2022 NRA F-Class National Championships Results
The 2022 NRA F-Class National Championships concluded on Sunday, October 23rd after 8 days of competition. Held at the Ben Avery range in Arizona, the F-Class Nationals were popular this year. There was a good turn-out for both the 600-yard Mid-Range event and the 1000-yard Long-Range competition. For the Long Range event, there were over 100 shooters in the F-Open division and over 70 competitors in the F-TR Division. We congratulate the new NRA F-Class National Champions in the two Divisions (F-TR and F-Open) and two distances (600 yards and 1000 yards). Hail to the Champs!
2022 NRA F-Class National Champions, F-TR and F-Open
| Keith Trapp, F-TR 1000-Yard Champion | Tim Vaught, F-Open 1000-Yard Champion | James Crofts, F-TR 600-Yard Champion | Eric Wuestenhoefer, F-Open 600-Yard Champion |
Among many notable showings, we were impressed by Eric Wuestenhoefer’s and James Crofts’ winning totals at 600 yards. F-Open competitor Eric finished with a superb 1795-117X Mid-Range Grand Agg, while F-TR ace James racked up a stellar 1782-100X Mid-Range final tally.
We list the Top 10 for Mid-Range and Long-Range Championships for both classes below. There were some very close competitions this year. The F-TR 1000-yard event went down to the wire with 2022 Champion Keith Trap (1572-63X) edging past Champion Ian Klemm (1572-58X) by X-count. In the F-Open Mid-Range Championships, 2022 Champ Eric Wuestenhoefer won by a single point over Pat Scully, who had the high X-Count. Get full match results on the Desert Sharpshooters Website:
CLICK HERE for Full 2022 NRA F-Class Nationals Results »
| F-TR Long Range Top 10
1. Keith Trapp, 1572-63X CHAMPION |
F-Open Long Range Top 10
1. Tim Vaught, 1586-87X CHAMPION |
|
| F-TR Mid-Range Top 10
1. James Crofts, 1782-100X CHAMPION |
F-Open Mid-Range Top 10
1. Eric Wuestenhoefer, 1794-117X CHAMPION |
|
| F-TR Team Results
1000-Yard F-TR Top Three Teams USA F-T/R BLUE HM 1576-64X |
F-Open Team Results
1000-Yard F-Open Top Three Teams ROLLING COAL HM 1586-85X |
| F-TR Team Results
600-Yard F-TR Top Three Teams TEAM TEXAS HM 1580-85X |
F-TR Team Results
600-Yard F-Open Top Three Teams ROLLING COAL 1591-95X |
NSSF Sponsors Photo Contest for Hunters with MSRs
The NSSF is running a MSR Photo Contest for hunters. Submit a hunting photo with a semi-automatic modern sporting rifle (MSR) and you can win one of two valuable guided hunts — a Mississippi Deer Hunt or Louisiana Hog Hunt. Through its #LetsGoHunting with MSRs Photo Challenge, the NSSF encourages hunters to share memorable hunting experiences when using MSRs. There are many photo styles that can be submitted — selfies, trophy photos, group photos, and firearms in the field.
Enter by posting an Instagram hunt photo using an MSR, such as an AR-15 or AR-10. All valid entries must include a photo showing a MSR in use such as the AR-15, AR-10, carbine, and similar variants. Entries must be submitted no later than January 31, 2023. Winners will be selected by drawing. Photos are only eligible for this sweepstakes if they contain a modern sporting rifle and depict proper firearm safety. Please read the official Photo Challenge Rules for more information. It is easy to enter the contest:
1. Take a photo while hunting using a Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR)
2. Post the photo to Instagram including #LetsGoHunting in the caption.
Hunting with Modern Sporting Rifles
MSRs, today’s popular semi-automatic rifle designs, are used by more and more hunters. Modern Sporting Rifles are used for many different types of hunting, from varmint to big game. MSRs are chambered for a wide variety of calibers and cartridge types, from 20 Practical to .338 WSM. MSR’s ruggedness and versatility serve hunters well. And MSR modularity allows MSRs to be configured for various applications.

