On the cover this month: Joseph Fanizzi, one of the brightest young talents in sporting clays. In her article about the clay target phenom, author Maggie Kelch traces his path from a kid working the grounds at Quail Creek Plantation to becoming the youngest-ever winner of the NSCA National Championship at age 18. Fanizzi’s rise is no accident—it’s the result of years of discipline, smart coaching and an early introduction to the sport. Now, as he looks ahead, he’s focused on more than just winning titles. He’s building tools, mentoring new shooters and shaping the future of the sport he loves. Read more about Fanizzi in Maggie Kelch’s cover feature.
Smith & Wesson’s new Spec Series V M&P 9 Metal HD striker-fired pistol chambered in 9 mm Luger brings serious upgrades to the company’s flagship platform. Author P.E. Fitch highlights the gun’s steel frame and improved recoil control. Plus, there are competition-friendly features like an aluminum flat-face trigger and a slide cut for mounting optics, along with eye-catching blue PVD accents. Check out Fitch’s review of the Smith & Wesson Spec Series V M&P 9 Metal HD in Product Focus.
Field Editor Art Merrill takes a detailed look at the Savage Arms Mark II FV-SR chambered in Winchester’s new .21 Sharp cartridge. The .21 Sharp shares its case with the popular .22 Long Rifle but uses a smaller diameter bullet with a modern shape designed for improved performance. Merrill explains how the rifle’s design, including a heavy, free-floated barrel with a 1:12-inch twist and adjustable trigger, supports precision shooting with this new round. Although still new and limited in availability, the combination offers a viable option for affordable target shooting and small-game hunting. Merrill also notes the potential of .21 Sharp to expand into competition shooting if interest grows. Read his article.
Benelli introduced its Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrel system into the Super Black Eagle 3 semi-automatic shotgun lineup earlier this year. The barrel’s unique internal shape alternately expands and contracts, which helps create tighter pellet patterns and higher shot velocities. Working in conjunction with a matched extended choke tube, the result is improved downrange energy and up to 50 percent better penetration found in testing. Don’t miss my review of the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. semi-automatic shotgun.
Finally, good luck and good shooting to everyone competing at the different NRA National Championships around the country this summer. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at the NRA National Pistol and Smallbore Championships at the Cardinal Center later this month. Please come say hello if you see me on the range.
John Parker
Editor-in-Chief, Shooting Sports USA
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