24-25 Metric Prone Championship
The Championship Program and registration
are online. To request a written entry form
and/or program: (A) Submit a written
request via e-mail to hmoody@nrahq.org or
to lwenzell@nrahq.org indicating your request
or (B) Submit a written request indicating your
request to NRA Competitive Shooting Division,
Attn: National Smallbore Rife Championships
(Mrs. Lois Wenzell), 11250 Waples Mill Rd.,
Fairfax, VA 22030.
2014 NATIONAL RIFLE &
PISTOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
CAMP PERRY, OH
Jul. 8-13 Pistol Matches
Jul. 14-23 CMP High Power Rife and
Games Events
Jul. 24-29 NRA High Power Rife and
Mid-Range Championship
Jul. 30-Aug. 3 NRA Long Range High Power
Rife Championship
Aug. 5-10 NRA Fullbore Championship
Online Registration for the National Champion-
ships is available at: www.nmentry.com (select the
2014 Camp Perry Online Entry link). Entry forms
and programs are available on the NRA Competi-
tive Shooting web site or will be mailed to com-
petitors. To request an entry form and program
either: (A) Call (877) 672-6282 and press 1;
Click here for the entire Coming Events list.
Click this box to download the entire Coming Events list in a smaller fle size (without page turning).
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;
mkramer@nrahq.org, NRA Competitive Shooting Division.
NRA SANCTIONED
MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000
INTERNET ADDRESS: www.nra.org
MEMBER SERVICE (800) 672-3888
NRAstore.com (888) 607-6007
MEMBER PROGRAMS
Hertz Car Rental CDP# 166609
(800) 654-2200
AVIS Car Rental AWD# A832100
(800) 225-7094
NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs
(877) 672-3006
NRA Endorsed Prescription Plan
(888) 436-3700
NRA Endorsed Check Program
(888) 331-6767
NRA VISA Card
(866) NRA-VISA
NRA Real Estate/Relocation Services
(800) 593-2526
NRA Endorsed Moving Program
North American Van Lines (800) 524-5533
Allied Van Lines (800) 871-8864
INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline
(800) 392-8683
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT
(877) NRA-GIVE
THE NRA FOUNDATION (800) 423-6894
GIFT PLANNING (800) 672-4521
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM
(800) 231-0752
FRIENDS OF NRA
(703) 267-1342
WOMEN ON TARGET
(800) 861-1166
REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM
(800) 861-1166
INSTRUCTOR/COACH
(703) 267-1500
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING
(703) 267-1468
FIELD OPERATIONS/RANGES
(877) 672-7264
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS
(703) 267-1601
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS
(800) NRA-CLUB
HUNTER SERVICES (703) 267-1500
LAW ENFORCEMENT
(703) 267-2640
NATIONAL FIREARMS MUSEUM
(703) 267-1600
EDUCATION & TRAINING
(703) 267-1500
MEDIA RELATIONS
(703) 267-1595
YOUTH PROGRAMS (703) 267-1505
PROGRAM MATERIALS CENTER (800) 336-7402
NRA MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS
SHOOTINGSPORTSUSA.COM 39
(B) E-mail a request indicating your desired phase (pistol,
smallbore or high power rife) to compadmin@nrahq.org; or
(C) Mail a request indicating your desired phase to: NRA Com-
petitive Shooting Division, Attn: National Matches Request,
11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030.
2014 SPIRIT OF AMERICA
FULLBORE PRONE
CHAMPIONSHIP
RATON, NM
SEPTEMBER 5-12, 2014
For information please contact: John W. Gaines, 122 Hidden
Haven Dr., Boerne, TX 78006; jrgaines@gvtc.com.
2014 F-CLASS NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS
PHOENIX, AZ
OCTOBER 28-NOVEMBER 2, 2014
For information please contact: Middleton Tompkins,
P.O. Box 11684, Prescott, AZ 86304; (928) 776-8576.
2014 NATIONAL SILHOUETTE
CHAMPIONSHIPS
RATON, NM
Jul. 9-12 Hunters Pistol
Jul. 14-16 Smallbore Rife
Jul. 18-20 High Power Rife
Jul. 22-25 Cowboy Rife
Jul. 29-30 Black Powder Cartridge Rife Scope
Aug. 1-2 Black Powder Cartridge Rife
Sep. 13-20 Black Powder Target Rife
Program and entry cards have been available since April 1, 2014. Write
now for yours and be sure to specify the Championship(s) you wish
to attend. Write or call: NRA Silhouette Dept., 11250 Waples Mill Rd.,
Fairfax, VA 22030; (703) 267-1474 or silhouette@nrahq.org.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 10/22

, Ruger asked its fans to submit

a photo and description of their customized 10/22

rie. We narrowed down the entries to ten

nalists and the public voted for their favorite design. The contest winning rie, available in 2014, takes the
legendary action and renowned, reliable rotary magazine of the 10/22

and combines them with several features of

other popular Ruger

ries. The result is a fun, versatile rie that rearms enthusiasts of all ages are sure to enjoy.
2014 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 050614 RUGER.COM/10/22
Patented, Detachable
10-Round Rotary Magazine
Scout Rie-Style Accurate Sighting System
Ergonomical, Lightweight Black Composite Stock
with Modern Forend Contouring and Grip Serrations
Scout Rie-Style Picatinny Rail
Flash Suppressor * and Protected Front Sight
Includes
Interchangeable
Stock Modules
that Provide
Comb Height
Options for
Scope or Iron
Sight Use
* Some ries may not be available in all states and locales due to laws limiting magazine capacity or other feature-based restrictions.
Please check with your local law enforcement agency prior to purchasing to verify that it may legally be purchased and/or possessed in your particular state and locale.
2014 ONLY
Patented, Detachable
10-Round Rotary Magazine