Bianchi Cup: Vadasz Wins 2018 Metallic Championship

Senior Agent Robert Vadasz of the U.S. Border Patrol Pistol Team is this year’s Metallic Champion at the NRA Bianchi Cup presented by Colt, finishing the match with a score of 1912-155X. His score, which also netted him High Police shooter, was 15th overall among the combined field of 169 Bianchi competitors this year.

Vadasz receiving the Bianchi Metallic Cup from NRA Competitive Shooting deputy director Aaron Farmer.

He is no stranger to the winner's podium in Columbia, MO. Previously, Vadasz won the Bianchi Metallic Championship in 2008 and then four more consecutive times in 2010-2013.

His best event this year was the Falling Plates, scoring 480-52X. Next for Vadasz was the Barricade with 480-41X, followed by the Practical with 478-33X and finally the Mover with 474-33X.

“The Plates for me were the most stressful event at the 2018 Bianchi Cup,” said Vadasz. “I knew I had to clean the Plates to win and after it happens there’s a flood of emotions.”

Vadasz shooting the Falling Plate Event. Photo by Julie Golob

Vadasz said his gun is the same one he’s been using since 2001 with no major changes.

“It’s a Nowlin World Cup PPC 6-inch 9mm, and Aristocrat sight rib. The gun is old but recently had a tune-up from Jes Clark of Clark Custom Guns,” he said. “I use Atlanta Arms Elite 115-grain 9mm—it’s the best ammo on the market.”

Conducting an interview with the folks from the Shooting USA TV show and podcast.

His other gear includes: Safariland 014 holster, 032 ELS competition belt and model 776 magazine pouch.

About the Bianchi Cup, now in its 40th year, Vadasz said, “If you haven’t shot this match then you have to give it a try. It is a true challenge.”

Receiving his plaque at the 2018 WAPC awards ceremony. Photo by Jim Powell

Finishing second in Metallic this year at Bianchi was Master class shooter Enoch Smith with 1907-150X. In third place was unclassified shooter Roman Hauber scoring 1906-141X.

Prior to Bianchi at the NRA World Action Pistol Championship, Vadasz captured third place in the Metallic aggregate with a score of 1904-152X, repeating his previous WAPC Metallic victory in New Zealand in 2016.

See the full results of the 2018 NRA Bianchi Cup presented by Colt at rl-web.nra.org/home/matchscores

Photos courtesy of Michelle Lunato/U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit