Ohio-based USPSA Grand Master Joey Sauerland won the 2024 Limited Nationals after just three-and-a-half years of shooting in total. Not just competing, but shooting at all. His rapid rise to national champion is nothing short of remarkable. Learn what he keeps in his range bag.
Tell us how you began in competitive shooting?
I started shooting in 2021 after watching the “John Wick” movies. I became very involved in the sport and began a substantial amount of game-changing dry-fire training, which quickly propelled me to the top.
Please share with us some of your major shooting accomplishments.
In my first year of competing, I won my first Level One Club match. Then, in my second year, I won my first Level Two State Championship match. In my third year, I won my first Level Three Area Championship match. Next, in 2024, my fourth year since beginning my shooting sports career, I won the USPSA Limited Nationals.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
I started shooting with just a Glock G34, but now I run the finest 2011s on the market made by MasterPiece Arms. In addition, I load my own .40-caliber ammo using Summit City bullets and primed brass from Republic Ammunition.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms?
I use a Shooters Connection range bag at the range. I have two different sizes, a large one for matches and a smaller size for practice. I have to keep things organized, or I’ll show up missing something.
In my bag, I have Isotunes Sport ear protection, Hunters HD Gold eye protection and magazines specifically designed for dry-fire use with mag inserts from JV Training Accessories. All my targets and pasters come from Shooters Connection, as well as the bags themselves.
What do you do in your free time?
I work out almost daily, along with my dry-fire and live-fire training. Hydration is key, so I also keep electrolytes in my range bag.
Fitness is a big part of my life. I balance performance training—speed, mobility, balance and agility—with hypertrophy training focused on muscle growth. I used to compete in bodybuilding before I discovered shooting, and old habits die hard.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
I got into the sport with minimal experience with firearms. I encourage everyone to show up to a USPSA match and try it out. The rules are easy enough to follow, it’s fun and the community is swimming with helpful and encouraging people who would be excited to help you out at your first match. After that, you’ll be addicted.
Any tips for the new shooter?
Once you start shooting and want to improve quickly, you can reach out to me about learning how to train your speed, accuracy, movement and dry-fire practice, among other techniques. I’m a coach by trade: health and fitness during the week and pistol shooting on the weekends. I love helping people improve. These days, I travel all over to teach classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, and I’m in love with the amazing people I’ve met along the way.
Don’t hesitate to try USPSA—it’s the most exciting shooting sport out there. The community is welcoming, the learning curve is rewarding and, chances are, I’ll see you out there and will try to help you on your journey.
Follow Joey Sauerland on Instagram: @joeysauerland
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