October brought Vector Optics into three very different competition environments: practical shotgun in Corinth, precision airgun events in Mesa, and centerfire precision rifle in Texas. Across each discipline, the range offered a chance to celebrate athlete results, see equipment in demanding conditions, and listen to what competitors value in an optic.
The formats asked different things of athletes, but the lessons connected. A clear sight picture, repeatable adjustments, and a setup that works naturally with the platform can all make a difference when the clock is running or a small point separates competitors.
IPSC Shotgun World Shoot: Speed in Corinth
The 2026 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot concluded on October 4 at the Corinth Shooting Range in Greece. The official main match ran from September 28 to October 3, followed by the Shoot-Off and awards ceremony. Across 30 stages and five days of shooting, almost 1,000 competitors from 50 countries took part in the Open, Standard, Standard Manual, and Modified divisions.
Fast arrays and frequent transitions made quick target acquisition essential. The pace also placed a premium on equipment familiarity: competitors needed to find the next target quickly while maintaining control through each stage.
Vector Optics athletes delivered two notable results. Vector Optics brand ambassador Michail Chatzigiannis from Greece delivered another remarkable performance, securing 3rd Place Overall in the Modified Division at the 2026 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot. As the top-ranked Greek competitor in the Modified Division and a six-time Greek National Champion (2020, 2021, 2023–2026), Michail continues to demonstrate his experience, consistency, and competitive excellence on the international stage.
Brazilian rising star Vitor Santana Flamínio also achieved outstanding results, securing 2nd Place – Open Super Junior and claiming victory in the 2026 Shoot-Off, bringing the championship to an exciting close with an impressive head-to-head performance.
Congratulations to both Vector Optics athletes on their remarkable achievements! Their dedication, preparation, and composure under pressure reflect the spirit of competitive shooting.
Optics for Practical Shotgun
The Vector Optics Frenzy F3 26x32 6MOA Red Dot Sight (SCRD-79) is designed around a bold 6 MOA dot, with nine brightness levels and two night-vision settings. Its enclosed IP67 construction, side-loading battery, motion sensing, audible adjustment clicks, and rated battery life of up to 30,000 hours support straightforward use in competition. The RTS footprint and included 1913 mount offer a compact setup for compatible platforms.
The SCRD-87 takes a different approach in the Scrapper SG direction. This enclosed 3 MOA red dot has an ultra-low profile for direct installation on compatible drilled-and-tapped shotgun receivers. Its low sight line is designed to support a natural presentation and keep the front sight visible through the window. Motion sensing and 1 MOA adjustment complete its simple control set. The SCRD-87 is still under product evaluation; final specifications, receiver compatibility, and launch details will follow validation. Shooters should confirm the firearm model and receiver-hole pattern before installation.
Extreme Benchrest: Precision Across Disciplines
Extreme Benchrest returned to Rio Salado Shooting Range in Mesa, Arizona, from October 15 to 18. Its 15th edition sold out within 15 minutes and brought competitors from several continents for a four-day program that included 75- and 100-yard Extreme Benchrest, 50-yard Benchrest, Extreme Field Target, Extreme Big Bore, Speed Silhouette, and the One Gun Challenge.
Vector Optics competitors posted strong finishes across the program. Steve Ott placed third in Extreme Big Bore Production with 120 points. Brendan Mahaffey finished eighth in the same class with 90 points and tied for ninth in Extreme Field Target Extreme with a score of 24. In Extreme Field Target Sniper, Matthew Larue earned second place with 33, while Andrew Larue finished fourth with 28.
These events reward different skills. Big Bore calls for controlled precision with higher-energy platforms, while Extreme Field Target asks competitors to manage changing distances, positions, and target presentations across a course.
High-Magnification Competition Optics
The Continental x8 6-48x56 ED Competition (SCOL-TM52) line is built for detailed target work. It pairs a 30 mm tube with ED glass, 93% light transmission, LaREE lens elements, and VePRO fully multi-coated surfaces. An illuminated etched center-dot reticle and close focus down to 10 yards add flexibility, while MOA and MIL versions offer 1/8 MOA or 0.05 MIL adjustments.
The Tauron Gen II 5-40x56 ED (SCFF-35) combines a 34 mm tube with ED glass and a fully multi-coated optical system rated at 93% light transmission. Its etched MIL reticle, 0.1 MIL adjustment, 100 clicks per revolution, 25 MIL adjustment range, and zero stop provide precise control. Minimum focus from 15 yards and a broad magnification range help balance target detail with a wider low-power view.
IPRF World Championship: Learning in Texas
The 2026 IPRF Centerfire World Championship took place in Gravestone, Texas, from September 22 to 28. Individual and national-team competitors took part across Open, Limited, Factory, Ladies Open, Junior Open, Senior Open, and Mil or LEO Open divisions and categories.
The championship offered a close look at how athletes, rifle builders, ammunition teams, and optics brands pursue small advantages. Conversations about equipment setups and match priorities also helped clarify what experienced U.S. precision rifle shooters compare and expect from an optic.
In this technically informed and competitive market, an optic is judged through the full shooting process: finding a target, reading wind, dialing or holding, and returning to a known setting. The observations from Texas will help us communicate product features more clearly and share useful field feedback with future development teams.
Precision Rifle Optics
The Continental x6 6-36x56 (SCFF-93) combines a 34 mm monotube with 90% light transmission, an illuminated etched MIL reticle, 0.1 MIL adjustment, 100 clicks per revolution, and a 31 MIL adjustment range. A turret lock, zero stop, and side focus from 15 yards support consistent operation, while the 6-36x range moves from target search to detailed observation at distance.
The Tauron 5-25x56 HD MIL (SCFF-71) uses a 34 mm monotube, lanthanide HD glass, and fully multi-coated lenses. It features an illuminated etched reticle, 0.1 MIL adjustment, a 32 MIL zero-stop turret system, and minimum focus from 10 yards. Its 5-25x range balances positional awareness with precise target identification across match stages.
October on the Range
Corinth put speed and sight picture in focus. Mesa highlighted fine aiming detail and disciplined adjustment. Texas showed how experienced precision rifle shooters assess an optic as part of a complete system. Together, the three events gave us results to celebrate and practical observations to carry into future product communication and development.
Congratulations to Michail Chatzigiannis, Vitor Santana Flaminio, Steve Ott, Brendan Mahaffey, Matthew Larue, and Andrew Larue. Thank you to every competitor and partner who shared the range with us in October.
