Capstone Precision Group and Team Lapua USA announce with deep sadness the passing of Steve Reiter, one of the most accomplished competitive pistol shooters in history and a foundational member of Team Lapua in the United States. Steve passed away on May 18, 2026. In the slow-fire pistol shooting disciplines, Steve is probably the greatest American shooter ever.
Reiter was among the original members of Team Lapua USA when the program was established in 2009, helping to define the standard for excellence, sportsmanship, and brand representation that continues today. Throughout his career, he served not only as a world-class competitor, but also as a dedicated ambassador for the shooting sports.
Steve Reiter’s record in high-level competition is extraordinary:
34 National Championship titles, including five National Championships at Camp Perry
63 National Records, including a historic .22 Aggregate score of 899, the highest ever recorded
40+ Regional Championships
First-ever Quadruple Distinguished Marksman under the CMP
Triple Distinguished Marksman under the CMP
Two-time President’s 100 Champion in Pistol
Two-time National Trophy Individual Match Champion in Pistol
10-time Winner of the National Match High Senior Pistol Trophy
Five-time Winner of Citizens’ Military Pistol Trophy
Canada International Service Pistol Champion
Two-time Free Pistol National Champion
Seven-time Interservice Champion
Standard Pistol National Champion
Member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team (Free Pistol)
Reiter continued to compete at an elite level well into his later years, achieving many Senior titles. Following his retirement from active competition, Reiter remained an integral part of Team Lapua as an Emeritus Member, continuing to mentor shooters and support the sport he loved.
Steve Reiter Senior Championships:
2017 NRA National Pistol Championships — 1st Place, Super Senior
2013 NRA National Pistol Championship — Grand Senior Champion
2014 Mid-Winter Championship — 1st Place
2014 Indoor National Sectional Championship — 3rd Place and new Senior National Record
“Steve Reiter was more than a champion—he was one of the foundational figures of Team Lapua in the United States,” said Adam Braverman, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Capstone Precision Group. “His achievements speak for themselves, but what truly set Steve apart was the way he carried himself and the impact he had on others. He represented our brand with integrity, passion, and a genuine love for the shooting sports. Steve helped shape what Team Lapua stands for today, and his legacy will continue to inspire our team and the broader shooting community for years to come.”
In 2022, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) honored Reiter by establishing the Reiter Cup National Champion Trophy. This award is presented to the winner of the Match Pistol 2700 Any Sights National Championship, which recognizes the highest combined scores from the .22, .45 ACP, and Centerfire 900 Aggregate matches held during the annual National Matches at Camp Perry.
Beyond his competitive accomplishments, Reiter was widely respected for his humility, sportsmanship, and commitment to growing the shooting sports community. His influence extended far beyond the firing line, impacting countless shooters, teammates, and fans across generations. Capstone Precision Group and Team Lapua extend their deepest condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and the entire shooting sports community.
To understand the heart and mind of a champion, watch this video profiling Jessie Harrison. This talented lady is arguably the best female action pistol shooter in history. No other woman has amassed as many championships or set so many speed-shooting records. Over the past two decades Jessie Harrison (who has also competed with with married names Jessie Duff and Jessie Abbate) has earned dozens of major titles including twenty-two U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Ladies Championships. Jessie won her 22nd USPSA title at the 2021 USPSA Race Gun Nationals in Alabama.
Jessie is one of the hardest-working athletes in the shooting game. Jessie is America’s “leading lady” — perhaps the winningest female pistol shooter in the game today. The drive and dedication that has made Jessie a success are revealed in this video from Weatherby.
Jessie Harrison’s Will to Win
Jessie explains how hard work brings titles: “To prepare for a championship, I’m on the range constantly.
My office is the gun range — that’s where I do my work.
I travel the country pullin’ the trigger, makin’ brass, smelling gunsmoke. I have to make sure that I’m in control because… there is no other person on the line with me, helping pull the trigger.
I have to pay attention to my foot placements, my set-ups, my positions, gettin’ the gun clean out of the holster, my reloads. I can’t think about it when I’m shooting. I can’t think about these small things. I have to focus on the sights and pulling the trigger. It’s just me and the gun.
[When] I step out on to the range, I simply have to be perfect — I have to be the best… I won’t settle for anything less.”
First-Ever Female Grand Master
Jessie Duff is the first woman in history to earn the title of USPSA Grand Master (GM), the highest rating conferred by the U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). To earn this prestigious ranking, Duff had to maintain an average above 95% in shooting classification courses, something never before achieved by a lady shooter. Jessie finished 2013 with a 95.39% average.
