Famous American Shooters

Bob Munden was an American exhibition shooter renowned for his exceptional skills with handguns, rifles, and shotguns. He set a remarkable 18 world records in Fast Draw, earning the title "Fastest Man with a Gun Who Ever Lived." Beginning his shooting career at a young age, Munden competed in prestigious shooting competitions and amassed over 3,500 fast draw trophies. He captivated audiences nationwide with his shooting demonstrations, appearing on various television shows and earning a reputation as a skilled custom gunsmith.

Francis E. Butler was an Irish American marksman known for his shooting act in Wild West variety shows. He collaborated with John Graham until Graham's illness led to Annie Oakley replacing him. Butler and Oakley then performed together and later married. They joined the Sells Brothers Circus and gained fame as a sharpshooting duo in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show from 1885 to 1901. Additionally, Butler worked as a representative and salesman for gun manufacturers, showcasing his expertise in the industry.

Kim Rhode is an accomplished American double trap and skeet shooter, widely recognized for her exceptional achievements in the sport. With six Olympic medals, including three golds, she holds the impressive title of the most successful female shooter in Olympic history. Having secured numerous national championships, she continues to excel, breaking records and setting new standards. Her remarkable career highlights include being the first woman to win two Olympic gold medals in Double Trap and winning a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, solidifying her status as a legendary figure in shooting sports.

Virginia "Ginny" Thrasher is an accomplished American sports shooter who made a significant impact on the world stage by winning a gold medal in the women's 10 meter air rifle at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Despite her lack of prior international competition experience, Thrasher emerged victorious in her debut Olympic appearance, outperforming seasoned athletes from China. Her transition from aspiring figure skater to sharpshooter showcases her adaptability and determination in pursuing excellence in the world of sports.

Lena Miculek is an American professional competitive shooter, firearms educator, and product developer in the firearms industry. She began competing at the age of 8 and has since earned 9 world titles in various shooting disciplines. Miculek is a member of Team SIG's professional competitive shooters and is recognized as the top multi-discipline female competitor in the world. In 2023, she launched ROSE by SIG Sauer, a product, educational resource, and community specifically geared towards women in their concealed carry journey.

Tori M. Nonaka is an accomplished American sport shooter known for her success in various shooting disciplines, including USPSA, SSCA, IPSC, IDPA, Bianchi, and GSSF. She has achieved significant milestones in her career, such as winning multiple national and international championships and titles. Tori has represented Team GLOCK and has been recognized for her exceptional skills, including winning silver medals in the IPSC Handgun World Shoot. She became the youngest person to win a USPSA Handgun Nationals title at the age of 18. Despite leaving Team GLOCK in 2017, Tori continues to excel as an independent professional shooter.

Craig Sawyer is a highly skilled and decorated military veteran with extensive experience in special operations as a Navy SEAL, sniper, and combat instructor. Throughout his career, he has excelled in various military and combat disciplines, including shooting, counter-terrorism, surveillance, hand-to-hand combat, and more. Sawyer has served in elite units such as SEAL Team ONE and Naval Special Warfare Development Group, commonly known as SEAL Team SIX. He founded Tactical Insider to provide training and technical advice to the entertainment industry and has also been actively involved in combating child exploitation through his nonprofit organization, Veterans For Child Rescue.

Vincent Charles Hancock is a highly accomplished American shooter and Olympian known for his remarkable success in men's skeet shooting. He made history by winning gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, setting Olympic records along the way. Notably, Hancock is the first skeet shooter to achieve back-to-back Olympic victories, solidifying his reputation as one of the most talented and consistent competitors in his field.

Thell Reed is a versatile professional known for his expertise in various fields. As an American exhibition shooter, he has showcased his exceptional shooting skills to audiences worldwide. In addition to his shooting talents, Reed has made a name for himself as a skilled stuntman, bringing excitement and authenticity to his performances. His background as an armorer further demonstrates his deep knowledge of firearms and their use. Reed's work as a movie consultant highlights his ability to contribute valuable insights to the film industry.

Jessie Harrison, formerly known as Jessie Duff, is an accomplished American sport shooter hailing from McDonough, Georgia. She has achieved numerous accolades in various shooting competitions, including winning gold and silver medals in the IPSC US Handgun Championship and the IPSC Handgun World Shoot. Harrison made history as the first female shooter to reach the rank of Grand Master in USPSA. She is a prominent figure in the shooting community, serving as a celebrity spokesperson for Team Weatherby and as Team Captain of Team Taurus. Additionally, she co-hosts a television show promoting shooting sports on the Outdoor Channel.

