Trying to sum up Kirsten Joy Weiss’ varied, sometimes unbelievable, interactions with shooting lifestyle and exploration is no easy task.
Though by no means a requirement to love shooting, Kirsten’s grown up in a family who appreciates guns. Her parents taught her, practically before she could speak, to “treat every gun as if it were loaded”. With safety in mind, guns represent fun, recreation, challenge, camaraderie, and freedom. Because of this she has a very comfortable, yet respectful, relationship with guns.
“I see them as tools, because thats what they are. They are tools for fun, enjoyment, and betterment. Like a Chef’s knives or golfers clubs…Guns help you hone your skills, as well as who you are as a person.”
Starting later than the norm for most competition shooters, she began her Olympic-style rifle career in the latter part of her high school years, but made up for time swiftly. She won gold at the International Cup at Bisley, England and received a collegiate rifle scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. From there she made the national development team, competed in the World Championships, World Cups, made the Olympic short-list, and won many more national and International titles [see competition bio].
But listing accomplishments falls flat. It doesn’t begin to hint at the stories behind the success. The obstacles. The sabotage of her guns, though tragic, just made her work harder. The necessity of coaching herself for most of her career, and experimenting beyond the accepted shooting culture norms. The underdog grit, yet national and international success. The joyful revelation of the trick shot thread interwoven throughout her tenacious career, revealed through natural (and imposed) struggles. The off the beaten path travel, living in far corners of the globe, as she studied and learned secrets under tested masters of ancient arts. The realization that freedom was and still is under attack – and she needed to take positive action to communicate the truth and strengthen freedom.
And this barely scratches the surface.
To say that Kirsten isn’t your stereotypical shooting enthusiast, is an understatement.
The obstacles thrown in my way, some natural and some deliberate, I count as blessing. Thanks to them, I finally saw the trick shot in me—and more than that the Sharp Shot element–woven throughout. Those obstacles created the need, and forced me to search and go beyond the ideal and the expected, beyond those limits.”
Those struggles pushed her harder than most even need to. 
Pushed her to the extreme corners of the known world, as well as her inner world. Developing her knowledge and testing her character. Motivating her to search, discover, and find what few even think of, bother with, or even know exist.
The more important part now, however, is the reason for her actions presently. The gathering of the this energized community. The motivation for her performance shooting, trick shots, and shooting games. And most importantly: her emphasis on sharing the positive message of shooting & freedom – the fun, challenge, and joy of shooting.
With the current gun rhetoric and tired debates, she knows her story needs to be told and experienced. Her positive relationship to shooting & freedom needs to be shared. And she knows she is not alone in this experience. At its fundamental core, millions of other shooters around the world share this same passion.
On its most elemental level, the positive enjoyment of shooting is practiced throughout the world. On its highest level, we all have the opportunity to enhance our lives uniquely through the pursuit and endeavors of the shooting arts. It spans race, politics, gender, or religion…bringing people together. The same stands for human rights & the core of true freedom. “
Now she is pleased to share the experience with you. So discover with her, and explore the fun, challenge, and joy of shooting!
Interested in credentials? Kirsten’s Competition Bio can be found here
Don’t Miss a Single Shot! Subscribe to Kirsten’s Youtube Channel for Performance Shots, Trick Shots, Shooting Games and More
Join us in the adventure, & be a fundamental part of the mission to share the positive truth about guns & freedom : http://www.patreon.com/kirstenjoyweiss
