Tired of hearing about Rob Leatham winning another Single Stack Nationals (formerly the Single Stack Classic)?  We’re not!  2010 marked his 16th consecutive win, and one which might possibly be his last.  I know, I know, we say that after every Single Stack, however, keep in mind that Rob will be a Quinquagenarian by 2011’s National.

With each passing match, though, the margin of victory gets smaller and smaller. Rob beat Taran Butler this year by a small margin – 12+ points.  Nonetheless, he did win, and we have great respect for Rob.   More than just stating he won, we wanted to get the story from him personally on his Sweet 16th Title!

2010 USPSA Single Stack National Champion – Rob Leatham (24-Time USPSA National Champion, 5-Time IPSC World Champion)

WoU - Congratulations, Rob, on winning the Springfield / USPSA Single Stack Nationals.  What does it mean to have obtained your 16th consecutive Single Stack Nationals victory?

Rob - Thanks so much.  To tell the truth, I didn’t expect to win this year, so pulling it off makes me feel like this season is already a success. I think I won’t fully appreciate the wins until I finally lose.

WoU - Tell us about the gun and the gear you used in the match.

Rob – This year’s 1911 is the best gun I have ever shot.  It was built by the Springfield Custom Shop, using a Springfield Armory 1911 operator frame (light rail) cut to the same length as a standard frame in .40 caliber.  It has a squared trigger guard and 20 LPI checkering front and back.  Adjustable rear sight with Dawson fiber optic front, a Kart barrel and the new TGO design grips (AlumaGrips) and a Techwell TGO mag well.  The frame assembly is hard chromed and the slide is ION bonded.  This makes for a traditional but very durable look.  I use Wilson 10 mm magazines which have worked flawlessly for me since 1995!

My holster rig is a new Safariland dual belt with quick-detachable brackets that allow me to easily switch holsters and  pouches from one division to another.  The holster is the standard Safariland 5188 on a 013 rod that allows total adjustability.  It is so close in speed to an Open 013 rig that, except for the Steel Challenge, I’m not sure it is at much disadvantage.

Not since my very first single stack championship gun , which I used the first four years, have I had a gun that I wouldn’t change a thing on.

WoU – So, you’ll retire a perfect gun …

Rob – That’s the plan now, but come next year, I may have to snatch it from the safe!

WoU – The perfect gun, but you haven’t been in perfect shape for some time now. You had knee surgery earlier in the year and are now recovering from total knee replacement surgery.  How difficult has it become dealing with your knees and competing at such a high level?

Rob - Well, 20 years ago (when I initially injured my knee), it was not a big deal.  10 years ago, I started noticing a more limited range of motion – but it wasn’t really affecting my shooting much.  5 years ago, I saw that something would eventually need to be done, as I was getting along OK, but having to make up in shooting speed what I was losing in movement time.  At last year’s nationals, I knew it was time. I couldn’t stay competitive in field courses with more than a couple steps between positions.  I have always been good in and out of a position, but now I was just too slow in full speed.  More than that, I was losing the ability to shoot well on the move.  That was insurmountable to me and meant that it was finally time to cut my legs up and get them fixed!

WoU – An inside source says that you’re beginning to see some progress on your TKR.  We’re so glad to hear that!

Rob - I am – and that’s a very welcome sight for me!  I’m not the most patient person in the world.  I want to be running … now!

WoU - We admire that drive and determination.  You have had a career that has spanned decades.  What USPSA victories stand out most for you?

Rob – My first National Championship win, which was IPSC USA, before USPSA, and that first World Shoot win, both in 1983, will always be the most special.  They are what kick started my career and got the ball rolling.  Before that, I was just an amateur.  Those wins really lit a fire in me and made me want to shoot more than anything else.

WoU - How do you find the level of competition now vs. in the 80’s or 90’s?

Rob - There are many more good shooters now than then, but we’re all broken up among divisions.  Back in the early days, at any given match, there were really only 8 to 10 guys capable of consistently putting down scores good enough to win an overall.  Remember, back then there was just one division.  Everyone shot the same category, which meant you were in battle with everyone at the match.  There was no sub culture of production, limited or what have you specialists.  We all were general purpose shooters.  If you wanted to shoot more than one big match a year you had to jump into a different discipline.  Practical shooters all shot the Steel Challenge and the Bianchi  Cup, otherwise you had one National and that was it.

The battles I had in the 80’s with Jerry Barnhart are what made me tough.  No one was a better competitor, and if he was within striking distance, you were in trouble.  He would fight to the very end.  I didn’t really enjoy those wars as much then as I do now (thinking back on them).   One year, he made up 50 points on me on the last three stages of a National Match in Barry!  He really had me scared that I was gonna blow a 70 point lead.  I barely squeaked that one out.  Again … not much fun, but I do miss having Jerry on the range.

WoU - Those were some intense battles indeed.  Now, you have won more Single Stack titles than anyone.  Is it your favorite division?

Rob – Without a doubt.  As I get older, I may start losing the ability to see the sights clear enough to win.  Regardless, the closer the guns are to a daily, usable and sellable piece of equipment, the more I like them.  The low mag capacity makes accuracy more important, and conservation of the rounds you fire critical.  You can’t just shoot endless extra shots like in Open and Limited or you are going to be doing a bunch of standing reloads. It is a pure category. You can’t perform highly or win in single stack if you can’t shoot well.

WoU - What do you like about the Single Stack Division?

Rob - The purity of it.  Make every shot count.   Figure out what you are doing on a stage and execute properly.  Be deliberate and precise.

