09/06/2025
Spirit of America – US National Fullbore Championship 2025
Hello friends,
It’s been a while since we’ve shared an update on this page. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to put together a proper report from the great matches held in Canada last month—but it may not be too late to share a recap soon.
Right now, though, we’re at one of my favorite ranges in the entire world: the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico. If you’ve never had the chance to shoot or even just visit here, you truly owe it to yourself to make the trip. Whether it’s for competitive shooting or any of the many outdoor activities offered, this place is something special.
This year is particularly unique—reports say it’s the most rain the area has seen in 20 years, and it’s certainly the greenest I’ve ever witnessed in the 17 years I’ve been coming here.
Being in the “middle of nowhere,” yet still accessible with two airports only a few hours’ drive away, this match/range doesn’t draw as many competitors as it deserves. Part of the reason is timing—it comes at the end of the shooting season, when many major national and international events have already absorbed much of our free time (and the goodwill of our loved ones).
Nevertheless, those who do make the trip get to enjoy its beauty while often facing challenging conditions this range is famous for. Rain is rarely an issue, and the temperatures are usually very pleasant—ranging from the 50s in the morning to the mid-70s during the day. In many ways, it’s a paradise; yet the ever-shifting winds and vast open spaces make this one of the most fascinating ranges in the world, where the true opponent isn’t the other competitors—it’s the range itself, demanding focus, patience, and respect at every turn.
And yet, despite these challenges, there’s a joy in every moment—the camaraderie among competitors, the thrill of nailing a difficult shot, and the simple awe of being in such a breathtaking environment. It’s a place where the struggle and the beauty exist side by side, creating memories that last far beyond the match itself.