Competitors’ Corner: August 2025

Jon Shue clinches his third consecutive NRA Pistol title, new guns from Beretta & Ruger and Madison Sharpe shares her championship journey.

by
posted on July 31, 2025
** 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. **
Compcorner Aug2025 1
On the cover: Jon Shue won his third straight NRA National Precision Pistol Championship title at the Cardinal Shooting Center in July, scoring 2649-122X and earning the Harrison Trophy.
Cover photo by John Parker

On the cover is Jon Shue, who clinched his third consecutive NRA National Precision Pistol Championship title at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio, this July. The NRA Pistol Championship’s debut at Cardinal saw attendance more than double last year’s event—a strong start for its new home. Read all about the first year at the Cardinal Center in my match report.

Also making its Ohio debut was the NRA National High Power Long-Range Championship, held at Alliance Rifle Club in Malvern. Jerry McDonough secured the 2025 title with a score of 1245-73X, claiming the Tompkins Trophy with his Palma rifle and also topping the Sierra Trophy aggregate. Bob Gill finished second overall and took home the Canadian Cup, while U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit competitor Zevin Linse earned third. Don’t miss our coverage of the NRA High Power Rifle Long-Range Nationals.

Product Focus puts the spotlight on Beretta’s new 92XI SAO Sabbia, an optics-ready 9 mm pistol featuring a crisp single-action-only trigger and a host of upgrades for competitive and defensive shooters alike. From its FDE anodized Vertec-style frame to the threaded barrel and LOK Veloce grips, the Sabbia blends classic Beretta performance with modern enhancements. It’s a head-turner at the range—and a serious contender on the clock. Check out my full review of the 92XI SAO Sabbia.

Beretta 92XI SAO Sabbia
Read our review of the Beretta 92XI SAO Sabbia.

 

Field Editor Chris Christian goes long with Ruger’s new 10/22 Carbon Fiber rifle in his latest review. Built for PRS22 competition, this .22 LR precision rig features a carbon-fiber tensioned barrel, Grey Birch chassis, adjustable folding stock, Ruger’s crisp BX Trigger and a 30-MOA Picatinny rail to help stretch your game. On the range, the Model 31227 delivered impressive accuracy out to 200 yards, proving Ruger’s venerable 10/22 platform is more than capable in today’s demanding rimfire precision shooting game.

Sporting clays phenom Madison Sharpe opens up about her journey to the top in Maggie Kelch’s exclusive interview. From tagging along with her dad on hunts to dominating the NSCA Championship Tour, Sharpe shares how relentless practice, strong mentorship and a love for the outdoors shaped her career. Now a full-time competitor and coach, she’s setting her sights even higher—with goals like winning the World FITASC title and completing the Royal Slam for turkeys. Read our full profile of Madison Sharpe.

John Parker
Editor-in-Chief, Shooting Sports USA

Are you a subscriber?

Not receiving the monthly digital magazine announcement in your inbox? Become a subscriber. Not only is it completely free, it only takes a minute to sign up and it guarantees you’ll never miss a single issue of the NRA’s competitive shooting journal. Subscribe here.

Latest

ARC America 2026 2
ARC America 2026 2

NRA Launches ‘ARC Across America National Challenge’ for Nation’s 250th Anniversary

NRA’s new ARC Across America National Challenge runs Memorial Day through Labor Day 2026, aiming for 250-plus clubs hosting matches with national rankings and prizes to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial.

How Two Champion Skeet Shooters Launched Backwoods Suppressors

Olympic skeet medalists Vincent Hancock and Conner Prince co-founded Backwoods Suppressors, a hunter-first brand offering five titanium and stainless cans built for the field.

Kim Rowe Captures 2026 NRA National High Power Mid-Range Championship

Kim Rowe wins 2026 NRA National High Power Mid-Range Championship and Patriot Minuteman Trophy with a 2399-171X aggregate.

Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Adds 300 FPS to a Cartridge You Probably Already Shoot

Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak uses Peak Alloy cases to push velocities 300 fps faster while fitting existing 6.5 Creedmoor rifles.

AMU Competitors Top 2026 Dixie Match Leaderboard

USAMU swept the podium at the 2026 Dixie Matches in Jacksonville, with Greg Markowski claiming Top Gun and the NRA Regional Championship.

The Whistler Boy Match Returns to NRA Smallbore

Sponsored by Ruger, the popular junior rifle competition is coming back in July during the 2026 NRA Smallbore Rifle Nationals at Cardinal Center in Ohio.

Interests



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