Tell us a little about yourself
I started to attend firearms training in the late 90s and began serious training in 2003. After receiving great training from very well-respected law enforcement firearms trainers, I began training for competitive shooting in 2004. I’ve managed to win a few 3-Gun matches in the heavy metal optics division along the way. The best part of the journey has been the folks I was able to learn from in competitive shooting. I’m fortunate to have learned 3-Gun from the likes of Bruce Piatt, Tony Holmes, Jim Clark Jr, Randy Luth, Jerry Miculek and Michael Voigt along with many more of the top shooters, who are now in my circle of friends.
What age were you when you started shooting and who introduced you to the sport?
My earliest memories are with my dad on our horse ranch in southern California. It was the mid-70s and he had me shoot a Winchester 250 lever action 22. I still have it and shoot it often. My Fisher-Price barnyard had a few holes in it from then on! As I was growing up, I shot every chance I had.
When did you start shooting competitively and how often do you compete?
The first 3-Gun match I saw was the 2004 DMPS Tri-Gun Challenge. Randy Luth had invited me to St Cloud for the match and it was the last match I watched. For the next couple of years, I shot as often as possible. By 2009, I was shooting multiple national level matches each year. During my busiest years, I competed in 18 to 20 matches — mostly in 3-Gun, but there were also some pistol matches in the mix. Now that my kids are older and there are games or events to attend, I am very picky about what keeps me away from my family. I have averaged eight to 10 major matches over the last few years, mostly 3-Gun, shooting the heavy metal optics or 2x4 divisions.
What’s been the most valuable lesson you have learned from shooting?
That shooting, like so many things in life, is a process. You don’t pick up a gun one day and win any matches the next. It’s a continual process where you add to your skillset every day, with your eyes on the prize, whatever it might be. Then, eventually, you see the rewards.
Why did you choose to specialize in 3-Gun competitions?
One of my initial shooting goals was to learn all I could about as many weapons platforms as I could and be proficient at them.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in competing in 3-Gun matches?
Don’t feel like you need to buy all of the gear before you show up for your first 3-Gun match. There is a ton of information out there on the internet, but not all of it is applicable to what you need. Go to local matches and see what the good guys are running. Don’t reinvent the wheel or feel as though you need to get a home equity line of credit to buy your 3-Gun gear. Buy solid gear and a bunch of ammo. Take classes and practise.
How do you prepare for competitions?
Having been around for a while, I have a pretty good idea of what to expect at certain matches. I will mentally prepare by checking over my gear, checking my zeroes and having a few days of practice with all three guns. Pistol is generally my go-to gun for practicing if time is limited. It’s usually the toughest of the three guns to shoot well. If your pistol skills are tuned up, you’re probably going to be alright with the rifle and shotgun. I also mentally go over my cartridge selection, making sure I have the right ammo for the right kind of stages.
Tell us about your set-up for 3-Gun matches?
I have a couple of set-ups. For my main heavy optics division, I shoot a custom-built Ichthus Arms 308 rifle. It has a 20” Proof barrel with an 18” carbon fiber handguard and an Elftmann Tactical trigger. My go-to optic for matches with longer range targets is a Leupold MK8 1.1–8x with an H27 reticle. I prefer a Luth-AR MBA 3 stock, it allows, for adjustment of length of pull and height of the cheek piece. This combination allows for up close and reaching out. This set up is the same for my 5.56 and 308 gear.
To feed the 308 rifle I shoot Hornady American Gunner 155gr BTHP rounds. Having made the first round hits at 650 yards in a match, I know I can trust American Gunner 308 ammo. They shoot like match rounds and are a great value. For 5.56 I have a few different favorites for different purposes. On the bay stages, 55gr American Gunner is perfect. In a situation when I need to reach out further or move heavier steel plates, I prefer 75gr 5.56 BTHP Superformance.
As for shotguns, I run a tuned up Benelli M2 which has been worked on at some point by both Roth Performance and Taran Tactical Innovations over the years. It has a 12-round magazine tube. As long as I keep it cleaned and oiled, it will shoot most higher quality bird shots flawlessly and shoots the lights out with the American Gunner 1oz slugs.
When a 9mm pistol is required, I shoot a custom-built 9mm 2011 style pistol from Hayes Custom Guns. I prefer the American Gunner 9mm 115gr XTP. It feeds flawlessly and is very accurate.
What has been your greatest achievement in your shooting career?
There are a few. The ones which come to mind are when I became 2013 3-Gun Nation Heavy Metal Division champion and 2014 Superstition Mountain Mystery 3-Gun Heavy Metal Champion. The next is helping new shooters. Winning is great, but I’ve learned to enjoy the process of getting there as much as the win. Performing and finishing well is the reward. Helping new shooters, whether in competition or just helping people who are unfamiliar with firearms is very rewarding.
Do you have any goals for the future?
I would love to continue to help my son, 12, to learn and enjoy the shooting sports. He shot the 2018 Hornady Zombies in the Heartland 3-Gun match this year and did really well. He’s got some learning to do, but he was safe and shot well. We can work on his speed over time.
How long have you been a Hornady sponsored shooter?
Since 2014. I believe in Hornady products. If I have confidence in a product, it’s one less thing I have to think about when I’m shooting. I know Hornady ammo is accurate and will work. As long as I do my part, Hornady ammunition will not let me down.
