Swarovski Optik Senior Media Relations Specialist Evan Dextraze competes in precision long-range, three-position rifle and multigun disciplines. Find out what he keeps in his range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
I started shooting a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun with my dad at our local gun club. He quickly upgraded me to a bolt-action chambered in .22 Long Rifle, which he cut and refinished the stock to give me the proper length of pull. My dad was an Army veteran and active in the local Second Amendment community, a competitive shooter and a hunter. He got me started on my lifelong journey to pursue a career in the firearms industry.
Tell us how you began in competitive shooting?
At the age of nine I began competing, shooting Olympic-style, three-position sporter class air rifle.
Please share with us some of your major shooting accomplishments.
My major accomplishment was competing in the National Junior Olympics in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 2004.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
Currently, I shoot a lot of long-range precision rifle classes. My long guns of choice are either a custom rifle built by Dan Hereid of Raven Rifles out of Texas or an Accuracy International AT-X. I use factory-loaded Hornady match ammo. Depending on the style of match, I am either running a Kahles first focal plane riflescope or a Swarovski second focal plane scope.
I’ve added Arcalock rails made by Area 419 to all of my long guns. It helps with attaching bipods or connecting and shooting from tripods.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms?
I usually carry a backpack for a range bag. If it’s a field match with a lot of bags, I’ll use an Alaska Guide Creations, or if I need something on the smaller side, my choice is a Mystery Ranch. Additionally, I keep items like a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph, a Fix-It Sticks toolkit and a Kestrel wind reader and ballistic calculator in my bag.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I have two little kids who are constantly keeping me busy. Most often, it’s taking them fishing, to the zoo or whatever other fun activity we come up with for the weekend.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
Attend a match—everyone there will be excited to talk about it and inform others on how to get involved.
Any tips for the new shooter?
You should wait to buy equipment. Start by learning what is available. Shooters are always happy to let others try their equipment. Put some rounds down range through a variety of firearms before purchasing anything, so you can buy what best fits your needs.
Anything you want to add?
I also love spending time behind a handgun, and Staccato makes an amazing pistol. I also often use tripods. Mutnt Gear and Two Vets both make different styles that I spend the most time behind. The Mutnt Gear is lightweight and great for hunts. On the other hand, Two Vets offers a large variety. I use one of their larger sizes when weight is not an issue at matches.
Follow Evan Dextraze on Instagram: @Edextraze1108
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