Author Spotlight
Katie Murphy
HOW DID YOU GET INTO SHARPSHOOTING?
My grandpa was actually the head of the pistol team for the Army, so he taught my dad how to shoot a pistol and rifle. He got me into the sport. Last year, I got more into it and went to the Marine Corps clinic, where I got three days of full training. We practiced shooting while sitting, standing and laying down. I liked laying down the most because it feels high-powered. I’m also a left-handed shooter, which is kind of rare and fun. It’s a relaxing thing that I can do to bond with my dad. My younger sister has gotten into it recently, too.
WHAT ACCOLADES YOU HAVE WON?
In the Missouri Rifle State Championship in August, I was the woman state champion of the year. My best event was the 600 yard, with 20 shots in 20 minutes down range. My sharpshooter classification from the Civilian Marksmanship program should be coming in the mail soon, which I earned over the summer at Camp Perry. I practiced my position at Mill Creek range out in Kansas. I do a lot of dry firing, where you line up and take your shot on the target, but you don’t have a bullet at the time.
DO YOU PLAN TO PURSUE SHARPSHOOTING AS A CAREER?
No, I want to be an aerospace engineer. It’s related in a way since there’s aerodynamics about the bullets, like how
to counteract wind and make them faster. You have to be enlisted to join the military for shooting, so that’s not really my future plan. It’s more of a sport that I like to do for fun now, and I hope to continue shooting. I’d like to eventually be certified as a high master which is above marksman, sharpshooter and expert master.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON GUN CONTROL LAWS?
That’s a touchy subject. It’s the people who are dangerous, not the guns. People need to be knowledgeable on how to use a gun if they’re going to have one. If not, they’re not going to know that there’s a two-stage trigger or how the bolt reacts. Safety and proper training is a huge thing. And so, yes, gun control is necessary at some point. People need to show that they’re mentally safe and follow all safety protocols.
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