Christian Sailer is the first competitor in USPSA history to win all eight regional championships, as well as the national championships, in the same year. After winning three consecutive USPSA Open Division titles (2019-2021), Sailer also qualified to be one of four Open competitors to represent the United States in November at the IPSC Handgun World. Shoot 2022 in Pattaya, Thailand. Find out what he keeps in his storage bag.
Tell us how you got started in competitive shooting?
I used to watch videos and observe competitors at local games. It looked like an explosion (no pun intended), so I wanted to try it. I also thought it was a great way to test my skills. In 2013, I shot my first match.
After Christian Sailer won his first USPSA Open National Championship in 2019, he repeated the feat in 2020 and 2021.
What firearms and other equipment do you use for competition?
Primarily, I compete in the USPSA Open division. My .38 Super Comp is a 2011 style gun built by Eddie Garcia of EMG Customs. I use a three MOA SIG Sauer Electro Optics Romeo 3XL optic, which is a big improvement over the pistol optics of the past and has helped me achieve great results.
All of my gear, including holster, belt, and magazine pouches, is from Double Alpha Academy. I load my ammunition on a Dillion Precision 1100 using the highest quality components: Everglades 124 grain JHP, Starline Brass 38SC cases and Vihtavuori 3N38 powder.
To meet the demands of his action pistol training regimen, Christian Sailer fires around 15,000 to 20,000 rounds each year.
Tell us about your shooting bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms?
The storage bag I use is the CED/DAA RangePack from Double Alpha Academy. As it is a backpack, it is easy to carry throughout a match, but also has enough capacity to carry everything I need for training. This bag is also perfect for traveling with specific space for everything a shooter might need. All my gear inside my stuff sack is conveniently placed, easily accessible and securely protected.
As I mentioned, it’s really easy to organize everything with my bag. Outside, I keep my belt fastened with two clips. My gun and magazines are stored in protective pouches at the bottom. Large main compartment holds multiple pairs of goggles, inner ear protection (Soundgear Phantom), spare batteries (for optics and ear protection), camera clip, timer, battery charger magazine, magazine brush, microfiber cloths, liquid white gold chalk, range and log log, ping pong ball (to cover a red dot in the case when it rains), rain cover Techwear USA pistol, pens and markers. On the outside pockets I keep CED plastic cases that have anti-fog clothes, anti-fog cloths, lens wipes, lip balm, antacid, liquid bandage and other medical basics, tourniquets, a firecracker rod, a lighter (for burning in the fiber optic), tool kit (includes all necessary screwdrivers, Loctite punches, files, etc.), spare parts (depending on the situation), athletic tape, gun oil and a Tile tracker.
Christian Sailer took four Open Division stage wins en route to a third straight title at last year’s USPSA Race Gun Nationals.
What do you do in your free time?
Outside of my professional career shooting matches and training, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy spending time outdoors on hikes, lake trips, races, and competing on a softball team.
What would you say to someone who wants to know more about your sport?
Visit uspsa.org for more information on the sport, rules and how to compete. There’s also plenty of solid YouTube content just a few clicks away.
For new shooters, the number one rule in shooting sports is to be safe. Know and practice all gun safety rules. Apart from security, if you want to improve, start by reading books, watching videos and taking training courses.
Follow Christian Sailer on Instagram and YouTube.