Tactical Life Night Shooter — #LetsGoHunting #nightshooter #hoghunter
NSSF thanks The Confluence Group for donating the prize hunts to help encourage hunters to participate in the MSR Hunting Photo Challenge. Learn more here.
Train for F-Class Competition with 300-yard Target Centers

Ben Avery Match Photo by Sherri Jo Gallagher.
The 2022 F-Class National Championships are underway right now at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mid-Range Championship (Oct. 16-19) finished yesterday, and now the Long-Range Championship runs today, October 20, through Sunday, October 23. With economic inflation and the high price of gas in particular we know many F-Class shooters couldn’t make it to Nationals this year. For them, and other folks who are getting started in the sport, here are some special targets that let you train at your home range, even if it does not have target bays at 600 and 1000 yards. These special 300-yard target centers let you duplicate the exact MOA size of the official F-Class targets, but at closer range.

Here is the sleek, carbon-stocked .308 Win rifle Bryan Litz used to win both the 2015 Mid-Range AND
Long-Range F-TR Championship at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, Arizona.
These reduced-size target centers were created by Forum member SleepyGator, an F-Class competitor who needed practice targets he could use at 300 yards. There is an official reduced-distanced standard for 300-yard F-Class matches. This utilizes the NRA No. MR-63FC – F-Class Target Center which is pasted over the MR-63 target. It provides a 1.42″ X-Ring, 2.85″ 10-Ring, and 5.85″ Nine-Ring. (The dimensions of F-Class targets are found in the NRA High Power Rules, Sec. 22, part 4, page 70-71 — see sample below.)
CLICK HERE to Download F-Class 300-yard Target Centers (.Zip archive with three targets)
To duplicate the 300-yard target, SleepyGator has prepared a printable version of the MR-63FC Target Center, along with a pair of training targets with two bulls and five bulls. The two-bull and five-bull targets mirror the scoring rings on the MR-63FC, but they display only the innermost three rings and two rings respectively. All three targets are Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files that can be easily printed. You may need to adjust the scale (sizing) on your printer to get the dimensions exactly correct. As noted above, when printed, the 10-Ring on all three targets should measure 2.85″. This should provide some handy practice targets you can use between matches. Thanks to SleepyGator for providing these targets. You can download all three as a .Zip archive. After downloading the .Zip file, just click on the .Zip archive to extract the individual targets.

Zombies in the Heartland Match on Shooting USA TV Today
Shooting USA will broadcast a fun episode today, October 19, 2022. Today’s show covers Hornady’s Zombies in the Heartland multi-gun match. This popular event, hosted in Nebraska, is one of the biggest three-gun shoots in the nation. Held this past June, the Zombie Match attracted hundreds of shooters from throughout the nation. One nice thing about the match is that it’s not just for top-tier multi-gun shooters. There are also divisions for novices — first time shooters with pistol, rifle, and shotgun are welcome.

SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.

The 10-stage 3-gun match was fun and challenging. A wide variety of reactive zombie targets kept shooters engaged and entertained. In years past one stage had a parked pickup truck where shooters were required to turn the steering wheel to see targets.
Zombies in the Heartland on Shooting USA TV

Pandemic: Zombies in the Heartland
Every year Hornady hosts the very popular Zombies in the Heartland event. This “Pandemic” 3-Gun fun match, one of the biggest three-gun shoots in the nation, took place June 3-5, 2022 at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. Traditionally this Zombies in the Heartland match features a rich prize table worth over $150,000. Prizes include pistols, rifles, shotguns, scopes, AR uppers, gun parts, and gear of all kinds.
The Pandemic is a veritable theme park for shootists, with many fun stages and innovative targets. Many unique, reactive zombie targets have been developed specifically for this match. The use of paper targets has been minimized — so it’s mostly “bang and clang”.
There were ten multi-gun stages this past year. Rifles, pistols and shotguns are used on most stages. There were also fun side-matches. We highly recommend you watch the video below to see highlights from a past Pandemic.
Zombies in the Heartland Highlights Video. Guys, this well-made video is WORTH WATCHING! This video offers Shooter’s POV views of many stages including full auto:

NRA Provides $1 Million in Range Improvement Grants in 2022
The National Rifle Association has distributed one million dollars to fund range development and improvement projects in 2022. Both public and private ranges have receive grants for a variety of projects including: construction of berms, range covers, lighting systems, and pavilions. Funds have also been provided for the purchase of trap machines. The funding was distributed via the NRA and NRA Foundation.
“To ensure a robust future for recreational target shooting and the shooting sports, gun owners need a place to learn, train, and compete,” said Joseph P. DeBergalis, Jr., executive director of NRA General Operations. “Thanks to the generosity of NRA members, NRA Foundation donors, and those who attend local Friends of NRA events, NRA is able to provide the resources sought after by clubs and public agencies to build, expand, and improve ranges in their communities.”
How Your Club or Facility Can Apply for NRA Grants
Range funds are available for request in a variety of ways. First, through the Range Development Committee, NRA-Affiliated Range Funding is offered to 100% NRA membership-affiliated clubs for the acquisition, development, and improvement of shooting facilities. Second, funding is made available through the NRA Public Range Grant Funding program to city, county, state, and federal units of government to improve, enhance, and build public ranges. Third, there is the NRA Foundation State Fund Capital Improvement Grants program, which offers funding to government agencies and non-profit entities.

NRA Range Services offers an online course to prospective and current range owners and operators detailing best practices in range development, safety, and environmental concerns. To complement the course, NRA has authored The NRA Range Source Book, a premier technical source book for planning, construction, design, and maintenance of shooting range facilities. On the public policy side, the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) has been instrumental in protecting access to shooting ranges by promoting and supporting Range Protection laws throughout the country, prohibiting anti-gun units of government from forcing the closure of shooting ranges through onerous regulations.
Links for More Information and Grant Applications
To learn more about NRA’s support for public and private ranges, please visit Rangeservices.NRA.org. Information about the NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and its grant application process can be found at NRAfoundation.org/grants.
Wet Times at 2022 New England CMP Games and HP Matches

Rainy September Days in Vermont
The Civilian Marksmanship Program’s New England Games Matches, held September 18-25, 2022, at the Camp Ethan Allen National Guard Training Site in Vermont, can be described in one word: WET.
Though suffering one of the toughest weather weeks in the event’s history through cold temperatures and steady rainfall, Pistol and Rifle competitors still managed to give outstanding performances on the firing line, with some new record scores being set.



The New England Games event features CMP’s full lineup of vintage and modern military rifle and pistol competitions. These matches are suitable for those just beginning in the sport of marksmanship while offering significant challenges for more experienced marksmen and markswomen.


Notable 2022 New England Games Results and New Records
In CMP Games rifle events, Brian Williams, 48, who is a current New England Games record holder in several events, set yet another record with a 383-6X in the Carbine Match. This topped the previous score he had set himself in 2016. Williams was also only two points away from setting a new record in the Modern Military event — he holds the current record in the match from his 2018 performance.
Maisey Loucks, 28, showed great talent in the Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match, finishing with 579-26X, just three points from the current TU class record. Earlier this year, at the Camp Perry National Matches in July, Maisey earned the High Woman title in the National Carbine Match, setting a record in the process.
Reaching a new New England Games record in the Vintage Sniper Match was Hard Leg #2 (James Horton, Jack Chomko), who beat the previous record set in 2018 by one x-shot, with a score of 397-16X.
Setting a New England Games record in the Vintage Sniper Match was team Hard Leg #2 (James Horton, Jack Chomko), who beat the previous record set in 2018 by one X, with a score of 397-16X.
Bettering a record in the EIC Match by X-Count was SSG Verne Conant, 26, who accumulated a score of 497-26X in his impressive win. Top competitors of the match earned EIC (Excellence-In-Competition) points toward a Distinguished Badge, including two junior athletes: Jack Marshall, 20, and Shannon Moriarty, 14. Marshall finished the match fourth overall while Shannon Moriarty took fifth.
Outside of the recreational Games Matches, the CMP hosted a series of High Power matches that included a team event, three days of 800 Aggregate shooting, and a culminating 2400 Aggregate. Individuals were recognized for their Service or Match Rifle use, scores at each position and Civilian or Military status.

Along with the matches, a Rifle Marksmanship 101 clinic was held at Camp Ethan Allen.
Find a complete list of CMP New England Games results visit the CMP’s Competition Tracker Page. Hundreds of event photos can be viewed and downloaded from the CMP’s Zenfolio Archive.

Gobble, Gobble — tempting turkey targets near the shooting range. Thanksgiving is coming soon right?