This 12″ Bullseye Pistol Diagnostic Target helps improve handgun marksmanship. The target diagnoses common problems with one-handed shooting based on shot impact zones. While this target is designed for righties, left-handed shooters can use the target too. Just observe the opposite tips.
Do you know someone who wants to get started in pistol shooting? Here’s a helpful resource. The NRA now offers its Basics of Pistol Shooting Course in an online format. That makes it easy to cover the “classroom” phase of the course on your own time. The $60.00 online course includes 11 step-by-step lessons (to be followed by live range training). CLICK HERE to enroll in online Pistol Training Course.
Train Online, Then Register for a Range Session
For the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course, Phase 1 is conducted in an online environment, completed on your own time (cost is $60.00, non-refundable). After successfully completing the online exam, students can register for Phase 2, the instructor-led training session. Phase 2 is conducted at your local range with an NRA-Certified Instructor. NOTE: There will normally be an additional fee for Phase 2. You must successfully complete BOTH Phase 1 and Phase 2 in order to receive your NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course certificate.
Designed and developed by experts to accommodate busy schedules, the web-based course takes a blended learning approach to firearms training with both online and physical components. Students have 90 days to work through 11 online lessons before registering for Phase 2, the NRA Certified Instructor-led phase at a local range.
“Thanks to our online courses and network of more than 125,000 NRA Certified Instructors, it has never been easier to learn basic firearm skills,” said Kyle Weaver, NRA General Operations Exec. Director. The NRA offers other online training courses at Onlinetraining.nra.org. Along with pistol course, these offerings include Rifle Training, Shotgun Training, a Range Safety Office (RSO) course, and a Range Development and Operations course.
Know someone getting started with handguns? Here is a useful video focusing on safety:
Todd Jarrett is one of the world’s best handgun shooters. A multi-time World Champion, Todd knows a thing or two about semi-auto pistols, particularly 1911s and 1911-based raceguns. Jarrett has been IPSC Open Division World Champion, has won the Steel Challenge World title four times (Limited Division), and has won than 100 Area championships, as well as many other action shooting events. Jarrett is the only USPSA Triple Crown Winner and he holds four USPSA National titles: Open, Limited, Production, and Limited-10. Jarrett revealed in an interview that between 1988 and 2001 he shot about 1.7 million rounds during practice: “I had a gun in my hand for two hours every day for 10 years to develop my skill level”.
In the video below, Todd explains how to get the proper grip on your handgun, and how to employ a proper stance. We’ve watched many videos on pistol shooting. This is one of the best handgun instructional videos we’ve seen. Todd explains, in easy-to-understand terms, the key elements of grip and stance. One very important point he demonstrates is how to align the grip in your hand so that the gun points naturally — something very important when rapid aiming is required. If you watch this video, you’ll learn valuable lessons — whether you shoot competitively or just want to have better control and accuracy when using your handgun defensively.
Recommended Thumbs-Forward Shooting Grip for 1911s
“Shooting semiautomatic pistols using the thumbs-forward method really becomes useful … where speed and accuracy are both needed. By positioning the thumbs-forward along the slide (or slightly off of the slide) you are in essence creating a second sighting device: wherever your shooting thumb is pointing is where the pistol is pointing. This makes it incredibly fast to draw the pistol, get your proper grip, and press forward to the target without needing to hunt around for the front sight.” — Cheaper Than Dirt Blog.
We Buy Guns, an online gun purchasing service run by an Indiana FFL, has expanded its operations with a new dedicated warehouse facility to support continued growth in online firearm resale activity. We Buy Guns currently generates more than 1,500 purchase offers per month through its online platform. To learn more about the We Buy Guns operation and its nationwide firearm purchasing platform, visit www.WeBuyGuns.com.
About We Buy Guns: We Buy Guns is a national online platform dedicated to the simplified, legal, and secure purchase of firearms from individuals. Operating in all 50 states, the company prioritizes federal compliance and seller convenience, providing a streamlined alternative to traditional gun store trade-ins and private sales.
The company reports purchasing more than 11,000 firearms from sellers across all 50 states, with over $5.25 million paid out to individuals, collectors, and estates. Transactions have originated from more than 4,600 municipalities nationwide, reflecting broad adoption of digital-first firearm resale. The expansion increases processing capacity as demand continues to shift away from private-party sales and toward licensed, compliance-driven solutions without friction.
“We’re seeing consistent growth from people looking for a more straightforward way to sell firearms,” said Chris Wing, Owner of We Buy Guns. “This expansion allows us to improve turnaround times while maintaining a high level of operational control.”
