5th at Single Stack Nats: Shannon Smith

Interviews from the Top 5 at the 2010 Springfield / USPSA Single Stack Nationals – 5th Place, Shannon Smith

You read correctly.  We’re interviewing the Top 5 overall from the Single Stack Nationals.  We were hoping that Front Sight would honor / highlight the top shooters’ accomplishments, but it unfortunately didn’t happen.  We want to congratulate these men on their great shooting … and also get into their heads a bit.

Shannon Smith, with his Limited gun, providing instruction to a group of students.

Fifth Place – Shannon Smith (3rd in Standard Division at IPSC World Shoot XV in Bali, Indonesia )

WoU: Shannon, congratulations on your Top 5 finish!

Shannon: Thank you…thank you very much.  I feel so honored … maybe it will finally pay off to have a girl’s name.  : )

WoU: That’s a good way to think about it!  : )  Now, what was your mindset going into this match?

Shannon: Be the one to kick Rob’s a** (sorry Kippi).  I really like the SSN and feel the match suits my shooting style, so I honestly felt/feel that I had/have the ability to win the match.  I don’t think Rob can win the mach forever (though I’m not positive about that) and everyone wants to be the one to beat him.

WoU: No need to apologize, really.  That’s not the first time I’ve heard that!   : )  Tell us about the gun and your gear.

Shannon: As much as I appreciate Springfield for sponsoring the match in recent years, my stubborn a** has always wanted to win it with my trusty Kimber .45 that I started USPSA with in 1997.  That is what I have been shooting at the match since my first SSN, actually the Single Stack Classic, 6 or 7 years ago.

Unfortunately, last year I made a loading error and shot most of the match with 7 grains of Clays instead of 4 … though still in mostly one piece, that may have ended the run of the Kimber.  I used the opportunity to have a new gun built, using a Springfield that I was lucky enough to win while blowing up my Kimber.  I had my friend Derek Janowicz at Millennium Custom build a .40, as that seems to be the trend lately….plus cuts down one caliber I need to load for.  I only received the gun a few weeks prior to the match and it performed flawlessly as do all my guns from Millennium.

It’s a plain jane (jack), slab side, Caspian slide on the Springfield frame with Techwear grips and mag well, Dawson front sight and Bomar rear sight.  I use a CR speed belt and the same Blade Tech holster and mag pouches I started USPSA with over 10 years ago.  Wilson mags.

WoU: Sounds like a sweet setup. How do you train when preparing for Single Stack?

Shannon: Nothing really special for the Single Stack Match …. other than using the single stack gun during my normal practice sessions.  Also it is early in the year and always sandwiched in with Area 6 and sometimes the FL State match, so I train less specifically for the SSN than I would like to.

WoU: How do you feel you performed?

Shannon: Pretty good actually. This was probably the most stacked SSN I’ve ever shot in terms of talent.  It really felt like a National Championship match with the caliber of shooters in attendance. I made a couple mistakes late on day two which always sucks, but in the grand scheme wouldn’t have made a difference in my overall finish.  I finished the match feeling like I shot well which is all one can do.  I can’t control what my competition is doing, only myself.  Obviously I would have rather finished 4^th… or 1^st… but I was happy with the way I shot and with the level of competition, I feel anything in the top ten is pretty decent.  Need to pick up the speed next year.

WoU: Historically at the Single Stack, the Grand Masters are spread out all over the match in different squads.  This year was no exception. Do you prefer to shoot with a variety of shooters or do you like to be squadded in a Super Squad?

Shannon Smith in action.

Shannon: YES to both.  I prefer the Super Squad for “normal” Nationals, Limited or Open.  But for some reason the SSN has always had a ‘big club match’ sort of feel to it and I enjoy shooting with my friends from the local club.  Not that the usual suspects on the super squads aren’t friends, but I always enjoy shooting with the local boys.

WoU: Did you have a standout moment or unique match experience you would like to share?

Shannon: I felt I performed really well Friday night at the Abbey Steakhouse in Quincy.  I went with the Ottobeuren Strip … a twelve ounce, medium rare work of art with a side of twice baked potatoes and one or two Stella’s.  I handled it like a champ and always look forward to a return trip.

WoU: Now that sounds memorable … You’re too funny!  : )  What do you like about the Single Stack Division?

Shannon: I’m not a big fan of it as a division. but love the Single Stack Nationals (Classic).  I feel having the multitude of divisions we have dilutes the competition, but I suppose that is a topic for another interview.  The greatest thing about the SSN is everybody is shooting essentially the same gear.  There is just something cool about 300+ folks at the same match, shooting the same stuff.  The match itself sets up the stages for pretty much a shooting challenge … no roller coasters or can carrying … just straight up shooting. May the best man or woman win. Unfortunately it wasn’t me.

WoU: But you’re among the cream of the crop and should be proud!  Congrats again Shannon on your 5th overall!

Shannon: Looking forward to it next year.  I have a feeling Rob is going down….finally! (sorry again, Kippi)  : )  Thanks for all you girls do to promote the sport!  See ya on the range!