Max Michel: First Carry Optics Shooter To Win Overall

by
posted on September 18, 2020
** 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. **
max-carry-1.jpg

The accolades keep stacking up for Max Michel in 2020, this time for achieving a remarkable shooting sports first. The Team SIG shooter became the first ever Carry-Optics competitor to take the Overall Championship title at the 2020 USPSA Area 5 Championship, held Sept. 13 at the Blue Grass Sportsmen’s League in Wilmore, Ky. His final score was 1,241, which was 89.98 percent of all available points.

At the 2020 USPSA Area 5 Championship, Michel faced a talented field of 244 competitive shooters through twelve difficult stages. What's more is that he outright won 10 of these stages. The monumental achievement of Michel topping the overall leaderboard at this match, especially against especially against Open division pistols that are specifically built and tuned to win major matches, has raised the bar for all competitive shooters.

“Throughout my professional shooting career I have earned several National and World Championships, and set World Speed Shooting and Guinness World Records, but taking the Overall title in an Area Championship against the competition I faced at this match, across all divisions, was both unique and special, and I am proud and honored to have done it on behalf of Team SIG,” said Michel.

Michel was using his SIG Sauer P320 X-Five Legion, with a Romeo3 MAX red-dot optic and SIG 147-grain Match Elite 9mm competition ammunition. He was quick to give credit to his equipment for the dual Carry Optics and Overall win in Kentucky.

“It has been a unique year for competitive shooting, and due to the Covid restrictions and limited match schedule I was able to really focus on my training and it’s paying off. This achievement is also a credit to both the quality and accuracy of my SIG equipment that continues to run flawlessly and outperformed all the competitors at the Area 5 Championship, including those in the Open Pistol division,” said Michel.

Learn more about Max Michel.
Learn more about SIG Sauer.


See more: Max Michel Takes First Place at 2020 USPSA Alabama Sectionals

Latest

S W 1854 360Buck 1
S W 1854 360Buck 1

New: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Chambered in 360 Buckhammer

Smith & Wesson expands its Model 1854 lever-action rifle lineup with a 360 Buckhammer option.

Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber: Lightweight Speed, Heavyweight Accuracy

Ruger’s lightweight 10/22 Carbon Fiber rimfire rifle delivers impressive accuracy and control, making it a strong choice for Steel Challenge and beyond.

Year In Review: SSUSA Covers Of 2025

A look back at Shooting Sports USA’s 2025 covers, celebrating championship highlights and marking the final chapter of the digital magazine.

Five Classic Competitive Shooting Books to Sharpen Your Skills

Five essential books packed with tips, techniques and wisdom for competition shooters who want to level up.

New: Beretta AX800 Suprema

Beretta’s AX800 Suprema for waterfowl hunting features advanced gas cycling and tough Steelium Pro barrels built for the harshest conditions.

Understanding Ogive Jive

Explains bullet ogive shapes—tangent, secant and hybrid—how geometry affects aerodynamics, seating depth sensitivity, twist rates and real-world accuracy for precision shooters.

Interests



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