WoU - Historically at the Single Stack the GM’s are spread out all over the match in different squads.  This year was no exception. Do you prefer to shoot with a variety of shooters or do you like to be squadded in a Super Squad?

Rob – It’s fun to shoot with all levels, but I would prefer to have my competition with me. I had many great men shooters in this year’s squad who placed very high, along with the Ladies Champ Julie, and Kippi, who finished third. I think, though, that the super squad is still better for the top competitors so they can keep track of each other and see what’s going on.  At the least they should all shoot on the same day, so all the conditions are the same.  I don’t like it when someone wins shooting earlier or later than I did.  Makes me feel like they weren’t under the same pressure.  It is a National Championship … right?  At a lower level match, I love shooting with anybody!

WoU – How do you feel you performed?

Rob - Average.  I didn’t really get things going until the second day.  I was sluggish and performed poorly in the accuracy department.  I was lucky to win as this match penalizes that kind of performance more than most.  The second half of the second day is when I put my head down and started working hard.  Then the times and points started getting where they needed to be.  I was lazy early and that nearly cost me!!!

WoU – If there is one thing you can attribute to your success as a shooter, what would it be?

Rob - Tenacity and drive.  I love to shoot and hate to lose.  Winning isn’t all that important most of the time – it is just the result of a good performance. Failing to shoot well, on the other hand, feels TERRIBLE and almost always ends up in defeat. I hate to shoot poorly.  Since I have the means and time to train, I have no excuse to shoot poorly.  I may get slower on the move with my knees, but I should always shoot the best. I might get beat, but I should never loose because of lack of preparation.

WoU – Rob, congratulations once again on making history!  We wish you the best of luck with your recovery and hope you’re fully prepared for the October Nationals!  Thanks for your time.

Well, that’s a wrap for our coverage of the Top 5 men at the 2010 USPSA Single Stack Nationals.  We are honored that these incredible shooters took the time to interview with us.  Reading their responses, we get an inside look of what it takes to perform at the very top.  That and we get to read about the super cool gear they used!

We hope our Single Stack coverage will also help to further inspire our mother organization to thoroughly report and promote the top contenders at Area and National matches in USPSA publications. Winning an Area Match or National Championship (in all divisions and special categories) is a huge accomplishment and should be acknowledged. A big thank you to Paul Erhardt for sharing our posts on DownRange.TV and practical shooting blogs.  With this kind of coverage the sport’s winners are rightfully honored and celebrated!

Well, we’re down to the final two … the fast and furious Taran Butler shares some of his single stack thoughts with us.

2nd Place – Taran Butler (2010 Western States Single Stack Classic Champion, 5-Time USPSA Multi Gun National Champion)

 WoU -  Taran, congratulations on your 2nd place finish at the Single Stack Nationals.  This has been one of the closest races in SSN history!   You shot a great match and were so close to being the one to break Rob’s streak! 

Taran - Thank you for your comments., and congratulations again to Rob — to me he will always be the greatest shooter who’s ever lived. 

WoU -  That’s a kind compliment, but you’re on our list of great shooters, too!  You earned your second consecutive Western States Single Stack Classic Title earlier this year.  What exactly was your thought process for this single stack event?

Taran - My mindset coming into this match was to try and just be as accurate as I could.  I’m still fairly new to using a fiber optic front sight.   I’ve only been shooting it for a year and a half or so and it’s greatly improved my accuracy.  If I just see that dot at all during a stage, it usually turns out pretty well. 

WoU -  How did it make you feel after winning the Western States Single Stack Classic?   Underdog or Favorite coming into the Nationals? 

Taran – As far as the Western States Single Stack Championships is concerned, I’ve obviously had better performances there the last three years.  I personally like the match much better as far as the shooting is concerned, higher round count and more movement, which has always been one of my strongest suits, but you gotta be good at everything and be able to adapt to every style of shooting.

I compare what we do quite often to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) — you can’t just be into fast action hosing, which I compare to standup fighting, or just be good on the ground with ju jitsu – which I compare to more difficult shots, steel, standards, etc.

WoU - Historically at the Single Stack, the GM’s are spread out all over the match in different squads.  This year was no exception. Do you prefer to shoot with a variety of shooters or do you like to be squadded in a Super Squad?

Taran - I think it’s actually kind of cool to disperse two Grand Masters (Super Squad members) throughout the squads to get to shoot with everyone.  It’s always fun at the end to shake everyone’s hand and say how much you enjoyed shooting with someone new.  But it’s always fun to shoot with the lunacy of the Super squad, too.  Things are a lot more laid back in that squad now than it was in the past.  Everyone seems to have more of a sense of humor, which I like.

WoU - The Super Squads have had their less-than-serious moments!  : )  Did you have a standout moment or unique match experience you would like to share?

Taran - The only standout moment was to tie with Robbie on the Standards.  If you are able to do that you know you are doing something right! 

WoU -  Very memorable moment indeed – Congrats!  As a multi-gun and Limited Shooter, is there something that draws you to the Single Stack Division?

Taran - What I really like about Single Stack competitions is we’re all shooting head to head with very similar gear.  There’s something about how the gun feels in your hand and also how it makes you shoot more accurately because you don’t have any room for pickup shots or any mistakes.  It actually helps me shoot other divisions better.

WoU - Discipline … Now, tell us about the gun and your gear.

Taran - The gun I shoot is an Infiniti single stack with their gold AET Schuemann match barrel, Aftec extractor, Brazos micro dot front sight with a Champion adjustable rear sight and Techwell’s large magwell fitted to Tripp Research’s custom system’s magazines with all the extra fitting done by Salient Arms.  All is finished off with ION Bond’s diamond black coating. My holster is a Bladetech with Safariland inner belt/outer belt and 771 mag pouches. 

