Brian Harder
This installment of the Shooter Spotlight Series features Brian Harder. This is one of those shooters who got into the sport, put his foot on the gas, and never let off.
Q: When did you start shooting?
A: I started shooting at a young age in the Boy Scouts, around 10 or 11 years old.
Q: How did you get into competition shooting?
A: I shot my first competition in the Military at State TAG matches. That is a combat rifle and pistol match. During one of these events, I looked over to the next range and saw a bunch of civilians shooting guns. After looking into it, I found the club hosting the match and inquired about coming to watch one. They said, “bring a rifle and shoot, “so I did. I already had a 308, so I figured FTR was the way to go.
Q: What generally goes through your head before a match?
A: That’s been a work in progress. I used to think about not screwing up, and I hope I do well. Now, I try to run through the match in my head, picture changes, switches, and form a plan to deal with them. I’ve found staying relaxed and having a plan helps tremendously.
Q: What advice do you have for new shooters?
A: Get out and shoot! I see so many people worried about going to a match, concerned with how they’d do. This sport is full of great people who generally will go out of their way to help you. Ask the questions at matches; this is an essential point; LISTEN. Most shooters are willing to help as long as they pay attention. If you don’t, they are wasting their time and will stop answering.
Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I work full-time as a Military Technician for the National Guard as a Surface Maintenance Mechanic.
Q: Where do you see the sport going in the future?
A: I see it continuing to grow, with the possibility of additional divisions like AR tactical helping to get new shooters involved with a more entry-level class. I also hope to see some more big matches like the SWN pop up around the country.
Q: Do you shoot on any team or teams?
A: I started my Team shooting with Team Indiana F-Class, which is loaded with great shooters who’ve all been the overwhelming reason I’ve gotten to where I am. I also shoot as a part of the All Guard Long Range team. This past September, I tried out and made the US FTR development team.
Q: What has US team tryouts been like so far?
A: It has been a great experience so far. It’s a humbling experience to know so many great coaches and shooters who are keeping a close eye on my performance. It adds a level of competitiveness I’ve never experienced before.
Q: What was your favorite match, and why?
A: I’ll have to say it was Raton last year for the Nationals. I got my first clean target at 1000 yards. I still have never cleaned a mid-range target. Lots of 199’s! So that was by far my favorite match.
Ian Klemm was my scorekeeper, and after I finished. He said he thought he could feel my heart beating on the ground under his feet! It also made it a little extra special to have him score that target since I was using a Vortex Golden Eagle to do it! At the time, it was a National Record at 1000 in the Service category, although I just got to score Keith Trapp beating that record last week at the SWN!
Q: Where is your favorite place to compete?
A: I wouldn’t say I have a favorite; I enjoy having the opportunity to shoot at different places. They all have things I like and dislike about them.
Q: Do you have anything you would like to add?
A: I want to say thank you to everyone who’s helped me in this sport, and the list is way too long to mention everyone, but most of you know who you are. I was blessed to get into this game at a range that is home to so many great shooters who go out of their way to help. I’d also like to thank my wife, Kristina, for supporting and understanding our hobby.
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