Corey Cogdell is an accomplished American trapshooter with a successful career in competitive shooting. She has achieved significant milestones in her sport, including winning two Olympic bronze medals in the Women's Trap event at the 2008 and 2016 Summer Olympics. In addition to her Olympic success, Cogdell has earned eight ISSF World Cup medals and a bronze at the 2007 Pan American Games. Her dedication and skill have also led her to compete at the 2012 Summer Olympics, showcasing her talent on the international stage.

Lillian Frances Smith was an American trick shooter and trick rider who gained fame for her skills in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. Joining the show at a young age, she was known as "the champion California huntress" and became a direct rival to the renowned Annie Oakley. Throughout her career, Lillian Smith showcased her exceptional marksmanship and riding abilities, captivating audiences with her daring performances. Her professional journey was marked by competition, showmanship, and a pioneering spirit in the world of entertainment.

Edward McGivern was a renowned exhibition shooter, shooting instructor, and author of Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting. He dedicated his career to researching and perfecting the art of handgun shooting, with a special focus on the double-action revolver. McGivern's expertise and skills were widely recognized, and he shared his knowledge through instructional work and his book. His contributions to the field of shooting have had a lasting impact on marksmanship techniques and training methods.

Chris Cheng is an accomplished American sport shooter, notably known for winning The History Channel's Top Shot Season 4. In 2012, he secured victory in the competition, earning a substantial $100,000 cash prize and a professional marksman contract with Bass Pro Shops, the show's sponsor. Cheng's expertise in shooting sports and his success on Top Shot have solidified his reputation as a skilled and talented professional in the field of marksmanship, showcasing his dedication and precision in competitive shooting.

Walter Rudolph Walsh was a distinguished FBI agent, USMC shooting instructor, and Olympic shooter. Joining the FBI in 1934, he played a key role during the Public Enemy era, participating in high-profile cases such as the capture of Arthur Barker and the killing of Al Brady. Walsh served in the Pacific theatre in WWII before becoming a shooting instructor with the Marine Corps until his retirement. Renowned for his marksmanship, he won numerous tournaments and coached the Olympic shooting team until 2000. At 103, he was the oldest living former FBI agent and the longest-lived Olympic competitor.

Matthew D. Emmons is an accomplished American rifle shooter who has participated in multiple Olympic events, earning a gold, a silver, and a bronze medal across various editions. In 2020, he transitioned to coaching and assumed the role of shooting coach for the Czech biathlon team. Emmons' expertise and experience as an athlete have equipped him to guide and mentor aspiring shooters, contributing to the development and success of the Czech biathlon team under his leadership.

Rob Leatham is a renowned professional shooter with an impressive career marked by numerous achievements. He is a dominant force in the shooting world, having secured the title of 24-time USPSA National champion and 7-time IPSC World Champion. Leatham's exceptional skills and expertise in practical shooting have solidified his reputation as one of the most successful shooters in the sport. His consistent performance and dedication have earned him widespread recognition and respect among his peers and fans alike.

Julie Goloski Golob is an accomplished American professional sport shooter with numerous accolades to her name. She has won multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals in various shooting championships and holds an impressive record of seven Ladies Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championship gold medals. Throughout her career, she has been a dominant force in the shooting world, achieving significant milestones such as winning multiple USPSA Handgun Nationals Lady titles and becoming one of only two seven Division USPSA National Champions in history. Additionally, Golob has represented top firearm companies such as Glock and Smith & Wesson, further solidifying her reputation as a top markswoman.

James Howard Snook was an accomplished American athlete and veterinarian. He achieved Olympic success as a member of the U.S. Olympic Pistol Team, winning a Gold Medal in the Men's 30 metre team military pistol event at the 1920 Olympics. Later, he became the head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University and invented the snook hook, a surgical instrument still used today. Snook was also a founding member of the Alpha Psi veterinary fraternity, showcasing his dedication to the field of veterinary medicine.

Chris Reed is a skilled and experienced firearms instructor with a background in military and law enforcement. He is known for his precision shooting abilities and tactical expertise. Chris has trained numerous individuals in marksmanship and firearms safety, and he has a reputation for being a patient and effective teacher. His professional career also includes working as a consultant for various shooting sports events and competitions, where he provides valuable insights and guidance to participants. Chris's commitment to excellence and dedication to his craft make him a respected figure in the shooting community.

