September 13th, 2026

Spirit of America Championship Underway in New Mexico

raton whittington spirt america match
Archive image from 2014 Spirit of America Match.

The 2026 Spirit of America NRA National Fullbore Championship is running September 11–17, 2026, at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico. Sponsored by the Bald Eagles Rifle Club, this individual and team championships event is open to Target Rifle (Fullbore), F-Open, and F-TR shooters. There are matches at 300, 500, 600, 900 and 1000 yards. CLICK HERE for 2026 Spirit of America Match Program.

The Spirit of America Championship is one of the flagship long-range rifle competitions at the NRA Whittington Center, offering a world-class fullbore rifle match experience on the renowned 1000-yard range. Since 2001 the Bald Eagles have hosted the Spirit of America Match and it has grown in reputation with every year of competition. It is one of the premier fullbore matches in the United States, and the range at Raton is one of the most challenging in the USA. 2026 Spirit of America Match Preview.


This video shows Day 2 of the Spirit of America individual championships. This shows the 300-yard line as the match got started. Brandon Green notes the winds were already pretty “sporty” blowing 10-12 mph and gusting a bit heavier.

This video was taken during practice. Brandon comments: “Practice Day for the Spirit of America Match. It is absolutely beautiful. This is one of the most awesome places in the world to shoot… it is gorgeous.” Brandon said some rains and “pretty big winds” were predicted. He noted it would be interesting to “see who could survive [the high winds].”

raton spirit of america whittington new mexico

Here is a view of the 1000-yard range seen from the Founders Cabins up on the opposing hill. Raton is truly one of the most spectacular places you could ever shoot a match like this.

whittington center spirit america match
nra whittington center new mexico

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