Tokyo 2020 Olympian Brian Burrows grew up in Fallbrook, California, with competitive shooting in his DNA. The trapshooter picked up an Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo and is a two-time Pan American Games medalist. Find out what he keeps in his range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
My family has always been into competitive shooting. My grandfather is in the California Hall of Fame for trapshooting, and my dad and uncle both shoot competitively. My brother and I were raised around shooting sports, and it was very much a family activity. I was two years old when I first shot a .22 pistol, with my dad helping me hold it and shoot it. Being in a shooting family, we were taught gun safety from a very young age.
Tell us how you began in competitive shooting.
I started competing with my grandfather, dad and uncle in American Trap when I was eight.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
For competitions, I shoot a Beretta DT11 with 30-inch barrels, Briley chokes and a custom stock. I like my custom stock because it fits me and makes shooting more comfortable. My ammunition is Federal Ammunition’s Gold Medal Paper shells with a load of 24 gram, 7.5 shot going 1,350 f.p.s.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms.
I don’t need a specific range bag. I am good to go as long as I have all the essentials in the same bag. I carry most of the things I need in my Beretta gun case, vest and backpack. All my tools and other things I need for my gun are in the case. My notes and earplugs are in my vest. Inside my backpack are my Pilla glasses and lenses (I prefer my glasses’ prescription inserts because I don’t like shooting in contacts), and any warm or cold weather clothes. If I keep it simple, I know what I have and won’t have to search for things.
What do you do in your free time?
When I am not shooting, I coach a lot. I also own and operate Ironwood Axe Throwing, an axe-throwing venue. My wife and I enjoy fly fishing, hunting and archery. In addition, I love flying, and I have a love/hate relationship with golf.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
There are tons of resources online for youth shooters specifically. I would look into the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and the 4-H shooting program. But for anyone, I would say just go to your nearest shooting range or several and ask how to start and get into the sport. You will find many people willing to help you. Remember, everyone started somewhere, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Any tips for the new shooter?
For shotgun shooting, look at the target, not the bead at the end of the gun. For shooting rifles and pistols, you use your sights to aim, while in shotgun shooting, you look at the target and point. Shoot a patterning board to see where you are pointing versus where you are hitting. Don’t use the heaviest and fastest load; you don’t need it. If recoil is affecting you, try a lighter load. Also, be sure to understand the basics of gun fit.
Anything you want to add?
Don’t be afraid to just go to the shooting range and start learning and shooting. You won’t need a lot to get started. And don’t be scared to talk to some of the better shooters at your range or competitions. They are usually pretty nice and may have some pointers for you.
Follow Brian Burrows on Instagram: @bburrows125.
