TOPEKA, KS (June 1, 2023) – The Kansas State Rifle Association (KSRA) today congratulated Kansas competitive shooter Megan Hilbish on winning two national championship medals and earning her spot to represent the United States at her first international match.
Megan Hilbish of Emporia, Kansas recently competed at the USA Shooting National Championships held in Minnesota. She took 1st place in the 300 Meter Rifle Women’s Prone and Free Rifle in 3-positions (prone, standing, and kneeling). She placed 2nd out of all men and women in Standard Rifle in 3-positions, behind US Army Marksmanship Unit shooter Tim Sherry who earned the bronze medal in this event at the 2022 World Championships. With this achievement, Megan punched her ticket to compete in all three events in the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan this August.
To put the skills required for this into perspective, Megan is shooting at a black bullseye target with scoring rings. The center 10X ring of the target is less than 2 inches in diameter and the target is 300 meters (328 yards) from the shooter’s position. She is shooting a bolt-action centerfire rifle chambered in 6mm BR with iron sights. That means Megan is shooting at a target around the size of the bottom of a soda can more than three football fields away without the benefits of fancy optics or other technology to assist her.
According to Megan, the most challenging part of this competition is shooting standing completely unsupported while outdoors where the wind can often move the rifle and shooter around. In addition to moving the shooter and rifle, the wind can affect the bullet as it travels to the target as well. In prone and kneeling positions Megan uses a sling to steady the rifle to her body, but no other supports or rests.
KSRA Executive Director Moriah Day had this to say about Megan’s wins:
“The Kansas State Rifle Association is thrilled that Kansas will be sending such an exceptional athlete to an international shooting match this year. Our state should be proud of the incredible talent Megan has already displayed by winning two national championship titles. The KSRA encourages Kansans to help Megan cover the costs associated with representing the United States at the World Championships by visiting her website at 10xchick.com to purchase some merchandise or make a donation to her fundraising effort.”
Megan is an Emporia, Kansas native and grew up shooting in the Lyon County 4-H Shooting Sports program. She began competitively shooting at 7 years old. She competed in smallbore and air rifle shooting in college. While attending Emporia State University, she was the 2018 Intercollegiate Individual National Rifle Champion. She currently serves as a volunteer 4-H instructor for the same Lyon County 4-H Shooting Sports program where she began her shooting career and does private shooting lessons. She serves on the local Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports board and is the Secretary for the Kansas State Rifle Association. You can find Megan on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media @10xChick.
