Team Vihtavuori’s dynamic duo of Chad Heckler and Francis Colon demonstrated their prowess as riflemen at the 2025 Rocky Mountain Airgun Challenge. Held June 18-22nd, the highly anticipated 5-day event held at the Garth Killpack Shooting Range drew in a big crowd, with competitors from over 19 countries. Heckler with a score of 930 and Colon with a score of 900 placed 1st and 2nd respectively.
The Rocky Mountain Airgun Challenge features four distinct events designed to test diverse shooting skills. The 100-Yard Benchrest focuses on precision and adaptability, challenging competitors with windy conditions. The Precision Marksman Challenge is a physically demanding event that requires shooters to engage reactive steel targets from various positions and obstacles under time pressure, utilizing both slugs and pellets. The Speed Challenge is a high-energy, head-to-head competition where shooters race through diverse courses of fire. Finally, the Big Bore Slug Challenge showcases the power and accuracy of slug-shooting airguns, with competitors engaging steel targets at distances from 100 to 450 yards.
“Just like that…it’s over. Team CHANCIS secures the top two spots at the 2025 Rocky Mountain Airgun Challenge! Shake and Bake! Winning this event last weekend wasn’t easy, Justin and his Utah Airguns family and friends have created something special with this event. The attention to detail and love that was poured into this match was second to none,” exclaimed Heckler. “I feel honored to become the 2025 champ alongside my brother Francis Colon. Congrats buddy. As always, you shot your tail off.”
“Chad Heckler summed it up best: Team “CHANCIS” takes 1-2 at RMAC 2025! There aren’t many times that I’m happy after taking second place, but earning the top two spots with my best friend is EPIC,” responded Colon. “Massive thank you Justin Jacobson and the crew at Utah Airguns! This is not just a “match”… it is an experience! With 5 days of shooting over four disciplines and custom themes, props, music and food, it makes me excited for 2026!”
