Country Star Mark Wills to Shoot 2009 NRA Bianchi Cup

Chart-topping country performer Mark Wills plans to join the world's best pistol competitors at the NRA National Action Pistol Championship, also known as the NRA Bianchi Cup, in Columbia, MO., May 18-23, 2009.

Wills, who has recorded eight top 10 hits and made a name for himself with "Wish You Were Here" and "Don't Laugh At Me," is a competitive shooter excited to make his first Bianchi Cup appearance. He credits Rob Leatham, a longtime Bianchi competitor, with his decision to shoot the 30th Anniversary of the NRA Bianchi Cup.

"Mark Wills is a fine example of an individual with a busy career who is also interested in competitive shooting in his free time," NRA Bianchi Cup Coordinator Tom Hughes said. "We want to give people from all professions and age groups an opportunity to compete. We welcome Mark and others in the entertainment industry to attend the Bianchi Cup and compete with the finest pistol competitors in the world."

Wills plans to use his Springfield 1911 and Safariland Holster at the match. "I wanted to get something new and cool to start practicing with," he said. "It's pretty cool for Springfield and Safariland to say, 'Hey, we want you to shoot our pistol and use our holster in this competition.'"

Since its inception in 1979, the NRA Bianchi Cup has retained its original course of fire, consisting of four matches: Practical, Barricade, Moving Target and Falling Plates. Speed and accuracy is the key to winning the Championship. Each event is timed and is worth 480 points, equaling a total of 1920 possible points.

"I'm excited about the NRA Bianchi Cup because it really gives people who have never shot anything quite like it, including me, the chance to enjoy a great competition and the company of fellow gun enthusiasts," Wills said. The multi-platinum selling country music star is passionate about both shooting and his successful career.

The Country Music Association nominated Wills' "Don't Laugh at Me" for Single, Song, and Video of the Year. In 2002, his single "19 Somethin'" spent six weeks at No. 1 and was Billboard's top country hit of the year. Wills has won the Academy of Country Music's award for Top New Male Vocalist and is the host of the television series "The Year." Wills is involved in Children's Miracle Network and has performed for our military overseas for the past four years. He lives in Atlanta with his wife Kelly and their two daughters.

Action pistol competitors are permitted to use a two-handed grip, and competitors must start with their guns holstered. During the course of the matches, participants fire at turning cardboard silhouette targets, moving targets, and steel plates that must be knocked down to count as a hit. This type of competition makes the match more appealing to spectators.

The NRA National Action Pistol Championship is a money-winning event. For his victory in 2008, Doug Koenig took home the 2008 Bianchi Cup trophy, plus total cash awards of over $8,000. Robert Vadasz’s Metallic Sight win netted him over $5000.

This announcement comes in anticipation of many enhancements to the NRA Bianchi Cup as the Association prepares for the 30th Anniversary celebration in 2009. For more information on the championship, or on the NRA Action Shooting Program, call Tom Hughes at (703) 267-1478, or send an email BianchiCup@nrahq.org.