Top shooters take aim at Bianchi Cup

Some of the world’s top pistol shooters are gathering in Columbia for the NRA National Action Pistol Championship.

The tournament, also referred to as the Bianchi Cup, begins with opening ceremonies at 8 p.m. and continues through Saturday.

The Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Range in Hallsville will host the four-day tournament and the more than 150 registered competitors taking part in the four events of the tournament. The events demand a variety of skills, including shooting at stationary targets up to 50 yards away, 8-inch round targets from varying distances and moving targets.

The tournament, in its 27th year, is free to the public. The NRA does require that all spectators wear eye and ear protection, which is supplied.

Doug Koenig of Alburtis, Pa., is going for his fifth consecutive Bianci Cup trophy and his ninth overall trophy. Koenig currently holds the National and World Action Pistol title.

Rudy Dufour, the Program Coordinator for NRA pistol competitions, said there are many competitors that are capable of winning the tournament besides Koenig because the tournament attracts local and world-class shooters.

The Bianchi Cup is a “prestigious, well-respected national and world class competition,” Dufour said.