My name is Randall Miller (The Shooting Gigi) and I am a woman Super Senior shooter. I have been shooting and competing for five years, mainly in Steel Challenge, and I have loved every minute of it.
My shooting journey all started in 2019 when I was invited to an indoor range for the first time. I shot a rimfire pistol and from those first shots, I fell in love with shooting. My friends suggested I should begin competing in Steel Challenge, although I did not own any guns or even know what Steel Challenge was at the time.
Thanks to my friend’s advice and assistance, I purchased a rimfire pistol and rifle and began to practice. And as the expression goes … the rest is history. I am now a Grand Master in five divisions, in Club 13, on Team Steel Target Paint and I shot a World Record time on Roundabout in 2024.
Here are some things that I have learned in the past five years that I hope will be helpful to new shooters.
EQUIPMENT
Shooting Steel Challenge doesn’t have to be expensive. My first rimfire rifle was a Thompson/Center with iron sights. I paid less than $200, and reached Grand Master status in 10 months as a new shooter.
I have discovered that reliability is the key when choosing a competition gun. If the gun does not run 100 percent of the time, then you cannot be competitive, you will not have fun and the score will not reflect your true capabilities. Is reliability expensive? Not necessarily so. My Thompson/Center rifle was extremely reliable and not expensive.
QUESTIONS
One way to learn is to ask questions. I did not grow up shooting and I didn’t know anything about guns or shooting, so I asked a million questions. Why do you stand there? Why did you shoot that stage in that order? What is that optic? What receiver is that? How much does that cost? Everyone was so patient and answered all of my questions. Don’t be shy—ask away.
ANSWERS
Asking questions is the way to learn but you need to be prepared for different answers from shooter to shooter. I have learned to listen, try and then decide what works for me.
Shooters can be attached to a specific brand or love creating their own “Frankensteins.” What one shooter likes for their gun or optic may not be right for you, so try before you make a purchase. It’s like buying a pair of shoes—sometimes you need to try them on first. It’s the same for guns. Additionally, many shooters will gladly let you shoot their gun and they will also tell you what is special or great about their gun and how that works for them.
SQUADS
Sign up to shoot with good shooters. I have learned that if you want to be a more skilled shooter, shoot with people who are better than you. Watch how they shoot, where they stand in the box, their shooting order and their mental preparedness.
Watching and asking questions of more experienced shooters can accelerate your personal goals. The best time to interact with those shooters is before and after the match or walking between stages.
FAMILY
The Steel Challenge organization is a family. Shooters have let me borrow their guns, given me ammo, answered all my questions, cheered me on and given endless support. I wasn’t expecting such kindness and generosity in a competitive sport. I will always be grateful to the friendships that I have made along the way. These caring friends have provided inspiration and support.
MENTAL GAME
Shooting Steel Challenge is a mental game. I would recommend reading the book “With Winning in Mind” by Lanny Bassham to understand how to approach shooting Steel Challenge matches.
I hear so many people say, “Ugh, we have to shoot Pendulum next, I hate that stage.” Attitude is everything and positivity is the key to your shooting success. If you don’t like Pendulum, then practice, practice and practice it until you own that stage. Don’t let a stage own you.
AGE AND GENDER
You are never too old to learn a new sport no matter your age or gender. I was 61 years old when I went to my first match. I wish I had started shooting and competing earlier in life, but I was 60 years old before I was given the opportunity.
I challenge you—the next time you go to the range, invite your mom, grandmother, aunt, granddaughter or anyone else to experience shooting. You may be giving someone a chance at a new sport and they may love shooting as much as I do.
Shooting Steel Challenge matches has given me so much more than I expected. I have a new family, a sense of achievement and countless great memories. Whether you are just starting or looking to improve, I hope these lessons help you on your journey. Keep practicing, asking questions and, most importantly, have fun.
Article from the May/June 2025 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
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