Congratulations to STI shooter Emile Obriot for winning 2nd last weekend at the Inter-Regional Sud Est, France. Emile finished 7.65% behind Eric Grauffel while Remy Deville took 3rd and was 12% further adrift.

Emile will be shooting a production match in a couple of weeks.

Top 30 in Open:

Here is Emile Obtiot’s STI:

- Doug koening hammer
- Swensson thumb safety
- Custom made thumb rest
- Ice magwell
- DAA scope mount
- No hybrid
- classic GrandMaster

Reloading info:
38 super
brass : FIOCCHI
bullet FIOCCHI 123gr / 31,7 mm
Primers: FIOCCHI

Double-win for STI Euroteam at Schleswig-Holstein match!

2 of the STI Euroteam members (Saul Kirsch and Ralf K. Jensen) traveled to the small Level III match in the
northern part of Germany. The match consisted of 12 exiting stages with high fun factor but also some
waiting with 25 shooters on the squads. It might not be the biggest match, but for many it’s the last match of the
year.

Results
Team captain of the STI Euroteam Saul Kirsch dominated Open division and
won by a substantial margin, in front of German top shooter Marian Loch.
In Standard division STI Euroteam member Ralf K. Jensen finished first as
well, followed by Team HK’s Michael Schütz.

Congratulations to both!

Quickborn - Saul and Ralf. By Jack Rømer

Congratulations to STI Euro Team member Emile Obriot who won Production at the Euregio Open, Belgium.

Well done!!!

Emile Obriot - Winning Production

Vaabensmeden are taking care of Ralf’s STI guns and other top IPSC shooters in Denmark.

www.vaabensmeden.dk
Kristian Pedersen
Langvad Mølle Vej 6
Langvad
4000 Roskilde

Email:
vaabensmeden@mail.dk

Telephone:
+45 3810 2403
+45 2176 7502

Company Tax-ID (CVR):
29983089

Ralf K. Jensen

Q: Ralf, tell us about yourself, family, profession.
Well I’m 41 years old and married to my wife Susanne and together we have our daughter Astrid, who just turned 2 years old this summer. Susanne is supportive of my shooting, and takes great care of our little girl when I’m away shooting. For a living I work as a project manager at Toyota Denmark, doing database administration, market research, campaign segmentation and data mining. Together with a good friend of mine I have now started a small business on my own, specializing in Data Quality Management and Business Intelligence.

Q: What makes you buzz?
Normally a healthy dose of good single malt whisky will to the trick! ☺
Joking aside, I think being at an important match and feeling the pressure and the atmosphere is the biggest buzz you can get.

Q: Congratulations on your Silver Medal at EHC 2010. How does it feel to be back on the podium since 2004?
Thank you – it was fantastic to be able to repeat the Silver Medal again. To make it even better the medal was handed over by a very dear friend (Pauletta Skinner from STI) and another good friend (Juan Carlos) won 1st place. Can’t think of anybody I’d rather see win…well, maybe except one ☺

Ralf K. Jensen

Q: Talk us through your preparation for the Europeans.
I started physical training a couple of months before the EHC. I was in bad shape! I started running 6,5 km in the morning. In the beginning I thought I was going to die.☺ I really hate running, but do it because it’s good for me and I needed to lose some weight. As the EHC came closer, I increased the frequency until I was running every second day. On rare occasions I would run every day.
Mentally I started working on self image as well as controlling my mental state, strengthening my visualization and rehearsal techniques. I found another interesting book on mental management.
Normally I’d go to the shooting range once or twice a week, but as the EHC approached I realized that wasn’t enough. I took a 3 week vacation from work – 2 weeks leading right up to the match and 1 week for attending the EHC. In the last 2 weeks I shot every day (a total of approx. 9-10.000 rounds). I spent the entire day doing live fire, physical training, a little bit of dry firing, cleaning equipment, reloading for the next training session, and evaluating on the days performance and making adjustments in the training plan for the next day.

Q: How much time do you spend on the range a week? Talk us through your own practice methods.
In the off season I allow myself NOT to go the range at all. I need the break, and enjoy spending some time with my family.
In the shooting season normally I would like to go to the range once or twice a week spending approx. 3-400 rounds per session, each lasting 2-3 hours. However, sometimes work and/or family dictate otherwise, in which case I increase dry firing at home. But in the last 2 weeks before the EHC, I spent 6-9 hours on the range – one day I even shot +1200 rounds.
As for practice methods, I mainly train specific elements and secondarily I train whole stages. I normally do 3 runs of each exercise: The first one is shot as if it was a match: Shooting 90-95% of my abilities. The second run I push for speed and try to challenge my comfort zone. The third run depends on how the second run went – If I crashed and burned on my speed-run, I go for accuracy and try to shoot full house. If the second run went fine, then I repeat the speed-run to make sure it wasn’t just luck.

Q: Shooting in Scandinavia must be pretty tough when winter comes. Do you guys tuck in for a winter sleep or keep on?
I used to shoot all winter long, but picking up brass in 20 cm of snow isn’t easy – you will see your brass again in the springtime! ☺ But nowadays I allow myself not to shoot more than maybe 1-2 matches and only sporadic training in the off-season. After the EHC2010 I have only trained very little and instead spent quality time with my family, that has been neglected a bit because of theEHC2010.

Ralf K. Jensen

Q: What is the right balance between technical and mental skills/readiness to win a match?
I know it sounds VERY cliché: But in all honesty I would say at least 80% mental skills and 20% technical skills. But all in all you have to be balanced within yourself: You have to be able to control your mental state (self image and the conscious) as well as having a strong set of subconscious skills (technical skills). There are a lot of good shooters out there with excellent technical skills, but who lack control over their mental game to perform their best.

Q: When the pressure is on, how do you prepare yourself mentally? How do you get “in the zone”?
It helps me to think about previous successes – e.g. winning silver in 2004 at the EHC in Czech Rep. I try to “revisit” the experience as vividly/in as many details as possible, remembering shooting my very best under a lot of pressure, and convincing myself it can and will happen again. I’ve used this to convince myself that I shoot best under pressure – which now is a fact. Thinking about shooting great is truly a great aid in shooting great. But I guess it’s different for each person, for some music works best. As I’m a very visual person, I found it a powerful aid to look at a specific series of pictures from the EHC2004 on my mobile phone. Now I’ve been fortunate enough to add some EHC2010 pictures to my phone.

