2009 Smith & Wesson Cup
25-27 September 2009

Jim Staader takes out the Production category
using his Smith & Wesson M&P.

The Smith & Wesson Cup, incorporating the SSAA Action Match Nationals, was held on September 25 - 27 at the outer western Sydney Blacktown Pistol Club. The match was well presented and well managed in the usual style of the club, with the Metallic Sight category on Friday afternoon commencing under blue skies. A dramatic change of weather overnight resulted in cold and windy conditions on Saturday and Sunday, which made it difficult both for competitors and range staff.

Compounding the effects of the inclement weather was that the SSAA Nationals were also a compulsory event for people seeking selection for the 2010 SSAA shooting team to Bianchi in May 2010. Accordingly, there were a few nervous people walking out to the line, with myself being one of them.

Given the tough conditions, the results in all categories were excellent and the most competitive since the inception of the Smith & Wesson Cup. Three competitors finished on 1918 in the Open category, with two competitors shooting 1890 or above in the Metallic Sight category.

Craig Ginger once again takes out the
Smith & Wesson Cup. Blacktown Pistol Club president and long-time handgun competitor Craig Ginger was in excellent form, which culminated in him winning both the Open and Metallic Sight categories, which is no easy task with the quality of shooters in attendance. Jim Staader won the Production class for the third year in a row using his trusty Smith & Wesson M&P.

Once again, Grycol and Smith & Wesson donated handguns to the winners and we thank them for their continuing support and contribution to the success and growth of the match. Grycol CEO Gary Collibee said after the match, “It’s great to see the handgun competition moving ahead, with more and more handgun owners, both young and old, getting involved in this style of handgun competition. I know Smith & Wesson are very keen to continue their support of this style of handgun sports in Australia - it’s demanding, fast and creates a stimulating visual response for spectators.”

by Allan Harriman