I have 3 sets of this gun in 40 S&W and if I ever do win this match, I don’t think I’ll ever retire the guns like Robbie.  They were too hard to get setup the way I like.

WoU - Sounds like you should definitely hang on to them!  Congrats again, Taran.  We really appreciate your input and time.  Best of luck with all your matches this year! 

The 2010 Single Stack Nationals “bronze” is taken by Phil Strader.  Check out Phil’s interview for some insight and suggestions …

3rd Place – Phil Strader (Team Smith & Wesson, 3-Time Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Champion)

WoU - Phil, congratulations on your third overall finish at the Single Stack Nationals!

Phil - Thank you, ladies.

WoU - Can you tell us about your mindset as the match approached?

Phil - My mindset wasn’t too much different than most any other match.  Obviously, there’s one guy that everyone is gunning for, and that’s Rob, but I’ve tried to keep my mind on what’s important and just have fun with the match.  I feel the reason I do so well here every year is because I truly have a great time shooting with Rob and Todd.  I can only hope that Russ continues to squad us together.

WoU - Well, you’ve certainly earned your spot among the top!  How about your gun and gear, did you have new equipment this season?

Phil – This year, I was shooting a Smith & Wesson 1911DK model in 45 caliber.  I’m thinking about having a 40 cal built (like everyone else), but I must say that this pistol shot really well.  I may just use it again next year.  My belt is CR Speed, and Blade-tech holster and pouches.

WoU - Don’t fix what ain’t broke, huh? Can you tell us a little about how you train coming into a match like this?

Phil - Train?  What’s that?  Actually, I practiced more for this match than any other.  In the two weeks before the match, I shot 250 rounds a day for 4 days each week…yes, that’s right…2000 rounds!  That’s more than I use to prepare for the Steel Challenge!  I did 90% steel shooting, although it didn’t show on the stage where I lost the match!  Oh well.  Guess next year I’ll shoot 2500!

WoU – We’ll talk to Denielle about loading those extra 500 for you.  : )  Now, how do you feel you performed throughout the event?

Phil - Overall, I was relatively happy with my performance.  It wasn’t great, but I only had a couple of disasters … and usually that’s the difference! Considering the amount of time I put into the match, I can’t complain.

WoU – Squadding – This match has always done it differently.  They mix the Masters and Grand Masters up and split them across squads and shooting days.  What do you prefer when shooting a major match?

Phil - I prefer to shoot with the best shooters.  It pushes me to do better, plus I like almost everyone we shoot with.  That certainly doesn’t dictate whether I shoot a match or not, but it’s nice.  I love shooting the Single Stack with Rob, just because we usually have pretty good battles….and he’s so cute and cuddly…like a big Teddy Bear.

WoU - Was that off the record?  : )   Back to the match – Did you have a standout moment or unique match experience you would like to share?

Phil - I really didn’t do anything that great this year (unlike last year’s last stage!).  I just stayed consistently fair to good.  Nothing spectacular.

WoU - Well, you won Stage 9, “I Think I Got It”, and were in the Top 5 on 6 others.  Looks like consistency pays off, as you’re consistently in the Top 3.  So, what does Phil Strader like about the Single Stack Nationals?

Phil - I like Single Stack because it’s hard work!  Every stage is a challenge to break down just right…especially when you shoot different majors that aren’t exactly designed with the Single Stack shooter in mind.

WoU - We like a man who is not afraid of a challenge.  Congrats again Phil on your 3rd overall!  Is there anything you would like to add?

Phil - Yes, there is something I would like to “add”…I would like to add a dedicated Revolver Nationals the Sunday after the Single Stack Nationals.  Just take a target or so out of each array, keep the stages exactly the same, make it 6 round neutral, and have a 100 person Revolver Nationals!  I think it would be a huge success. Dedicated division Nationals Championships usually are!  Case and point…Single Stack Nationals!  Thanks, Women Of USPSA, for the opportunity to respond about this great match.

WoU - Hmmm … interesting idea.   Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to chat with us, Phil.  We really appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions considering you run the highly successful Pro Am!

Our coverage of the men’s race at the 2010 Single Stack Nationals continues.  Read on to discover a bit more about Todd Jarrett and his match.  We’ve also included a video compilation of a few of his stages from the event … this man is fast and smooth!

4th Place – Todd Jarrett (9-Time USPSA National Champion, 1996 IPSC World Champion)

WoU:  Congrats on your 4th Place finish, Todd!

Todd:  Thank you, and thanks to Women of USPSA for taking time to expand on the SSN coverage!

WoU:  It’s our pleaure … What was your mindset going into this match?

Todd:  Honesty, I was looking forward to going back to Barry … somewhere I have shot many, many matches. It almost feels like a “home club” in a way and I really enjoy shooting there. It’s familiar territory and I get to see old friends, which makes shooting the match a bit more comfortable for me.

WoU:  It’s one of our favorite ranges, too.  Now, tell us about the gun and your gear.

Todd:  This year I changed from .45 to .40 and I shot an STI Trojan. The .40 SS has more predictable recoil than a .45 but it can be challenging to keep it running, so gunsmithing and preparing ammo took a little more time before this year’s match. I had some magazine problems a few weeks before the match, so I contacted Virgil Tripp who kindly overnighted me some Cobra mags. They ran flawlessly. My holster, belt, and pouches are all Blackhawk!

WoU:  It’s good to have friends like Virgil!  : )  How do you train when preparing for the Single Stack Nationals?

