Cole Sauer wins National Rifle Shooting Championship

Cody Smith
Posted 7/20/21

The 22 Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Association (22BPCRA) held its national championships match July 11-15

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Cole Sauer wins National Rifle Shooting Championship

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RATON, N.M. – The 22 Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Association (22BPCRA) held its national championships match July 11-15 at the NRA Whittington Center near Raton. One hundred twelve riflemen and women gathered from across the county to compete for the title of National Champion. As the smoke cleared after three long days of competition, 14-year-old Cole Sauer came out on top, besting numerous veteran shooters and past national champions. Cole is the son of Torrington business owners, Cecil and Amber Sauer. Cecil, Cole and younger brother Chase all made the trip and competed in the event.

In 22BPCRA, original or replica 22 long rifle single-shot rifles from before 1896 are used to shoot at four different steel silhouette animals. Chickens are shot offhand at 50 meters, while the pigs, turkeys and rams are shot at 100 meters, 150 meters and 200 meters from the prone position. Two hundred meters is a long shot for a 22 long rifle! The shooter competes with the assistance of a spotter who helps make wind calls and reports the location of hits or misses. It takes a keen eye, a very accurate rifle and superb skill to post a good score in this game.

The 22BPCRA was formed to promote competition with single-shot rifles, provide a family atmosphere to encourage youth and people of age to compete, and foster good marksmanship.

The 2021 National Championship consisted of three 60-shot days. The competition is divided between those who use iron sights and those who use a vintage, external adjustment scope. Cole won the scoped national championship with an excellent score of 147/180, two points better than 2nd place. For more information on the 22BPCRA, check out www.22bpcra.com or the 22BPCRA Silhouette Facebook page.