Q: From 1 to 10, how would you rate your: Technical Skills, Fitness, Mental Game?
Right before the EHC I would say Technical skills (9), Fitness (8), Mental Game (10).
If you ask me now, I haven’t been training for a month, so technical skills (7), Fitness (6), Mental game (9).

Q: Can you recall a stage where you said: “Damn, that was perfect”? Take us through from stage preparation to signing the score sheet.
No, I can’t really remember a single stage that I’ve shot perfectly. You know, you shoot a lot of good stages, but I don’t think there is such a thing as a “perfect stage”. There’s always room for improvement.
Stage preparation: Hmmm…normally, I will already have familiarized myself with the stages before my squad has to shoot. Sometimes I’ll be there the day before, but if that’s not possible I will look at the posted briefing and observe others shoot the stage. I note the total number of rounds and look at different ways of shooting it, how long the RO is waiting for the beep and so on. At the briefing I pay close attention. On first walk trough I note the placement of all targets and make sure that all shots are accounted for so I don’t forget a target. Next I consider the alternative strategies and weigh pro/cons of each way of shooting the stage. I decide on a shooting solution. I finalize my magazines by placing an extra round (in my start mag, if I need a 19+1 start) or I might strip the top round if it’s an empty start. I begin my visualization/rehearsal, which I do over and over again as vividly as possible. 1-2 shooters before it’s my turn, I put on my grip enhancer and do my final visualizations. My name is called and after the command is given, I load and make ready. After loading but before the beep, I do a final visualization/rehearsal . At the beep I shoot the stage the way I just rehearsed it. When I’m finished I ask to see the timer before signing the score sheet to make sure no mistakes are made.

Ralf K. Jensen

Q: Can you recall a stage you really want to forget? What happened?
Normally I choose to forget about the bad stages. But I did have a good stage, where something unexpected happened: On stage 2 the wrist band of my watch broke as I presented the gun for the first shot. I remember seeing the watch fall off. I’m sure dropping the watch made me a lot faster without all the extra weight (I actually won that stage). You can see the video here.

Q: Would you ever consider shooting in tights?
Why would I do that to my competitors? Shooting shorts with my pale legs is punishment enough for them. When I shoot in shorts, a lot of people have come up to me wanting to sign my cast. ☺

Q: If you could go back 10 years time, what would you change in your shooting?
Shooting wise: I would have paid more attention to my physical fitness for sure and spent more time on economics of motion.
Equipment wise: I would have made the switch to an STI earlier (started shooting STI I 2001).

Q: Name three things you like in IPSC.
1) The nice people you meet at matches. In fact I consider the vast majority of my competitors as good friends.
2) The feeling you get, when you have really nailed a stage.
3) The shooting of course. I like that IPSC is so dynamic.

Q: Name three things you hate in IPSC.
Can only think of one thing that really irritates me:

99 out of 100 IPSC-shooters are the most honest people I can think of. But from time to time you see certain competitors not taking responsibility for their own shooting, by whining and claiming a double alpha, when they damn well know it’s a mike.

Q: Flawless gear. This is the dream of every competitive shooter. Take us through the gear you use and how you maintain it to get the best performance possible.
I use an STI 2011 of course ☺. It’s more or less an Executive with trigger job and minor modifications done by Danish gunsmith Kristian Pedersen (www.vaabensmeden.dk). I’ve removed extra material from the grip and it has got a nice round feel to it.
For maintenance I clean my guns approx. every 1000 rounds and change mag and recoil springs approx. once a year.
I use rescomp hi-cap mags with Grams FKS-11 spring+follower kit + DAA base pads in 2 of my mags (that gives me 19-1). The other two mags are STI mags also with Grams FKS-11 spring+follower and DAA base pads (18+1).
I have 2 guns – one dates back from 2001 and the other is from 2007. They are almost identical: Both are extremely accurate, function very reliable (which for me is less than 1 malfunction per 8000 rounds) and shoot very soft. One is used mainly for training and the other for matches, but they are equally good – at the EHC I was in serious doubt which one to use.

Our STI Euroteam members from Italy (Irene Canetta and Fabrizio Pesce) had taken the trip to Argentina to compete at the Latin American Handgun Championships 2010.

Despite stiff competition from the best shooters on the continent, both italian members of the STI Euroteam did extremely well:

Irene Canetta won 1st. place in the LAHC2010 Lady Open division ahead of Irair Alves Rodiguez and Erika Auler.
Fabrizio Pesce finished on a strong 4th. place in Standard division (winner was Jorge Baigorria, 2nd. Patricio Roihman, 3rd. Nilton Antonio Fior).

Congratulations to both for the great results!

Gregory Midgley. Photo by Stefan Föll

Q: Tell us a bit of how you got involved in IPSC and what keeps you coming back year after year?
I started air-rifle shooting when I was 12 years old. When other guys at my age played soccer I was more into shooting all the time.
After some years I was good enough and I was able to go to the German nationals. At the age of 18 I stopped shooting and I turned to
Thai boxing. By the age of 28 I got back to IPSC shooting with a friend of mine.

Q: I understand you have been involved in martial arts before coming to IPSC. You are indeed a dangerous man with or without a gun.
Dangerous man?? Me? Never!! I am so harmless and a nice guy. Thai boxing was for many years my love in martial arts. This sport trains your mind and your body. But yes, I really know how to use my hands and protect myself and beloved ones.


Q: Having roots from England (Scotland?), living in Switzerland and representing Germany… Sounds complex. Is there a place you would call home?
My Dad is from England and my Mom from Germany. So I am a half and half. I moved to Switzerland in 2000 for working reasons. I was shooting for 5 years for the Swiss Federation but after some few problems I decided to go back to Germany which was a very good move for my shooting career.


Q: Tell us what lies behind those Mirror Oakley Shades when you come to a Level 3 IPSC Match? How do you prepare yourself to maximize performance?
I am like I am. Outgoing and open to everybody who comes up to me with a question. Nothing to hide behind Oakley Shades. I just love those glasses.


Q: How do you deal with Success and Failure?
To be honest second place is almost a failure. When you see it with the eyes from a Thai boxer second places is the loser and you have a lot of pains.
Winning a match against good shooters is a very good feeling and it makes me happy to know I made it the right way. I always say
I want you to shoot your best match in your life. And then I’m gonna beat you.


