Competitors’ Corner: January 2019

by
posted on January 3, 2019
** 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. **
jan2019-cc_2.jpg

To kick off 2019, the January issue of Shooting Sports USA showcases the Browning Citori CXS crossover shotgun, both on the cover and in Product Focus. After spending some quality time with this scattergun last October on a prairie chicken hunt I was truly impressed. Even more impressive is the fact that big-name companies like Browning are stepping up to the plate to produce affordable, versatile firearms ideal for youth shooters in the rapidly expanding high school and collegiate competitive shotgun shooting sports. Now, there are more youth shotgunners than ever before, and crossover guns like the Citori CXS will certainly help to increase their ranks, especially for budget-minded shooters looking for a gun they can use for both hunting and competitive shooting. Click here to read our Browning Citori CXS review.

Browning Citori CXS


While searching for an action pistol back-up gun, former Shooting Sports USA Managing Editor Chip Lohman instead decided to upgrade his 9mm SIG TACOPS to match-grade status with a Bar-Sto barrel installation and a Grayguns trigger kit. Lohman found the ergonomic engineering of this particular SIG pistol to be ideal for his hands, and with the addition of the fitted match barrel and new trigger, he tightened up his average group by nearly an inch. Read his article, How to Upgrade the SIG TACOPS for Competition.

How to Upgrade the SIG TACOPS for Competition

 



Tim Yackley is no stranger to regular SSUSA readers, since he’s an avid competitor that’s not only the current NRA World Shooting Champion—but also an avid Bianchi Cup shooter. A competitor with focus and finesse, author Jacki Billings sat down to interview Yackley to find out what makes this young shooter tick. Read her article, Tim Yackley: Powerhouse Competitor and learn what she found out about the multi-talented competitive shooter.

Tim Yackley: Powerhouse Competitor

 



Elizabeth “Plinky” Topperwein became the first woman ever to officially compete at an NRA match in 1906 at Sea Girt, opening the path of competition for many more women to participate in shooting sports. Plinky and her husband Adolf toured the country for many years as exhibition shooters for Winchester, billing themselves as “The Fabulous Topperweins.” Learn more about their trick-shooting exploits by reading History Lesson: 1906 Plinky Topperwein.

History Lesson: 1906 Plinky Topperwein


Additionally, be sure to check out Shooters’ News in the January issue. The first Range Bag of the year features a profile of 3-gun shooter Katie Francis, as well as our monthly photo caption contest. Enter for a chance to win a copy of the book Bullseye Mind by Dr. Raymond Prior.

John Parker
Managing Editor, Shooting Sports USA

Latest

2026 ARC Scopemounting 6
2026 ARC Scopemounting 6

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge: Kyle Lamb’s Guide to Mounting a Scope for ARC

Kyle Lamb walks through optics mounting with practical advice on leveling, eye relief and preventing scope shift during ARC competition.

Politics, Weather and Rising Stars Mark a Turning Point: 1990 National Matches

The 1990 National Matches at Camp Perry saw funding threats, severe weather cancellations and major victories by shooters like David Tubb and Jim Meredith as a new decade began.

Review: GP Arms Patriot Rebel

The GP Arms Patriot Rebel is a mid-level 2011 built for Limited Optics, delivering 1,000-plus rounds of flawless reliability including a full USPSA Nationals.

Milan Cortina 2026: Team USA’s Masters Defends Paralympic Biathlon Title With Perfect Shooting

Oksana Masters defended her Paralympic biathlon sprint title with flawless shooting at Milan Cortina 2026, with teammate Kendall Gretsch taking silver.

MidwayUSA Foundation Sends $7.5 Million to 995 Youth Shooting Teams Across 46 States

MidwayUSA Foundation concludes its February grant cycle with more than $7.5 million paid to youth shooting teams nationwide, funded by endowments that allow teams to draw 5% annually in perpetuity.

2026 NSCA Championship Tour Opens in March With Eight Stops and Expanded Winchester Ladies Cup

The NSCA Championship Tour, Powered by Winchester returns for 2026 with eight stops, $40,000 in added Ladies Cup payouts and 120 cases of ammunition for women competitors.

Interests



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