3rd at Single Stack Nats: Phil Strader

Courtesy of the Women of USPSA blog, this is the third interview in a series with the top five shooters at this year’s USPSA Single Stack Nationals.

The 2010 Single Stack Nationals “bronze” is taken by Phil Strader.  Check out Phil’s interview for some insight and suggestions …

3rd Place – Phil Strader (Team Smith & Wesson, 3-Time Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Champion)

WoU – Phil, congratulations on your third overall finish at the Single Stack Nationals!

Phil – Thank you, ladies.

WoU – Can you tell us about your mindset as the match approached?

Phil – My mindset wasn’t too much different than most any other match.  Obviously, there’s one guy that everyone is gunning for, and that’s Rob, but I’ve tried to keep my mind on what’s important and just have fun with the match.  I feel the reason I do so well here every year is because I truly have a great time shooting with Rob and Todd.  I can only hope that Russ continues to squad us together.

WoU – Well, you’ve certainly earned your spot among the top!  How about your gun and gear, did you have new equipment this season?

Phil – This year, I was shooting a Smith & Wesson 1911DK model in 45 caliber.  I’m thinking about having a 40 cal built (like everyone else), but I must say that this pistol shot really well.  I may just use it again next year.  My belt is CR Speed, and Blade-tech holster and pouches.

WoU – Don’t fix what ain’t broke, huh? Can you tell us a little about how you train coming into a match like this?

Phil – Train?  What’s that?  Actually, I practiced more for this match than any other.  In the two weeks before the match, I shot 250 rounds a day for 4 days each week…yes, that’s right…2000 rounds!  That’s more than I use to prepare for the Steel Challenge!  I did 90% steel shooting, although it didn’t show on the stage where I lost the match!  Oh well.  Guess next year I’ll shoot 2500!

WoU – We’ll talk to Denielle about loading those extra 500 for you.  : )  Now, how do you feel you performed throughout the event?

Phil – Overall, I was relatively happy with my performance.  It wasn’t great, but I only had a couple of disasters … and usually that’s the difference! Considering the amount of time I put into the match, I can’t complain.

WoU – Squadding – This match has always done it differently.  They mix the Masters and Grand Masters up and split them across squads and shooting days.  What do you prefer when shooting a major match?

Phil – I prefer to shoot with the best shooters.  It pushes me to do better, plus I like almost everyone we shoot with.  That certainly doesn’t dictate whether I shoot a match or not, but it’s nice.  I love shooting the Single Stack with Rob, just because we usually have pretty good battles….and he’s so cute and cuddly…like a big Teddy Bear.

WoU – Was that off the record?  : )   Back to the match – Did you have a standout moment or unique match experience you would like to share?

Phil – I really didn’t do anything that great this year (unlike last year’s last stage!).  I just stayed consistently fair to good.  Nothing spectacular.

WoU – Well, you won Stage 9, “I Think I Got It”, and were in the Top 5 on 6 others.  Looks like consistency pays off, as you’re consistently in the Top 3.  So, what does Phil Strader like about the Single Stack Nationals?

Phil – I like Single Stack because it’s hard work!  Every stage is a challenge to break down just right…especially when you shoot different majors that aren’t exactly designed with the Single Stack shooter in mind.

WoU – We like a man who is not afraid of a challenge.  Congrats again Phil on your 3rd overall!  Is there anything you would like to add?

Phil – Yes, there is something I would like to “add”…I would like to add a dedicated Revolver Nationals the Sunday after the Single Stack Nationals.  Just take a target or so out of each array, keep the stages exactly the same, make it 6 round neutral, and have a 100 person Revolver Nationals!  I think it would be a huge success. Dedicated division Nationals Championships usually are!  Case and point…Single Stack Nationals!  Thanks, Women Of USPSA, for the opportunity to respond about this great match.

WoU – Hmmm … interesting idea.   Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to chat with us, Phil.  We really appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions considering you run the highly successful Pro Am!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-apYApC8_I&hd=1