Grant Kunkel Sweeps Area 5 Steel Challenge Championship

by
posted on June 18, 2021
** 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. **
gkunkel-1.jpg

Team Federal’s Grant Kunkel had a stellar performance at the 2021 Area 5 Steel Challenge Championship that netted him six first place trophies, plus the Rifle Master and Rimfire Master titles.

The match, held at the Riley Conservation Club in Terre Haute, Ind., on June 11–13, had 364 shooters competing across six divisions.

Kunkel’s wins in the Area 5 Steel Challenge Championship include first place in Rimfire Rifle Optic (RFRO), Rimfire Rifle Iron (RFRI), Rimfire Pistol Optic (RFPO), Rimfire Pistol Iron (RFPI), Open and Pistol Caliber Carbine Optic (PCCO) divisions.

According to the main match results posted to the Practiscore website, Kunkel's best stage in Open division was Smoke and Hope with a time of 8.01 seconds. His total Open division time was 74.75 seconds, about six seconds ahead of runner-up Ryan Wagner.

As for the Rifle Master award, it's given to the competitor with the fastest Rimfire Rifle and PCC combined time, while the Rimfire Master award is for the fastest combined time in RFPO, RFPI, RFRO and RFRI combined. As mentioned, Kunkel won both awards.

Kunkel gave high praise to his Federal Syntech ammo for Open division, while for the rimfire portions of the match he was shooting CCI Mini-Mag.

“For the handgun Open division, I was shooting Syntech Action Pistol, because it’s extremely soft recoil, accuracy and absolute reliability allow me to concentrate fully while making quick shots and staying on target. I relied on CCI Mini-Mag ammo for the rimfire events.”

Learn more about Steel Challenge. Visit federalpremium.com and cci-ammunition.com for more information about Federal and CCI.


Read more: Mastering Steel Challenge Stages: Five To Go

Latest

1 Leupold VX4HD
1 Leupold VX4HD

New: Leupold VX-4HD Riflescopes

Leupold’s VX-4HD line includes three sizes with 4:1 zoom, custom CDS-ZL2 dials and prices from $799.99 to $1,199.99.

New Mauser M98 Das Original Bolt-Action Rifle Includes .300 Win. Mag. Chambering

Mauser updates its classic M98 with DLC bolt components, Grade 5 wood and new calibers including a first-ever .300 Win. Mag. option.

Winter Olympic Biathlon: Skiing and Shooting at 180 BPM

A history of Olympic biathlon, tracing its evolution from military patrols to a high-speed sport combining skiing and precision shooting under pressure.

New For 2026: Top Handguns

Eleven standout handguns—from race-ready steel to modular pistols and a modern revolver—highlight the biggest trends emerging from SHOT Show 2026.

New: Real Avid Master Collection for 1911

The 1911 Master Collection brings together tools, cleaning gear and chemicals in a single kit designed for straightforward at‑home maintenance of the classic handgun platform.

Collegiate Rifle: 2026 Patriot Rifle Conference Championship Results

Nebraska secures 2026 PRC Championship title in Fort Wayne with balanced scoring in both guns, topping Ole Miss and TCU for its first league title in two decades.

Interests



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