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.

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posted on July 31, 2025
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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

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