Participation and excitement high at the Canadian Handgun Nationals

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The sound of precision echoed in Taber from July 28 to August 3 as 450 competitors from across Canada gathered for the Canadian Handgun Nationals. This premier shooting event offered intense challenges and tested the skill and discipline of some of the nation’s top marksmen and women. With its impeccable safety measures, competitive structure, and spirited community, the Nationals proved, once again, how the sport can be rewarding and incredibly safe.

 Rick Erickson, PR director, competitor, and official, sums up this commitment, saying, “We take safety very seriously. It’s a priority, and it’s the reason this event has such a strong reputation.”

The competition focused on skill, strategy, and endurance. Over the course of 18 stages, shooters faced a gauntlet of paper and steel targets. Unlike shooting at a standard range, the Nationals demanded complex pre-planning, quick reflexes, and the ability to adapt.

According to Erickson, “Competitors had to plan for everything—whether it was the angle of their shot, their movement through an obstacle course, or their shooting hand. You’re moving, you’re reacting to what you see, and you’ve got to maximize your points while minimizing your misses. It’s a true test of a shooter’s overall skillset.”

Scoring was another layer of complexity. Shooters aimed for the “Alpha Zone” on the paper targets to secure maximum points, while the “Charlie Zone” offered fewer points. Missing the target altogether or failing to knock down steel targets meant penalties, with some misses costing as much as 10 points.

To keep the game fair, officials carefully monitored scoring. After a shooter completed a stage, paper targets were marked and recorded using a digital tablet. Officials also rotated targets after three squads of 10 competitors to ensure accuracy and maintain equality among participants.

Match Director Walter Hornby, a long-time resident of Taber, noted that he was thankful his large volunteer crews, who built the stages, were made up of a number of local farmers and oil workers who were ‘pretty darn handy’ at building the accessories and props. This was yet another local connection to the national event.

Safety was the backbone of it all, and this showed in every detail. Range officers maintained strict oversight, ensuring firearms were handled correctly at all times. Guns had to be pointed downrange, and any rule violations—such as breaking the 90-degree plane or attempting to reload with a finger on the trigger—resulted in immediate disqualification.

“We’ve never had an incident where someone was accidentally shot,” emphasized Erickson. “The safety protocols we follow are strict, and they work. Even I have been disqualified for a misplaced finger while loading in the past!”

Even spectators, who turned out in impressive numbers—over 500—were required to don safety glasses and ear protection. The result was an environment where every participant and attendee could enjoy the event with peace of mind.

Alberta Chief Firearms Officer, Teri Bryant, praised the strong and positive safety culture upheld by sport shooting groups in Canada. She also highlighted the values and discipline the sport instills in youth participants, emphasizing how these qualities play a crucial role in shaping them into responsible adults.

Not only did Alberta host the competition, it also shone on the leaderboard. Out of the five competition categories, Alberta shooters emerged victorious in three and secured second place in another.

“Our shooters are outstanding,” smiles Erickson. “It’s the quality of training and facilities here in Alberta that really sets us apart.”

The championship also crowned an overall winner, who claimed the grand trophy with the fastest and most accurate performance over the course of the match. Additionally, 50 to 60 plaques were awarded across the categories, recognizing excellence in scores and skill.

Additionally, the event had a significant economic impact, contributing approximately $2 million to the hospitality sectors of Taber and Lethbridge. A banquet hosting over 500 attendees was held at the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre in Lethbridge, while Taber saw its hotels fully booked and its popular watering holes bustling with activity after the day’s shooting events concluded.

With 450 participants and 500 spectators over the course of the tournament, the Canadian Handgun Nationals brought the community together. Competitors and fans alike shared in the fun, cheering each other on and celebrating the sport they love.

 Erickson concludes, “This match is about more than just medals or trophies. It’s about showcasing the discipline, precision, and professionalism that define our sport.”