Posted by Paige Koster on 2024 Dec 18th

Francis Colon Wins the 2024 AG Cup

Twenty-four of the best shooters from around the country came together to compete in Clinton, South Carolina, for the coveted AG CUP! This invitation-only Precision Rifle Match is limited to the top competitors in long-range shooting, where $60,000 worth of prize money is up for grabs. If you want to be the best and challenge your limits, this is the match you will want to be at. The AG CUP is a grueling 3-day, 330-round count match with small targets from 300 yards to 1300 yards and challenging shooting positions, including rocks, fences, cars, and fallen trees. The match requires you to be at the top of your game, especially since one bad stage can throw the entire match.

Team MDT's own Francis Colon came out on top and got to hoist the cup up high, adding his name to the list of 5 before him as the 2024 AG Cup Champion. For his accomplishment, he earned a $20,000 cheque and an additional $5,000 for winning five stages through the weekend, bringing his total prize money to a cool $25,000!

More: Great Article on Franic from the Precision Rifle Blog!

When it came to Francis's last stage of the day, he was one point ahead and knew that he needed to clear his last stage, which was called "Foundation Stocks Field Fire." This challenging stage had six ~1 MOA targets staggered across a field from 300 to 938. The shooters engaged each target with one shot, near to far, and then repeated the near-to-far sequence again for 12 rounds in just 105 seconds.

From Francis, "The last stage will be emblazoned in my mind for years to come. I knew I had a small lead going into the final stage. As the last shooter of the match on the final stage, the pressure to make 12 perfect shots was pretty intense. It's crazy to think that the match came down to just three shots over the course of 114. Cleaning the final stage and hearing the roar from my fellow competitors behind me was the best feeling I've had in competition. It was only made sweeter when my best friend and teammate Chad Heckler was there to give me a hug and offer the first congratulations."

Team MDT Shooter Keith Baker took 6th place. Pictured is Keith holding a check for a stage win!

For the competition, Francis used an Impact 737r Short Action in an ACC Elite chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. The chambering of the action had been done by his good friend Chad Heckler from 5x5 Precision!

Over in Arizona, Team MDT shooters had an interesting time competing in the Berger Snowbird Showdown, which was a challenge as it had both 105 and 90-second stages and a lot of movement. Rusty Ulmer kept his cool, snagged 1st place, and teammate Patty got 4th. Supported Shooters Travis McCamish came in 2nd place, and Drew Walters finished 5th.