Currently on the second leg of my March odyssey, I'm watching Top Shot tonight with some friends in a restaurant in Fairfax Va., just down the road from NRA HQ. It feels like revisiting the scene of a crime, as last time I was here, Pete Palma joined me for the occasion, and the celebrations were a little, shall we say, spirited? Pete has since moved to Blake Miguez's stomping grounds, so he won't be able to make it for episode five of Season 2, but I'll be reporting back when he accompanies me to a 3-gun match next month. The inimitable Adam Benson is among tonight's audience however, and I know that Jermaine, George and JJ Racaza have their own viewing party tonight in Atlantic City.

I've spoken extensively with some of the guys from the current show, and one thing that's very striking is, like their predecessors, they've formed a strong bond and remain in constant contact with one another. As shooters, we all know that the vast majority of our ranks are populated by stand-up guys and girls, so it should come as no surprise that despite the drama of the moment, captured in stunning HD, we see adult human beings able to put their emotions aside for the greater good.

The whole bar erupted when Blake and JJ took the stage to show off just how fast they could run a 1911. This was perhaps the first time on network TV that world-class IPSC shooters had the opportunity to demonstrate just what it takes to compete at that level. At the team challenge, it was apparent that the competition was entering a new phase as there was absolutely no hesitation to sit out Brian Zins—a smart move from the blue team, one that ultimately ensured their victory. We saw that in this type of contest, victory goes not the the team that exhibits the occasional flash of brilliance, but to the guys who make fewer mistakes. I'm sure Brian's accuracy would have tipped the balance for a red win.

As we progressed to the elimination challenge, the audience got the chance to see the artistry that comes out of Johnny Lim's shop. Jamie proved he could adapt quickly to the refined trigger and C-More sight system of the Razorcat and, despite the best efforts of the editors to create tension, he pretty much wiped the floor with Eric. I'm not sure what's happening off-camera between him and some of the other military guys, but I guess we'll have to stay tuned to find out.

Right now, I'm in San Antonio to do a little hog hunting with Ed Friedman and Angus McClellan from Shooting Illustrated and American Rifleman, and I'm sure they'll keep you posted as to our success or otherwise, then it's back to the beautiful Pacific Northwest for episode six.