Tell us a bit about yourself, Sherwyn
I grew up and still live in north-west Iowa. I’ve been married to my amazing, very supportive wife for 42 years, and we have two grown sons. I’m really lucky to be able to shoot with one of my sons, Nick, at many events. I’m the facilities manager for a hydraulic cylinder manufacturing company during my day-to-day life, and I’m honored to be on the board of directors for the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). I’ve been a Hornady shooter for around 10 years now.
How did you get into shooting and who are your greatest influences?
I don’t come from a shooting family, but I had some friends that hunted and so I tried that. But then I bought a handgun and really enjoyed shooting it. I tried some bowling pin in the 1980s, then did bullseye, action steel and most any pistol competitions. When I started practical pistol in the 1990s I was instantly hooked. I studied the shooting styles of Rob Leatham, Todd Jarrett, Jerry Barnhart to name a few, and tried to emulate them.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from shooting?
I guess it would be to not only have goals, but to really understand what it will take to get there and maintain the dedication to get there. It’s a good life lesson.
Who has been your biggest influence in shooting, and why?
I wouldn’t name any single person — I mean, obviously, the shooters I mentioned previously for style, but for me it’s about more than that. So I think it’s the shooting community as a whole. I’m always struck by how all the shooters I’ve come across want to help everyone improve and enjoy the sport.
Why did you choose to specialize in Practical Pistol?
I’d say that the combination of accuracy, speed and efficient execution was what I enjoyed, but I also love the huge course and match variety.
How do you prepare for a competition?
Generally I try to practice the basics first. Then I move on to things that I may be struggling with and usually try to work on targets harder than I expect to see.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Without a doubt winning the 2012 Open Nationals Senior Champion. But I’m always trying to continue to improve my skills. And I always want to try to help other shooters achieve their best. I teach shooting and really enjoy working with junior shooters, whether it is just to introduce them to the basics or whether it’s getting them into the competitive side of shooting.
What does your competition bag have in it?
I shoot an STI based race gun built on a five-inch heavy frame in 9mm, loaded to major power factor. It’s equipped with C-more RTS2 red dot sight, and I like using MBX 170mm magazines, along with Double Alpha holster and magazine holders.
All my ammunition is handloaded, using Hornady 9mm 115gr HAP bullets. Ammo has to be accurate and 100% reliable, which I achieve with Hornady components and individually inspecting every round I load. The ammo load is matched to the compensator and recoil characteristics of the gun.
I’d say as well as your gun, good shoes are very important. Range surfaces vary greatly in my experience, and I like Salomon spike trail shoes.
What qualities makes a good USPSA shooter?
A good competitor has to be able to move and shoot quickly as well as consistently. The combination of speed and accuracy require a good strategy along with the ability to consistently follow a plan. Many times there will be distractions during a stage which must be handled without letting it distract from efficiently and accurately engage targets during the stage.
