Champion shooter and Hornady sponsored pro Jessie Duff opens up about her journey in competitive shooting, training routines, and what drives her success on the range. Read on for a candid Q&A with one of the most accomplished women in the shooting sports…

The first female to achieve the rank of Grand Master in the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), Georgia-based Jessie Duff is acknowledged as one of the top competitive shooters in the world, achieving multiple world and national titles. Competing in five different disciplines, Jessie was taught by her father, also a world champion shooter. See Jessie Harrison's bio on hornady.com.

How old were you when you first started shooting?

I grew up on the range shooting from about the age of six or seven, but started competing when I was 15 years old.

Who introduced you/taught you to shoot?

My father introduced me to shooting, along with teaching and coaching me as I found my way into competition.

How did you get involved in competing?

My mom and dad were the match directors for the local cowboy action shooting club where I grew up, so I was around competition long before I started competing. I loved being on the range with my family, and would shoot with my dad while he practiced. He never pushed me to compete; he let me participate at my own interest level. I shot my first competition at the age of 15 and have been competing ever since then.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?

My parents have always instilled in me to do my best and to never give up in everything I do. I’ve relied on that through my shooting and competitions, training and as I’ve worked to make a career in this industry.

What advice would you pass on to others with regards to shooting?

To educate themselves on firearms safety and to find a shooting sport that suits them. There are so many disciplines available for all types of shooters.

You compete in a lot of different disciplines — which is your favorite?

I enjoy so many different types of shooting, all for different reasons. But, if I had to pick just one, I would have to say USPSA. The competitions and stages are always different and challenge every aspect of a shooter.

Is it hard to switch between the different disciplines, or do they complement each other?

Each discipline offers something to help the other and make me a well-rounded, diverse shooter. I like to have ample time to train for each discipline, just so that I can perform to the best of my ability.

How do you prepare for competitions — both mentally and physically? Do you have any pre-match rituals?

Preparation is extremely important, the more prepared I am, the more confident I am. I like to make sure that my equipment is in top working order and that I’ve trained beforehand to feel confident going into a match. Off the range, I try to maintain a physical condition that helps me compete at my best level.

How long have you been sponsored by Hornady?

I’ve been sponsored by Hornady for five years now, but have always shot Hornady bullets before my sponsorship.

What are the five titles you’re most proud of?

I’m extremely proud of all my titles, each one presented different challenges, lessons and circumstances. Some of them have come easier than others and some I’ve had to really fight for. I would say that matches where I have had to come back from being behind and win, are some that mean the most. I’ve been in that situation at the NRA Action Pistol Bianchi Cup Nationals, Steel Challenge World Championships and USPSA Nationals. It’s just a feeling of accomplishment that is indescribable, to not have given up and pull through in the end with a victory.

Another title that is important and memorable would be one of my USPSA Ladies Open National titles, I shot the entire match without any penalties or misses, so a clean match! That was one of those competitions where everything just came together perfectly!

This year I reached a career milestone, winning an overall title. I competed in Single Stack division at the 2016 World Speed Shooting Championships, and won the overall championship title.

And last but not least, one of my most prized titles, is to be the first female in USPSA history to achieve Grand Master status, the highest skill ranking available in the sport. Obtaining Grand Master has been a goal that I set a long time ago, when I first started shooting USPSA. It might have seemed farfetched then, but I knew I would get there eventually and to be the first lady to achieve it makes it that much more special!

What are your preferred guns and ammunition?

I compete in several different disciplines throughout the season, so I’m constantly changing back and forth from different guns and calibers. There are a few guns that I can pick up though and they just fit, they feel like an extension of my body. My Taurus PT1911 Single Stack, I have barreled in 9mm and 38 Super Comp Minor, is one of those guns that feels like it was made just for me! When I shoot steel challenge, I use Hornady 9mm 115 gr HAP bullets, specifically loaded for this type of competition. The bullet gives me top accuracy available and the caliber allows me to shoot faster with less recoil. I use the same gun, barreled in 38 Super Comp Minor, when I shoot USPSA. I load ammo for this type of competition with Hornady 9mm 125 gr HAPs, for the same reason, they provide the best accuracy for any competitive situation.