Review of We Buy Guns
There is a review of WeBuyGuns.com on the PewPewTactical.com website. Here are some highlights:
Webuyguns.com [works through] a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Indiana. They are Marksman Shooting Sports, LLC, an established brick-and-mortar firearms dealer operating since 2013. Selling through them means you’re covered under their license, providing you with the same reassurances as if you were conducting a transaction in a physical store.
Webuyguns.com have worked with thousands of customers from hundreds of cities around the country – 650 locations to be exact.
In conclusion, if you’re considering selling a firearm and appreciate a modern, hassle-free approach, Webuyguns.com is a reliable option to explore. This platform simplifies the process, eliminating the need for traditional in-person methods[.]
Photo courtesy NRA MuseumClick Photo to View Larger Image
With today’s polymer-framed Glocks and Kel-Tecs, aesthetics have been sacrificed on the altar of functionality. Not so in the early 20th century — in that period, the best firearm designers created guns that looked as good as they worked. One example is the classic Colt Woodsman. This design came from the legendary John Moses Browning and was later refined by Colt before the pistol’s introduction in 1915. The Colt Woodsman’s frame design evolved over time in three distinct series: Series One 1915–1947, Series Two 1947–1955, and Series Three 1955–1977. Shown above is a stunning Carbonia-blued and engraved Third Series model with ivory grips.
Engraved Colt Woodsman from NRA Museum
In the NRA Museum’s Robert E. Petersen Gallery are many fine engraved arms. This Colt Woodsman .22 pistol is one of the Third Series guns that were made until 1977. Heavy barrels in either 4.5 or 6 inch lengths were offered in this variation. The Museum’s staff says: “We think the poised golden rattlesnake near the serial number is the [best] embellishment without putting down in any way the ivory grip panels or gold outline inlays.”
You can see this lovely Colt and countless other fine firearms at the NRA Museum in Fairfax, Virginia. The Museum is open every day from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free.
The Colt Woodsman was made in many variations, with different barrel lengths and contours and finishes. Here is a Colt Woodsman Third Series Match Target with 6″ Blued frame and slab barrel. Photo from Sam Lisker’s ColtAutos.com.
Here is a Colt Woodsman First Series Match Target with 6.5″ undercut slab match barrel and basic blued finish. Photo from Heritage Auctions.
Here is a Colt Woodsman Bullseye Match Target Pistol (6.5″ barrel) with blued finish and early factory “elephant ear” stocks with Colt medallions. This was owned by Philip Judd, an avid marksman who was 1952 Camp Perry Champion in the 500-yard .30-06 rifle competition. Photo from Sam Lisker’s ColtAutos.com.
With rising crime rates in the USA, many Americans are taking a much more serious look at armed self-defense. We understand why citizens in large cities are more concerned than ever with the need to protect themselves, their families, and their homes and businesses.
Shotgun vs. Handgun — which is better for home defense? That question inspires strong opinions on both sides. We think the best answer may be “both”. There are some situations where a pistol is most handy, while there are other situations where the power (and lethality) of the shotgun clearly wins out. Some would argue that the shotgun offers an “intimidation” factor that may better resolve a threat without a shot being fired.
The NSSF, in cooperation with Thunder Ranch Training Center, has created an interesting video that examines the Shotgun vs. Handgun debate. As the Cheaper Than Dirt Blog notes: “The primary argument against the shotgun is a longer length leading to less maneuverability. On the other hand, the pistol offers better maneuverability, but lacks the stopping power of a shotgun”. Moreover, the pistol may be less accurate, according to some critics. This NSSF video looks at the question from a logical standpoint — making some surprising points.
As you can see in this still frame (above) from the video, the shooting stance of the pistol shooter (Clint) is NOT much more compact than that of the two shotgunners (compare actual muzzle positions). So a shotgun may actually be more handy inside a home than some people realize. Clint concludes that the gun selection debate “is all very easily solved by only one question: ‘If someone was going to run across a bedroom at you and they had a big knife, would you rather shoot him one time with a pistol or one time with a shotgun?’ When you answer the question you figure out why this [shotgun length] doesn’t really bother us. We simply take these [shotguns] and use them in a slightly different manner…”
In this video, Thunder Ranch Director Clint Smith explains why the overall length of a shotgun, as held in firing position against the shoulder, is not really that much greater than the “shooting stance length” of a handgun held in a proper firing position (with arms extended). Accordingly gun length/size should not be the deciding factor when choosing a firearm for home defense.
