Competitors’ Corner: January 2024

Highlights from the January 2024 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRA’s competitive shooting journal.

by
posted on December 31, 2023
CC Jan2024 1
On the Jan. 2024 cover: A Steel Challenge competitor with Volquartsen’s Mamba-TF rimfire, built on Ruger’s Mark IV frame with a compensated six-inch stainless steel barrel and competition bolt for match-grade accuracy in a lightweight package.
Cover Photo Credit: Trenton Mitsuoka

Happy New Year’s to all our readers! I sincerely hope that all of you had a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and happiness. Now that it’s January, I know that many of you are eager to learn about all the new guns and gear that will be coming out this year. As in past years, Shooting Sports USA will be sharing news about the latest product announcements from SHOT Show 2024 and beyond. Check the website often for updates and be sure to subscribe to the free Insider email newsletter.

January’s cover feature highlights Steel Challenge competition and how easy it is to get started in this popular discipline. With 13 different divisions, including nine divisions that incorporate common firearms, holsters and magazines that are used in USPSA, IDPA and ICORE competition, you likely already have the necessary guns and gear for Steel Challenge in your collection. Don’t miss Field Editor Chris Christian’s article that outlines how to gear up for Steel Challenge.

These days, there are more options than ever before for those looking to buy a suppressor. Field Editor Art Merill’s article “Translating Suppressors” includes a short history of the suppressor going back to the 1800s, along with a guide for anyone that requires help determining whether a suppressor is something they need and what kind to purchase.

Recently, Art Merrill purchased two classic rimfire rifles outside of the usual internet route. In part one of his article “Buying Throwback Guns,” he shares the interesting story of how he procured a vintage bolt-action J.C. Higgins Model 103.229 .22 rifle, along with a thorough examination of the gun. Be sure to read the first installment of his article, with part two coming in next month’s issue.

The NRA World Shooting Championship, presented by Walther Arms is making its triumphant return after a five-year hiatus and is poised to be the biggest one yet. This year’s match will take place at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Ind., April 3-6. More than $250,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs at the competition, including a $25,000 check for the 2024 NRA World Shooting Champion. In addition, all firearms, optics and ammunition are provided to NRA World Shooting Championship competitors to level the playing field for this unique competition. Read my match update for stage details and additional information about this competition designed for both professional and amateur shooters.

Finally, you won’t want to miss our first look at Walther’s new PDP Match pistols. Available in steel frame and polymer frame variants, both PDP Match pistols are full-size 9 mm semi-automatics sporting slides that are cut for optics. Five-inch barrels, dynamic performance triggers and wrap-around grips complete the package. Be sure to check out Product Focus with our initial look at these exciting new pistols from Walther Arms.

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

2024 Youngeagles SA 1
2024 Youngeagles SA 1

A Young Eagle’s Perspective On South Africa

Max Mauer of the U.S. National Young Eagles Rifle Team competed at the 2024 Target Rifle World Long-Range Championships in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in March.

NRA Pistol Nationals Travel To Illinois, Smallbore Nationals Held In Iowa: 1949 National Matches

The experimental limited field National Matches format was abandoned in 1949, with separate locations for NRA’s smallbore rifle and pistol tournaments as a new feature that year.

Discover The Coated Lead Advantage

There’s a reason why experienced shooters are embracing this latest bullet technology.

Salt Lake City To Host Olympic, Paralympic Winter Games In 2034

Following a decade-long process, Salt Lake City will again host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2034. Previously, Salt Lake City hosted the Games in 2002.

Daniel Horner Successfully Defends Modified Division Title At 2024 USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals

Daniel Horner secures Modified division title at the 2024 USPSA Multi-Gun National Championship in Minnesota, Jul. 19-21. He was shooting a SIG MCX-SPEAR LT rifle.

U.S. Paralympic Rifle Shooter McKenna Geer’s Instagram Account Restricted Prior To Paris 2024 Games

McKenna Geer, the first-ever U.S. woman to medal in a Paralympic shooting event, was censored on Instagram last week for what Meta has deemed content that “impedes our ability to foster safer communities.”

Interests



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