Q: What was your goal for the 2010 season? Have you realized it?
My goal was definitely the EHC in Serbia. To be on top at this match. I did what was in my possibilities to be on top.
I made it on the 5th place. I am happy with this result. Because it was very tight and I know I am in striking distance for the next time.


Q: Looking at your records – very impressive indeed. Is there room for more improvement? In what area and how do you intend to do that?
Thank you. There is always room for improvement. I guess the mental preparation before and during the match makes 85 % for success.


Q: Describe how a perfect stage feels like – from the moment you get on the stage until you get your score sheet signed.
You never know what happens till you are finished. A perfect stage feels like you see yourself in slow motion moving and shooting and everything is under perfect control.
And you think ……come on move, man, move. But when you hear the time and you see your score you see that you were doing a good job.


Q: Angie, your wife, accompanies you on the range at large events. How does that work out?
Very good! She is my back up secret weapon. ) LOL No, she is a real help and I am happy that she is so into this sport and supporting me with so much passion.

Gregory Midgley


Q: You just had a disastrous stage, how do you regroup and move on to the next stage?
When you remember a cartoon movie when you see this atomic bomb going off, this is me, but always inside. I never turn it outside when I am pissed off.
And after I signed the score sheet I am done with what just happened and I leave it behind me when I go on the next stage. I have to focus 100% for the next stage.


Q: What do you think about before the beep goes off?
NOTHING. My focus is set on this stage and I trust my ability.


Q: Having the right gear is important but what is even more important is reliability. Tell us a bit of your gear and how you maintain it.
I am a Team member of the STI EuroTeam since 2003 and very happy and proud of it. I personally think that STI guns are the best. And you can see this fact on the range as most IPSC shooters shoot with an STI.
Without the sponsoring from STI and all the other sponsors which are supporting the team I never would be able to have such great results.
I shoot up to 50000 rounds a year. You have to change the springs and check your guns and mags in certain time periods.


Q: What advice would you give a new shooter coming into this sport?
If you really want to learn IPSC shooting look at the best people in your division. Copy them, look how they move, practice, and think about this sport.
And remember only 3-5% are able to win a match. The rest is statistic. Now ask yourself am I a statistic……hell no!


Q: If you look at any match result, you see the bulk of shooters are positioned around 70%-80%. Given they have the ability to improve, what would be your advise to these experienced shooters to become more competitive?
Get used with the impression that you are able to win a match. Because many shooters don’t want to win. They suffer with their excuse.


Q: What was your impression of the EHC 2010? How did you find the stages?
I really think this was the best Europeans since 2001 when I shot my first Europeans. Good match organization. The stages were at everybody’s level, so nobody can complain. Real straight forward shooting. I missed the opportunity to have more options to shoot a stage.

Q: What are your goals for 2011? Have you set any yet?
Not yet, I am in the off season mode. But I will get my mind set in January 2011.


Q: Would you ever consider shooting Production or Open?
I am also shooting Production with my GP6 and I really like it. Shooting Open I never thought about. Real man don’t use batteries for a sight.


Q: Tell us about the most stupid/funny thing you have ever done on a stage.
Hahaha After a very good run I always dance like fuzzy bear from the moppets show.


JC and Naomi

Q: Congratulations on your EHC 2010 win, I am sure it feels very good. Take us through your preparation for the match from the early days of the season.
I’m very happy. It’s been a tough year but fortunately it has been very rewarding. Season training started in February, Shooting twice a week, usually Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also he combined with three sessions of dry firing. In late April, early May got one more session per week, provided the rest of my duties would permit me. I have formal training, and I like to go to the range having previously prepared the training that I do every day. With 20 days to the European Championships, I took a vacation from work to go to the range and practice everyday, thus completing the last phase of my preparation for the European. I have been gradually increasing the intensity of the sessions and increased round count to 500 per session.

Q: How did you celebrate your EHC 2010 win?
With a big party LOL. Just kidding. I am very discreet, and it’s hard enough to express my emotions in public, but this time I have to admit that once I made aware of the outcome, which by the way my wife Naomi was the first to tell me, I got so excited and we hugged. Hugs followed for a long time with the rest of the Spanish national team shooters, Ralf, Gregory, Angi, and many other known and unknown shooters who came to congratulate me.

Q: How many hours have you spent on the range in the weeks leading to the match?
It depends. I do not do the same drills every week. But normally I train for about 3 ½ hours per session on the range.

Q: Take us through your stage preparation process, from start to finish.
I try to learn the stage before receiving the briefing. I take this opportunity to see how the shooters in the squad ahead of us shoot it, memorized the positions and the number of shots from each position, where I will make a mag change etc. After the briefing, with the rest of my squad, I asses how to shoot the stage from a technical standpoint and how can I maximize performance according to my skills. Ass the possibilities to shoot on the move, the exact area to which I will shoot at each target if you have no shoots. I try to memorize the rates of fire, depending on the distance to each target etc. Finally when the time briefing ends, I withdraw from the stage and start my mental views and rehearsals.
Just before the shooter in front of me is on the line, I run the drill in my head again, get up and do some exercises to activate my body and mind, I try to take the appropriate stress level. Then you just have to wait for the beep!, And let it all out instinctively.

Juan Carlos

Q: Setting goals is important – have you set a new goal for yourself yet?
Haha, I agree! Actually I have several, but if you ask me the most important is to win the next World Championship. For that, I will make an effort next season far more than the efforts leading up to this Europeans.

Q: When things go bad in a match, who do you talk to or how do you get back in the game?
I try to downplay my mistakes and forget about them. Everyone make mistakes, I know that! I try to keep in mind all the hard training I have done in the months and weeks leading to the match and keep fighting had until the end of the match.

Q: Name three things you hate at IPSC matches?
Traps.
The problems with the ammunition at airports.
The intense cold.

Q: Which stage did you shoot best at the EHC?
Stage 21 of the European Championship. Shot 32 alphas in 18.79 seconds.

Q: Have you ever been DQed? Why?
Fortunately not. But at the end EURO OPEN CZ, the ROs warned me twice, for muzzle angle. In this competition there were more than 40 DQ’s. I’ve worked hard since I came back from that match so I will not repeat these mistakes again.

