Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Lesgar 'Speedy' Murdock has his sights set on the World Shoot Championships in 2011. - Contributed

From the moment Lesgar Murdock Jr hit the shooting range at the Jamaica Rifle Association (JRA), he has had his sights on becoming top gun.

From the onset, he was mesmerised, not only by the firepower but the competitive edge the sport offers.

He was only 17 then, but that adrenaline rush is still there, 11 years after he fired his first shot.

Murdock started at the B level, the lowest rung in the sport. But, with consistent practice, he has successfully moved up the ranks, becoming one of the finest pistol shooters in the region.

Grand Master

At the Double Tap Tournament held in Texas in March, Murdock dominated, shooting an overall 95.7 percentage, finishing second overall in the open division behind the eventual winner, Chris Tilley.

As a result, Murdock earned the title of United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Grand Master and, in effect, the top practical pistol shooter in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

His accomplishment has rivalled the achievements of most competitors in his field throughout the Caribbean. Murdock stated that his performance has given him the thrust to be the next world champion.

Train harder

"I will just have to train hard and continue performing at the highest level," Murdock told The Gleaner.

Pistol shooting is a highly competitive sport. Competitions are shot over multiple days, with range shooting sometimes exceeding 800 metres.

Pistol shooting is much more than pulling the trigger. To reach the rank of top shooter, an individual must demonstrate a combination of flawless, consistent technique and the skill of assessing the wind's effect on the flight of a bullet.

"It was difficult at first, especially shooting the stages. But it was something I wanted to do, so I settled down, remained focused and today I can say it was well worth it," he said.

Murdock dubs 2007 a milestone year, as he did exceptionally well in all competitions he entered. He cherishes the South Florida Picnic match in which he was first overall in the open division as his most memorable feat.

"I was the first Jamaican to win such an international tournament and I felt so proud that I had represented Jamaica and the Caribbean," he said.

Notable achievements

His other notable achievements in 2007 include the Georgia State Championship Masters title, the USPSA Open Nationals Master class title and the Florida Sectional Championship Master class title.

An appetite for winning has resulted in Murdock tasting more success in 2008. In February, he was first at the Florida Open, and fourth overall in the open division.

In preparation for the World Shoot Championships scheduled for 2011, Murdock left the island on June 20 to participate in the Area Five Championships to be held in the US state Michigan.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com