What’s In Your Range Bag, Brian Zins?

by
posted on June 16, 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. **
brian_zins.jpg

Brian Zins is a 12-time NRA National Pistol Champion. He set over 30 NRA National Records and basically won everything at Camp Perry Pistol there is to win. As a child, Brian plinked in the backyard with his dad’s old .22. His familiarization with a 1911 took place at Marine Corps Boot Camp, and consisted of a Primary Marksmanship Trainer yelling, ‘’Point it that way and pull the trigger five times.”

Brian’s actual pistol training came during Military Police School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. While there he received the Top Gun award.

Assigned to the Headquarters and Service Battalion Shooting Team for the Western Division Matches, Brian missed being in the medal bracket, (top 10 percent), by two points. Afterwards he became the Primary Marksmanship Instructor for the Battalion, returning the following year to the Western Division Matches. This time he medaled in pistol and went on to compete at the Marine Corps Championship in Camp Lejeune, NC. There Brian took a silver medal and was invited to compete and travel with the Marine Shooting Team for the summer of 1990.

When competing, Brian’s .22 is a Feinwerkbau AW93 with Lapua ammunition, and an Aimpont Micro red dot in 2 MOA. For center fire and .45, his 1911 (also with an Aimpoint Micro in 2 MOA) has been accurized by KC Customs. As a Bullseye shooter, (formally known as NRA Precision Pistol) Brian carries an On Target Top Gun box. It’s the perfect size, with plenty of room and not too heavy. He is able to carry all the gear he may need: ammo, tools, magazines, oil, screw drivers, batteries, spotting scope, staple gun and staples.

According to Brian, “Bullseye shooting is one of the toughest games around and also one of the purest in the fundamentals. Shooting a 3-inch ten ring at 25 and 50 yards with one hand is both challenging and rewarding.” Once you get bit by the bug, Brian suggests reaching out to him and attending one of his clinics.

Learning to shoot the correct way from the start will help you avoid frustration later. Brian Zins says, “Shooting is the most fun one can have with their clothes on. If it’s not, you’re doing it wrong. Win or lose, enjoy yourself or find another way to spend your time and money.”

Latest

Saint Victor2025 1
Saint Victor2025 1

Review: Springfield Armory SAINT Victor 5.56 Rifle

Springfield Armory’s SAINT Victor 5.56 is loaded with enhancements that make it a strong contender as an all-purpose, AR-style rifle

Remington’s .22 Short Rimfire Ammo is Back

Remington brings back the .22 Short rimfire with updated loads for plinking, pest control and beginner training.

SK Customs Unveils ‘Kingdom of Atzlán’ Colt 1911 Series Honoring Aztec Heritage

SK Customs’ new .38 Super Colt 1911 handgun series blends Aztec mythology with handcrafted firearm artistry

Drew Cup Selection: U.S. Juniors Set Sights on Prestigious International Smallbore Showdown

The 2025 Drew Cup brings elite international smallbore competition to U.S. soil, where junior shooters compete for national pride via a postal qualifier

Competitors’ Corner: September 2025

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

Sarah Beard Tops Inaugural Brock Comer Memorial Match Leaderboard at Bisley

Sarah Beard leads Team USA with a 790 at Bisley, winning the first-ever Brock Comer Memorial Match—a tribute to marksmanship and international shooting unity

Interests



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