Memory Lane — The Price of Powder (How Things Have Changed)
Have inflation (and supply chain shortages) affected the price of powder? You bet. Probably WAY more than you could imagine. Forum member “Two Time HM LR” posted this interesting photo (above) showing Hodgdon powder prices from 1978, as sold by O.K. Weber in Oregon.
Now the prices — $20 to $44 — may not get your attention at first. But take note that these numbers are for EIGHT pound jugs. Yep eight-pounders were all under $45! For example, H4895 was $44 for 8 pounds back in 1978, 44 years ago. And H335 was $20 for eight pounds — that’s just $2.50 per pound!
These days a single pound of a desirable powder such as H4831 might cost $65 at some stores IF you can find it at all. On Hodgdon’s web site, H4831 powder is priced at $60.99 per pound in October 2022. Using that current $60.99/lb figure, H4831 is now ELEVEN times higher than it was in 1978, when H4831 cost $44 for 8 pounds, i.e. $5.50 per pound.
Here are some comments from our Forum Members:
“Heck those prices are just about the same as current ones, just a little smaller container now.” — Joe
“I’ve got some H4831 in a can marked ‘WWII Surplus Powder’ with a price tag of $2.75. We’ll never see that again either.” Rick in Oregon
“1978 prices and 2022 income would be nice. Unfortunately that doesn’t work. If you compare prices and income, powder cost about the same. You also have to discount the temporary gouging that we are seeing.” — Tmwinds
“So I used to buy gas for 10 cents per gallon and they’d pump it, check the oil, and clean the windshield.” — Pirate Ammo
One comment suggests that the powder price hike actually tracks general U.S. currency inflation over the last four decades. So perhaps powder price increases are not as bad as they seem, when compared to how all prices have risen since 1978:
“Using H4895 as a comparison basis at $58.50 (list price) in 1978 calculates it to $246 in todays money. Looking at Powder Valley prices it looks like around $256 for the same item in todays money, so it really hasn’t gone up. Availability is another issue though and if someone is really needing powder they may well have to pay above suggested retail.” — Drover
Need Work? SEE Gun Industry Job Listings on NSSF Website
A number of interesting jobs in the firearms industry have become available in recent weeks. The NSSF maintains a regularly-updated listing of employment opportunities with gun-makers and shooting sports organizations. On the NSSF Career Center right now there are executive openings, engineering jobs, tech placements, account manager positions, sales and marketing positions, and digital media opportunities. Here are some of the jobs we found this week posted on the NSSF Website. CLICK HERE to visit the NSSF Career Center with all current listings.
Firearms Industry Jobs — Current Openings
The gun industry needs skilled personnel! The total number of full-time equivalent jobs in the firearms industry rose from approximately 166,000 in 2008 to almost 342,330 in 2020, a 106% increase. Here are some current job openings posted on the NSSF Career Center:
AimPoint: Creative Content Manager (Virginia)
Crossbreed Holsters: Marketing Director (Missouri)
Davidson’s: Sales Manager (Arizona)
Delta Defense: Field Training Specialist (OH, KY, IN) (Nationwide)
Delta Defense: Outside Sales Executive (Kentucky)
Delta Defense: Outside Sales Executive (Minnesota)
Jones & Company: NW Territory Sales Representative (Washington State)
Leica Sport Optics: Regional Acct. Manager, Eastern/Southern USA (Nationwide)
Magpul Industries: Product Test Technician (Wyoming)
Otis Technology: Central Regional Sales Manager (Nationwide)
Steiner eOptics: Manager U.S. Federal Agencies (Ohio)
SureFire: Product Manager (California)
Target Sports USA: Marketing Director (Connecticut)

Leica Sport Optics is currently seeking a Regional Account Manager, Eastern/Southern USA.
GAP Grind 10th Anniversary PRO-AM Match Was a Big Success

The 10th Annual GA Precision/Elite Tactical GAP Grind PRO-AM was held September 30 through October 2, 2022 at the K&M Shooting Complex in Tennessee. The GAP Grind, the largest, most popular PRS match in the world, drew hundreds of amateur and pro shooters from across the USA and from many other nations. Recognized as the premier PRO-AM precision rifle match with individual and team competition, the GAP Grind has introduced thousands of new shooters to the sport since its inception. It was great to see the GAP Grind successfully mark its 10th Anniversary.
In overall standings, Daniel Hereid (photo below) finished first among Pro shooters, while Toby Phillips was top Amateur Overall. The Top Five Pros and Amateurs, along with Top Five Teams are listed overall below. There were four hardware-based divisions: Gas Gun, Open, Production, and Tactical. Pro shooter Robert Brantley led the Tactical Division and pro Ryan Kerr topped the Production Division. Notably, both Brantley and Kerr were running Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS3 riflescopes.
CLICK HERE for full 2022 GAP Grind Match Results »