Whatever Weapon You Choose — Train with It
Fundamentally, you should use the firearm that is 100% reliable, and with which you have trained regularly. Mastery of a defensive firearm — whether shotgun or handgun — needs to be second-nature. You should be able to operate all the controls (safety, pump, decocker, slide, bolt handle etc.) by “instinct” based on hours of training. Likewise you should know how to operate the light/laser if your defensive firearm is so equipped. Importantly, you should be able to reload in darkness, and clear malfunctions without panicking.
This 608-page resource covers rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, airguns, optics and more. We like the print edition, but there is also a Kindle eBook version for just $23.99 on Amazon. Both paperback and Kindle versions provide hundreds of photos plus new product roundups, in-depth product tests, and scores of articles and stories.
There are dozens of photo-illustrated feature articles. Among the notable stories are a guide to .300 caliber magnum cartridges, a feature on “Retro” AR rifles, evolution of the Ruger American Rifle, CZ 75 (Past/Present/Future), new Drone Killer guns, and multiple field tests on centerfire and rimfire rifles.
Gun Digest 2026 Editor-in-Chief Phil Massaro has assembled a team of respected industry authors for the 2026 book, including Craig Boddington, Bob Campbell, Joe Coogan, Mike Dickerson, Bill Gabbard, Nick Hahn, Ron Spomer, Patrick Sweeney, Col. Townsend Wehlen, Wayne van Zwoll, and many more.
Gun Digest 2026 (80th Ed.) covers hunting, personal defense, target shooting, gunsmithing, and collecting. There are Updated Ballistics Tables, and the catalog section shows off the newest offerings in rifles, handguns, shotguns, muzzleloaders and air rifles. The new 80th Edition has a vast collection of gun histories, in-depth reviews, and new product roundups. In addition to this, the Gun Digest 2026 book includes gun and optics field tests in the Testfire section, plus a guide to buying optics and ammunition. Reports from the Field (see below) cover the newest firearms and accessories.
A very large segment of the books catalogs hundreds of firearms currently offered for sale — rifles (centerfire/rimfire/black powder), pistols, shotguns, and airguns. There are also Ballistics Tables for centerfire rifle cartridges, pistol cartrdiges, and rimfire cartridges. Here is a summary of feature articles in this 608-page book:
Gun Digest 2026 Annual Feature Articles
Retro AR Rifles Are In! — BY PATRICK SWEENEY
A Custom Revolver Experience — BY SHANE JAHN
My Parkwest Arms SD-10 Dream Rifle — BY RON SPOMER
The 300 Magnums — BY PHIL MASSARO
The Evolution of the Ruger American Rifle — BY MIKE DICKERSON
Custom & Engraved Guns — BY THE AMERICAN CUSTOM GUNMAKER’S GUILD
All About the 7mm Backcountry — BY WILL BRANTLEY
Ruark’s Rifles—Part I — BY JOE COOGAN
The Guns of Famous Sports Figures — BY ALAN CLEMONS
Nagant Model 1895 Revolver — BY GEORGE LAYMAN
Big Nan — BY PHIL SHOEMAKER
Thompson/Center Arms: A Legacy Revitalized — BY BRAD FENSON
Drone Killers — BY L.P. BREZNY
The O’Connor Letters — BY LARRY L. WEISHUHN
CZ 75—Past, Present, Future — BY ALEXANDER CASTIGLIONE
Tracking Guns — BY RANDY FLANNERY
Stack-Barrel 28—The Ultimate Shotgun — BY TERRY WIELAND
Tailor-Made — BY ANDREA BOGARD
The Non-Dangerous Double Rifle — BY CRAIG BODDINGTON
A Holster a Day — BY TRENT MARSH
Colonel Colt’s Roster of Rogues — BY WAYNE VAN ZWOLL
Suppressor Primer — BY FRANK MELLONI
My Single-Shot Rifles — BY COL. TOWNSEND WHELEN
One Is Never Enough — BY RICK HACKER
From Mice to Moose: Freedom Arms Revolvers — BY DICK WILLIAMS
TESTFIRE
Mossberg International Silver Reserve Eventide HS12 Shotgun — BY PHIL MASSARO
Smith & Wesson’s All-Around Lever-Action — BY BOB CAMPBELL
The Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 — BY PHIL MASSARO
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Comp — BY ROBERT SADOWSKI
ONE GOOD GUN
The Heart of a 99 — BY KRISTIN ALBERTS
The Browning “3 Shot” Sweet Sixteen — BY NICK HAHN
The Legendary 7mm Mauser Still Works — BY JIM HOUSE
The 370 Sako Magnum — BY STEVE GASH
Other Good Books from Gun Digest Media
Gun Digest Media produces numerous other quality books for rifle, pistol, and shotgun owners. Here are four books we recommend. These are offered in both paperback and eBook versions:
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
Creedmoor Sports — Big Savings on Optics, Tools, Bags, & More
⏺️ » Major discounts on hundreds of top-tier products
Lookin’ for a great deal? Currently there are over 500 discounted items in the Creedmoor Sports Sale section with 90+ in the Bargain Bunker (with major price cuts). You’ll find some great savings on Sightron Scopes, Wilson and Redding presses, Edgewood Bags, Protektor Front Rests, Wilson and Redding Dies, Berger Bullets, Starline Brass and much more.
