January 2026 copy - Flipbook - Page 78
14th MLAIC World
Championship, Raton, NM
by Matt Steckel
When most people think
muzzleloaders, they think,
patched roundball, or modern smokeless versions. Back
before the advent of cartridge
rifles, there were guys who
wanted to shoot much furand 600. Each yardage had a
team match, and the team was
picked by the coach. For USA,
this was Lee Shaver. Our team
consisted of Ray Hopkins,
Cliff Gregg, Dave Gullo and
Steve Farringer. We tried like
heck, to win but only managed 2nd for the mid-range
aggregate. But, in the long
range the US really shines, we
still had a chance to overcome
the Germans and win the long
range and overall aggregate.
With winds approaching 4045mph at times it was a bit of a
struggle, but 900 yards seemed
to be my sweet spot, and with
a 53-1, I was picked to be on
the long-range team!!!! This
was such an honor for me to
represent our country! Along
with myself, Matthew Nash,
Dave Gullo, Steve Farringer
and still our coach, Lee Shaver. Lee helped both Matthew
and I. The high score that yard
78
line was myself with
a 62. We finished the
900 yard match a few
points AHEAD, of
the Germans!!! The
next day brought us
to the final match
at 1000 yards. And
after the individual
match was complete,
the team event was
held. We needed to
keep our composure
and hold our lead to
win....and we did!
Cli昀昀 Gregg and Matt Steckel
With Mr. Farringer’s
of Team USA
60-2 score, that sealed
the deal, USA was the
night to remember, many old
winner of long range
and we won the aggregate for friends to talk too but, many,
many more were made! This
overall!!
match, and the way we shot,
After some drinks that evening I think had made me a better
with the German, Australian shooter and spotter. I’ve made
and New Zealand teams, it many new friends and was able
was time for bed. What a day, to join many old friends, makwas all I could think laying ing it one of the best matches,
there, I still couldn’t believe I I’ve ever been to!
was a part of the team.
We didn’t collect an equipThe following day was for tear- ment list, but my equipment is
down and our awards ceremo- as follows.
ny. I must add, our dinner was
absolutely fantastic!!!! Espe- -45cal Alexander Henry rifle
cially those poppers!! It was a -Distant Thunder front sight,
MVA rear
Modern BPCR Shooter - January, 2026
