NRA Announces Bianchi Cup Sponsors

by
posted on May 11, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bianchi_cup_2016_f.jpg

The National Rifle Association proudly announces MidwayUSA as title sponsor of its 2016 National Action Pistol Championship for the eighth consecutive year. Known commonly as the NRA Bianchi Cup presented by MidwayUSA for its world famous silver trophy, this major action pistol match will be held May 24-28, 2016 in Columbia, Missouri.

Joining MidwayUSA are event sponsors Colt, sponsoring the Colt Championship Final; FN America, sponsoring the Olin "Oli" C. Barjenbruch Falling Plate Event; Sig Sauer, sponsoring the Moving Target Event; Safariland, sponsoring the Barricade Event; Shooting Sports USA Magazine, sponsoring the Practical Event; Action Target, the event target sponsor; and A.T. Wall, the event magazine sponsor.

"We are proud to join our sponsors in continuing the legacy of the Bianchi Cup, the most prestigious pistol tournament in the world," said Executive Director of NRA General Operations Kyle Weaver. "We thank MidwayUSA for their outstanding support over the past eight years, and extend a sincere thanks to all our sponsors for helping us bring together the world's best pistol competitors."

Founded in 1979 by former police officer and holster maker John Bianchi, the 192-shot NRA Bianchi Cup presented by MidwayUSA attracts the world's best pistol shooters. This year's competition features a change in format, as there will be no multi-gun aggregate match.

Additionally, the top 36 competitors from the first 1920 Match X will advance to the Colt Championship Final, where they will fire an additional 1920 through the same four NRA Bianchi Cup events. The aggregate of both 1920s will dictate the 2016 NRA Bianchi Cup Champions.

Competition categories are determined by age, gender, and the number of modifications a shooter makes to their pistol to increase speed and accuracy.

"The Bianchi Cup has come a long way since its inception back in 1979, and it's still as exciting as ever. Brenda and I look forward to watching some of the best competitive shooters in the world practice both discipline and marksmanship," said Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA. "MidwayUSA is pleased to return as the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Bianchi Cup and we welcome first time and returning shooters to our home town of Columbia, Missouri."

Sign up to compete here. For more information on the 2016 NRA Bianchi Cup presented by MidwayUSA, click here, or contact Damien Orsinger at (703) 267-1478 or email [email protected].

Latest

Shells And Cutaways
Shells And Cutaways

Field Tested: BOSS Copper Shotshells

With bismuth and tungsten now being in short supply and extra-expensive, BOSS Shotshells switched to copper pellets for its waterfowl loads. What can you expect performance-wise from this new shot type? Read on.

Savings Aimed at Waterfowlers

Some of the industry’s finest are offering special promotions on shotshells designed for waterfowl season. Opening day arrives in a few short weeks, which makes the timing of these rebates ideal for hunters whose ammo inventory is a little light.

#SundayGunday: Real Avid Ratchet Rests

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Ratchet Rest adjustable-height shooting bags, from Real Avid. Available in three sizes, purchasable separately or together, Ratchet Rests are built to provide front and rear support for a rifle with easy elevation control, thanks to a unique ratcheting system. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Colorado Right to Hunt Amendment Makes the November Ballot

Colorado voters will decide this November whether there should be a constitutional right to hunt and fish in the state constitution. Initiative 302, officially titled the Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish, cleared its final procedural hurdle on August 20, 2026, when the Colorado Secretary of State’s Elections Division certified that proponents had gathered enough valid signatures.

In Memoriam: Randy Brooks: 1949-2026

Randy Brooks, creator of the famous Barnes X Bullet and the 2016 NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award winner, passed away peacefully on the morning of Aug. 27, 2026. He was 77.

Focus on the Conservation’s Future—Groundbreaking Lessons in Arkansas

True outdoor curriculum is being offered to thousands of students in Arkansas, thanks to rededicated efforts under the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s (AGFC) outdoor education partnership with the Arkansas Governor’s Office and Arkansas Department of Education.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.