Q: Do you feel you have more room to improve?
I have never shot a perfect match! I always demand more. I think a shooter who believes he shoots perfect will not grow as a shooter.

Q: How important is the mental game in IPSC?
For me the mental preparation is 80% of my results. Need:
Positive attitude.
Encourage you to have fun.
Confidence.
A good level of relaxation / activation.
Concentration and control of distractions.

Juan Carlos

Q: Do you have a “day job”? What is your profession?
Police (EOD)

Q: What is your favorite way to relax?
A good dinner with my wife Naomi, on the terrace of our house.

I would also like to thank the STI EURO TEAM for having me on board for two years now, and the great times Naomi and I are having with all of you.
And of course big thanks to my sponsors for the help they give me, without them we could not have achieved this dream.

Prommersberger is the largest STI distributor in Europe and builds many of the custom guns used by the top competitors.

Büchsenmacherei Prommersberger
STI-Importeur Deutschland
Marktplatz 1
D-86556 Kühbach
Telefon: +49-(0)82 51-5 08 56
Fax: +49-(0)82 51-5 12 42
gunmaker@aol.com

Willie has been Saul’s gunsmith for many years and built some amazing STI guns. He recently built Eli’s new STI which runs prefect from day one!

Eli STI1

Eli's STI

Willie van Mulekom:
Email: mulekom@novi.net
Telephone: +31 487514409

Website: http://www.vanmulekom.com/

Saul’s guns will not win any prizes for looks, but they have won dozens of Level three matches, and the European Steel Challenge SIX times!
Saul shoots a 38Super STI GM with Brazos style weight reduction cuts in the Slide. He uses an Aimpoint CompC 7MOA scope fitted on an RHT mount.
He fits a DAA super size magwell and builds up his grips using the DAA grip customization kit to fit his large hands…
A koening hammer and large left side slide racker complete the setup. Note the cool serial number – SK0001.

Saul's STI Left

Saul's STI Right

Last weekend the entire STI Euroteam travelled to Phillipsburg/Germany to participate in the “Infinity Euro Open”.
And it was a great match with interesting stages and good match organization – as usual.
Approx. 400 shooters in total participated in the match. Most of the very best European shooters had come, making it a good indication of what might happen at the European Championship later this year in Serbia. Even a few top guns from the US and Canada had shown up as well (Chris Tilley, Mike Burrell, just to name a few).

The stages were challenging and interesting to shoot and despite HEAVY competition the STI Euroteam did very well indeed: At least 1 team member made it into the Top-5 in each category they participated in.

Open Division: Winner was Eric Grauffel (big surprise), with no. 2,3,4,5 and 6 all being with 3% of each other, so it was a very tight race indeed. STI Euroteam member Emile Obriot finished a strong 4th. place (ahead of Chris Tilley (USA) who was 5th.). Way to go, Emile! Saul Kirsch (the STI Euroteams team captain) finished 6th.

Lady Open had some very good shooters. Winner was Lorena Ballesteros (Spain) with STI Euroteams Irene Canetta on 2nd. place. Irene once again shot a very strong match with Swedens Marianne Schön close behind.

Standard: The division was crowded with the absolutely best European shooters, making it almost a mini European Championship. I’m happy to report that the STI Euroteam dominated standard division, by claiming 3 of the spots in top-5. To make things perfect, the winner of Infinity Euro Open was STI Euroteam member Juan Carlos Jaime from Spain, who shot a near perfect match with no mikes, fast times and high Alpha-percentage. Oliver Damm (Germany) finished 2nd., Julian Boit (France) was 3rd. STI Euroteams Gregory Midgley took 4th., and STI Euroteams Ralf K. Jensen finished 5th. STI Euroteams Fabrizio Pesce finished a respectable 13th. place (ahead of Czech top gun Roman Podlesak).

Attached a couple of pics from the match where you can see the team in action – including JC being drowned in champagne at the award ceremony!

Thanks to the organizers for a great match!

The MFS Open 2010 was a 3-day match this year and of course the majority of the STI Euroteam was there. Gregory Midgley had cancelled his presence in the match, because we wanted to participate in no less than matches on the same weekend – held in Austria, Germany and France.

The match was again very good –24 challenging stages, with a lot of change in tempo on stages combining easy targets up close with difficult longer range shots. Also most of the stages could be shot in a variety of ways, so strategic thinking and finding the right solution was important. Funny that not more shooters participate in this match – stage quality is among the very best.

As usual, the STI Euroteam had lots of fun on the squad with other shooters coming from every part of Europe: Spain, Portugal, Norway, Finland.

Results:

The STI Euroteam did very well and was found on the podium in every category we participated in.
In Open Saul and Jorge Ballesteros (Spain) had a close fight for first place in Open. Both shot a great match, but on the last day of shooting, Saul pulled away from Jorge and won (Jorge finishing a 98,05%). 3rd was Robin Sebo (Czech Republic) with 87,79%.

In Lady Open it was a VERY tight match as well: Irene shot a very good match but unfortunately a 10 second jam cost her. 1st. was Katerina Sustrova (Czech republic) (73,23%), 2nd. Margit Steurer (Austria) (72,77%) and 3rd. Irene Canetta/STI Euroteam (68,81%).
In Standard division no one could touch Juan Carlos Jaime Diaz/STI Euroteam, despite strong competitors like Petr Znamenaczek (Czech Republic) and Georgy Batki (Hungary). JC shot a great match – no mikes/no pt’s. Ralf K. Jensen/STI Euroteam also shot a very good match and finished 2nd with Petr Znamenaczek on 3rd.(91,02%).

So how about Gregory Midgley/STI Euroteam??? Well, he shot the 3 matches and won every single one of them!!! 3 Presidents Medals in one weekend ain’t bad. He should have received an award for endurance driving as well, as there was a helluva lot of milage in that accomplishment

By the way – the next weekend (17/18th. Of July) Saul Kirsch and Ralf K. Jensen participated in the Danish Nationals/Scandinavian Championships held north of Copenhagen in Denmark. That was another good day for the STI Euroteam: In Open Saul dominated and won by a landslide (20% down to no. 2 Eli Huttner). In Standard Ralf K. Jensen shot a clean match: High alpha percentage, no mikes/no pt’s. Ralf won not only the Danish Championship but also the Nordic Championship in Standard!

