Competitors’ Corner: April 2019

by
posted on April 2, 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. **
april-ssusa-2019_1.jpg

The April issue of Shooting Sports USA mostly focuses on ammo, but we start out with the new Ruger Custom Shop Doug Koenig SR1911 Competition Pistol. This new 1911 9mm single-stack is a good choice for a lot of fun action-shooting games, and with good reason—it was designed with the help of 18-time NRA Bianchi Cup champion Doug Koenig himself. You can check out our review of this premier action pistol in this month’s Product Focus.

Ruger Custom Shop Doug Koenig SR1911 Competition Pistol


Ammunition coverage this month starts with our cover feature on CCI’s new Clean-22 rimfire loads, which use a polymer coating to reduce fouling in barrels. Similar to Federal’s Syntech line, Clean-22 loads are color-coded and our testing indicates they have what it takes for action-shooting accuracy. Read Field Editor Chris Christian’s review of the new Clean-22 rimfire loads.

CCI Clean-22 rimfire loads


Last year, author John Haviland spoiled us when he did the heavy lifting and tested 31 different .22 LR loads. Well, this year he pulled out his centerfire rifles to do even more ammo testing, this time focusing on the newest loads available this season. This includes ammo options from Barnes, Browning, Federal, Hornady, Norma, Nosler, Remington, SIG Sauer and Winchester. See the results of Haviland’s centerfire rifle ammo testing.

New 2019 Centerfire loads by John Haviland


Every year, champions are crowned at the myriad of NRA-sanctioned state championships held throughout the United States. Last year was no different, with competitive shooters across the country participating in their states highest competitive shooting contests for their discipline of choice. Want to know who your state champion is? We’ve listed all the 2018 NRA state champions in the April issue, as we do every year. You can also find a list of NRA-sanctioned competitions around the country in the Coming Events section.

2019 NRA State Champions


Miralotte Ickes is among the most iconic women to ever pick up a high power rifle in competition. In the 1950s and 1960s at Camp Perry, Ickes racked up a string of National Match victories, including four consecutive titles and several national records. Read the story of this fascinating shooter.

Miralotte Ickes


Additionally, this month we find out what pro shooter Josh Froelich keeps in his range bag, and there is also coverage of the 2019 edition of the Traveler’s Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States. This book is essential reading if you plan to travel with your firearm.

John Parker
Managing Editor, Shooting Sports USA

Latest

35Th Bianchicup Classicssusa 1
35Th Bianchicup Classicssusa 1

Looking Back At The 2014 Bianchi Cup Action Pistol Championship

From the vault: Our coverage of the 2014 Bianchi Cup Championship, where Kevin Angstadt won the title for the first time.

Hancock and Simonton Crowned 2025 ISSF Shotgun Athletes of the Year

Vincent Hancock and Samantha Simonton earned 2025 ISSF Shotgun Athlete of the Year honors, highlighting a dominant week for Team USA in Doha.

What’s In Your Range Bag, Mike Hwang?

IPSC medalist Mike Hwang breaks down his range bag gear, shooting setup and key tips for new and competitive shooters.

Six Medals for Team USA at the 2025 ISSF World Cup Final

USA Shooting’s shotgun squad owned the 2025 ISSF World Cup Final, delivering dominant performances across skeet and trap and collecting a haul of hard-earned medals.

Doug Koenig: Eight-Time World Action Pistol Champion Talks Victory and 2026 Plans

Doug Koenig recounts his eighth World Action Pistol Championship win in New Zealand, training adjustments, travel challenges and 2026 plans.

SK Guns Reveals Its 2025 Gun of The Year: The ‘Jesús Malverde’ Colt 1911

SK Guns announces its 2025 Gun of the Year, a Colt 1911 transformed into a rare collectible that pays tribute to legendary Mexican folk hero Jesús Malverde.

Interests



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