Friday, October 21, 2011

CBP Pistol Team From Tucson Hits High Marks at National Competition

Tucson, Ariz. – The Tucson Sector Border Patrol’s Action Pistol Shooting Team represented the Sector in the United States Practical Shooting Association’s National Back-to-Back Handgun Championship in Las Vegas Sept. 16, bringing home prestige for the U.S. Border Patrol.
The Tucson Sector’s team was comprised of five agents from the Douglas, Naco, Tucson, Nogales and Willcox Border Patrol Stations who specialize in action-pistol style firearms competitions that emphasize speed, accuracy and firearms handling skills.

Three agents earned four top-four finishes in the following events:
  • BPA Eric France - Tucson Station.
    • Limited 10 Division - 3rd Place Master Class.
    • Production Division - 2nd Place Master Class.
  • BPA Brian Manges - Nogales Station.
    • Production Division - 2nd Place A Class.
  • BPA Marc Matthews - Naco Station
    • Limited Division - 4th Place B Class.
Action shooting involves shooting numerous steel and paper targets from various positions with multiple shots. Courses of fire incorporate drawing the gun from the holster, making magazine changes and requiring the shooter to manage a variety of props in a safe manner. The time it takes shooters to maneuver a course of fire or stage is recorded along with their scored hits. The time is then divided into the hits scored. The fastest, most accurate shooter wins. IPSC competitions vary; each match is unique. More than 700 civilian, law enforcement and military competitors vied for top honors in this year’s match.