Max Michel Sets New Guinness World Record

by
posted on January 10, 2017
** 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. **
max1.jpg

Team SIG Captain Max Michel has written himself into the history books by establishing a new Guinness World Record for action pistol shooting. The ultimate authority in record-breaking achievements, Guinness World Records recognizes Michel with the fastest speed for hitting six target plates with a 9mm handgunwhich he did in 2.05 seconds.

"Since he began shooting at 5 years old, Max has won numerous world, national and regional titles in a variety of shooting sports disciplines," said Tom Taylor, chief marketing officer and executive vice president, Commercial Sales. "While Max's skill and proficiency with a pistol is well known in the shooting sports world, his latest performance transcends the competitive arena and places it squarely in the public domain. There are many great shooters out there, but a Guinness World Record title adds documented validity and notoriety, elevating Max's credentials to an even higher level of distinction."

To establish the new Guinness World Record, Michel used his personal full-size SIG Sauer P320 in 9mm topped with a ROMEO3 mini reflex sight and fueled by SIG Sauer Elite Performance Ammunition. In a feat never before accomplished, Michel successfully engaged an official Action Target plate rack consisting of six adjacent shooting plates measuring 8-inches in diameter at a distance of 7 meters. Under the guidelines of Guinness World Records, Michel was given three attempts in which to set the world record. Witnessed by an approved Guinness World Records judge and verified by two experienced timekeepers, Michel's attempt was also photographed and recorded on video (To watch Michel's world record performance, please visit RecoilTV). Michel completed the course of fire while shooting at the state-of-the-art SIG Sauer Academy in Epping, NH.

"Growing up, I remember seeing the Guinness Book of World Records and wanting to be a part of it," said Michel. "To receive its stamp of approval and to be recognized by your peers is one of the biggest honors I could imagine. Now, after finally having the chance to achieve a world record, I consider it to be one of the major highlights in my 25 years of competitive shooting."

Michel continued, "Perhaps one of the biggest joys I've experienced since setting the Guinness World Record has been the feedback I've received from my kids. For years I've been telling them about certain matches, how I performed and what it meant to me, but to see their reaction when I showed them the certificate from Guinness was truly unbelievable. I'm extremely blessed to have this opportunity and I look forward to seeing how my fellow competitors and recreational shooters respond to this new challenge. I hope it encourages them to set their own records as I will certainly be ready to match their performance whenever the time comes."

Latest

SIG SAUER M400 TREAD 1 Lede
SIG SAUER M400 TREAD 1 Lede

Review: SIG Sauer M400-TREAD & ROMEO5XDR Gen II

SIG’s M400 TREAD 5.56 mm rifle paired with the ROMEO5XDR Gen II optic delivers competition grade performance and exceptional value straight from the box

Hancock, Simonton Complete American Sweep at 2025 ISSF World Championship Shotgun

Vincent Hancock and Samantha Simonton claimed gold in men’s and women’s skeet, leading Team USA to a dominant sweep at the 2025 ISSF World Championship

How The MidwayUSA Foundation is Reshaping Youth Shooting Sports

Financial infrastructure and strategic giving are transforming how America supports its youth shooting sports teams

Collegiate Rifle: Akron Rifle Team Delivers Personal Bests in Home Opener vs. No. 10 Memphis

In their Oct. 12 home opener, Akron rifle put on a strong performance against No. 10-ranked Memphis, with nine out of 12 shooters achieving season or career-best scores

Historic Wins Across the Board: 1981 National Matches

The 1981 National Matches delivered major milestones across pistol, smallbore and high power—fueled by renewed federal support and fierce competition.

Results: 2025 World Speed Shooting Championship

Jesse Misco breaks 50-second barrier in Rimfire Rifle Optics at 2025 WSSC, setting a new world record and multiple stage records at Talladega

Interests



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