Todd:  Reload, reload, reload! There is such a big difference in reloading a single stack versus a wide body – it requires so much more patience and practicing reloads is the big key. The SSN is probably the most challenging match in USPSA and I practice shooting very difficult target arrays to prepare. I focus a lot on limiting extra shots because there are so many stages at the SSN where taking an extra shot could mean the difference in having to make an extra reload or not.

WoU:  You put down some amazing runs.  How do you feel you performed overall?

Todd:  Win or lose, I’m never completely satisfied with my performance … I always find something to improve upon. This year, I was relatively pleased with the first part of my match, but got in to some trouble on the Standards stage. One bad string of fire was the turning point for my overall performance in the match. It’s amazing how one draw and six shots can really affect your confidence. Overall, I was content. Over the last few years my priorities have changed a bit, and I am ok with not always winning if I know I did the best I could do on a given day.

WoU:  Historically at the Single Stack the GM’s are spread out all over the match in different squads. This year was no exception. Do you prefer to shoot with a variety of shooters or do you like to be squadded in a Super Squad?

Todd:  This year was a real treat because Rob and Phil and I were finally invited to shoot with the ladies super squad! I have shot with Rob at almost every National match as long as I can remember. I do like shooting with new faces, but there is always an advantage to shooting with the best.

WoU:  Aw, that’s sweet to say … and we felt very fortunate to be able to shoot with you.  Which of the variety of stages that we shot stands out most for you? 

Todd:  I’ve always enjoyed speed shoots and strong hand/weak hand has always been one of my strong suits. There was a VERY tough strong/weak hand stage at this match that had me sweating. I came through it well but it will stand out in my memory among the many stages I’ve shot.

WoU:  You won the strong-hand stage, too.  Very impressive shooting!  What is it that you like the most about the Single Stack Division?

Todd:  I like the strategy that’s involved shooting single stack. It requires more patience and concentration and it helps keep up my mental game.

WoU:  Is there anything you would like to add?

Todd:  If I could only shoot one match a year, it would be the Single Stack Nationals in Barry, IL.  Thanks to Springfield for their dedication to the action shooting community for so many years. And congrats again to Rob! See ya next year …

WoU:  Once again, congratulations on your 2010 Single Stack Nationals finish! We hope to see you soon on the range!

You read correctly.  We’re interviewing the Top 5 overall from the Single Stack Nationals.  We were hoping that Front Sight would honor / highlight the top shooters’ accomplishments, but it unfortunately didn’t happen.  We want to congratulate these men on their great shooting … and also get into their heads a bit. 

Fifth Place – Shannon Smith (3rd in Standard Division at IPSC World Shoot XV in Bali, Indonesia )

WoU: Shannon, congratulations on your Top 5 finish!

 Shannon:  Thank you…thank you very much.  I feel so honored … maybe it will finally pay off to have a girl’s name.  : )

WoU:  That’s a good way to think about it!  : )  Now, what was your mindset going into this match?

Shannon:  Be the one to kick Rob’s a** (sorry Kippi).  I really like the SSN and feel the match suits my shooting style, so I honestly felt/feel that I had/have the ability to win the match.  I don’t think Rob can win the mach forever (though I’m not positive about that) and everyone wants to be the one to beat him.

WoU:  No need to apologize, really.  That’s not the first time I’ve heard that!   : )  Tell us about the gun and your gear.

Shannon:  As much as I appreciate Springfield for sponsoring the match in recent years, my stubborn a** has always wanted to win it with my trusty Kimber .45 that I started USPSA with in 1997.  That is what I have been shooting at the match since my first SSN, actually the Single Stack Classic, 6 or 7 years ago.

Unfortunately, last year I made a loading error and shot most of the match with 7 grains of Clays instead of 4 … though still in mostly one piece, that may have ended the run of the Kimber.  I used the opportunity to have a new gun built, using a Springfield that I was lucky enough to win while blowing up my Kimber.  I had my friend Derek Janowicz at Millennium Custom build a .40, as that seems to be the trend lately….plus cuts down one caliber I need to load for.  I only received the gun a few weeks prior to the match and it performed flawlessly as do all my guns from Millennium.

It’s a plain jane (jack), slab side, Caspian slide on the Springfield frame with Techwear grips and mag well, Dawson front sight and Bomar rear sight.  I use a CR speed belt and the same Blade Tech holster and mag pouches I started USPSA with over 10 years ago.  Wilson mags.

WoU:  Sounds like a sweet setup.  How do you train when preparing for Single Stack?

Shannon:  Nothing really special for the Single Stack Match …. other than using the single stack gun during my normal practice sessions.  Also it is early in the year and always sandwiched in with Area 6 and sometimes the FL State match, so I train less specifically for the SSN than I would like to.

WoU:  How do you feel you performed?

Shannon:  Pretty good actually. This was probably the most stacked SSN I’ve ever shot in terms of talent.  It really felt like a National Championship match with the caliber of shooters in attendance. I made a couple mistakes late on day two which always sucks, but in the grand scheme wouldn’t have made a difference in my overall finish.  I finished the match feeling like I shot well which is all one can do.  I can’t control what my competition is doing, only myself.  Obviously I would have rather finished 4^th… or 1^st… but I was happy with the way I shot and with the level of competition, I feel anything in the top ten is pretty decent.  Need to pick up the speed next year.

WoU:  Historically at the Single Stack, the Grand Masters are spread out all over the match in different squads.  This year was no exception. Do you prefer to shoot with a variety of shooters or do you like to be squadded in a Super Squad?

