First NRA Action Pistol Match in Chile

by
posted on March 23, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
chile2.jpg

Chilean action pistol shooter Fabian MacNamara shared with me the story of how he and his club learned about NRA Action Pistol. The Aguilas del Maipo Shooting Club is located in El Monte, near Santiago, Chile.

JP: How did you first learn about NRA Action Pistol?

Fabian MacNamara: Well, let me tell you a little bit about our club. We shoot mainly action pistol, because we love to shoot fast at challenging targets. To us, NRA is such an important organization, but we felt since there is over 10,000 kilometers between us, we would not register on the organization’s radar screen.

In 2011, I met some friendly competitors in Greece that were part of a European Team. They showed me the Bianchi Cup on their cell phones, and explained the rules and equipment. After that trip, I watched videos online about the Bianchi Cup. One day at the club, we decided to contact the NRA seeking authorization to shoot sanctioned matches in Chile.

One day, I received a response from the NRA Pistol Program Coordinator, Damien Orsinger. He advised me of a guide explaining the rules of the sport. Excited, I printed the guide and took it to my range for my buddies to see. After reading it, we decided it was neither difficult nor expensive to run an action pistol match and Damien was kind enough to answer a few questions we had via email. Additionally, the hand book was an excellent guide to starting an action pistol match, even for the members of our club where English is a second language.

The only problem we encountered was getting the official targets down to Chile. Shipping was $1,000 for 100 targets. So, instead I traveled to California in November 2015 for the SCSA World Shoot and returned with boxes full of targets—as checked luggage.

Unfortunately, ammunition in Chile is also extremely expensive. For example, it’s $35 a box for 9 mm and $50 for a box of .40 S&W. However, 22 LR is about $8, so many people choose to shoot .22 LR. This will be a great opportunity for people here to compete without the high cost of shooting bigger calibers.

This year, our club plans on shooting a total of four NRA Action Pistol matches so we can prepare ourselves for an even bigger event next year.

Email Fabian at [email protected] if you are interested in competing at any of the NRA Action Pistol tournaments this year in Chile. He told me there is, “Great wine, beef, skiing, fly fishing, and best of alla great shooting environment in Chile!”

Latest

Flashbolt Laserammo 3
Flashbolt Laserammo 3

New: Laser Ammo Flash Bolt For AR Dry-Fire Training

Laser Ammo’s new Flash Bolt turns your AR into a dry-fire practice powerhouse.

Bunker Club Fuels 22 Junior Athletes With 2025 Grants

Bunker Club awards 22 junior shooting athletes $6,363 each to support their competitive journey in 2025.

4 Illinois Rifle Teams Set Sights On 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals

Four Illinois rifle teams set their sights on the 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals, ready to compete in Mid-Range and Long-Range events.

USPSA: Celebrating Growth, Fueling The Future

USPSA celebrates surpassing 40,000 members, with growing participation signaling a dynamic new chapter for the practical competition shooting community.

Competitors’ Corner: July 2025

Highlights from the July 2025 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRA’s competitive shooting journal.

All About The 2025 USA High School Clay Target League National Championship

The USA High School Clay Target League National Championship draws top shooters nationwide, showcasing skill, safety and sportsmanship.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.