From BB gun beginnings to becoming the number-one Optical Sight Revolver (OSR) Steel Challenge shooter in the world, David “DJ” Rotigel has carved out his own path through hard work, relentless dry fire and a deep love for the shooting community. In this interview, DJ shares how he got started, what drives him and why helping others pick up a revolver and experience success is important to him.
Randall Miller: When did you begin shooting and competing?
DJ: My journey with firearms began early in life. I was around six or seven years old when my father introduced me to shooting with my first BB gun. That experience sparked a lifelong passion, progressing to deer rifles. Over time, my interest expanded to include a variety of handguns, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards.
My introduction to competitive shooting came around 2018 through the Pennsylvania Steel League—a welcoming and well-structured entry point for newcomers to the sport. Modeled after the Steel Challenge format but tailored specifically for novice shooters, the league provided an ideal environment to build foundational skills and gain confidence on the range. I competed in the Pennsylvania Steel League for two seasons before transitioning to just Steel Challenge events. Around five or six years ago, I began focusing more seriously on revolvers.
I competed in my first Steel Challenge match in February of 2019, shooting the Limited and Rimfire Pistol Irons divisions—these were the two guns I was shooting in the Pennsylvania Steel League. One vivid memory I have from that match is that I ran a full magazine through my Glock G34 during a string, a moment that underscored just how much I had to learn. I wasn’t born with an innate talent for handguns, but I was determined to improve through practice and persistence.
Since then, I’ve shot 13 divisions. Eventually, I’ll get around to shooting Limited Optics and may even give the Rimfire Revolver divisions a try.
RM: How did you begin shooting a revolver?
DJ: My renewed interest in revolvers began about five years ago. I owned a .44 Magnum in my younger days, but over time, my focus shifted away from wheel guns. That changed when a friend encouraged me to try his Smith & Wesson Model 929 during a Falling Steel match. Initially, I was skeptical—striker-fired pistols dominated the competitive shooting landscape, and I had just completed the match with my trusted Glock G34, which I considered the superior platform.
However, my friend was persistent, and out of courtesy, I gave the Model 929 a try. After just three moonclips, I found myself reevaluating my entire handgun lineup and seriously considering which Glocks I could part with to make room for a 929 of my own. Not long after, a Smith & Wesson Model 929 revolver joined my collection—and it didn’t stay lonely for long.
RM: Why a revolver?
DJ: There’s something uniquely satisfying about shooting a revolver—particularly in the fast-paced environment of Steel Challenge—that’s difficult to fully articulate. Part of the appeal lies in the mechanics, as the grip angle and spurless upgraded hammer contribute to a surprisingly quick and efficient draw. But beyond that, it’s the challenge that keeps me coming back—the deliberate control required for the long trigger pull and the finesse involved in staging the trigger between targets. It’s a discipline that demands precision, timing, and focus, and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.
A few years ago, I transitioned from my Smith & Wesson Model 929s to the Smith & Wesson Model 986. While I occasionally miss the eight-round capacity of the 929, I appreciate the 986’s lighter weight.
RM: You have surpassed Jerry Miculek as the number one shooter in revolver. How did you accomplish that goal?
DJ: Let me be clear—Jerry Miculek will always be the greatest of all time. He’s a true gentleman and an exceptional ambassador for the shooting sports. His legacy continues to inspire me and countless others. While I happen to hold a faster overall time than he did in the Optical Sight Revolver division of Steel Challenge, I’m still chasing many of his other records—and likely will be for years to come.
When I first began competing with revolvers in Steel Challenge, the idea of surpassing Jerry’s time seemed unimaginable. After all, his name was etched into the side of my Smith & Wesson Model 929 for good reason. But through relentless dry-fire practice and attending every match I could, the stars eventually aligned. Seeing my name above his on the leader board was surreal—a moment of pride tempered with deep respect.
Much of my progress can be credited to the generosity and insight of fellow revolver shooters. Mike Willoughby, one of the most skilled revolver competitors I know, has always been quick to offer very good advice. Shortly after we met, he watched me shoot a stage and asked why I wasn’t running my OSR in both Open and OSR divisions to double my trigger time with the same platform. That suggestion made perfect sense—and my Iron Sight Revolver was promptly retired to the safe.
Another pivotal moment came during a conversation with Ryan Wagner. He shared that he once won a major match not by shooting faster on each string, but by consistently beating the second-place finisher on the draw every time. That insight reshaped my approach to competition, highlighting the critical importance of a fast and efficient draw. I doubt Ryan realizes just how much that one comment influenced my performance.
Kurt Omensetter has also played a significant role in my success. Although I have yet to be successful in getting him to switch over to a revolver, we’ve had countless discussions about stage strategy, positioning in the box and other nuances of competitive shooting. His thoughtful guidance and passion for the sport make him another outstanding ambassador, and I truly miss seeing him at the Pricetown matches.
The revolver community is filled with generous, knowledgeable and passionate individuals, and I’m grateful to be part of it. Their support and mentorship have been instrumental in my journey, and I look forward to passing that knowledge on to the next generation of shooters.
