By John Vlieger, Shell Shock Technologies Sponsored Shooter
Representing the United States at the 2025 IPSC Handgun World Championship is both an honor and a challenge. As a competitor in the Open Division, my journey to this point has been marked by years of dedication, countless rounds fired, and meticulous attention to every aspect of my preparation. With the competition set for mid-September in South Africa, my focus is now on refining my training, ensuring my gear is competition-ready, and maintaining the mental and physical resilience required to compete on the world stage.
Qualifying for Team USA is no easy feat. In 2022, I narrowly missed making the team, finishing just one placement shy. That experience fueled my determination to push even harder, fine-tune my training, and elevate my performance. This year, I secured my place among the top four, earning the privilege to represent the US at the World Championship.
The qualification process demands consistency at the highest level. Success requires not only technical shooting proficiency but also a keen understanding of strategy, efficiency, and adaptability under pressure. Every match leading up to the World Shoot has been a stepping stone, sharpening my skills and testing my resilience.
Choosing the right gear is paramount. My setup has remained largely unchanged over the last four years, as reliability and consistency are key. For ammunition, I depend on Shell Shock Technologies’ NAS3 cases, which provide superior strength, lighter weight, and exceptional performance. Paired with 124-grain jacketed hollow points from Precision Delta and a carefully tuned powder load, this combination delivers the precision and power I need to perform at my best.
My firearm of choice is a custom Rafferty Custom Guns Open Division pistol with a steel grip, extra-heavy frame, a lightened slide, an island barrel, and a titanium compensator. This setup, along with a frame-mounted red dot, ensures that I can maximize my accuracy and control. As for my belt, mag pouches, and holster, I rely on CR Speed pouches and an Everglades Magnetic Race Holster, though some of this equipment may be updated before I leave for South Africa.
Consistency in equipment is crucial—every aspect of my firearm and gear is dialed in to eliminate uncertainty. By sticking with what I know works, I ensure that my focus remains on performance rather than troubleshooting.
At 35 (soon to be 36), maintaining peak physical condition is more important than ever. Having undergone multiple knee surgeries, I prioritize mobility and stability in my training. My routine includes:
Equally important is mental preparation. My experience at the 2022 World Championship, where I placed 10th, taught me invaluable lessons about maintaining focus under pressure. Over the years, I have developed a mindset that allows me to process information smoothly, adapt to challenges, and avoid getting caught up in distractions. The key is to trust my training, rely on my instincts, and remain calm in the heat of competition.
With months of training ahead, I’m refining every aspect of my performance. Some key areas of focus include:
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that reliability is king. Every component of my gear and training is fine-tuned to eliminate uncertainty. By keeping major variables constant and only making minor adjustments when necessary, I can maintain consistency and confidence.
The Goal: Representing the USA at the Highest Level
The opportunity to represent the United States at the World Championship is something I do not take lightly. My goal is simple: to perform at my absolute best, knowing that every moment of preparation has led to this point. The journey is demanding, but with the right mindset, unwavering dedication, and the best gear—including Shell Shock Technologies’ NAS3 cases—I am ready to take on the world.
See you in South Africa!
