3GN Spotlight: Phil Strader

Phil Strader did not shoot a lot of 3-gun in 2011. He did, however, shoot just enough. Picking up his third qualifying match at FN, the final event of the season, Strader was one of the last qualifiers for the 3GN Championship match the following day.

But once he cracked into that Championship field, Strader has made the most of it.

Strader put together a strong 3GN Championship to place 13^th in what was easily the deepest 3-gun field ever assembled. And then in the elimination round, he promptly went out and knocked off James Casanova, who was shooting as well as anyone in the country at the end of the season.

Now Strader has the chance to do something really special. In a year where the family has welcomed a new child, Strader has taken on a new job, and most recently he became the newly elected USPSA president—the title of 3-Gun Nation Champion would be an amazing exclamation on a year full of change.

But some will view Strader as an underdog. In truth, he shoots less 3-gun than anyone else in this field. But with what he showed in West Virginia, no one will want Strader close going into that final pistol station. For if that happens, Strader might just be the last man standing and the winner of 3-gun’s most ultimate prize.

3GN:How did you get into competitive shooting?

PS: I had never really shot a firearm until I became a police officer at age 22. I was able to shoot as soon as I picked up the pistol…everything just seemed simple to me. I suppose I got my first exposure to competitive shooting after a visit to an indoor shooting range in North Carolina. I was the only one there, and the owner was watching me through the glass. When I came out into the lobby, he handed me an “IPSC” flyer saying, “you’ve got to try this.”  After my first match, I was hooked (even though I got my butt kicked)!  

3GN:What do you do for a living?

PS: I’m the Federal LE Rep for Remington Defense. I’m also the recently elected President of USPSA.   

3GN:You're known as more of a pistol guy. How in the world were you able to crash the 3GN party in West Virginia?

PS: I was doing a demo for an agency about 15 miles away, and thought it would be a good chance to get a 3-gun match in…especially since I had not shot one since the Ft. Benning match eleven months prior. It wasn’t until I had made my travel arrangements that I realized that the two matches I shot in 2010 counted towards the 3GN Championship. After that, I just got lucky...three times in a row!

3GN:Obviously you have 3-gun skills, and your pistol experience benefits you in the Shoot-Off. Have you been working on anything specific to get ready for Vegas?

PS: I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t shot a rifle or shotgun since I was in WV for the top 16 Shoot-Off. Between work, family, holiday travel, and the USPSA election, I’ve been pretty busy. I did manage to shoot 200 rounds with my new FNS pistol during Christmas break, though!     

3GN:Of the three guns, what's the weakest part of your game?

PS: I would say the rifle. I’ve always struggled with that part of 3-gun. Unfortunately, that’s the one gun you need to practice a lot with to improve. The most important thing I need to remember is to avoid extra shots. I will definitely be slower with the rifle, so I will need to make every shot count.

Strader wanted a piece of FN's Erik Lund in WV (Bad Move!). Next up, FN's Tommy Thacker in Las Vegas.

3GN:In West Virginia, you knocked out one of the fastest rising 3-gunners in the game in James Casanova. Did you feel any pressure in the elimination round?

PS: Not as much as you may expect. For me, just making it to the top 16 was like winning. That’s the great thing about being the #1 underdog…there are really no great expectations. If I lose, I will just be a pistol guy who was in over his head. One could debate that there’s more pressure on the other side of the range to NOT get beat by the guy who shoots a long gun once or twice a year.  

3GN:What do you expect out of your first-round opponent, Tommy Thacker?

PS: A lot of people underestimate Tommy. I used to shoot with him when he was first starting out, and he’s extremely talented. He’s great with all three guns, and I’m sure he’s been practicing hard to get ready for the Shoot-Off. Then again, anything can happen in a head-to-head contest. Lights, cameras, and crowds can add a lot of pressure, which can sometimes negatively affect performance. 

3GN:If you can advance to the semi-finals, you would face the Jeff Cramblit-Rustin Bernskoetter winner. What do you know about their games?

PS: Jeff is a seasoned veteran of the shooting sports. Jeff, Erik Lund, and I were shooting shotgun side events at pistol matches 12 years ago. I’ve seen him do some amazing things, and I’m sure he won’t disappoint this Wednesday. Rustin is one of the hottest talents in 3-gun right now. You can’t let his inexperience fool you…he’s consistent, fast, and cool under pressure. I’m sure these two will put on quite a show. Regardless of who wins, if I end up facing one of them, my game plan won’t change.

3GN:Of course, more than a few folks have recognized the potential for an "El Presidente" finals between you and Mike Voigt. Coming off the recent USPSA presidential election, an election so close it called for a second vote (won by Phil), what would that match-up be like?

PS: You can’t write stuff like that! Mike is a good friend, and I would be honored to shoot against him. There’s no animosity from the election, but that doesn’t mean we will be pulling any punches to win the $50K. Mike has to be the most dangerous competitor on the range. He never gets nervous, and he will definitely be prepared. Going against Taran in the first round…he’d better be!  

3GN:Can you win the 3GN Championship?

PS: Sure I can. It’s not likely, but it could happen. If I can get to the pistol around the same time as my competitor, I have as good a chance as anyone. It’s not usually who shoots the fastest, but who shoots the least. The person who can consistently shoot one-for-one will be the person to beat. I intend to be that person.

Posted on 1/15/2012