Greetings all, I first competed in the European Steel Challenge in 2003. I won in 2003 and 2004, but could not go back to defend my title in 2005. I was sorry for that, and this year I would not miss this match! The Steel Challenge, for those not familiar with it, is a lot like IPSC shooting, but without all the running around and fancy stuff. It is basically a plate shoot - where you stand and draw the gun from hands above shoulder height - and shoot 5 plates, in order, as fast as you can. You repeat 5 times, and throw away your worst run, so 4 runs score. You get penalties (harsh ones!) for misses or for hitting the stop plate early - and your time is accumulated. He (or she) with the shortest overall time wins! There are 4 divisions - Open and Standard Pistol, and Open and Standard Revolver!.
It's a simple match to shoot - but not at all an easy one! The level of accuracy required goes way above what you see on an average IPSC stage. This is a match that tests true shooting skills - accuracy under pressure, on demand. It is a true test of control and poise. The key here is not to go too fast, because time lost for extra shots tends to add up real quick... I love this match! Peter Paul and his crew run it to perfection! Everything is just right - from the ranges, to the steel plates, the schedule is like clockwork - even the weather seems to cooperate nicely. It really is a fun event to shoot. I enjoy the mental challenge of getting up there to shoot 35 times in 1 hour. And to try and be focused and positive for each run, no matter what just happened on a previous run. It is a test of mental concentration for sure, and many a fast and fancy IPSC shooter will crash and burn badly on these 7 accuracy orientated stages. But for those up for a challenge - this is the place to be! To add interest this year - I competed in both Open and Standard divisions. For the last few months I took up my standard guns again, after not having trained standard for some years. I love it! I guess it's just something different for me, and I really enjoy the challenge of the changed sight picture and recoil. So I shot some rounds to prepare for the match, and competed in both Open and Standard. I won the overall title and Open Division, and shot well enough in Standard class to finish 2nd to top standard shooter, Oliver Damn. Not too bad I thought for my first attempt at standard in years. I will be back for more for sure! For complete results visit http://www.europeansteelchallenge.com/ As always I have my sponsors to thank for their support
STI International
Drummen Custom Guns
Berry's Fmg
Competitive Edge Dynamics (CED)
Rescomp Handgun Technologies
Lapua/Vihtavuori
Aimpoint
Until the next time I wish you all excellent shooting.
Saul Kirsch | 