Shannon:  YES to both.  I prefer the Super Squad for “normal” Nationals, Limited or Open.  But for some reason the SSN has always had a ‘big club match’ sort of feel to it and I enjoy shooting with my friends from the local club.  Not that the usual suspects on the super squads aren’t friends, but I always enjoy shooting with the local boys.

WoU:  Did you have a standout moment or unique match experience you would like to share?

Shannon:  I felt I performed really well Friday night at the Abbey Steakhouse in Quincy.  I went with the Ottobeuren Strip … a twelve ounce, medium rare work of art with a side of twice baked potatoes and one or two Stella’s.  I handled it like a champ and always look forward to a return trip.

WoU:  Now that sounds memorable … You’re too funny!  : )  What do you like about the Single Stack Division?

Shannon:  I’m not a big fan of it as a division. but love the Single Stack Nationals (Classic).  I feel having the multitude of divisions we have dilutes the competition, but I suppose that is a topic for another interview.  The greatest thing about the SSN is everybody is shooting essentially the same gear.  There is just something cool about 300+ folks at the same match, shooting the same stuff.  The match itself sets up the stages for pretty much a shooting challenge … no roller coasters or can carrying … just straight up shooting. May the best man or woman win. Unfortunately it wasn’t me.

WoU:  But you’re among the cream of the crop and should be proud!  Congrats again Shannon on your 5th overall!  

Shannon:  Looking forward to it next year.  I have a feeling Rob is going down….finally! (sorry again, Kippi)  : )  Thanks for all you girls do to promote the sport!  See ya on the range!

I love the Bianchi Cup!  I fell in love with this match from the moment I took my first shots in US Army black and gold.  It challenges and humbles me. It teaches me something new every time I compete.  In the action shooting sports, it is the one event on the circuit where the results aren’t solely based on competitors shooting against one another. There is an opportunity to achieve perfection – a 1920 (score).

The Cup’s main sponsors truly step up.  Support is led by the premiere sponsor, Midway USA.  Thank you Larry and Brenda Potterfield for your personal dedication to this match! I was also extremely proud to represent Smith & Wesson a major sponsor.  It was exciting to see our logo at the S&W Plate Event, range officers shirts and on every competitor’s shooter number.

The NRA Competition Division has worked very hard to breathe life back into the Bianchi Cup.  Suffering from declining numbers over the years The Cup is back in a big way.  This year there were 60 first-time shooters compared to what has been a fraction of that number in the past.  The NRA’s talented photographers and bloggers were on scene to capture all the action and fun.  Of course, a big thank you goes out to the match staff for working long hours to make the event possible.

There are four events at the Bianchi Cup, each 48 shots.  The Practical features a weak hand shooting string and shots from 10, 15, 25 and 50 yards.  The Barricade event requires competitors to fire from behind both the right and left sides of a barricade.  The distances for this event are 10, 15, 25 and 35 yards.  A bank of six, 8” falling steel plates make up the Plate Event. Shooters must successfully shoot strings from 10, 15, 20 and 25 yards.  Finally the Moving Target Event exposes a target that travels a distance of 60 feet in front of the shooter for only six seconds at each pass.  Arguably one of the most challenging events in the match, shooters do their best to aim for the 4” X-ring at the 10, 15, 20 and 25 yard lines.

Montana weather and sorting out issues with brand spanking new guns made my preparation for the match a bit challenging this year.  Open Division firearms have so many metal parts bolted on them that it can be a significant challenge to get these guns up and running.  My new blasters were finicky and because of reliability issues I struggled on the Practical and Plates.  Despite the disappointing finishes, I was extremely happy with my Mover where I only dropped one shot outside the 10 ring with a score of 478/480.

This was the first year I used a “stick shift” mover base on my gun with an Aimpoint Micro.  I have to say I am thrilled with the combination.  The crisp, clear red dot and light weight of the Micro really help keep the weight down on an already heavy gun.  The ingenious Warren Moore of Protocall Design crafts a unique scope base that adjusts the optic on the shroud to allow for target lead.  The whole set up made me feel more confident than ever going into this match.  Steadfast reliability of the Micro and solid construction of the mover base helped me to post my best practice runs this year.

Unfortunately my final score reflected one of my worst Bianchi Cup performances, but was still high enough to place second woman behind the talented Jessie Abbate.  Jessie showed potential last year with her 4th place finish and shot a great score to claim the win.  Vera Koo had a commanding lead going into her final event and was on pace to shoot a record female score, but after a rough run at the Mover, I slipped past and Vera placed third.  Vera competes as a both a lady and senior.  She has won more Bianchi Cup titles than any other woman in the match’s 30 year history.

I also witnessed some amazing feats of marksmanship. In the Metallic (Iron Sight) Division, Rob Leatham’s final event was the Mover.   The sport’s “Great One” had a fluke jam at the 25 yard line.  His first shot landed in the middle, a 10, but then there was a dreaded click.  Rob’s blazing fast reflexes allowed him to clear the malfunction and fire off two quick shots just as the target slipped out of view.  A ripple of awe went through the crowd gathered to watch Rob shoot.  When the target next appeared, his shots could be seen – 10, 8, 10.  AMAZING!

This year my teammate Doug Koenig tried something new and competed for the Aggregate Title (Open and Iron sight scores combined).  Using a stock Smith & Wesson DK 1911 in 38 Super I had the chance to watch Doug shoot the Plates with this gun.  The 10 and 15 yard lines seemed effortless as the steel fell methodically between the start and stop buzzers.  When he moved back to the 20 yard line I was shocked to see that, while all the shooters on the line prepared to hit prone at the blare of the start signal, Doug stood patiently.  Tink, tink, tink, tink, tink, tink! Doug knocked plate after plate down at both of the 20 yard strings.  He duplicated the performance at the 25 yard position – a CLEAN Plate Event, all from the standing position! WOW!

