Civilian Pistol Marksman Jonathan Shue Wins NRA National Pistol Championship

by
posted on July 19, 2017
** 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. **
cabotjonshue-1.jpg

Jonathan Shue of Team Cabot Guns shocked the competitive shooting world earlier this month after winning first place overall at the NRA National Pistol Championships. Shue is a retired Marine who now competes as a civilian―and his victory made him the envy of National Matches competitors at Camp Perry, OH.

“We are all super excited about Jon’s incredible performance,” said Rob Bianchin, founder and CEO of Cabot Guns. “That said, I’m not surprised. Most folks have heard about Cabot Guns as the manufacturer of pistols made from meteorite … we have proven time and again that we make the most accurate 1911’s on the planet. A Cabot is the hands of a disciplined athlete like Jon is certainly a championship combination.”

To secure the National Champion title, Shue finished the tournament with a score of 2638 out of a possible 2700. This included 126 X's and a full two points ahead of the runner up, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Service Pistol Team’s SFC Adam Sokolowski. Shue was able to overcome some of the best military and industry pistol shooters in the world.

2017 NRA National Pistol Champion Jonathan Shue
“There’s a new Sheriff in town at Camp Perry … and he has a beard,” Bianchin mentioned jokingly about Shue’s extremely noticeable beard. In addition to winning the overall aggregate, Shue also brough home the Cabot Guns/NRA National Center Fire Championship as well as High Civilian.


Award-winning actor and 1911 enthusiast Joe Mantegna said, “Congratulations to Cabot Guns, Team Cabot and Jon Shue for an exceptional tournament at the National Matches. Once again Cabot has proved itself to be one of the most innovative gun manufacturers in the world. I’m proud to be a Cabot owner.”

Team Cabot had a good run this year at Camp Perry. Out of 56 teams, Team Cabot was the highest scoring industry team. They placed third overall and second in the A.T. Wall Metalform/NRA .45 Caliber Championship. In addition to Shue, the team members are William Bethards (captain), Grayson Palmer and Lee Fleming.

Precision pistol (bullseye) competition is the pinnacle of competitive pistol shooting because it is entirely based on accuracy instead of speed. Competitors attempt to hit a 1.7-inch bullseye target at distances of 25 and 50 yards, one-handed. Each competitor makes 270 shots over the duration of the match, where a bullseye (a shot scored within the 10-ring) counts for 10 points and shots that land in concentric larger circle receive less.

Since the company’s inception, Cabot has challenged engineers, machinists and master craftsmen to build the perfect precision handgun from scratch. The result: a superior collection of 1911 pistols made from only the finest of materials, technology and minds that the U.S. has to offer.

Read the full results of the 2017 NRA National Pistol Championships here: competitions.nra.org/championship-results/nra-national-outdoor-rifle-pistol-championships-results.aspx#1

Latest

Umarexverda 3
Umarexverda 3

New Umarex Verada Match-Style Air Pistol Costs Less Than $80

Umarex is now shipping the Verada, a .177-cal. CO2 pellet pistol with match-style looks, an optics rail and a $79.99 MSRP.

Collegiate Rifle: Akron Turns Up the Heat in Fairbanks

Akron sets two school records in Alaska as the red-hot Zips climb to No. 9.

Peterson Crushes DMR Field, Wins 2026 Gas Gun Show Series Finale

Scott Peterson won the overall and DMR titles at the Gas Gun Show Series Finale in Oklahoma while Kalani Laker took Recce.

Collegiate Rifle: VMI Shatters Six Program Records in Win Over John Jay

VMI broke six program records against John Jay, led by a 4623-233X mixed aggregate and Darian Tweedell’s school-record 593-41X in air rifle.

Geoff Bushelle Wins Third Illinois F-Class State Championship

Geoff Bushelle fired a score of 1000-79X to win F-Open and Mike Catena topped F-T/R at the 2026 Illinois F-Class State Championship.

New: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC Comp 9 mm

Springfield Armory’s new Echelon 4.0FC Comp 9 mm handgun combines a full-size grip, compact slide and integral compensator.



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