| 2022 Elite Tactical GAP Grind Winners | ||
| Top 5 Pros:
1st – Daniel Hereid |
Top 5 Amateurs:
1st – Toby Phillips |
Top 5 Pro/Am Teams:
1st – Tate Streater + Toby Phillips |
Excellent Attendance at 10th Annual GAP Grind Event
The year’s largest PRS match drew hundreds of attendees, and more than 80,000 rounds were fired throughout the three-day event. In addition to competition stages, the GAP Grind featured a vendor area, live music and entertainment. Bushnell gave out $5,000 to the top place finishers and added over $5,000 worth of product to the prize table.
The PRS website explains how the GAP Grind is conducted and scored: “Competitors will compete as individuals and as a team; scores will be maintained for both. Trophies will be awarded to the top 5 teams, top 5 professionals, and to the top 5 amateurs. Each team member will shoot a similar course of fire with slight modifications for the Amateurs. Professionals will shoot first and unassisted. The Amateur will shoot each stage with the Professional’s assistance. Scores for both days will count toward team standings and individual standings. This allows Precision Rifle Series shooters the ability to earn 2 day PRO Series points for this match. Amateurs … may earn PRS Regional Series points.”
In this video Eagle Eye Shooting Shares Highlights from the 2022 GAP Grind
Lots of Action, with 20+ Stages
The GAP Grind is a challenging, “high tempo” match with minimal down-time between stages. Over the course of 20+ stages, competitors will fire 200+ shots at a variety of steel, paper, moving, and reactive targets out to 1,200 yards. Targets vary in size/difficulty based on the shooter’s position, distance, and time allotted. Most stages include “stressors” — i.e. time limits or required movement(s).
This extensive, 45-minute video shows many of the 2022 GAP Grind Stages

“Sponsoring the GAP Grind is always a privilege, and this 10-year mark made it especially fun,” said Matt Rice, Bushnell senior media relations manager. “GAP Grind is all about giving both experienced and new shooters a welcoming place to test and hone their skills, and our partners at K&M, G.A. Precision and PRS have done a fantastic job of making that goal a reality.”


Creedmoor Sports Expands Facilities in Anniston, Alabama
Creedmoor Sports produces premium precision shooting equipment, and is a major online vendor of ammo, reloading supplies, optics, tools, triggers, targets, rimfire rifles, and shooting accessories. It offers some of the best range carts, mats, shooting coats, and other shooting gear on the market. To assist its operations, Creedmoor Sports recently completed the purchase of four acres immediately adjacent to its current Alabama facility. The acquisition will support Creedmoor Sports’ “long-term growth objectives” and allow for facility expansion in the future.
Creedmoor Sports’ facilities are located on the grounds of historic Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. The former U.S. Army installation is now home to a mix of private industry, government, and military training facilities. Since relocating to Alabama in 2013, Creedmoor Sports has enjoyed strong business growth. The company has recently become more vertically integrated by expanding its in-house manufacturing capabilities. This additional acreage will provide the infrastructure for further expansion in the areas of manufacturing, product development, and retail distribution operations.
“Expanding our operational footprint has been a key element of our long-term growth plan for quite some time” said Bill Gravatt, Creedmoor Sports President. “The efforts of our hard-working, talented Creedmoor Sports team in areas such as product development, marketing, and operational efficiencies have created this need to expand. We’ve outgrown our current space, and to support our growth in current and new markets, we need to expand our campus. The fact we can do so right here on McClellan is really an honor. The historical significance of the area is appreciated by all of us at Creedmoor[.]”
“Our growth just over the past two years has us really pushing the limits of our current facility,” said John Teachey, V.P. of Operations and Marketing. “Bill touched on a critical point that the real impetus behind this endeavor has been our investment in growing the company; and that investment is working. Fueling this growth are aggressive new product development programs and market expansion plans which will push this need even greater in the not-to-distant future. Continuing to provide our best-in-class customer service, and delivering the products our customers want requires expansion”, added Teachey.
Tour of Current Creedmoor Sports Production/Warehousing Facilities