Of course, the battle on the Mover is one that seems to host the same cast of characters each year.  Bruce Piatt and Doug Koenig are always in this showdown as two shooters who consistently shoot clean up to this point in the match.  It’s a pressure cooker with a large crowd of onlookers and so much on the line. Doug was first and kept all his shots in the 10 ring.  His final match score was 1920 – 179x.  It was the first perfect score posted this year.  Bruce was next and drilled the X-ring pass after pass until he shot a dreaded 8 leaving Doug with the only 1920 in the match!

There were plenty of highlights after the main event on Saturday.  I watched S&W Champion Jerry Miculek engage the crowd with his showmanship and deliver super fast runs in the Production Shoot Off.  Kenda Lenseigne tried her hand at the sport in the Celebrity Shoot Off against country music singer Mark Wills.  Kenda is an OVERALL World Champion in Mounted Cowboy Action Shooting. In an exciting match up, she defeated Mark for the win.  Jim Shepherd of the Outdoor and Shooting Wires also made time in his busy schedule to shoot in the Press Shoot Off against Yamil Sued, Smith & Wesson’s Match Photographer.  Yamil took the win but Jim certainly held his own! I had the pleasure to meet mother and daughter team Gwen Cox and Paige Eissinger representing the Women’s Outdoor Media Association.  I LOVED the fact that Gwen shared that she recently learned to shoot for the first time in her 70’s. Her words, “You can teach an old dog new tricks!”

At the Saturday night awards ceremony junior girls ROCKED it.  I was so proud of my Smith & Wesson teammate Molly Smith for giving Bianchi shooting a try.  Molly was the youngest competitor in the match but also won two awards as a New Shooter in Production.  The charming Tiffany Piper of New Zealand shot her way to claim the Junior Cup.  It’s exciting to see these young women on the range and inspiring others to give shooting a try.

Without a doubt the highlight of the match for me was the opportunity to hear Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Donald “Doc” Ballard speak.  Bianchi Cup Coordinator Tom Hughes gave an introduction of Colonel Ballard’s heroic deeds, saving the lives of seven Marines by diving on a live grenade in Vietnam.   Tom also shared a wonderful story.  When he received confirmation of the Colonel’s attendance he called the Marine Corps Shooting Team and asked its Team Captain if any Marines would be attending the Bianchi Cup.  To honor the Medal of Honor recipient, he replied with “Sir, we will send seven.”

Colonel Ballard’s speech will forever leave an impression on me.  He celebrated our patriotism but closed by stating that we all have an obligation to our children.  As patriots and believers in our Second Amendment Rights it is our duty to ensure that America’s youth understands the importance of pride in our nation and protecting our freedoms.  It was a fitting message with Memorial Day just two days away and a perfect end to the Bianchi Cup

Editor’s Note:  Sorry for the delay in posting … I dropped the ball on this.  I wanted to share Julie’s coverage of the NRA Bianchi Cup with the Women of USPSA.   Her story is genuinely touching and enjoyable.  Congratulations, Jessie, Julie, and Vera on your Top 3 finishes!  We would love to hear about your matches, too.  Send us a blog post if you have time!  ~Kippi

Check out this video compilation of some of the Women of USPSA at the 2010 Single Stack Nationals.

 
Congratulations again to the Top 8 Ladies:
1st – Julie Golob
2nd – Sara Dunivin
3rd – Kippi Leatham
4th – Nancy Huspek
5th – Tori Nonaka
6th – Lisa Munson
7th – TD Roe
8th – Shannan Chada

Next year, we hope to have even more women shooting the Single Stack Nationals! Give it a whirl, ladies – It’s a lot of fun!

Here is the final interview with our 2010 Single Stack National Champion, Julie Golob …

WoUSPSA – Congratulations, Julie, on your 2nd USPSA Single Stack Nationals victory AND your 10th USPSA National Championship Title! You have officially joined the ranks of a handful of elite shooters who have attained double-digit USPSA National Titles.  What does this accomplishment mean to you?

Julie – It’s hard to put into words. I won my first nationals in 1999 and to be still be able to win over 10 years later is something I will always be proud of.  A decade ago I was just “Julie The Shooter” and life was a whole lot simpler!  Winning a nationals now is, well… just really special.

WoUSPSA – This year, you dominated the match shooting a 10-round 9 mm with minor ammunition. When you won your first SSN in 2006, you shot an 8-round .45 in major. What factors influenced your decision to go minor?  What do you feel the pros and cons (of shooting minor) specifically were at the 2010 SSN?

Julie – I chose to shoot minor for a few reasons. After a tendonitis injury last year, I was terrified of it returning.  Shooting minor seemed to make a lot more sense especially since this was only my second match of the year.  Also, unlike other divisions, Single Stack let’s you play with up to two extra rounds if you opt to shoot minor.  In year’s past there were stages where the extra rounds were beneficial and you could actually save loads.  That and I just love the my new Smith & Wesson Pro Series 9mm 1911 with custom work by Pete Single.  It is so much fun to shoot and this is the first gun I have used in a long time that was completely tailored to me.

I think the strategy paid off.  This year there were several courses where 10 rounds were a benefit.  The cons? A number of stages had really difficult targets.  With very little A-zone, shooting minor is tough because you don’t want to drop the points.   At the same time you can’t risk a miss or no shoot.  I thought the match was VERY well balanced.