Birgit Gruber

Personal Information
Name: Birgit Elisabeth GRUBER
Date of birth: 03/05/1985
Residence: Salzburg, Austria
Occupation: Officer at the department of public order
Email: birgit.gruber1@drei.at

.

Shooting Information
Representing: Austria
Division: Standard Lady
Gun: STI Edge
Gear: Ghost Holster, DAA Belt, Ghost Mag Pouches

IPSC Background
I started shooting at the age of 20. My dad took me to the shooting range and i started shooting accuracy with my dad´s gun. Soon this shooting was boring for me and i discovered the world of IPSC for me. First i shot just a few local matches but i immediately fell in love with this sport. when i turned 21 i got my own gun permit and started to take part at international matches. My first own gun was a STI Edge in 9mm and then i switched to caliber 40 S & W.

IPSC Main Achievements
3rd place IPSC World Championship in Bali Indonesia 2008
1st place Level III Athens Cup in Greece 2008
1st place Level III Graz Austria 2008
1st place Level III Schuwiduu Open Austria 2008
1st place Level III german championships Philipsburg Germany 2008
austrian champion 2008 & 2009
1st place Level III Schwaiger Trophy Vienna Austria 2009
1st place Level III Med Cup Cheval Blanc France 2009

Sponsors
STI
Haendler & Natermann bullets
Generali insurance group
Österreichische Sporthilfe www.sporthilfe.at

STI Members won three out of the top five places in Standard division and two out of five places in Open.

Congratulations to all winners!

Standard division:
1st place – Juan Carlos Jaime Diaz
2nd place – Ralf K. Jensen
5th place – Gregory Midgley

Open division:
4th place – Emile Obriot
5th place – Saul Kirsch

In the 1980′s the founder of STI, Virgil Tripp, was hand crafting competition 1911 pistols using basically the same components and techniques of other gunsmiths of that era. Because of the need for product improvement, Tripp Research Inc., now renamed STI International, led the firearms industry into the precision world of “EDM” hammers, sears, and other components.

Expanding on the success of this highly successful line of precision components, STI then revolutionized the firearms industry with their modular “2011” frame. The patented 2011 frame included a multitude of desirable features such as a 30 lpi full checked grip assembly, 25 lpi checkered trigger guard, 35% weight reduction, less felt recoil, higher capacity, and repeatable dimensions.

STI next introduced complete pistols of such high quality that they quickly became the standard by which other I.P.S.C. firearms and fine “carry” guns are measured- a trend that continues today.

With shooters around the world now clamoring for their products, STI needed to grow to accommodate the huge swell in demand so David L Skinner, a friend of Virgil’s and competitive shooter who had recently retired, bought the company and began building it into a business capable of keeping up with the orders without sacrificing any of the quality STI had become world famous for.

STI lead the industry again with precision subassemblies in progressive stages of factory completion. Using “EDM” and “CNC” machine tools and precision grinding equipment, STI can supply fitted slide/frames or shortblocks to which gunsmiths of all skill levels can add their own finishing touches at a very reasonable cost.

In 2005 David Skinner sold the company to its employees and STI International, Inc. became the only firearm factory in the U.S. to be entirely Employee Owned (An ESOP Company).

Having captured the IPSC, IDPA, PPC, collector, self defense, and LEO market in the United States, STI looked toward expanding its Export market. By 2010, STI had been in the top 5 U.S. exporters of semiautomatic handguns for the previous four (4) years and showed no slowing of growth as more and more countries saw the quality of what STI has to offer.

From it’s simple beginnings as a 2 man gun shop in Texas to its current place at the top of the semi-custom market, STI has always sought to not only provide the very best products at a reasonable price, but to try to stay ahead of the curve in technological innovations. In the Future STI will continue improving and introducing new products to you, our valued customer.

Eli Huttner

Personal Information
Name: Eli Huttner
Date of birth: 06/08/1975
Residence: Lyngby, Denmark
Occupation: Business Development Manager, DAA
Email: eli(at)doublealpha.biz
Website: www.doublealpha.biz

Shooting Information
Representing: Israel
Division: Open
Gun: STI TruBor GM, C-More
Gear: DAA Race Master Holster, DAA Belt, CR Pouches

IPSC Background
Eli started his IPSC career back in 1995 when he served in the IDF. Quickly switching from Standard to Open, Eli has discovered the passion for shooting! He is a well known shooter and rank among the very top in most European matches he attends.

Moving out of Israel, back in 2003, helped Eli to elevate his IPSC skills to the next level. He currently lives in Denmark when he can pick up his IPSC practice again.

Eli has worked with Saul Kirsch since the start of Double-Alpha Academy and officially joined the team in 2009 where he serves as Business Development Manager. Together with Saul they are developing exciting new products for the IPSC/USPSA markets.

IPSC Main Achievements

Danish Open Division Champion 2010
5 times winner of the British Open
2nd at the NRW Trophy
3rd Israeli Open 2010
6th at the MFS Open
7th SCW Trophy
9th Med Cup 2010

Sponsors and Links
Double-Alpha Academy
STI
Competitive Edge Dynamics

Contact Eli:

Fabrizio Pesce

Personal Information
Name: Fabrizio Pesce
Date of birth: 14/12/1964
Residence: Novara, Italy
Occupation: Policeman

Shooting Information
Representing: Italy
Division: Standard
Gun: STI Edge GM
Gear: DAA Race Master Holster, DAA Belt, DAA Pouches

IPSC Background
I started shooting IPSC in 1996 because one Sunday I had nothing else to do and I was asked to take part to a match.

I immediately fell in love with this sport and I started to shoot IPSC matches regularly.

This has helped me very much in my activity as a law enforcement firearms instructor and sniper. In 2000 I met Irene; from that time on everything has become funnier, because we share the same hobby and we spend all our free time on it. My first IPSC gun has been an STI (love at first sight for the best, right from the start!)

