Interview – 2021 World Rimfire Champion – Grant Kunkel

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Recently we were able to interview Grant Kunkel, the winner of the 2021 Rimfire Challenge Shooting Association Championships. 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

 

 

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