Palmetto SA — AR Complete Rifles, Uppers, Lowers on Sale
⏺️ » Spectacular deals on AR Black Rifles, AR Pistols, and AR components
This week at Palmetto State Armory you’ll find exceptional deals on AR rifles, AR uppers, AR lowers, AR pistols, and the full range of AR components (such as bolt assemblies, sights, triggers, magazines etc.). If you are looking to add a quality 16″ bbl AR to your collection, you’ll find some great bargains. We like the 16″ barrel PSA EPT model. Complete with adjustable buttstock, M-LOK fore-end, and MBUS sights, it’s just $569.99 with FREE shipping.
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Ruger Super GP100 Revolver in 9mm Luger (9x19mm)
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could shoot your 9mm semi-auto pistol ammo in an ultra-accurate revolver? Well you can. Ruger adapted its existing Super Redhawk frame to create the Super GP100 9mm Luger (9x19mm) revolver. As you can see, the Super GP100 9mm features a stubby 8-round PVD-coated cylinder to better fit the 9x19mm round. According to Guns.com the 9mm GP100 “uses a cylinder and extractor cut for moon clips to speed up reloading [and] sports a 6-inch half-lug sleeved and shrouded barrel with an 11-degree target crown[.]”
Out of the box the Super GP100 9mm has a 9.5-lb double-action pull and a 4.5-lb single action trigger pull. Reviewers say the trigger pull is a little uneven initially but smooths out over time. A Gunblast tester, Boge Quinn, also observed that if you do NOT use the supplied moon-clips it is awkward to remove the spent cartridges: “You don’t have to use a moon clip, but I don’t know why you wouldn’t… it just works great that way.”
The 9×19mm Parabellum (aka 9mm Luger) cartridge was introduced in 1902 by German weapons manufacturer Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) for the Luger semi-auto pistol. Now 120 years later, Ruger brings us a sturdy, 6″-barrel revolver for this popular cartridge. Ruger adapted its existing Super Redhawk frame for this Super GP100 9mm revolver. In the YouTube video posted below, Ruger engineer Mark Gurney explains the features of the Super GP100 9mm revolver:
Super GP100 9x19mm Features
Triple-locking cylinder locked into the frame at front, rear and bottom for more positive alignment and dependable operation.
High-strength stainless steel cylinder is fluted and shortened to reduce overall mass and increase rotational speed. Cylinder has PVD finish for durability and ease of extraction.
Polished and optimized internals, a centering boss on the trigger, and centering shims on hammer deliver a smooth double-action trigger pull with crisp/consistent let-off.
Cylinder and extractor are cut for moon clips to speed reloading during intense competition. Ships with three full moon clips and moon clip tool. The ejector and chamber mouths have a light chamfer to aid loading with moon clips.
Hogue hardwood grip is hand-finished for a smooth, polished feel. Grip frame accommodates a wide variety of custom grips.
Transfer bar mechanism provides security against accidental discharge.
Cold hammer-forged barrel has precise rifling for accuracy and longevity.
Barrel features 11° target crown for competitive-level accuracy.
Beyond his competitive accomplishments, Reiter was widely respected for his humility, sportsmanship, and commitment to growing the shooting sports community. His influence extended far beyond the firing line, impacting countless shooters, teammates, and fans across generations. Capstone Precision Group and Team Lapua extend their deepest condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and the entire shooting sports community.
Jessie Harrison’s Will to Win
Engraved Colt Woodsman from NRA Museum
Out of the box the Super GP100 9mm has a 9.5-lb double-action pull and a 4.5-lb single action trigger pull. Reviewers say the trigger pull is a little uneven initially but smooths out over time. A Gunblast tester, Boge Quinn, also observed that if you do NOT use the supplied moon-clips it is awkward to remove the spent cartridges: “You don’t have to use a moon clip, but I don’t know why you wouldn’t… it just works great that way.”
