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Recently we were able to interview Grant Kunkel, the winner of the 2021 Rimfire Challenge Shooting Association Championships. |
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When did you become interested in competitive shooting?
When I was 15, I was watching videos of Jerry Miculek shooting and thought it looked really fun. I started looking around on the internet and found the Arkansas – then NSSF State Championship. The match was just over 3 months away which gave me time to try and convince my father to take me. He finally said maybe, so I started working to get enough money to buy a Ruger 10/22 rifle and a Ruger Mark IV Pistol. Fortunately, I earned enough money to buy the 10/22 and borrowed the rest of the equipment from my dad. As the match approached, I did not know much about the rules of the sport and ended up emailing the match director a hundred times with questions. I really appreciated his patience with me. I showed up and from the very first stage I shot, I knew that this was for me. The hook was set. By the end of the match, I knew I wanted to be the World Champion and was going to work until I was. It was four short years ago in 2017.
What attracted you to Rimfire?
The people and everyone I met at my first match was so nice and helpful!
Do you compete in other disciplines?
Yes, I compete in USPSA, Steel Challenge, PCSL, long range team sniper matches like the Vortex Team Sniper Challenge, and a little PRS.
How do you prepare for a match, what is your practice routine?
I have a home range where I practice. For the past 3 years, I have shot about 300 rounds most days, and before matches sometimes twice a day. When getting ready for a major match I could be shooting up to 1,000 rounds a day. I practice on smaller plates usually 10 or 8″.
Do you have a local range where you can shoot Rimfire Challenge?
No, unfortunately there isn’t anywhere near me that has Rimfire Challenge matches.
How would you get a new or seasoned shooter involved in Rimfire Challenge?
Show them how fun it is! Out of all of the different shooting sports I have shot, there is not any like RCSA. It is great for the whole family and everyone is willing and happy to help you.
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What firearms do you use for Rimfire Challenge competitions? For a pistol my favorite is a CWA, it is incredibly reliable and with the 2011 or 1911 grip you can get it to match your grip size. For rifle, it is a Volquartsen all the way. They are the most reliable rimfire rifle I have ever shot. I will shoot 8,000 rounds through it before cleaning it and it will never mess up. |
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What are your interests outside of shooting?
I love hiking, biking, kayaking, and hunting. Anything I get to be outside and do, I love!
Do you have sponsors? If so, who are they?
Federal Premium, Palmetto State Armory, Vortex, Hunters HD Gold, Nighthawk Custom, CWA, Shoot Steel
