The Legacy of Shooting Sports USA
A Historical Chronicle
Shooting Sports USA has been a beacon for competitive shooting enthusiasts for decades, tracing its roots back to the late 19th century. Initially beginning as an insert in Arms and the Man, which eventually transformed into the well-known American Rifleman, the publication has evolved remarkably over the years.
In 1947, the NRA recognized the burgeoning popularity of competitive shooting and launched NRA Tournament News. This evolved into American Marksman in 1976, which broadened the scope of competitive shooting coverage. Finally, in 1988, the magazine adopted the name Shooting Sports USA, cementing itself as the preeminent journal for the shooting sports community.
Digital Transition and Future Directions
The transition to digital began in 2009 when the NRA’s competitive shooting journal shifted from print to an online format. This evolution continued with the launch of ssusa.org in 2015, aiming to deliver timely news, insights, and resources to competitors globally. Fast forward to December 2025, the final digital magazine edition will be released, marking a pivotal restructuring within NRA Media. While this edition closes a chapter, it ensures that all content will remain accessible online, adapting to changing media landscapes.
A Personal Journey with the Publication
In January 2015, I took over as managing editor, succeeding Chip Lohman, who advanced to Deputy Executive Director of NRA Publications. It was, and continues to be, an honor to steer this iconic publication. The depth and breadth of coverage in Shooting Sports USA—ranging from action pistol dynamics and sporting clays to Olympic events—set it apart from other outlets.
Reflecting on this decade of my stewardship, I’ve chosen some favorite covers that encapsulate the magazine’s spirit and milestones.
March 2015: New Beginnings
The inaugural cover I oversaw featured the renowned Rob Leatham. His two-part interview provided invaluable insights into action shooting, showcasing his vast experience and expertise.
June 2015: A Legacy of Coaching
The retirement announcement of Emil Praslick, a beloved coach from the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), prompted a trip to Ft. Benning for an exclusive interview. His profound statement, “My job is to maximize the overall team score,” resonated with the essence of competitive shooting.
October 2016: Olympic Triumph
Ginny Thrasher captured the world’s attention by winning the first gold medal of the Rio 2016 Olympics, achieving this feat at just 19. My interview with her upon her return was both inspiring and enlightening, revealing the mindset of a prodigious talent in rifle shooting.
May 2017: Precision in Action
Featuring AMU’s Tyler Payne on the cover from the inaugural Precision Rifle Series Gas Gun match revealed the intrinsic beauty of competition. This captivating cover remains one of my all-time favorites, encapsulating the excitement and skill intrinsic to precision shooting.
August 2018: Making History
At the 2018 Bianchi Cup, I witnessed Adam Sokolowski’s historic triumph. His triple crown of victories at the event illustrated his exceptional capabilities and solidified his name in shooting sports history.
November 2019: Breaking New Ground
Greg Jordan became the first two-time NRA World Shooting Champion at the Peacemaker Training Center, and capturing his cover photo was a race against the setting sun—an exhilarating experience that underscored the importance of timing in both photography and sport.
March 2020: Engaging Discussions
One of our top covers emerged from a spirited discussion with senior editorial and photography colleagues about the best high power rifle cartridge, culminating in an engaging piece that resonated deeply with our audience.
October 2020: Visual Excellence
The cover featuring the JP Enterprises GMR-15 showcased not only a remarkable firearm but also the exemplary talent of our photography team. The contrast of the gun against a striking red background made for a visually arresting representation of excellence.
August 2021: A Ceremony of Firsts
Capturing Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb firing the first shot at the NRA National Matches was another highlight, symbolizing the event’s community spirit and tradition.
October 2021: Olympic Glory
A cover highlighting the gold medal victory of Team USA skeet shooters Vincent Hancock and Amber English at the Tokyo Olympics underscored the nation’s pride and anticipation surrounding shooting sports on a global stage.
November 2022: A Photogenic Moment
It’s amazing what can be captured with a simple device. An iPhone documented Rob Vadasz’s twelfth NRA National Police Shooting Championship title, demonstrating how accessible and effective photography can be in conveying a powerful moment.
November 2023: Record-Setting Achievements
When Jerry Miculek set two world records for revolver shooting, I was there to document the remarkable event. It was a moment that showcased the intersection of skill, speed, and precision.
May 2024: Rising Stars
Brian Shanholtz’s unexpected win at the 2024 NRA World Shooting Championship was a highlight for competitive shooting, showcasing the emergence of fresh talent and the unpredictability of the sport.
September 2024: A Fourth Gold
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Vincent Hancock secured his fourth gold medal in men’s skeet, solidifying his legacy. Witnessing this historic accomplishment was a privilege that encapsulated the pinnacle of athletic achievement in shooting sports.
February 2025: Honoring Legends
In a full-circle moment, my final cover spotlighted Rob Leatham once again, this time as the inaugural recipient of the NRA Golden Bullseye Competitor Award, illustrating his enduring legacy and contribution to shooting sports.
Contributions and Collaborations
Creating Shooting Sports USA required the combined efforts of numerous dedicated individuals. The tireless work of editors, photographers, and designers culminated in a publication that resonated with the competitive shooting community. Special thanks go to Senior Art Director Karen Haefs, Field Editors Art Merrill and Chris Christian, along with Editorial Director Mark Keefe and NRA Media Executive Director Mike Sanford. The leadership of Doug Hamlin has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the guidance of my mentors, John Zent and Chip Lohman.
A Future Beyond Print
As we transition from print to digital, the spirit of Shooting Sports USA will continue to live on, ensuring that the passion for competitive shooting endures. Through in-depth event coverage, expert gun reviews, and insightful features, we will remain committed to serving a vibrant community that celebrates the challenges and triumphs of competitive shooters.