Steamboat Challenge: A Windy Weekend In Wyoming

The 2021 Steamboat Challenge Action Pistol Regional and Wyoming State Championships were held August 21–22 and drew competitors from all around the country, including teams from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Border Patrol. More than half of the competitors have served or are currently serving our nation and communities through law enforcement or as military veterans. With an abundance of American flags throughout the range, it is evident these men and women are appreciated.

The greatest obstacle for Steamboat Challenge competitors this year was the wind. Action Pistol events are tough enough, but the wind definitely upped the difficulty from the norm. In fact, the extra breezy conditions prompted modifications to event selection for the 2-gun aggregate. It also changed the strategies competitors opted for to shoot the events. Final scores may have been lower than some would have wished, but conditions were consistent.

The overall match winner and match director had the hometown advantage—but also had a lot on his plate. Despite firing stages before the shooters meeting, running the match and serving as a range officer, Andy Rayland posted the highest score for the regional, a 1905-140X. Plus, he was the only shooter to break into the 1900s. Congratulations to all the winners. Full results of the match can be found on Practiscore.

Steamboat Action Pistol Regional Leaderboard

Overall

1. Andrew Rayland
2. Alex Ragulsky
3. Robert Vadasz

Open

1. Andrew Rayland
2. Alex Ragulsky
3. Tony Simmons

Metallic

1. Robert Vadasz
2. Jason Crawford
3. Scott White

Production

1. Jeremy David
2. Michael DelZoppo
3. Randal Jeffs

Production Optics

1. Jack Ragsdale
2. Seiichi Ishikawa
3. Adam Kovatch

Open Rimfire

1. Bridger Steege
2. David Wood
3. Jim Flagg

• Production Rimfire Champion—Victoria Deppe
• Senior and Military Veteran Champion—Andrew Rayland
• Ladies Champion—Julie Golob
• Junior Champion—Bridger Steege
• Grand Senior Champion—Chuck West
• Law Enforcement Champion—Alex Ragulsky

2-gun Aggregate

• Metallic Sight Champion—Jeremy David
• Production Champion—Jason Crawford

Overall

1. Alex Ragulsky
2. Jeremy David
3. Joey Deleon

The turnout for the Wyoming State Championships was equally successful. A spin on the “Wheel of Misfortune” by junior competitor Bridger Steege determined the surprise stages. Participants would shoot the Mover, Plates, Modified Barricade and International Rapid Fire. In honor of the Summer Olympics this year, Rayland brought out official B37 targets for the rapid-fire stage. For many, the four-second time limit on the five 25-yard bulls was a speedy challenge.

This year, the overall winner was Production Optics competitor Seiichi Ishikawa. The Californian shot a total of 1693-102X, securing the win on the rapid-fire course with a score of 275. The victory also earned him the coveted champion belt buckle. Additionally, Metallic champion Robert Vadasz took second, while the third buckle went to Joey Deleon. Cheyenne’s Mayor, Patrick Collins, was on hand to pass out the awards.

Wyoming State Championships Leaderboard

Open

1. Joey Deleon
2. Andrew Rayland
3. Julie Golob

Metallic

1. Robert Vadasz
2. Jason Crawford
3. Steve Knoll

Production

1. Jeremy David
2. Michael DelZoppo

Production Optics

1. Seiichi Ishikawa
2. Adam Kovatch
3. Jack Ragsdale

Open Rimfire

1. Bridger Steege
2. Scott Stewart
3. Jim Flagg

• Production Rimfire Champion—Victoria Deppe
• Law Enforcement and Military Veteran Champion—Robert Vadasz
• Ladies Champion—Julie Golob
• Junior Champion—Bridger Steege
• Senior Champion—Andrew Rayland
• Grand Senior Champion—Chuck West

You can learn more about the Steamboat Challenge on Facebook.

Article courtesy of Julie Golob and bulletinX.