Surprising, Yet Predictable

posted on August 16, 2013
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

Taurus USA GX2 pistol right-side view black handgun gun 9 mm micro-compact for concealed carry protection
Taurus USA GX2 pistol right-side view black handgun gun 9 mm micro-compact for concealed carry protection

Gun Of The Week: Taurus USA GX2

We’re taking a closer look at the budget-priced Taurus GX2, which offers some premium features while giving new or price-conscious gun owners an easy-to-shoot, entry-level, defensive handgun.

The Armed Citizen® May 16, 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.

New Shotguns For 2025

The firearms industry has presented several new shotguns for 2025, some comprised of partnership products and redesigns that offer-up performance updates to already existing designs, while others are completely new.

Functional Upgrades & Enhancements For The Beretta 1301 Tactical

For the better part of a decade, the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun has enjoyed immense popularity and success amongst serious tactical shotgun shooters. Here are a few upgrades to make an already-great shotgun even better.

Smith & Wesson Collectors Set Auction Benefits NRA Foundation

The exclusive Smith & Wesson Collector’s 1854 Rifle and Model 29 Revolver Set auctioned during The NRA Foundation banquet at the Georgia World Congress Center on April 25 sold for $25,000.

Rifleman Review: Taurus 605 Executive Grade

Taurus enhanced its popular 605 revolver with Executive Grade touches recently, and this carry-ready, controllable, .357 Magnum-chambered revolver is now nicer than it has ever been.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.