Q&A catch up with Hornady-sponsored shooter, Doug Koenig
This month we chat with World Champion and Hornady-sponsored shooter Douglas Koenig from Florida, to find out what he’s been up to and what’s next.
What disciplines are you currently competing in?
I’m shooting in Action Pistol, Steel Challenge and Precision Rifle Series.
Tell us what you’ve been up to over the past three years
Pretty much the same thing. Shooting more Precision Rifle Series competitions, pistol matches and of course, hunting!
What competitions have you won in that time and which are you most proud of?
I have won the Bianchi Cup for the 19th time, the World Action Pistol Championship for the ninth time and the Precision Rifle Series Production Title the last two seasons.
How has your shooting style changed or improved?
I would say that it is pretty much the same. Always focused on accuracy first, then speed.
Tell us about your current competition set up?
I’m currently shooting a Ruger CS RPR topped with a Leupold Mark 5 scope and loaded with Hornady 6mm Creedmoor 108gr ELD Match cartridges or 6mm 110gr A-Tip Match bullets.
What are your goals for the future?
To stay competitive and provide my sponsors and partners with feedback on their products.
What do you think is important to keep our sport alive and what are you doing to encourage this?
Getting new shooters involved. I put on local and national matches. I also shoot production class to encourage and show new shooters that they don’t have to spend a lot on their equipment to be competitive.
What mental tool do you use under pressure?
I just focus on the basics of shooting and I don’t worry about the score.
What challenges did you overcome to get to where you are today?
The biggest challenge as it pertained to my shooting career would be in 1998 when I had to win the Bianchi Cup that year to be able to pay my mortgage that I was already several months late on. That was also going to be the breaking point if I was going to be able to continue in the shooting sports as a professional. After I won in 1998, the prize money and added sponsorships that I attained allowed me to continue on my path and I have won 16 more cups in the years since.
What motivates you to continue improving?
I just love learning and I love the hard work. I embrace the grind and love all of the preparation throughout the year to keep my mind, body and equipment at a high level. Just like any other top athlete.
Tell us a bit about what else you enjoy doing outside of shooting/competing.
The thing that I enjoy most is spending time with my family. It is the most important thing to me. After that I love to hunt!
