Hi All,

Last week I had the privilege to participate in the Winchester Challenge and American Handgunner World shoot-off held each year in Montrose Colorado, at the San Juan shooting range. This match has become a tradition, as this was the 11th year of the event. For years I've heard about this event and the special challenges it present to shooters "brave enough" to try it. I'd always wanted to participate - and I can tell you - It was a  BLAST!!!

The San Juan range is owned and run by Paul and Kerry Miller - some of the nicest people in our business. They work hard every year not only to run a professional match, but also to make sure each competitor is made welcome at their range, I can honestly say that I have never shot at a match where I was made to feel more welcome. I was great! I can certainly see why most competitors are repeat visitors to this event. Not only is the match itself fascinating, but the atmosphere is so friendly and enjoyable - you can't help but come back....

The Winchester Challenge and American Handgunner World shoot-off are steel matches. All the shooting is done from one position, with the shooter starting loaded, with hands in the surrender position. Each string require a minimum of 7 rounds, but usually 10 or more are fired. In the Winchester challenge the competitors have the chance to shoot the 15 stages of the Handgunner against the clock. Each stage is shot 4 times, with the best 3 runs counting for score. It may sounds simple, but since you shoot in one day, you actually have 60 (!!) runs to shoot in that one day. not easy at all, since each run has to be good. One competes in ones class and division (Open GM, M, A... and so on), and a winner is announced in each.

The American Handgunner World shoot-off is a match shot in 4 days. Each shooter is squaded with his or hers class and division. A computer generates the "J" ladder which is used on each stage, and each stage is shot as a shoot off event, knock out, best of 3 runs. For each run won you get 1 point, and the idea is to accumulate as many points as possible, to try and rank high in your class, and qualify for the top 32 shoot-off in your division on the last day. If you ever want to try a high pressure match - this is it! Shooting in the GM (Grand Master) Open squad was great, since the squad was small and we were done early each day - but there were no "freebees" on our squad.. most times, if you missed one shot- it was over! And if you get knocked out early in a stage, you get no points, and can loose all the 8 possible points that were up for grabs on our squad each stage. Real pressure!!

And then there are the side matches: On the day between the Winchester Challenge and the American Handgunner World shoot-off  they have a day of side shoots: 0.22 rifle, 0.22 pistol, semi auto fire rifle, bolt action rifle, semi auto shotgun, cowboy action shot gun, and more. not to mentions some Dynamite shoots too.. If you have never shot a stick of dynamite - you don't know what you're missing...:) Wild!

The match carries some hefty prizes too. but unfortunately for me, all spoils go to match winners, and very little to 2nd place finishes. While I did shoot well, being a "new shooter" to this event is somewhat of a handicap. Experience does count here. In the Winchester challenge, I was able to shoot well enough to finish second to "Steel Master" Angus Hobdell, who shot this match for the 5 year. In the American Handgunner World shoot-off I fished 2nd to GM Blake Miguez, who was just faster than I was on the plate racks. He really shot a great match and deserved the win. In the final top 32 shoot off, I shot well, and made it all the way to he finals, where I met Blake again, and was beaten in the final runs. So, I finished up 2nd on all. While 2nd is not all that bad in a field of over 200 shooters, the big money and pistol prizes go the winners of each class, not the runner-ups. Too bad. If I do go back to this match again, I will be sure to train specifically for it, and next time - look out!

Without a doubt this is one of the toughest matches around from a mental point of view. You will learn more about yourself and your shooting abilities under pressure in this one week, than you will in a whole year or regular IPSC matches. If you want a real shooting challenge, and great fun too - schedule a trip to Montrose Colorado next summer!

I have my sponsors to thank for this wonderful experience:

The Makoff-Reifman Foundation

Aimpoint
Bul Transmark Ltd