IPSC Main Achievements
2nd at European Sti open
9th at Mosquito match
4th at Trofeo D?Ascia
3rd at I Kolo Superligy (CZ)
3rd at Czech National
3rd at Med Cup
2nd X Trofeo Montichiari
2nd at Winter Trophy
1st at Trofeo ICS
3rd at Italian Challenge
3rd at Triangolare Invernale
4th at Italian National
3rd at Trofeo Tanfoglio
3rd at Big Match Dillon Precision

Sponsors and Links
STI
Fiocchi
Vihatuavouri
MSA Sordin
Double-Alpha Academy
Recknagel ERA-TEC
Rudy Project

Contact Fabrizio:

Irene Canetta

Personal Information
Name: Irene Canetta
Date of birth: 24/03/1963
Residence: Novara, Italy

Shooting Information
Representing: Italy
Division: Open
Gun: STI TruBor GM, C-More
Gear: DAA Race Master Holster, DAA Belt, DAA Pouches

IPSC Background

Until 1999 I didn?t know anything about guns and I had never been at a shooting range.
In late 1999 I got my carry permit (in Italy the police can issue such a permit only to people who need it for self defense at work); therefore I inevitably and logically wanted to know how a gun should be used, because from then on I would have always carried a gun.

Some friends of mine suggested me to attend a practical shooting course (livello bronzo); I did it only to get some basic skills with the pistol and to become a little less clumsy with it. One Sunday, I had nothing to do at all, I was convinced by some other friends to watch a IPSC match. I liked it a lot and so I started to shoot matches myself; the first year I shot in Standard Division and since then in Open Division.

IPSC Main Achievements
2002 Italian Open Champion Cat. Lady
2003 Italian Open Champion Cat. Lady
2004 Italian Open Champion Cat. Lady
2005 Italian Open Champion Cat. Lady
2002 3rd place Open National Cat. C
2002 World Shoot South Africa ? 1st place Sponsor Gold Medal Winner
2003 European Shotgun Championship Italy European Slidepump Champion Cat. Lady
2003 European Shotgun Championship Italy 15th place overall Slidepump Division
2003 2nd Place at Open Florida Cat. Lady
2003 2nd Place overall at Open Florida Unclassified
2003 2nd Place at Med Cup Cat Lady
2003 3rd Place at Czech Euro Open Cat. Lady
2003 1st Place overall at Czech Euro Open
2003 1 Place Open National Cat.A
2004 Winter Champion, overall, ICS
2004 3rd Place at the European STI Open in Germany, Cat. Lady
2004 8th Place at the European Championship in Czech Rep. Cat. Lady
2004 4th overall at VIII Trofeo Città di Uboldo
2004 2nd Place at Med Cup Cat. Lady
2004 1st Lady and 6th overall at I Kolo Superligy APS CR in the Czech Rep.
2004 3rd Lady at Mosquito Match (SK)
2004 3rd Place overall at IX Classic Italian Challenge
2004 1st Place Czech National
2004 4th Place overall at Big Match (Rome)
3rd Place overall at Italian Winter Championship
1st Place Lady at Med Cup
1st Lady in all 7 major Italian matches as well as in all Italian shotgun slide pump matches
3rd Team Lady Open at World Shoot in Ecuador

Sponsors and Links
STI
Fiocchi
Vihatuavouri
MSA Sordin
Double-Alpha Academy
Recknagel ERA-TEC
Rudy Project

Contact Irene:

Gregory Midgley

Personal Information
Name: Gregory Francis Midgley
Date of birth: 31/08/1970
Residence: Zurich, Switzerland
Website: www.midgley.de

Shooting Information
Representing: Germany
Division: Standard
Gun: STI Edge
Gear: DAA Race Master Holster, DAA Belt, DAA Pouches

IPSC Background
Gregory started shooting air rifle at the age of 12 and .22 precision rifle at 16. He was right from the beginning very successful and qualified for the German Championship. With 18 he stopped shooting and concentrated on Thai Boxing. Thai Boxing as one of the toughest Fighting Sports became his main sport until he turned 28. 1998 a friend of Gregory took him to clay shooting (trap) and to IPSC shooting and he was fascinated with these shooting sports, and without hesitating he entered the local shooting club VPS Neu-Ulm and got member of the German shooting association (BDS).

His first handgun for IPSC was a Glock in .40 S&W. In 1999 he switched to the 1911 system, still in .40 S&W. In 2000 he moved to Switzerland due to work reasons and joined a local IPSC club. Since 2001 he has been a member of the Swiss National Team and always top ranked in Switzerland.

His success is based in a large part on the good training possibilities in Switzerland. He became Swiss Champion in Standard Division and Swiss Champion in 3-Gun. Since 2004 he shoots an Edge 2011 from STI International, Georgetown Texas and is a member of the STI European Team.

Gregory still lives in Switzerland but in 2005 he started shooting for Germany again. His first big match for Germany was the World Shoot in Ecuador at which he finished 12th.

IPSC Main Achievements
5th EHC 2010 Standard Division
Winner of the 2005 Bavarian State Championship (Germany)
Winner of the 5th Ironhands Autumn 2005 (Germany)
12th at the 2005 World Championship (Ecuador)
19th at the 2005 US Nationals, Limited 10 (USA)

Ammo and Loads:

.40 s&w

hornady 180gr xtp.
vv 320 5.0 gr.
fiocchi brass and primer

fiocchi 170gr bullet.
vv 320 5.5gr
fiocchi brass and primer

oal. 29.5mm

reloading:
Dillon Precision Super 1050 Reloading Machine
Mr. Bulletfeeder

Sponsors and Links
STI
Fiocchi
Vihatuavouri
MSA Sordin
Double-Alpha Academy
Recknagel ERA-TEC
Rudy Project

Contact Gregory:

Ralf K. Jensen

Personal Information
Name: Ralf K. Jensen
Date of birth: 08/10/1969
Residence: Malmo, Sweden
Occupation: CRM Project Manager

Shooting Information
Representing: Denmark
Division: Standard
Gun: STI Edge GM
Gear: DAA Race Master Holster, DAA Belt, DAA Pouches

IPSC Background

I started shooting .22 precision rifle shooting at the age of 8 or 9 ? but even though I was really good at it, my interest only lasted about 1 year before I found it too boring. When I was 13 I bought a Diana 35 air rifle, which found heavy use in my parents garden. It shot great. I even helped my mother pick down high sitting apples using this air rifle by shooting the stilch. She would get quite upset with me, if I accidentally hit the apple, so I really tried.

