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!

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!

Randi Rogers concludes her daily coverage of the Smith & Wesson US Steel Shoot National Championships…

Good Evening Ladies! Today is the third and final day of the US Steel Shoot. The last shot has been fired and our goodbyes have been said and nothing is left but preparing for next year.

The ladies shot awesome today! On our squad we had Jessie Abbate, Kay Miculek, Sarah Irish, and myself shooting Open sighted firearms. We also had Tori Nonaka shooting Limited. It started out a little rough, but by the end everyone had completed an excellent day of shooting.

To see the final scores please visit http://www.ussteelshoot.com/2007MatchInfo.htm. My unofficial memory, as flawed as it may be is; Jessie Abbate came in High Lady and Lady Steel Master. Kay Miculek came in second Lady. I was able to capture third lady and second overall in production.

Unfortunately, there weren’t enough ladies to complete all the categories so the lady scores were lumped together. Hopefully, next year we will have enough ladies to recognize each category.

In the juniors categories we had lots of winners. Tori Nonaka won the Super Junior category, which is 16 and below, and Ashley Bolda came in second. James McGinty won Junior Open centerfire and Junior Limited centerfire, Sonny Morton was second junior Open and Limited, and Cody Tucker was third Junior Open and Limited. Sarah Irish was fourth Junior Open and Junior Limited. It was such a pleasure to see all of these talented young people learning and growing our sport. I hope to see many more in the future.

There were also many juniors that competed in the rimfire categories.

Again I would like to thank all the match staff and I look forward to seeing everyone back next year. Until next time. Shoot Straight Everyone!

Thanks again, Randi and congratulations to all the winners!  Check out the Women of USPSA Facebook page for more results posted later this week.

Randi recaps Day Two…

Good Evening Ladies. Day two of the S&W US Steel Nationals is in the books. Today was another beautiful day. High 70 temperatures and sunshine all day. It was a great day for shooting.

During day two of most Steel Challenge matches is reserved for iron sighted firearms. Competitors competed in Limited, Production, IDPA classes, and revolver classes. Some competitors also shot their open sighted firearms if they were sharing guns or had other scheduling issues.

There were many ladies out on the range today. In the Limited Category Jessie Abbate and Sarah Irish were battling it out. Sarah who is only 17 years old was also competing for the juniors title. For Production there was myself and Tori Nonaka, also a junior shooter. Shooting Open, Ashley Bolda a junior, fought hard battling her way through a migraine. There were also a couple of ladies from Jamaica!

The shooting started out a little rough with our squad on Smoke N’ Hope, but smoothed out quickly. Jessie Abbate gave us all a show by completing four smoking runs on Speed Option. Tori Nonaka was holding her own by shooting three excellent runs on Outer Limits! I enjoyed shooting Showdown, and Sarah had some excellent runs on Roundabout. Ashely’s best stage of the day was her last, Five to Go, she really hunkered down and shot great.

All the ladies shot well and they look forward to shooting again tomorrow. The last day will be for the open sighted firearms. We are all looking forward to a good day and a strong finish. Keep your fingers crossed, the weathermen are predicting rain, but hopefully it will hold off until afternoon.

There were also several junior boys. Trevor Koenig, who I believe is only 11, was shooting on the men’s super squad with his open gun. Sonny Morton shot his limited gun today, and Cody Tucker brought out his Open gun today as well. It is great to see so many young people out there!

Tomorrow I will have the final results and be sure and let you know who all wins what.

We look forward to hearing the results, Randi. Best of luck to all competitors on the final day!