Paired-up With Shotguns

posted on August 1, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg

With only eight shooters left in the house, Top Shot producers finally introduced a firearm that didn’t only fire a single projectile. For this episode, the even number of shooters was paired up in a Season Three favorite with a Benelli Vinci and Benelli M4.

Each pair had to hit a moving 8-inch steel plate with the M4, which released two clays that had to be dusted with the Vinci. In addition to accuracy, loading was a crucial aspect of this challenge, proven by Joe and Brian, who had issues keeping the shotguns charged, particularly the M4. Because of their low score, the pair was joined by Phil and Chris at the Proving Ground, where a new pistol was introduced for that challenge-the Walther P99.

The shot was taken at 50 feet, and once again Brian and Chris were spared the Elimination Challenge by placing holes that measured exactly the same distance from the bullseye. It was interesting to watch Chris pretty much resign himself to going home and then match one of the premier handgun shooters in the country.

It seems that now the field has shrunk, the producers are adding footage from the house to fulfill the show’s time requirement. It wasn’t too bad though, because the segments were more about the competitors eating and having a good time and was short on the drama that dominated previous seasons.

In the Elimination Challenge, Phil and Joe had to hit six targets on a spinner with the Bowtech StrykeZone 380, and, once again, loading played an important factor. Joe just couldn’t figure out how to the crossbow smoothly, and even though Phil had some early accuracy problems, he obtained a nice lead and ended Joe’s time in the competition.

Next week’s episode should be really good, as they are bringing back the roundabout and the zip line to challenge the shooters’ skills. I am fascinated that the Elimination Challenges seem to be much more interesting, and am wondering how many shooters are a little jealous of their fellows battling it out in challenges I would love to try.

Latest

Gotw Walther Fseries Prox Pmm 1
Gotw Walther Fseries Prox Pmm 1

Gun of the Week: Walther Arms PDP F-Series Pro-X PMM

One of Walther Arms' recent introductions combines the features of several other PDP handguns, meaning the Walther PDP F-Series Pro-X PMM is packed with a number of different design elements.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 30, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

President's Column | Your Input is Valued

I wish to thank all our members who have sent me e-mails these last 12 months. I’m doing my best to keep up with all your e-mails, but please be aware it seems I’m always 300 to 400 e-mails behind. I want to reiterate that I am reading them all as fast as I have time for.

Building an X-Card Gun for Turkey Shoots

Unofficially known as a “turkey shoot,” X-Card competition challenges shotgunners to place shot pellets as closely as possible to the center of a target. And some makers have perfected a way to fine-tune shotguns for this purpose.

Spanish National Police Adopt Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC

The Spanish National Police (Policia Nacional) has officially adopted the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC 9mm pistol as the issue pistol for its uniformed officers.

NRA Launches New NRA.org Platform and Official App to Modernize and Enhance the Member Experience

The National Rifle Association today launched its new NRA.org website and continued enhancements to the official NRA App, marking a major step and significant investment to modernize the organization and better serve members.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.