As an NRA Youth Ambassador, one of my goals is to introduce more young people to the shooting sports and show them the community, mentorship and opportunities that exist within it. This past May, I got to experience all of that firsthand while competing in my first Bianchi Cup, conducted by the CMP at Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri.
The Bianchi Cup is one of the most respected Action Pistol competitions in the world and this was my first time ever competing in the discipline. After selecting a Volquartsen for my rimfire gun and a Walther PDP for my centerfire gun, I was ready to deliver my best performance. Even with limited practice, I was excited to step outside my comfort zone and try something completely new. I was honored to finish the match earning first place in Junior Rimfire and third place in Junior Centerfire.
One of the coolest parts about the match was getting to experience all four events that make up the Bianchi Cup International Pistol Tournament. The Moving Target Event, also called “The Mover,” quickly became my favorite because of how difficult and challenging it was. Timing, focus and accuracy all have to come together perfectly while shooting at a moving target. I also really enjoyed the Falling Plate Event because of how fast and exciting it was to shoot.
While the competition itself was a great experience, what stood out the most to me was how welcoming and supportive the other shooters were throughout the week. Since I was new to the sport, many experienced competitors took time to answer questions, give advice and help me learn the discipline. The group that exemplified this the best were my fellow junior competitors of Team Ammo Alley.
Ammo Alley is a local gun shop and indoor range that is a longtime supporter of the Bianchi Cup, including plenty of assistance for the junior competitors. Several shooters even offered me equipment including holsters, belts, accessories and ammunition to help me compete better. That level of support really showed me what the shooting sports community is all about. Everyone wanted to see young shooters succeed because they understand that youth shooters are the future of the Second Amendment and the future of competitive shooting sports.
As a youth ambassador, that is something I want to continue sharing with other young people in my community. Shooting sports are not just about competition. They teach responsibility, discipline, safety, sportsmanship and hard work while surrounding you with great people who genuinely want to help others improve.
After having such a great experience at the 2026 Bianchi Cup, I have already found a monthly Action Pistol match closer to home so I can continue practicing and improving. I’m looking forward to learning more about the sport and will absolutely return to Green Valley for the 2027 Bianchi Cup.
Trying a new discipline reminded me that there are always opportunities to grow in the shooting sports, meet new people and continue learning. I’m thankful for everyone who welcomed me into the Action Pistol community and helped make my first Bianchi Cup an unforgettable experience.
Editor’s note: Last year, this article’s author and NRA Youth Ambassador Jackson Schmidt was fresh off a SSSF Top Gun title when he placed ninth in the Amateur field at the 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship. A pair of Junior podiums at the 2026 Bianchi Cup only reinforces what is already clear—this young competition shooter has a bright future ahead of him.
Learn more about NRA Youth Ambassadors and the Bianchi Cup.
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