At the age of 16 I got my Danish hunting license and bought a fun-gun (Winchester 94, cal. .44 magnum). Even though the rifle real fun to shoot, I sold it later because I needed the money for a motorcycle.

My first meeting with large caliber pistols:
I turned 18 and my big brother took me to the pistol shooting club, and I was hooked. My first gun was a High-Standard cal. .22, which shot really great. After having shot approximately 1 year, I tried a S&W model 19 with .38 Wadcutter ammo ? I made up my mind, that large caliber pistol shooting wasn?t really to be taken seriously ? period! Oh, well my attitude changed I guess?.

Couple of years later I bought a nickel plated 9mm Taurus PT99 which I shot for around 6 months, before I was able to hit the black center on a 25 m. UIT-target. I improved?and participated in a lot of pistol terrain shooting (distances 10 ? 120 meters), and achieved good placements. I had been shooting pistol for 5-6 years and ?well, I was bored really! I considered to stop shooting, until I in 1992 was introduced to IPSC. Wow ? what an experience: It was dynamic, required precision AND speed, good camaraderie and, and, and?

I quickly took the test and got my license. I still remember my first match (which I even won): I was so full of adrenaline, that I didn?t sleep the following night at all.

The Taurus wasn’t build for large volume shooting and quickly wore out. I switched to a Glock 17L. I was in college and money were hard to come by, so I sold my motorcycle in order to finance a Sphinx Master. I?ve shot the Sphinx?en for many years, and have only praise for it, but I could only shoot minor with it.

Leading up to the European Championship 2001 in Germany, I replaced the Sphinx with an STI 2011 Edge, which I still use today. The STI?s reliability, soft recoil and high mag capacity made me more competitive ? enough for me to achieve 5th. place in the European Championship in 2001 and second place in the Europeans in Czech republic in 2004.

Ralf K. Jensen

IPSC Main Achievements

2nd EHC 2010 (Serbia)
Winner of Nordic Championship 2010
6th EHC2007 (France)
2nd EHC 2004 (Tabor-Operany, Czech Rep.)
5th EHC 2001 (Phillipsburg, Germany)
2002: 14th. World Championship (Pietersburg, South Africa)
14 times winner of Danish Championship

Ammo and Loads

I use a Dillon Super 1050 in .40S&W.
170 grs. Fiocchi FMJ-FP
5,4 – 5,5 grs. Vihtavouri N320
Fiocchi brass
Fiocchi primers
OAL: 29,6 mm
 
The above gives me a powerfactor of approx. 178-180.

Sponsors and Links
STI
Fiocchi
Vihatuavouri
MSA Sordin
Double-Alpha Academy
Recknagel ERA-TEC
Rudy Project

Contact Ralf:

Emile Obriot

Personal Information
Name: Emile Obriot
Date of birth: 15/02/1987
Residence: Saint Maurice, France
Occupation: Student
Email: obriote@hotmail.com

Shooting Information
Representing: France
Division: Open
Gun: STI TruBor GM, C-More
Gear: DAA Race Master Holster, DAA Belt, DAA Pouches

IPSC Background
I started shooting 4.5 mm air pistol at the age of 7 with my sister. For about 5 years I shot just for fun, as my main sporting interest was soccer
My true interest for shooting began when my father discovered IPSC in 1998. I started IPSC directly with a 38 super auto in 1999; the gun was almost big as me…:)

IPSC Main Achievements
Winner of the Krakow Open Junior (4th overall)
Winner of the French National Championship Junior (3rd overall)
2nd at the STI Open Junior
Winner of the Med Cup Junior
Winner of the French Nice selection Junior
Winner of the French Montbéliard selection Junior (3rd overall)
Winner of the Euregio Open
2nd at the World Shoot XIV Junior team
Winner of the French National Championship Junior
2nd at the STI Open Junior
Winner of the Med Cup Junior
Winner of the French Ecot selection Junior (3rd overall)

Sponsors and Links
STI
Armurerie Delabourse
Fiocchi
Vihatuavouri
MSA Sordin
C-More
Double-Alpha Academy
Oakley

Contact Emile:

Juan Carlos Jaime Diaz

Personal Information
Name: Juan Carlos JAIME DIAZ
Date of birth: 02/09/1975
Residence: Madrid, España
Occupation: Policeman
Email: jcjaime5@telefonica.net
Website: www.jcjaime.com

Shooting Information
Representing: Spain
Division: Standard
Gun: STI Edge GM
Gear: DAA Race Master Holster, DAA Belt, DAA Pouches

IPSC Background
I started shooting in 1999, in only one year I win the national Spanish championship in 2000. One year later I win the national championship next time and 2º in the European Championship in Philispsburg (Germany). Other big result in the 2º place in Word Championship in Ecuador.

IPSC Main Achievements
2010 European Standard Division Champion
7 Times National Spanish champion
7 TImes Campion Presidet Cup (Spain)
2nd Place European Championship Germany 2001
2nd place Word Championship Ecuador
2 Time win Med Cup
Champion STI EURO OPEN 2009
Champion INFINITY EURO OPEN 2010
Champion Extreme Euro open 2010

Sponsors and Links
STI
fiocchi
Vihatuavouri
Borchers
Blackhawk
MSA Sordin
Double-Alpha Academy
Rudy Project
C-More
D shoot

Contact JC:

Saul Kirsch

Personal Information
Name: Saul Kirsch
Date of birth: 05/06/1971
Residence: Waalwijk, Netherlands
Occupation: General Manager, Double-Alpha Academy
Email: info(at)doublealpha.biz
Website: www.doublealpha.biz

Shooting Information
Representing: Netherlands
Division: Open
Gun: STI TruBor GM, Aimpoint CompC
Gear: DAA Race Master Holster, DAA Belt, DAA Pouches, Fiocchi brass primers and bullets, Vit powder

IPSC Background
Saul started his shooting career at the age of 12, as an Olympic rifle shooter. He competed in air-rifle and small-bore 3-position and prone. He represented Israel in several international championships and held several junior national records. He begun shooting IPSC in 1990, first shooting Standard, and later moving to Open. His first international match was the 1995 Europeans held in Sweden. Since then he has traveled the world competing in 4 world shoots and several US nationals, in addition to dozens of level III matches across Europe.
Saul Captains the STI Euro team.

