Greetings all,

Once again Eli and I made the long drive from Holland to Austria, Vienna for the Helmut Schwaiger Trophy match. As always, while I did not look forward to the long drive, I did look forward to the match. Most big level three matches are rightfully held in outdoor ranges, as it is particularly difficult to design and build good stages indoors. However the team in Vienna have it down to an art, and the stages are excellent!

With even more portable bullets stops than in previous years, the stage designs were in no way limited in direction of fire! Targets were shot downrange, but also left and right. Cleverly positioned barricades and windows forced the shooter to do some smart leg work to keep moving while shooting the stage. Lots of moving targets added a flair of sophistication and indeed difficulty to many of the stages - offering swingers, pop up and drop down targets, and even some movers. In fact, I would say this match has more activated targets that most level III's. and I like that!

The winner's trophy in this match is indeed something special in it's own right. A huge silver cup - certainly worth some serious money. Previously, it was announced that this traveling trophy would stay permanently with whom ever won the match 3 years in a row. I was excited this year - as I had won the match in the past 2 years, so I thought that if I could win again - the trophy would be mine to keep... and more importantly - I would not have to carry it back to Vienna ever again (I have already driven this trophy almost 6000km across Europe...). Well, I did win the match, but at the ceremony was disappointed to hear that the committee had changed their minds, and  decided the trophy would continue to travel, no matter how many years in a row it was won by anyone. Too bad, I was disappointed by that.

But, trophy story not withstanding, I had a great weekend in Vienna! Enjoyed the match immensely, and shot some good stages. It was also my first match wearing the new STI colors, as team captain for the fine STI Euro Team. 4 members of our team were at the match - and between us we won Open (me) Standard (Gregory Midgely) and 3rd Standard (Ralf K Jensen). So all in all it was a great weekend for the team. Our next team event will be the Med Cup in early May.

Here are the top results:

Top 10 Open

Top 10 Standard

Top 10 Production:

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

Pictures