Come Again
I came to Arizona for one reason: the Southwest Nationals, one of the most prestigious long-range shooting competitions in the world. The moment I stepped onto that sunbaked desert ground after 35 years away, I was immediately hit with excitement. The rugged mountains, the crisp air, and the towering saguaro cacti were a stunning backdrop to one of the best events in precision shooting. But what really made this trip special? The people.
From the moment I arrived, the event staff and competitors made me feel like I belonged. Matt Schwartzkopf and Michelle Gallagher deserve a huge shoutout for allowing me to attend as media. Spectators are always welcome at Southwest Nationals, and I highly recommend checking it out. But being able to capture the action up close, where every wind call and trigger pull matters, was an incredible experience. The staff kept everything running smoothly, and their hospitality made my job that much easier.
Southwest Nationals
Now, let’s talk about the event itself. Southwest Nationals is the ultimate proving ground for long-range shooters. The best marksmen from around the world come here to battle the elements and each other. I saw teams from Canada, Great Britain, and South Africa, to name a few, each bringing serious skill to the firing line. And, of course, members of the USA Rifle Team were scattered throughout the competition, showing why they’re among the best in the world.
I won’t go into every result—if you’re curious, check out the full breakdown at Desert Sharpshooters. But trust me, the competition was fierce, and the level of talent on display was unreal.
One of the most incredible aspects of this event is that it’s not just for elite shooters. Sure, the best of the best are here, but Southwest Nationals welcomes competitors of all levels. Long-range shooting is one of the few sports where newcomers can compete alongside world-class athletes, and that inclusivity is what makes this community so special. The youngest competitor I saw was 13, while the oldest had decades of experience but was still drilling Xs like a pro.
The event took place at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best ranges I’ve ever seen. From the well-maintained rages to the stunning Arizona landscape, it’s a world-class venue that sets the perfect stage for competition.
I had the opportunity to attend for two days, capturing incredible moments and meeting some of the best shooters in the game. But the highlight of my trip was getting an exclusive invitation to the USA Rifle Team training day. Huge thanks to Coach Tim Vaught and Team Captain Dan Bramley for making that happen! And a special nod to Erik Cortina, who was a huge help with filming.
Watching the USA competitors train was an eye-opening experience. I spent time with shooters from multiple disciplines, including Sling, Target Rifle (TR), and F-Open. As an F-Open shooter myself, I was particularly excited to see these top-tier athletes in action. Their precision, discipline, and mental focus were nothing short of inspiring.
My time at Southwest Nationals and the USA Rifle Team training day was unforgettable. Being surrounded by the best in the sport, witnessing the camaraderie and dedication of this community, and learning from some of the most skilled shooters in the world has only strengthened my passion for precision shooting. Who knows? Maybe next year, I’ll be back with rifle in hand, ready to test my skills on the line.
Until then, I’ll be thinking about the smell of gunpowder in the crisp Arizona air, the challenge of reading the wind, and the thrill of long-range shooting at its finest.
Results
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