IPSC Main Achievements
- Winner of over 50 level III Championships.
- 6 times winner of the European Steel Challenge
- Winner of the 2009 World Shoot Shoot-off event
- 2nd and 3rd place finishes at the European Championships
- 5th, 6th, and 7th place finishes at the World Championships
- Several top 4 finishes at the US Nationals

Sponsors
STI
Fiocchi
Aimpoint
MSA Sordin
Vihtavouri Powder

Contact Saul:

STI Cap

Famous around the world today in IPSC & IDPA shooting circles, STI International is a name everyone recognizes. Whether you shoot an STI or not, you can be proud to wear one of their famous STI shooting caps. Designed in white with black brim & eyelets, this fine cap sports a 3-color STI embroidery.

Click here to purchase.

Designed for STI USA and The STI Euro Team, this high quality shirt is now made in 100% fully combed cotton pique for a fantastic fit and look. Constructed with double track stitching to last, with collar piping and yoke inlay, this team shirt boasts embroideries both front and back!

Available in sizes S to XXL

Click here to purchase.

This addition to the STI apparel line was first designed for the STI Euro Team. A perfect long sleeve shirt to wear by itself, it also doubles as a great look to be worn under the STI S/S Polo Shirt for added warmth or sun protection. This unique long sleeve mock-T shirt is constructed of 100% fully combed cotton for comfortable long lasting wear. With “STI” embroidered on the collar and 3-color Team STI screen prints on both sleeves and the back chest, this is one cool looking shirt to shoot in!

Available in sizes S to XXL

Click here to purchase.

STI 3-in-1 Jacket

High quality 3-season / 3-in-1 jacket designed for the STI Euro Team, and top sponsored teams.

This custom designed STI team coat, is made of high quality Taslon fabric with a removable fleece lining that doubles as a zippered fleece sweater. Loaded with exciting features that include multiple front, chest, & side pockets, including a secret valuables pocket and a shoulder sleeve ?timer? pocket, cinched (adjustable) waist, removable (hidden) hood, removable fleece lining / jacket, and four STI embroideries, all wrapped up into a comfortable 3-season jacket that is just perfect to range and off-range use.

Available in sizes S – XXL.

Click here to purchase.

STI Apparel is worn all over the world by competition shooters and STI fans. STI International is one of the most respected and loved brand names in our sport, and we just love to carry the STI logo!

The line of STI Apparel is available for purchase in Europe through Double-Alpha Academy. For availability and prices check out www.doublealpha.biz.

BELGIUM

Coppens Wapenhandel NV
Beukendreef 5
8300 Knokke-Heist Belgium
Phone: 3250.621435
Fax: 3250.622456
Email: info.stiguns@skynet.be

CZECH REPUBLIC

Libuse MARTINKOVA – “LM”
Blizejov 150
345 45 BLIZEJOV
CZECH REPUBLIC
Phone: (+420) 379 42 85 94
Fax: (+420) 379 42 85 15
E-mail: vaclav.martinek@martinekv.cz

DENMARK

TopGuns
Postboks 41
9100 Aalborg
Denmark
Also serving: Norway and Sweden
Phone: 405-64025
Email: info@stiguns.dk

FRANCE

Armurerie de la Bourse
37 Rue Vivienne
Paris, France 75002
Phone: 42-367983
Fax: 42-361801
Email: obriot@armureriedelabourse.com

Rivolier S.A.
Z.1. Les Collonges – B.P. 247
42173 Saint Just – Saint Rambert
France
Phone: 33-477-36-0340
Fax: 33-477-36-0346
Email: swillmes@rivolier.fr

FINLAND

Oy M. Nokio Ltd.
P.O. Box 22
FIN-02141 Espoo Finland
Phone: 011-358-9-5022654
Fax: 011-358-9-519433
Email: Nokio@nokio.fi

GERMANY

Buchsenmacheri Prommersberger
Marktplatz 1
D-86556 Kuehbach, Germany
Phone: 011-08-251-50865
Fax: 011-08-251-51242
Email: gunmaker@aol.com

GREECE

Apollo Custom
Lindou 1
85100 Rhodes, Greece
Phone: 30-22410-20041
Fax: 30-22410-36179
Email: info@apollopistols.com

HUNGARY

Mag ICS Holding
H-11027, Frankel LEO U.5
Budapest, Hungary
Phone: 011-361-3160570
Fax: 011-361-3162390
Email: info@magics.hu

ITALY

Bignami SpA
39040 ORA (Bz) – Via Lahn, 1
Italy
Phone: 0471 80 30 00
Fax: 0471 81 08 99
Email: manfred@bignami.it

LUXEMBOURG

Coppens Wapenhandel NV
Beukendreef 5
8300 Knokke-Heist Belgium
Phone: 3250.621435
Fax: 3250.622456
Email: info.stiguns@skynet.be

Kerambit SDN. BHD.
No. 42-44 JLN. Raja Abdullah
40300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: Hamden Suhaimee
Phone: 603-26985070 or 26985175
Fax: 603-26912390
Email: hamdan@kerambit.com.my

NETHERLANDS

Coppens Wapenhandel NV
Beukendreef 5
8300 Knokke-Heist Belgium
Phone: 3250.621435
Fax: 3250.622456
Email: info.stiguns@skynet.be

NORTHERN IRELAND

Valley Leisure and Rural Supplies
Owenskerry
Fivemiletown
County Fermanagh
Northern Ireland
BT75 0SP
Phone: 02891 455015
Mobile:07876 226852
Email: stevewilson863@msn.com

POLAND

STRZELEC Krzysztof Stefaniak
Pl. Pocztowy 6/1
65-062 Zielona Gora
Poland
Phone 0048/68 324 34 24
Fax 0048/68 324 34 24
Email: sklep@bron1.pl

SPAIN

Borchers SA
Industrialdea 22B
48300 Guernica, Spain
Phone: 314-94-625-2029
Fax: 314-94-625-2366
Email: info@borchers.es

Gun-Arm, S.L.
C/Cruz del Sur, 8
30.500 Molina De Segura
Murcia, Spain
Phone: 34902152032
Fax: 34913504752
Email: army@tiq.e.telefonica.net

SWITZERLAND

Burch Waffen
Waagstr. 3a
6060 Sarnen Ch, Switzerland
Phone: 011-4141-660495
Fax: 011-4141-6604956
Email: info@burchwaffen.ch