The Copa Aguila 2017 National Shooting Match

** 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. **
copa_lede2_copaaguila2017_10.jpg

On September 20-24, 2017 Aguila Ammunition hosted the 2017 Copa Aguila shooting match in Guadalajara, Mexico, attracting participants from South and Central America as well as the United States. The event, held at the vast and pristine Club Cinegetico Jalisciense, gave shooters the opportunity to compete for a $65,000 cash purse as well as an additional $20,000 in raffled merchandise. Just as importantly, the event reaffirmed Aguila’s status as a major force in the ammunition industry, one about to make its presence felt in the U.S.


The author tries his hand at 3-Gun, engaging stationary clay targets with a loaned shotgun. The competition included a qualifier, two more-challenging courses of fire, then a shoot-off.

Aguila (Spanish for “eagle”) has long been known throughout Latin America as a premier manufacturer of rimfire and shotshell ammunition. An extended shortage of the former in the U.S. in recent years often meant that Aguila (the world’s largest manufacturer of rimfire ammo) was the only brand U.S. shooters could find—and they liked it. Accurate, consistent, affordable and available in a variety of loadings, it won admirers among everyone from top-level competitors to plinkers to small-game hunters.


Michelle Cerino, the lone female competitor in 3-Gun, puts a borrowed shotgun to good use during the match, taking out a row of stationary clay targets.

Additionally, the company’s considerable shotshell business was recently given a boost with the introduction of the Aguila Minishell, a half-size shotshell that’s nonetheless big on performance. It offers reduced recoil but increased firepower potential over traditional shells. An adapter available from OPSol for the Mossberg Shockwave is making the Minishell and Shockwave a popular personal protection/home-defense combination.

Aguila now stands ready with its center-fire line, which includes everything from .25 ACP to .45 ACP, .45 Colt, .30 Carbine, .223 Rem., 5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO.


The Mexican National Anthem inspired due reverence from the participants and invited guests.

Now in its third year, the Copa Aguila drew more than 400 shooters. Company executives, high-ranking Mexican officials, champion shooters and a military drum team and color guard opened the four-day event. Attendees were treated to an exhibition by David Miller (“Guinness Book” record-holder for most sporting clays broken in one hour; 3,653) and then a pigeon shoot before breaking up to pursue their individual disciplines. The competitions included Make-a-Break, 3-Gun, Five-Stand, Rimfire Silhouette and Sporting Clays, with trophies awarded to winners in each of several categories.

Latest

Mossberg 940 Pro New Models 01
Mossberg 940 Pro New Models 01

Mossberg Introduces SPX & Professional Models To 940 Pro Tactical Line

Mossberg has expanded its popular 940 Pro Tactical shotgun line with SPX and Professional models, with each adding a slate of upgraded components and accessories designed to enhance the shotgun's capabilities.

Preview: Streamlight Sidewinder X

This high-output, multi-fuel, military-style light with a tilting head is perfect for hunters and home defenders looking for more than just a handheld light...

The Armed Citizen® July 4, 2025

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

A Guide To Double-Stack 1911s

The 2011 brings double-stack capacity and modular upgrades to the 1911 platform, but not every wide-body 1911 out there earns that name.

Legislators Enjoy Afternoon Of Clays With Benelli USA, Among Others

A bipartisan group of Maryland state legislators met with firearm industry manufacturers and representatives for a day of clays shooting while also attending discussions on the positive economic impacts of the shooting sports.

2025 Ammunition Product Of The Year: Winchester .21 Sharp

For continuing to innovate, particularly in a corner of the ammo world that has seen very little recently, we named the Winchester .21 Sharp as our Ammunition Product Of The Year.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.