Getting Back Into the Game: Recap of 2025 Wyoming Governor’s Match

Match Recap: 2025 Wyoming Governors' Match

Getting Back Into the Game

From July 17–20, I competed in the 2025 Wyoming Governors' Match—my first major USPSA match in over a year. I competed in Carry Optics Division, running my HK VP9L-B that’s been worked over with Grayguns trigger work and other competition upgrades.

Overall, I was quite pleased with my performance especially after a significant break from the competitive scene even though I had some struggles on a few stages. I recognize that I was able to still turn in a respectable finish in a solid field of competitors with little preparation or practice, and I feel optimistic about the future especially with an enhanced ability to move more quickly due to improvements in my health.

Performance Highlights

• My Accuracy was solid. After shooting the Heckler & Koch VP9L for 2 years now, I can say it is an exceptionally accurate handgun that will absolutely put rounds where you want as long as you do your part. Shot calling was on point most of the time. I say most of the time because there were a couple of targets with uncalled misses which had an impact on my confidence. I talk about this more later in the article. But 98% of the time, I knew where my rounds would be on target, and my shot calls matched reality.
• Much of the last year, while I have had to rehab a major injury, I have spent a lot of time walking and running and improving my cardio health and strength. I've also dropped a fair bit of weight which I'm just starting to recognize in my speed of movement between positions which felt great and even surprising at times. It's something that I'm having to re-learn and also trust as it can be a little unnerving to move so much more quickly, like I'm out of control even though I am not.
• The stage with the most challenging shots was Stage 6, and it felt really good to score all hits on four 75-yard targets—a tough challenge for many competitors. When's the last time you even shot beyond 25 yards? And sure, you could argue the practicality of needing to shoot that far with a defensive gun, but it's a good skill to have because if you can shoot accurately at distance, then shooting accurately up close is that much easier! (There is also much that can be learned from stories like Andy Brown who stopped a mass shooter at about 70 yards with his issued Beretta M9. You can catch both podcast episodes I did with him here–Part 2–and here–Part 2.)

Awesome Stages

The stage designers and match director did a great job putting together this match and including a number of stages that really stood out for their design and creativity. Stage 2 involved a teeter-totter activator that triggered a swinging steel target—super fun to hop on that prop and feel it drop as you crossed to the other side to see that steel plate start swinging. It was challenging to hit, but I only needed one shot for it!

Stage 7 featured a big swinging arm suspended from an a-frame with two targets that disappeared between cover on each side—a refreshing challenge I hadn’t seen in a while. I was able to hit both targets in one pass with confidence and completed one of my best stages of the whole match.

Stage 6 was especially demanding, with four paper targets at 75 yards surrounded by and backed with steel. This meant that even a miss could produce a “ping” sound, making accurate shot calling critical. I’m proud to say I hit them all clean.

Lessons Learned & Takeaways

• My confidence was really shaken after a couple of uncalled misses on zebra hardcover targets. This caused me to send extra rounds that I didn't need on several similar targets throughout the remainder of the match. It is something I intend to work on deliberately going forward until I no longer question my ability to hit these types of targets.
• I need to experiment more with moving aggressively between positions and trust my ability to do this while remaining in control. I have a new-found set of wheels (my legs) that is sort of like being handed the keys to a high-performance car after you're used to driving a Honda Accord. I look forward to exploring new performance possibilities in the future.
• In reviewing my 1st-person view camera footage, I am seeing a trend of sloppy target transitions almost always due to over-travel. My focus will be on ensuring eyes get to a specific spot before the gun does.

My Gear Setup

• Pistol: HK VP9L-B
• Optic: Holosun 507Comp
• Trigger: Grayguns Flat Trigger with custom trigger work
• Grips: Taylor Freelance brass backstrap and grip side panels
• Holster: KSG Armory custom competition holster
• Mount: Henning Group T-1000 drop hanger
• Mag Pouches: Henning Group T-900 Magnet-Pouches
• Belt: Double Alpha Academy Lynx
• Shoes: Salomon SpeedCross 5 (amazing grip in all surface conditions)

Final Thoughts

This match served as a great benchmark after a long break from USPSA competition. I’m walking away energized, refocused, and excited to keep progressing.

If you’re thinking about jumping into USPSA or want to shoot more matches, check out PractiScore and find a match near you. Don’t wait—just get after it. I hope to see you on the range soon!