WoUSPSA – This is the beginning of your second year back on the shooting circuit.  You had an incredible year last year, and are already off to a great start! You have obviously and very quickly figured out what works for you in terms of balancing your family, work and shooting career.  Do you have any words of wisdom for women in the sport who want to enjoy the matches, shoot to the best of their ability, but don’t have a lot of time for the range?

Julie – Thanks so much!  It’s rather funny because I certainly don’t feel like I have it figured out most of the time!  I believe it is very important to set realistic goals for yourself on the range. If you know you aren’t able to practice like your competition, work as hard as you can and accept it.  Sometimes it can be difficult to remember that when you are staring at the results.  Be proud of yourself even on the days you don’t perform well and learn from them.  I used to think shooting was EVERYTHING.  My formula now is give 100% when I train and compete, celebrate my successes, enjoy my work and focus on my family.

WoUSPSA – I like that thought process … You won 8 of the 16 stages in the match.  I personally witnessed you buckle down on the last afternoon and win 5 of the last 7 stages.  Your performance was awe-inspiring!  What was your approach going into and during the match and what did you have for lunch on Saturday?  : )

Julie – The easy answer first – For lunch I had a half a burger on the range and secretly drooled over the yummy desert offerings.  : )

I believe I won seven and tied for the stage win on the Standards – AWESOME SHOOTING KIPPI!  I felt really good competing the second day.  I didn’t shoot a perfect match but I was very determined and focused.   I find that with less time to train, the more deliberate I am, the better I shoot.  Shooting with several of the top men and four incredible lady shooters on the squad was a lot of fun.  Now that I think it of it, it was rather unique.  We all celebrated and congratulated one another when we had a good run.  The competition was fierce but never harsh.  Talk about a wonderful shooting atmosphere!

WoUSPSA – It really was … So, which was your favorite stage design in the match and which stage was the most challenging for you and why?

Julie – My favorite stage design in the match was “Light It Up.”  It was a 22 round field course with 10 IPSC targets and 2 pepper poppers.  There  were four walls with openings and about 10 different ways to shoot it.  Difficult set ups, challenging shots and critical steel really set it apart for me.  I ended up shooting “just ok” on it but that’s the kind of stage I want to shoot over and over again until I feel I have done my best.  The most challenging? “Just Passing Time” and “Risk Takers 2” were just plain hard.  There wasn’t a lot of room in the A-Zone shooting minor to get good points and the no-shoots were frightening, especially shooting with strong and support hands!

WoUSPSA – It’s probably hard to choose, but which stage did you shoot your very best on and why?  : )

Julie – My highest result was 15th overall on “Just Passing Time” – it was an 8 round Virginia Count Stage with four shots from support hand only.  I had a miss on that one but lots of people struggled on it.  I am most proud of “ET Phone Home” though.  I was just .63 seconds slower than Rob Leatham’s stage winning time of 3.10 seconds.  I nailed the draw and shot good points. : )

WoUSPSA – Whew … nice run!  It’s always memorable and satisfying to keep up with the stage winners!  Now, tell us about the equipment you used in the match, what your favorite gun modifications are and what you absolutely cannot do without at the Single Stack National Championships!

Julie – I love my gun! : )  I mentioned earlier that it’s a S&W Pro Series 9mm 1911, but has had some serious TLC by Pete Single.  First things first – a sight change to the sights I love for competition, Warren Tactical Sights.  Pete also added a custom fiber optic front that just GLOWED.  Super thin VZ Grips with a cut out for my thumb helped to make reloads easier with my small hands.  This gun also has a Stan Chen magwell that doesn’t extend off the frame like a lot of other mag wells.  I never had to worry about seating my mags and it really helped me get consistent reloads.  Finally, I like my triggers with a lot of roll and to break between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds.

WoUSPSA – Sounds like a sweet setup!  We always get great reports about the Single Stack Nationals.  As a Professional Shooter and captain of Team Smith & Wesson, a double-digit USPSA National Champion, an RO, and someone who has attended more international matches than most, what did you think of the match this year?  Do you have any commendations and/or constructive criticism?

Julie – That’s quite a list, LOL! I think this is the best match I have shot in a while. There were no tricks or gimmicks, just shooting tests. I grew up competing in these kinds of matches and I love how EVERY skill is tested.  Even though many matches on the circuit don’t incorporate all the basic skills, I still strive to be a well-rounded shooter.

My only criticism would be to have USPSA more involved with the match to install the qualities, traditions and rules that apply to the other USPSA National Championships in recognizing stage winners, special categories, prize distribution, etc.

WoUSPSA – Historically, as compared to other shooting events and National Championships, the SSN does not attract quite as many women.  What do you think we can all do to get more ladies attending Single Stack competitions?

Julie – I think it comes down to the grass roots of the sport and the understanding that you don’t have to shoot a .45.  With more and more 9mm 1911’s on the market, its easier than ever to compete with less expensive 9mm.  At the local club level, it is important for clubs to design stages with ALL the divisions in mind.  This keeps all the shooters wanting to come back for more.  I personally love shooting the single stack and if anyone is out there thinking of giving it a try, GO FOR IT!

WoUSPSA – Not to change focus from your amazing Single Stack victory, but with Rob Leatham winning the SSN again, and Jerry Miculek dominating with Revolver, you are the only USPSA shooter that has the ability to attain a National Championship Title in all 6 USPSA Divisions.  Does attacking USPSA Revolver Division in the next few years ever enter your mind?

Julie – It has. I have shot the International Revolver Championships a couple times now.  Like Single Stack, I love the challenge of the low capacity divisions.  We’ll just have to see! : ) Editor’s note:  Since this interview was conducted, Julie attended the 2010 IRC and won the Ladies’ Open World Championship title!  Congratulations!!