Ashley Rheuark is a highly accomplished American sport shooter, known for her exceptional skills and achievements in various shooting competitions. She has won silver medals in both the standard and open divisions at the 2017 IPSC Handgun and Rifle World Shoots respectively. Additionally, she holds the title of USPSA National Champion and is the first female to attain the rank of IDPA Distinguished Master. Ashley has also demonstrated her prowess in multigun competitions, establishing herself as a formidable competitor in the shooting sports arena since joining Team Glock in 2017.

Dustin Ellermann is a competitive shooter and director of Christian camp His Way. He gained recognition as the winner of the third season of History Channel's marksmen competition Top Shot. His professional life revolves around his expertise in shooting sports, where he showcases his skills in various competitions. Additionally, as the director of Christian camp His Way, he plays a pivotal role in organizing and overseeing the camp's activities and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for campers.

Robert "Bob" Gordon Vogel is a highly accomplished professional marksman and competition shooter with an impressive list of achievements. He is the only Law Enforcement Officer to have won World and National Championships in the Practical Pistol Disciplines of IPSC and USPSA. With over a decade of experience in law enforcement, Vogel has served as a firearm instructor for both his department and the SWAT team. He has won multiple national and world championships in various shooting disciplines and is recognized as a Grand Master in USPSA and a Distinguished Master in IDPA. Additionally, Vogel appeared as an expert on the History Channel's Top Shot.

Maggie Reese is a highly skilled professional shooter and USPSA champion based in Chino, California. With over 13 years of experience in the field, she has achieved numerous accolades, including winning titles in various competitions. Notably, Reese gained further recognition by participating in the second season of the History Channel's marksmen competition Top Shot, where she showcased her exceptional marksmanship skills. Her impressive career highlights involve competing as part of the Blue Team and securing a victory in a challenge before being eliminated in the fourth week of the competition.

Ryan Cleckner is a former Army Ranger sniper and instructor with the 1st Ranger Battalion of the US Army. Currently, he is a constitutional law and firearms attorney, founder of Gun University and Rocket FFL, and author of the Long Range Shooting Handbook. Cleckner served two tours in Afghanistan before pursuing a degree in political science at Arizona State University and later attending Quinnipiac University School of Law. He co-founded the Veteran's Advocacy Group and the New Battlefront Foundation to support veterans. Cleckner also appeared as a trainer on History Channel's Top Shot.

Benjamin Thomas Stoeger is a renowned American competition shooter and firearms instructor with a successful career that began in 2005. He has achieved significant accolades in the IPSC and USPSA competitions, including multiple championship titles. Stoeger's impressive track record includes top placements in prestigious events such as the IPSC Handgun World Shoot. Known for his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, he continues to inspire and educate others in the field of shooting through his expertise and accomplishments.

Lanny Bassham is a renowned American sport shooter known for his exceptional performance in the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics, where he secured a silver medal and a gold medal, respectively. His expertise and dedication to his craft have established him as a prominent figure in the field of competitive shooting. Beyond his Olympic success, Bassham's professional journey has inspired many through his coaching, motivational speaking, and authorship, emphasizing the mental aspects of sports performance to help athletes achieve their full potential.

Lones Wesley Wigger Jr. was an esteemed American sports shooter and retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who left an indelible mark on the world of competitive rifle shooting. Renowned as one of the greatest in his field, Wigger's illustrious career included multiple Olympic appearances and victories, numerous world records, and an impressive tally of national and international championships. His dedication and skill were further exemplified by his leadership roles within the military and his induction into the Olympic Hall of Fame in 2008.

Blake Miguez is a prominent figure in Louisiana politics, having served in both the Louisiana House of Representatives and the Louisiana Senate as a Republican member. Outside of politics, Miguez is a skilled competitive shooter, achieving the title of grand master in the United States Practical Shooting Association. He has showcased his shooting abilities on national television, participating in the History Channel's marksmen competition Top Shot. With a background in law, Miguez also works as a corporate attorney in the Oil & Gas industry.

Kelly Bachand is a competitive shooter known for his accomplishments in various shooting competitions. He has won multiple championships, including the 2009 Canadian Target Rifle Championship, NW International Prone Championship, and WA State 600 Yard Prone Championship. Bachand was a member of the United States National Rifle Team and appeared on History Channel's Top Shot, showcasing his marksmanship skills. He also served as a coach for the USA Young Eagles Rifle Team and competed in the World Long Range Championships. Bachand's expertise led him to appear as an expert on Top Shot's fourth season.

