Coast Guard’s Charlie Petrotto Wins Every New England Travel Games Pistol Award

by
posted on November 27, 2018
** 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. **
petrotto1.jpg

Hopefully, PO1 Charlie Petrotto has a lot of free wall space at his house. He’s going to need it.

At the 2018 New England Travel Games, held by the CMP at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Base in Vermont this past September, the 34-year-old shooter took home seven plaques—winning every single pistol event at the competition.

Pistol competitors at the match saw periodic rain showers, but according to Petrotto, the biggest challenge wasn’t the precipitation, as much as the darkness brought on from the clouds overhead.

Says Petrotto, “Obviously you need to be hard on your front sights and smooth on the trigger, and it was hard to do the first part, so it was hard to get on your sights and stay on your sights—the target was so bright, and your sights were so dark. It was easy to jump to the target. I shot a couple of sevens that way, not paying attention to my sights.”

Coast Guard's Charlie Petrotto
When he’s not competing, Petrotto likes to train others.


Petrotto, a petty officer first class, gunners mate in the Coast Guard, is passionate about marksmanship. Currently stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, he studies marksmanship and works with cadets and OCS candidates.

“With that, we get to do a lot of shooting,” said Petrotto.

He came to the Academy already having earned President’s Hundred and Pistol and Rifle Distinguished Badges—which are remarkable achievements. Now, with his fourth consecutive year of reaching the President’s Hundred in pistol at Camp Perry, Petrotto continues to train at the Academy—remaining grateful for the supportive environment that it provides for him.

“It’s really a [great] opportunity,” said Petrotto. “I get to come in early to work, we have a range where I shoot air pistol, free pistol, .45, .22—[all] before we have a cup of coffee and get to work. I’m trying to capitalize on the opportunity while I’m there.”

Becoming a champion

His love for marksmanship and competition began while in A-school in the Coast Guard. One day Petrotto, while perusing an ordinance manual, found pictures of the various Distinguished Badges—becoming fascinated with the concept. After making copies of the pages, he put them in his locker and told himself, “I have to get that.”

As he honed his talents, Petrotto eventually connected with a double-Distinguished marksman who took him under his wing by lending him pistols and rifle gear.

“Of course, I did terrible my first time out,” said Petrotto, laughing. “Ever since then, I’ve been totally hooked.”

In the future, he’d like to move to international shooting, with the hopes of becoming the first triple-Distinguished Coast Guard shooter.

“[It’s] one of those lofty goals, but something to keep my sights on,” he concluded.

Latest

CMP Buynow 1
CMP Buynow 1

CMP Streamlines Legacy M1 Garand Sales With Easy ‘Buy Now’ Feature

CMP’s new fixed-price “Buy Now” system makes it easier than ever to own a legacy, non-reclaimed M1 Garand rifle.

Watchtower Firearms, Demolition Ranch Team Up For Limited-Edition DEMOLITIA Blackout 1911

Watchtower Firearms releases limited-edition double-stack 1911 chambered in 9 mm designed with input from Demolition Ranch.

Federal Ammunition Honored With National 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award

Federal Ammunition receives 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award for over 40 years of support for youth programs.

New: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 AXE Rifles

Smith & Wesson launches the M&P 15 AXE lineup of suppressor-ready rifles with reduced gas blowback and modern features.

Review: Savage Arms Mark II & Winchester’s .21 Sharp

As demonstrated in the Savage Mark II FV-SR, Winchester’s .21 Sharp cartridge offers higher velocity and greater precision than .22 Long Rifle rounds.

Marsh Edges Stine In Canadian Showdown To Win Lapua Monarch Cup Opener

Justin Marsh edges Jake Stine by one point to win the Canadian NRA Smallbore Silhouette Nationals and first stage of the 2025 Lapua Monarch Cup.

Interests



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