Grant Kunkel Sweeps Area 5 Steel Challenge Championship

by
posted on June 18, 2021
** 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. **
gkunkel-1.jpg

Team Federal’s Grant Kunkel had a stellar performance at the 2021 Area 5 Steel Challenge Championship that netted him six first place trophies, plus the Rifle Master and Rimfire Master titles.

The match, held at the Riley Conservation Club in Terre Haute, Ind., on June 11–13, had 364 shooters competing across six divisions.

Kunkel’s wins in the Area 5 Steel Challenge Championship include first place in Rimfire Rifle Optic (RFRO), Rimfire Rifle Iron (RFRI), Rimfire Pistol Optic (RFPO), Rimfire Pistol Iron (RFPI), Open and Pistol Caliber Carbine Optic (PCCO) divisions.

According to the main match results posted to the Practiscore website, Kunkel's best stage in Open division was Smoke and Hope with a time of 8.01 seconds. His total Open division time was 74.75 seconds, about six seconds ahead of runner-up Ryan Wagner.

As for the Rifle Master award, it's given to the competitor with the fastest Rimfire Rifle and PCC combined time, while the Rimfire Master award is for the fastest combined time in RFPO, RFPI, RFRO and RFRI combined. As mentioned, Kunkel won both awards.

Kunkel gave high praise to his Federal Syntech ammo for Open division, while for the rimfire portions of the match he was shooting CCI Mini-Mag.

“For the handgun Open division, I was shooting Syntech Action Pistol, because it’s extremely soft recoil, accuracy and absolute reliability allow me to concentrate fully while making quick shots and staying on target. I relied on CCI Mini-Mag ammo for the rimfire events.”

Learn more about Steel Challenge. Visit federalpremium.com and cci-ammunition.com for more information about Federal and CCI.


Read more: Mastering Steel Challenge Stages: Five To Go

Latest

Kenda Classicssusa Lede
Kenda Classicssusa Lede

Classic SSUSA: Kenda Lenseigne World Champion Interview

World champion Kenda Lenseigne shares her journey in cowboy mounted shooting, training secrets and her experience at the 2011 Bianchi Cup.

New: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Chambered in 360 Buckhammer

Smith & Wesson expands its Model 1854 lever-action rifle lineup with a 360 Buckhammer option.

Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber: Lightweight Speed, Heavyweight Accuracy

Ruger’s lightweight 10/22 Carbon Fiber rimfire rifle delivers impressive accuracy and control, making it a strong choice for Steel Challenge and beyond.

Year In Review: SSUSA Covers Of 2025

A look back at Shooting Sports USA’s 2025 covers, celebrating championship highlights and marking the final chapter of the digital magazine.

Five Classic Competitive Shooting Books to Sharpen Your Skills

Five essential books packed with tips, techniques and wisdom for competition shooters who want to level up.

New: Beretta AX800 Suprema

Beretta’s AX800 Suprema for waterfowl hunting features advanced gas cycling and tough Steelium Pro barrels built for the harshest conditions.

Interests



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