Dirty Dozen

posted on June 27, 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 (6)

By Paul Rackley

With only 12 shooters left in the house, Top Shot producers brought back a popular challenge from Seasons One and Two. In what I’m calling dropping dice, the competitors split into teams captained by two of my favorite shooters—Kelly and Jamie—to compete head-to-head with the Remington New Army 1875.

In the challenge, shooters shot out the dots on dice for one point for each hit. However, in a twist the shooter who knocked out the dots on the dice first closed the door on the competition. Gabby jumped Kelly’s team to a quick lead that continued for the next two pairs to shoot. But as the dots increased Jamie’s team ties the score before Chris humiliates Brian Zims and sends Kelly and group to the proving ground. There, the producers twisted things up by having Kelly, Brian, Gary, Alex, Gabby and Joe try to send three bullets through the center of three CDs for a point for each successful shot.

To be honest, it was pretty disappointing to see three of the six shooters go zero for three, but Kelly exhibited his rifle-shooting skills with three perfect shots. Of course with three shooters at zero, a tie-breaker was used to send Gabby and Alex to Elimination where they faced an old fashioned shooting gallery with the Ruger 10/22.

While Gabby is a great shooter, especially in her discipline, I quickly realized that she was probably headed home after this challenge. She had never fired this iconic rifle, much less set up her own little shooting gallery as a kid. She did very well, considering, hitting 45 of her 100 targets. Unfortunately for her, Alex hit 58.

I’m going to miss Gabby. She wasn’t a great female shooter. She was a great shooter who happened to be female. She is also the only woman to have ever made it to the individual stage of the competition, and the only woman to win an Elimination Challenge.

Latest

Canik MC9 Prime Radian
Canik MC9 Prime Radian

Review: Canik MC9 Prime Radian

This Canik MC9 Prime uses Radian Weapons technology.

Beretta's Behemoth: An Overview of Beretta Holdings

Beretta Holding’s portfolio is so great, both in numbers and marquee value, the list speaks for itself.

What Should Ruger’s Future Revolvers Look Like?

Ruger’s revolvers would benefit from a few updates if the company ever decides to bring them back into production.

Savage Arms Expands Model 334 Line with New Chamberings & Compact Models

Initially introduced in 2023, the Savage Model 334 bolt-action lineup has been an affordable, no-frills platform for hunters and shooters, and in 2026, Savage has expanded the line with new chamberings and compact models.

Gun of the Week: Marlin Firearms Model 1894 Trapper 10 mm

One of the latest Marlin lever-action rifles on the market is the Model 1894 Trapper, and the company now offers the platform in a 10 mm Auto chambering.

Scout Rifle World Shoot Recap

There’s lot to learn about the Scout Rifle, and we tested one at the inaugural Scout Rifle World Shoot.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.