CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Currently 14 years old and representing several sponsors, Zane Euton started shooting for fun with his dad as a young child. “Zane and I have been shooting since he was 5. Just plinking with 22s.” Zane’s dad, Casey, says Zane really began enjoying shooting the older he got. “As he got older, he really enjoyed pistol shooting.”

At the age of 12, Casey and Zane went to shoot at a range in Wellston. While there, they met Rick Steele and things started happening from that point. “Rick is the area director for USPSA. He took Zane under his wing and helped us get into practical shooting.” The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), is an organization for those devoted to handgun speed-shooting. Practical shooting is where precision, power, and speed all come together.

Zane currently practices once to twice a week with Rick Steele, shooting live fire drills of between 300 to 500 rounds a week. Zane also practices daily at home doing dry fire drills. Dry firing is a method of training without firing any ammunition. This allows you to build your speed and practical skills, without having to be at a range and using ammunition.

Practical shooting has taken Zane all over the country. Matches are held all across the country and have taken Zane as far west as Utah and several trips spanning from Michigan to Florida.

“There are several local clubs that shoot level 1 matches in this area. Circleville has a range with monthly matches as well as Briar Rabbit in Zanesville. We consider Briar Rabbit Zane’s home range, as he shoots there for local matches the most.”

After a short conversation with Zane, it is obvious that he has a real passion for the sport. “I’ve always enjoyed shooting since I was young.” Zane continued, “One of my favorite parts about it is having to think on my feet and readjust my stage plans while shooting due to malfunctions or an over-ran target.” Zane also said he really enjoys being his age (only 14) and “competing and training with some of the best shooters in the world.” Zane is currently sponsored by Team Tuff, he is also backed by 3I Holsters, Hunters HD Gold and SNS Bullets.

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