The Great Equalizer

by
posted on July 30, 2014
** 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. **
gsagi2015_fs.jpg

Fourteen-year-old Lee Wills is currently in sixth place in 3-Gun Nation’s Junior Division, but he has no plans to shoot the remaining two qualifiers, even though a move up to fifth place would qualify him for a shoot-off that could punch his ticket onto the Pro Tour. He would like to, but he has his 14th surgery scheduled—an altogether-too-familiar routine that began when he was four months old.

Wills was born with spare digits and fused fingers and thumbs. I’d give you all the details, but here’s a great 4-minute video with the information and the youngster shooting from one of the best reporters in the industry.

He was behind the trigger of .22 LRs at the age of four, according to his mother, Karla Wills. By nine, he was shooting USPSA, a discipline in which he still competes. He got into IDPA from 11 to 12 years old and has now taken up 3-gun. He prefers people use the term “adaptive shooter” to describe the challenges he has overcome and, considering his marksmanship skills, the label fits. He doesn’t give up.

It’s not without hurdles to overcome, though, even after 13 surgeries. “My left hand in 3-gun is my biggest challenge,” Lee said. “It is harder for me to speed load a shotgun like others can. I have my thumb, which I can’t move at all, and the way my hand is causes me problems, so I have to work at it more.”

When Lee saw his older brother become a two-time ICORE junior champion, he caught the bug. His mother and father, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, encouraged his efforts, and there have been some unexpected side benefits. “…[T]he shooting sports have been therapeutic for Lee,” Karla said. “Before, if Lee’s hands were mentioned he would cringe and shove them in his pockets. Now it’s not a big deal.”

Col. Bachelor, head of Orthopedics at Fort Belvoir, Va., has taken a sincere interest in Lee and will perform the upcoming surgery. “He is going to fix the part of my hand between my thumb and forefinger so I can load much easier,” Lee said, calling the doctor’s efforts nothing short of magic.

I don’t know about you, but I think Lee’s performance on the firing line is mystical in its own right. And, when he’s back next year, he’ll be making a serious run for the 3-Gun Nation Junior title and a spot on the Pro Tour.

undefinedundefined

Latest

Cz600 Review Right
Cz600 Review Right

Review: CZ 600 Alpha

One of several models in the CZ 600 series of rifles, the CZ 600 Alpha is an affordable bolt-action design with a unique action that incorporates a lightweight receiver and a "hybrid controlled feed" system.

San Tan Tactical Launches Defender Program

San Tan Tactical has launched a Defender Program to provide increased support for the professional community of law enforcement officers, servicemen and women and veterans.

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

PenFed Touts Successful Three Quarters In 2025

In a quarterly update to members, PenFed Credit Union CEO James Schenck highlighted the company's strong financial position while also sharing some of his financial insights.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.