Michael Voigt had a successful career in the shooting sports industry, serving as president of the USPSA and working in R&D divisions at Surefire LLC and Safariland. He achieved numerous world and national titles in handgun, shotgun, rifle, and multigun competitions over three decades. Voigt was instrumental in the creation of Strayer Voigt Inc and their line of Infinity Firearms, known for their modular wide-frame 1911s. His contributions as a professional shooter and gunsmith helped shape the industry before his passing in 2018.

Margaret Thompson Murdock is a nurse and former United States Army officer known for her remarkable achievements in international shooting competitions. She made history as the first woman to win a shooting medal at the Summer Olympics and the first to claim an individual open World Shooting Championship. Murdock set multiple individual and team world records during her career. She is a distinguished member of various halls of fame, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the sport of shooting.

Todd Jarrett is a highly accomplished American competitive shooter, firearms instructor, and filmmaker. Renowned for his exceptional skills in practical shooting, he has achieved numerous national and World titles, including holding four world titles, nine national titles, and winning over 50 US Area championships. Jarrett is recognized as the only USPSA Triple Crown Winner and has secured four USPSA National titles across various categories. He has a rich history in competitive shooting, with extensive experience and dedication to continuously improving his craft. Additionally, Jarrett ventured into entrepreneurship by founding his own 1911 manufacturing company, Strike Force Manufacturing, in 2010.

Caleb Giddings is a competitive shooter, blogger, and founder of Gun Nuts Media, a website for competitive shooters. He has a background in the firearms industry and previously worked as an insurance agent. Giddings was part of the shooting team at the United States Coast Guard Academy and later joined the United States Air Force. He started shooting competitively in college and founded Gun Nuts Media in 2006. Giddings also appeared on History Channel's Top Shot and worked as the Director of Community Relations for GunUp in 2011.

Brian Zins is a retired United States Marine Corps Military Police Gunnery Sergeant renowned for his exceptional skills as a competitive shooter. He is widely recognized for his expertise with the M1911 pistol, holding multiple NRA records. Zins gained further recognition by participating in the second season of History Channel's marksmen competition, Top Shot. Throughout his professional career, he has demonstrated precision and mastery in marksmanship, solidifying his reputation as a highly accomplished and respected figure in the shooting community.

Brian Enos is an accomplished American sport shooter known for his success in various shooting competitions. With numerous silver medals from prestigious championships and notable wins at events like The Masters and the Bianchi Cup, he has established himself as a skilled and respected competitor in the shooting community. Enos is also recognized for his contributions to the sport through his book "Practical Shooting, Beyond Fundamentals" and the creation of the Brian Enos forum. Retiring from active competition in 2000, his legacy continues to inspire and educate aspiring shooters worldwide.

Karl Telford Frederick was an accomplished American sport shooter who won multiple gold medals at the 1920 Summer Olympics. He also served in leadership roles within prominent firearm organizations, including as president of the National Rifle Association of America and vice president of the US Revolver Association. Frederick testified during significant hearings on firearm legislation, advocating for regulatory methods to control the criminal use of weapons while still allowing law-abiding citizens the right of self-defense.

Nancy Johnson is a retired American sport shooter who achieved success at the highest level of competition. She won a gold medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics in the 10-meter air rifle event for women. Prior to her Olympic victory, Johnson also competed in the 1996 Olympics. Although she finished in 36th place in that competition, she continued to train and improve, eventually reaching the pinnacle of her sport with a gold medal performance in the 2000 Games.

Eugene Gustavus Reising was an American inventor and competitive target shooter with a prolific career in firearms engineering. He held over 60 firearm patents and collaborated with various companies to design semi-automatic rifles. Reising served in the Connecticut National Guard and worked with renowned figures like John M. Browning. Despite legal troubles, he continued to innovate and in 1938, developed the M50 Reising submachine gun, which saw significant use during World War II. Reising's contributions to firearms technology left a lasting impact on the industry.

Gary Anderson is a distinguished former Nebraska state legislator and accomplished American sport shooter. He is renowned for being the sole shooter to secure back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the 300m rifle event, a category that was subsequently terminated. Anderson's career highlights include setting six individual world records, clinching seven world championships, 11 national titles, and achieving 11 gold medals at the Pan American Games. His professional legacy is marked by unparalleled success and excellence in the field of sport shooting.

William Willard McMillan was a renowned American sport shooter who excelled in ISSF 25 meter rapid fire pistol competitions. Throughout his career, he achieved remarkable success, including winning an Olympic gold medal in 1960 and being a part of the American winning team at the 1952 World Championships. McMillan also secured numerous gold and silver medals at the Pan American Games between 1955 and 1979. His exceptional skills and dedication to the sport solidified his reputation as a world-class athlete in the shooting community.

