arch 2024 brought unexpected challenges as Checked In Media embarked on a video production journey for an NRL competition in Pueblo, Colorado. Sponsored by Wyoming Gun Company, this three-day production was filmed amidst a snowstorm that transformed the shoot into a rugged, high-adrenaline experience. Despite the tough conditions, Tim Evans and Pat Ginder, key figures in the production, were determined to deliver an exciting, informative showcase for shooting enthusiasts.
Kicking Off the Competition
Tim Evans and Pat Ginder, both seasoned competitors, opened the first part of this mini-series with a candid discussion at Wyoming Gun Company, detailing their experiences leading up to the competition. “We decided NRL Hunter was a great target,” said Tim Evans. “We wanted to shoot more than we had in the previous couple of years, and this felt like the perfect opportunity. So, we built some rifles and jumped right in.”
As the weather added another layer of complexity, the production captured the raw and authentic moments that defined the event. Pat Ginder reflected on some initial equipment issues that tested his patience. “You’re going to see some of my feeding issues and frustrations, but we’ve since rectified that,” Pat explained. “It was something super simple with the chassis mechanism, and we’ll talk through that in the series.”
The Journey Begins
The shoot started long before they reached the range, with Tim and Pat navigating snow-covered roads for a five-hour drive to Pueblo. “We got dumped on yesterday, and Colorado got it even worse,” Pat said, adding humor to the harsh conditions. Their excitement for the competition was evident, despite the looming obstacles. As Pat mentioned, “It’ll be interesting to see how much snow Pueblo and Canyon City got. We’re really looking forward to the shoot.”
Upon arrival, they were greeted by two feet of snow. But that didn’t slow down their determination. Pat summed it up perfectly: “We had a little hiccup in the beginning, just trying to get stuff ready in this deep snow. But once we got going, it was all about focus and executing our shots.”
"You’re going to see some of my feeding issues and frustrations, but we’ve since rectified that." – Pat Ginder
Overcoming Challenges at the Range
At the heart of the competition was precision shooting, and both Tim and Pat were ready for the challenge. The first stage required them to engage two targets from different positions in deep snow, testing not only their shooting skills but their adaptability. “We did great,” Pat said after completing the first stage. “We both missed one of our first-round shots, but it was still a solid start, and we learned a lot.”
Tim echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of staying focused. “We didn’t have to redo our dope or rezero, which was a big relief,” he said. “Even with the snow and cold, everything felt good.”
A Look Ahead
This is just the beginning of our journey through the NRL competition in Pueblo, Colorado. The Checked In Media team, alongside Tim Evans and Pat Ginder, braved the elements and technical challenges to bring you an in-depth look at what it takes to compete at a high level in these conditions.
Stay tuned for part two of our blog series, where we dive deeper into the stages, the competitors' strategies, and the unforgettable moments that defined this snowy NRL shoot.
Checked In Media proudly partnered with Wyoming Gun Company for this production. Follow along as we continue to share stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes footage from this incredible event.
"We wanted to shoot more than we had in the previous couple of years, so we built some rifles and jumped right in." – Tim Evans
This is just the start—watch this space for more stories from the snow-covered Pueblo NRL competition!
