Surprising, Yet Predictable

posted on August 16, 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 (4)

With no explanation of why it disappeared last week, Top Shot returned with two popular challenges, popular with fans at least.

Gary was excited to have another opportunity at the wheel that defeated him in his season, but I could tell he was worried it would do it again. Other shooters seemed to be feeling the same way, as each understood that this challenge was all about timing and concentration, but only two scored in the double digits. Three tied for next to last, while Adam performed so poorly, hitting only three targets, that he was sent home in a surprise elimination.

The rest of the group, excluding William who scored 13 in the individual challenge was therefore safe, headed to the Proving Ground where they tried to hit a target 200 yards away with a M1A. In a surprisingly weak moment, Brian, aka Gunny, the guy with probably the most experience with the M1A and whose bullseye experience has served him well at the Proving Ground, hit 6.8 inches from the bull. This sent Brian, along with Peter, who barely shot better than Brian, to the Zip Line Elimination Challenge.

The Zip Line looks like it would be a lot of fun. Peter easily nailed nine targets with the Browning Hi Power while soaring down the line. Unfortunately for him, Brian ran the course, allowing him to continue his quest to be History’s Top Shot.

It was the 10 out of 10 performance by Brian that started me thinking. First, a lot of challenges seem easier this season, though that might be because of the caliber of shooters in the mix. However, what really hit me this week was that the challenges are the same as previous seasons. Don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying the format of this season, but the challenges are only upgraded courses that were popular in previous seasons. I really would have thought that the producers would have designed one or two new challenges that neither the shooters nor the viewers had seen before. Next week brings back shooting from a truck with a full auto and “Pick Your Weapon.” See what I mean?

Latest

National Firearm Act
National Firearm Act

150,000 NFA Applications Filed On Day 1 After $0 Tax Stamp Becomes Official

Approximately 150,000 NFA enthusiasts filed their paperwork through ATF’s electronic system in just the first 24 hours of 2026, the first day after the $0 tax stamp for most NFA items became official.

Gun Of The Week: Caracal USA CMP9K

Caracal's CMP9K pistol is based on a design originally produced to replace the aging stock of Heckler & Koch MP5s in United Arab Emirates service.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 9, 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.

Preview: Roundhouse Provisions Ultimate Campout Kit

Founded by Chuck Norris (yes, that Chuck Norris), Roundhouse Provisions is a company that produces emergency foodstuffs designed to be quickly and simply prepared that will stay fresh for years.

New For 2026: Taurus TX9 Pistol

Taurus launches the TX9 family of striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols, adding to its popular TX series of handguns.

Heavy Browning At War: Combat Tales Of The Browning M1917 Machine Gun

For the first half of the 20th century, one of the most important firearms in the U.S. military arsenal was the water-cooled Browning M1917, known to gunners and infantrymen alike as the "Heavy Browning."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.