Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Corrine teaches a variety of classes at Centerfire Shooting Sports as well as competing.
Corrine has been sponsored by Hornady since early 2016, and as well as representing the company at shooting matches, is a designated marksman for Hornady Law Enforcement ballistics demonstrations.
How and why did you get into shooting?
I started shooting in early 2011 in preparation to attend a concealed carry course. After completing my training, I began looking for the next series of courses to help me become more proficient with a firearm. This led me to the NRA basic classes and eventually through instructor certification in several disciplines.
Who has been the most influential teacher in your shooting career and why?
In 2012 I began training under and teaching with Rick Staples, a 35-year law enforcement veteran and legendary instructor at the Johnson Country Regional Police Academy. Since 2012, I have made it a point to train with as many top instructors as my schedule and bank account would permit. I have yet to find a teaching style, method or instructor that can hold a candle to Rick. He is responsible for moulding me into the shooter and instructor that I am today.
What’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about shooting and gun ownership?
Never allow yourself to feel intimidated, and NEVER stop learning. No matter what your experience level or area of interest in shooting and gun ownership, there is a place for you, for what you know, and for improvement.
When did you start competing in 3-Gun competitions?
In 2014, I went to a few IDPA matches to get a feel for competitive shooting, and then launched straight into 3-Gun. My first match was the 2014 Hornady Zombies in the Heartland Pandemic.
What was your first win in competitions?
I think my first win was in July of 2014. I took 1st place in Stock Service Division out of 24 shooters at a local IDPA match.
What is your preferred set up for competitions?
In 3-Gun I shoot rifles, pistols and shotguns. My pistol is a 9mm Canik TP9 SFX that I shoot Hornady’s 9mm Luger 115 gr XTP American Gunner in for competition and training. My rifle is a .223 Rem TTI-Ultimate by Taran Tactical Innovations, with a RISE Armament RA-535 drop in trigger and Vortex Spitfire 1 power magnified optic. I use three types of rifle cartridges during matches, depending on the environmental demands and target arrays; Hornady’s 223 REM 55 gr HP Steel Match, 75 gr BTHP Steel Match and 68 gr BTHP Match. My shotgun is a 12 gauge Benelli M2 also modified by Taran Tactical Innovations. The shotgun is a very versatile platform and we regularly shoot birdshot, buckshot and slugs at shooting matches. I shoot Remington Gun Club for birdshot, Hornady Critical Defense Ammunition 00 buckshot, and Reduced Recoil Slugs.
What has been your proudest achievement in shooting?
I am the happiest and most fulfilled in my life when I feel that I’m having a positive impact on those around me. My proudest moments are at the end of basic level courses when I see students who came to class looking apprehensive and intimidated leave with huge smiles on their faces, saying that they can’t wait to come back for more!
You also teach — what is the first lesson you give your students?
Safety, hands down. It’s my job to drive home the point that safety is ALWAYS our number one concern no matter who you are or your level of experience and training. I explain that even though I use, wear and shoot guns every day, my biggest fear is that I will become comfortable around them. Being comfortable leads to complacency and carelessness. Instead of being comfortable, I urge my students to be cautious and competent with firearms.
What benefits are there to teaching children about firearms, and how do you introduce them to it?
My daughter is nine years old, but even so, every time we approach a crosswalk I still find myself repeating the same phrase I did when she was a toddler: “Hold my hand and look both ways for cars”. Parents have a finite number of years to successfully prepare their children to encounter dangerous situations, like walking across roadways. One area which was and continues to be of great concern to me is how to protect my child, and other children, from the tragic results of negligent or improper use and storage of firearms. In my home we chose to teach our daughter firearm safety as soon as she was old enough to become curious about guns. Shielding children from the KNOWLEDGE of guns only protects them while you are watching. Teaching them how to be safe and responsible with firearms will give them a foundation of correct skills and attitudes that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
How do you prepare for competitions in terms of training and practice?
My personal practice is a combination of reinforcing the fundamentals of shooting, and applying those skills in a practical shooting environment. I do a combination of slow, repetitive skills drills, and then integrate basic shooting fundamentals with demanding time constraints and explosive movement. I’m doing it right if my training feels harder than what I have to do during a match.
What is the most important aspect of gun ownership in the US today?
Ronald Reagan once said: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” It is the responsibility of EVERY gun owner to safeguard the 2nd amendment for future generations. As gun owners, everything we do involving firearms (good and bad) reflects on more than just ourselves. It is vital that we conduct ourselves in every aspect of our lives in ways that are consistent with a reasonable, conscientious, polite, respectable member of society. We need to represent the best that our freedom-loving society has to offer. We need to be in good standing with our neighbours, community and law enforcement. We need to be the type of people that others can respect, even if they don’t agree with our views.