Legends: Michael Voigt

by
posted on March 29, 2018
** 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. **
voigt1.jpg

It’s with great sadness that we learned of the passing of beloved friend and colleague, Michael Voigt. It was reported that he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, March 24 in Corona, CA. Michael is survived by his wife, Maggie Reese Voigt and his daughters.

A true innovator and icon, Michael has been one of the top action shooters in the world for the past 30 years. Michael’s list of titles is too long to list, but most impressive were his accomplishments as a National and World Champion in multiple shooting disciplines.

Michael has been featured on 3-Gun Nation, NBC Sports, Versus, Pursuit, Sportsman’s and Outdoor Channel. He was one of the original Team Safariland competitive shooters and served on the team for 25 years along with Team Surefire, working as key engineer for the suppressor program. For years, he was a competitor at the NRA Bianchi Cup Action Pistol Championship.

Michael was president of the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) from 2000 to 2012. After 12 years at the helm of USPSA, he returned to devoting his time and talents to advancing the firearms industry—training elite military and law enforcement forces around the world. Michael has been a friend and mentor for many, and has always been there to coach or help anyone along the way. He will be truly missed.

About Michael, Chad Adams of 3-Gun Nation said:

“[Mike Voigt dominated] in the world of 3-Gun for the better part of three decades. It was in 3-Gun where some of Voigt’s innovative gear choices, such as secondary optics, became groundbreaking, while his shooting performances proved legendary. Voigt’s frequent battles with Jerry Miculek in the Open/Unlimited divisions at 3-Gun matches have given competition shooting some of the greatest displays of action shooting, regardless of discipline.”

Mourners took to social media to express their grief.

Sorry to hear Michael Voigt has lost his battle with cancer. Been shooting with Mike since the mid-1980s. Always a cool and calm professional on the range. History would say he truly was a game changer to the shooting industry in so many ways … he will be missed.

RIP Mr. Michael Voigt!! My sincerest condolences to the shooting world and the Voigt family. Blessings my friend. We honor you.

As some of you may know, we lost one of the best people in our industry and sport. Mike was one of my best friends, team members, mentors, coaches and fellow competitors the past 25 years. I cannot tell you how much time we have spent on the range and just hanging out. His life became full when he met and married Maggie Reese Voigt. Maggie has been there by his side the entire time and we cannot thank her enough. Please join us if you can Saturday, April 14 and pass the word, see details below. We will miss you Mike and thank you all the great memories.

A sad day for losing a great asset of the American marksmanship. RIP Michael Voigt.

Services and Interment is scheduled for Saturday, April 14 at 3:00 p.m. at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Michael’s extraordinary life.

Instead of flowers, the family is asking people to give donations to the USPSA Junior Program. Go to: uspsa.org/announcement/576

Lead photo courtesy of Hornady

Latest

Dewarmatchhistory SBR 1
Dewarmatchhistory SBR 1

Dewar International Match: A Rivalry Fought by Mail for 100 Years

A 1952 photo highlights that year’s Dewar Team, a U.S.-Britain smallbore rivalry fought entirely by mail since 1909 and still contested today.

Team Winchester/White Flyer’s DeMichiel Wins FITASC Title at NSCA North Central Regional

Kevin DeMichiel took the FITASC title and finished runner-up in both the Main Event and Five-Stand at the 2026 NSCA North Central Regional.

Palmyra Duo Takes High Junior Title and a Pair of Ruger 10/22s at NRA Smallbore 3-Position Nationals

Rain, wind and razor-thin margins mark team day at the 2026 NRA Smallbore 3-P Nationals.

Walton County Sweeps 2026 Daisy BB Gun Nationals

Violet Combs tops an all-girl podium and Walton County posts a perfect team test score to sweep the 59th Daisy BB Gun Nationals.

Horner Tops Modified Leaderboard at USPSA Multigun Nationals, Wins 15th Title

Daniel Horner wins Modified division title at 2026 USPSA Multigun Nationals, adding a 15th national championship to a career full of them.

Juniors Shine as Hands Across The Sea Debuts: 2026 NRA National Smallbore Championship, Day 1

Junior shooters dominated the 2026 NRA National Smallbore Championship opener as Ruby Harris won metallic sights and the inaugural Hands Across The Sea team was selected.

Interests



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