The purpose of the “Shooter Spotlight” is to help shooters get to know their fellow competitors a little bit better. We cover a wide range of shooters from “Marksman to Master.” This is the 26th interview in the series.
Where to you call home?
Cumberland, RI
How long have you been shooting?
My Grandfather bought me a Savage M-24 when I was twelve, which I used to plink and hunt with. I joined Stonybrook Rod & Gun Club in 1966 so I am enjoying my 44th year of competitive shooting
How did you get involved in shooting competitively?
I became friendly with someone in junior high school and his grandfather was president of a gun club. I joined and met Robert Hadley who became my coach and started me on my way. Bob was an excellent coach with tons of patience. He needed that to get me through knelling and standing. Whew!
What is a little known fact about yourself that your fellow competitors might not know?
I used to be into buying and restoring old cars and trucks. I had 1957 Chevy in high school that I totally souped up with a Z-28 motor, 4-speed Muncie, and such. Oh the speeding tickets! Those where the days.
What do you consider your finest shooting achievement?
I think my first trip out to Camp Perry in 2005 to compete in the National High Power Rifle Championships where I came in 12th place.
What is your favorite pre-match meal?
Well I like to shoot on somewhat of an empty stomach. Although I found eating a couple RI Saugy’s before a match produces unusually high scores in the summer standing league.
What is your favorite post match drink?
With out a doubt that would be highly caffeinated coffee because I don’t have any before the match and a must after to avoid those nasty caffeine headaches.
Do you have a favorite shooting range?
It’s hard to pick a favorite range but the one they have at Reading is one of my favorites. Oh and New Hampshire is real nice, and Copicut, can’t forget South County, ahhh, you get the picture.
Do you have any short term and/or long term goals?
Well the only goal I have is to try to have as much fun as I possibly can. You didn’t say it had to be a hard one!
What shooting skill are currently focusing your energy on?
I am working on offhand with my Elesio R-5 tube gun. I would like to pick up my average to place better in this year’s matches, especially Perry. I have been shooting in the winter league 200 yard standing matches at Old Colony Sportsman’s club with both irons and scope giving me 40 shots for record with the same rifle. That amount of trigger time is very important if I’m going to stay on my game. Although afterwards blasting away with my Sharps 45-70 might erase that gain, ya think?
Thanks Joe for sharing a little bit about yourself with the pronematch.com community!