RM: What does practice look like for you?
DJ: In my experience, one of the most effective ways to become a proficient revolver shooter is through consistent dry-fire practice. Mike Willoughby shared this insight with me early on, and it’s made a tremendous impact on my performance. On days when I’m not competing, you’ll likely find me dry firing at banner targets. I typically draw out of a holster and dry fire a stage about 100 times a day.
While any dry-fire practice is good, dry firing a revolver is almost as good as live-fire practice. The hammer drops every time you pull the trigger, and if you pay attention and are honest with yourself, you know whether the dot was on the target when the hammer falls.
I’m lucky enough to have some dedicated friends who accompany me to matches. I live in an area where we can usually hit a match or two almost every weekend and every other Wednesday. About once a month, there is a weekend with three matches. We are certainly spoiled here in central Pennsylvania.
So, for the most part, I just do dry-fire training and matches, although I do make it to the range to practice about once a month.
RM: What are your goals?
DJ: One of my primary goals in the shooting sports is to support and encourage new competitors. Helping others get started is deeply rewarding, and if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll gladly try to steer them toward revolver shooting.
On the competitive side, I have my sights set on shooting an 86.09 match at the World Speed Shooting Championships with my OSR. While Jerry Miculek’s legendary record remains firmly intact, the pursuit itself is part of the thrill.
I am always pushing myself to maintain a sub-0.7-second first shot on Smoke and Hope and stay under one second on the other stages. Some days, this is easier than others, but that is what I’m shooting for every time I step into the box.
RM: How many shooters have you influenced or persuaded to pick up a revolver?
DJ: Scanning the leaderboards, I’m proud to recognize many familiar names—individuals I’m honored to call friends. Among them are two standout competitors on the OSR list who, without a doubt, are poised to claim the top spot before long. I can see it coming every time they draw their revolvers. I’ll hold onto that number-one ranking as long as I can, but I’ll be thrilled when the day comes for one of them to overtake me—especially when I played a part in encouraging them to pick up a revolver in the first place.
While there’s much to love about this sport, what truly sets it apart is the people. Helping fellow shooters is one of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement. Sometimes, it’s something simple, like lending ammo or a holster when someone forgets theirs. Other times, it’s offering a bit of friendly ribbing to keep their form sharp or nudging them to trade screen time for dry-fire practice. And on occasion, I get the chance to share advice on revolver selection or shooting techniques or even perform a trigger job to help them get the most out of their setup. It’s that spirit of mentorship and shared passion that keeps me coming back, match after match.
It’s safe to say I’ve influenced more than a few of my shooting friends to invest in a Smith & Wesson revolver or two. Over the years, I’ve lost count of the number of trigger jobs I’ve performed, just for the cost of parts, for those I’ve encouraged to buy a revolver. Some of them (Winston) are heavy hitters who somehow end up with an additional revolver or two.
Right now, I’ve got four of my buddies’ revolvers sitting on my workbench waiting on a trigger job. I’ll be picking up another one soon. I really enjoy supporting fellow shooters, sharing knowledge and staying hands-on with the gear we love. Life is good.
RM: I asked a few shooters what DJ has done for revolvers and Steel Challenge. Here is what they had to say.
Winston: “I hadn’t shot a revolver for 40 years until DJ suggested that I try it. He is the best ambassador for Steel Challenge there is. He loves the people, the sport and having fun while being the number one in the world in OSR.”
Gil: “DJ insists on adults and kids shooting his revolver, and that is how most of us end up reeled into the division. I only shoot a revolver because of DJ. Smith & Wesson should be sponsoring him!”
Ron: “Few can match DJ’s generosity and passion for the sport. His love for revolver and Steel Challenge shooting is contagious, and his dedication to inspiring and welcoming new shooters truly sets him apart. One amazing fact about DJ is that he is in the top 20 of Steel Challenge in the Open division with his revolver!”
Kyle (16 years old): “DJ is probably the nicest shooter I have met. He is the reason I shoot revolvers today and is always there to help me make sure my equipment is running well, do repairs and loan me a revolver if needed. Any shooter would be lucky to squad with him because his priority is on the shooter.”
Erick: “DJ has done a lot for Steel Challenge with his support, enthusiasm and positivity. He is always putting revolvers in the hands of shooters and is encouraging to young shooters.”
RM: Any advice?
DJ: If you see me on the range, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation about Steel Challenge. I’m always happy to talk about Steel Challenge. When I first entered the sport, I was admittedly intimidated by the Masters and Grand Masters. Learn from my mistakes. Nearly everyone on the range is eager to help others improve, and the community thrives on sharing knowledge and encouragement.
If you find joy in this sport, stick with it. Steel Challenge rewards dedication and consistency. When I started, I was much closer to the bottom of the leaderboard, but with steady dry-fire practice and a lot of matches, I’ve climbed a bit higher.
Also, it is almost impossible to have too much caffeine in your body before the match starts!
RM: Spoken like a true competitor. Thanks, DJ, for representing the revolver community so well.
Article from the January/February 2026 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
