When James Hall began shooting at a local 4-H club in his youth, little did he know that he would go on to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the men’s air pistol event. Learn what Hall, a 2023 Pan American Games silver medalist, keeps in his range bag.
When did you first pick up a firearm?
I started shooting BB gun with my three younger brothers in a 4-H club in Georgia.
When did you start competing?
My family moved to Orlando, Florida, and we joined a local shooting club that had a top-notch junior program. While at the Orlando Rifle and Pistol Club, the coaches there informed my brothers and myself that college scholarships were available. The die was cast—my brothers and I set a goal to compete at the college level.
What firearms do you use for competition?
For air pistol competition, I use a Pardini K12 single-shot air pistol with JSB Pellets.
What is the brand of the range bag you carry?
KB, specifically the 2615 carry-on size. I like the size, security and ease of portability. Traveling internationally with a gun can often be nerve racking—knowing that my firearm is safe and secure provides me some peace of mind.
What do you always keep in your range bag, besides your firearms?
My shoes, shooting glasses and hearing protection.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, I have two little ones and we love hiking and playing at different parks. Additionally, I like helping grow youth shooting sports by working as the director of development for international rifle and pistol disciplines with the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
Sharing my love of the sport with new shooters or those interested in learning more is a passion of mine—come talk with me at a match.
Any tips for the new shooter?
Competitive shooting is a roller coaster ride of highs, lows and plateaus. You get out of it what you put into it. Never be afraid to ask questions. Some of the best “coaching” I’ve received over the years has been from fellow competitors sharing what has and hasn’t worked for them.