WoUSPSA - Thank you so much for your time, Julie!  In closing, would you like to comment on anything about the match?

Julie – I’d like to congratulate Rob on his amazing undefeated run in Single Stack.  It was a nail biter and incredible to watch.  I would also like to thank my squad for making this match even more memorable for me.  The match staff was AWESOME and your hard work is greatly appreciated.  Finally a huge thank you to the wonderful people who made it possible for me to shoot so well at this match – my husband, mom and dad, Pete Single, Rob & Kippi Leatham, Smith & Wesson, Warren Tactical, ASYM Ammunition and all my sponsors.

WoUSPSA – Congratulations again on your USPSA Single Stack Nationals win … your first of many this year, I’m predicting!  : )

We know Sara’s been busy with work, so until we hear back from her, take a look at her shooting a 22-round stage from the match, “Light It Up”.

Congratulations on your 2nd place national finish, Sara!

WoUSPSA – Congratulations on your 3rd Place finish, Kippi! You are no stranger to the podium, especially in Single Stack. In fact, you have been been in the Top 3 every time you have competed at the Single Stack Nationals, winning 2 of them! SO impressive. Those stats are better than any other woman in this division. What does it take to be a good Single Stack Shooter?

Kippi – Well, I’ve been around longer than most … : )  Thank you, though, for the nice comments and stats.  Wouldn’t it be great, btw, to have that kind of information easily accessible for all USPSA competitors?  I love to listen to the interesting facts the announcers come up with in MLB … : )

Anyway, to answer your question, I think to be a decent Single Stacker, you have to have a good handle on the basics, and also be able to execute them on demand.  When the courses of fire are shorter, with smaller round counts, everything matters!  Your draw, accuracy, target acquisitions & reloads need to be perfected, as there is simply not much room for error.  If you make too many mistakes, and often just one mistake, on any given stage, the results can be disastrous.

WoUSPSA – Your husband, Rob Leatham, won his 16th Single Stack title and there is no doubt in our minds that your support is a big reason why that is possible. How do you juggle your work with Leatham Enterprises and focus on your shooting too?

Kippi – I am fortunate enough to have only one job - organizing Rob – so I am able to shoot most anytime I would like!  As you might figure, Rob doesn’t really need me at the range.  I believe he enjoys my presence and that it’s more fun for him when someone tags along.  There’s nothing more satisfying than beating your wife at every practice session!  : ) 

This last year has become a bit more hectic, as I’ve thrown in my work with Women Of USPSA, teaching with my partner Debbie Keehart and HerHandgun.com.  Our “tween-age” daughter is also much more involved in school and sports, and I will NOT miss any of her extracurricular activities!  My range time has actually become a break for me – from the house / office – so I both look forward to it and try to make the most of it when I’m there.

WoUSPSA – What was your favorite stage in the match?

Kippi – Would have to say Stage 15, True Grit. I like it when I perform decently on stages with tricky sequences and non-static targets.

WoUSPSA – You are so strong on Standard Exercises – some of the most difficult, accuracy intense shooting in the match. Do you approach standards any differently?

Kippi - Standards are something I practice a LOT before the SSN, as I know we will be tested.   Recently, I have struggled with my vision a bit, so this year I tried to focus more on just hitting the targets and not necessarily on my speed at a distance.  Fortunately for me, at the 2010 Nationals, the time limits were not unreasonable and the targets not too far! 

In my “Open” days, I shot a standard exercise of some sort at every single practice session … because at every USPSA Nationals (and most state / area matches) we had a 40 to 50-yard Standard Exercise.  It’s really a shame that more events don’t test this skill … DVC!

WoUSPSA – What was your best stage and why did you do so well? 

Kippi – I’m not certain in terms of actual results, but I felt like I shot our last stage, Stage 2, to the best of my ability.  Just getting warmed up at the end of Day 2!  : ) 

WoUSPSA – You shot minor in the match, a common theme for all Top 4 women. Do you find it an advantage?

Kippi – It’s definitely an advantage for me, as I’m enjoying shooting Single Stack a lot more.  I also don’t get nearly as uptight on stages, knowing that I have a few extra rounds.  I do need to hone in on that A-zone a bit more, though! 

WoUSPSA – What do you like about shooting Single Stack Division? Is it your favorite of the 6 USPSA Divisions? 

Kippi - Single Stack is my fav … and Production is a close second.  I’m very fond of the 1911.  It’s what I first learned to shoot, so it’s kind of nostalgic for me.  I love the simplicity of everything (from stage design to equipment rules) and the across-the-board equality.  IMO, you simply can’t compare the cool factor of the 1911 with a production gun, either!  

WoUSPSA – Do you have any comments you would like to add before we go?

Kippi – I want to thank all involved in the match, from the organizers and stats personnel to the ROs and sponsors.  I wish to extend a big “Thanks” also to both Springfield Armory and Safariland for all of their support and dedication through the years. 

Congratulations again to all of the ladies, and especially to Julie who is our new Single Stack National Champion!  It’s nice to see her start her year on the winning track.  I’m honored to be a part of this 2010 group of extremely talented women shooters … some of the best this match has ever seen! 

And in closing, I would also like to tell my husband that I’m very proud of him.  I honestly was amazed that he won again!  I had a bit of anxiety before the match … He was shooting great, but not moving very well.  I’m very pleased that the match came down to the shooting and I look forward to his performance at the 2011 SS Nationals.  The countdown has already begun in the Leatham household …