Neal Knox was a prominent figure in the firearms community, serving as a board member and officer of the NRA. He was known for his work as a gun magazine writer and editor, as well as a gun rights activist. Knox was a prolific author, focusing on technical firearms articles, interpretations of the Second Amendment, and views on firearms laws. His contributions to the industry and advocacy for gun rights left a lasting impact on the firearms community.

Ron Avery was an accomplished American sport shooter and firearms instructor. Throughout his career, he achieved notable successes in various shooting competitions, including winning titles in the Standard and Limited-10 divisions at prestigious events such as the IPSC Handgun World Shoot and USPSA Handgun Nationals. His expertise and skill in shooting led to him earning bronze medals and division titles, showcasing his dedication and talent in the field of competitive shooting. Avery's legacy remains as a respected figure in the shooting community for his achievements and contributions.

Lauryn Annyn Mark is an accomplished American Australian Olympic Women's Skeet shooter and coach. She has a successful competitive career, including multiple gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and notable achievements at the Olympics. Mark transitioned to coaching, where she made significant contributions to the Indian and Qatari national teams, helping them qualify for the Paris Olympics. She is recognized for her expertise and leadership in Skeet shooting, and currently serves as the Skeet coach for the Olympic Shotgun Squad in preparation for the 2024 Olympics.

Walton Glenn Eller III is an accomplished American trap shooter and five-time U.S. Olympic athlete. He gained international recognition at the 2008 Summer Olympics by clinching the gold medal in men's double trap, setting new Olympic records. With a notable background in shooting sports, Eller has secured various prestigious titles, including the British Open Sporting Clay junior title and the U.S. National Sporting Clay subjunior championship. As a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army, he serves in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit at Ft. Benning, Georgia, showcasing exceptional marksmanship skills and dedication to his military duties.

Morris "Bud" Fisher was an accomplished American sport shooter and a distinguished United States Marine Corps shooting instructor. He participated in the 1920 and 1924 Summer Olympics, where he showcased his exceptional skills in the 300–800 m rifle events and secured an impressive five gold medals. Fisher concluded his Olympic career in 1924, and although rifle events were absent from the 1928 Games, they made a return in 1948. By that time, Fisher had retired from both competitive shooting and military service.

Lloyd Spencer Spooner was an accomplished American sports shooter known for his exceptional performance at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp. During the Olympics, he clinched a total of four gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals, with a notable individual bronze in the Military Rifle, Prone, 600m category. His remarkable success primarily came from team competitions, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport. Spooner's legacy as an Olympic champion in sports shooting is a testament to his talent and competitive spirit.

Alfred Page Lane was a highly accomplished American sport shooter who competed at the 1912 and 1920 Summer Olympics. He made a significant mark in Olympic history by winning a total of five gold medals, making him a five-time Olympic champion. Notably, Lane was the first among five shooters to achieve the remarkable feat of winning two Olympic individual gold medals. His exceptional skills and dedication to the sport solidified his reputation as one of the most successful and skilled shooters of his time.

Arthur Cook was an accomplished American sport shooter and Olympic champion. Beginning his shooting career in 1939 at a Boy Scout Camp, Cook went on to win numerous championships and medals, including a gold medal at the 1948 Summer Olympics. He was a key member of various U.S. shooting teams at international competitions and later became a coach for the U.S. Deaf Olympic Team. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the United States Air Force Marksmanship Training Program and founded his own wholesale supply company. Cook was recognized for his achievements with inductions into the University of Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame and the USA Shooting Hall of Fame.

Willis Augustus "Ching" Lee Jr. was a distinguished vice admiral of the United States Navy during World War II. Notably, he played a crucial role in commanding American ships during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, where he successfully thwarted a Japanese invasion force, turning the tide of the Guadalcanal Campaign and the Pacific War. Apart from his military achievements, Lee was also a talented sport shooter, winning multiple medals, including five gold medals, making him one of the most successful athletes at the 1920 Olympics.

Carl Townsend Osburn was a highly accomplished United States Navy officer and sport shooter. Graduating from the United States Naval Academy, he achieved the rank of commander. Osburn competed in multiple Summer Olympics, earning a remarkable total of eleven Olympic medals, including five golds, four silvers, and two bronzes. He holds the title of the most successful shooter at the Olympic Games when considering both individual and team events. Osburn's impressive medal count made him the leading male medal winner for the United States at the Olympic Games before being surpassed by Michael Phelps.