View full article PDF here.Recap: 2024 Nostalgia Shoot – Sparta, Illinois
The Nostalgia Shoot, a fan-favorite event at the Grand American, returned on August 6, 2024 with its signature blend of history and competition. Sponsored by Elite Shotguns, this special event limits competitors to classic trap guns—Remington Models 10, 11, 11-48, 29, 31 & 32, Winchester Models 12, 21 & 1897, Ithaca, Baker, Fox, LC Smith, Parker, and Lefever single barrels. To enter, shooters had to qualify with a single round of 25 from the 23-yard line on the practice trap, and punctuality was key—late arrivals weren’t allowed into the competition.
The Competition
Out of the qualifiers, 100 shooters advanced to the afternoon shootoff, enjoying perfect visibility as orange dome White Flyers sailed across the sky. Only three contestants posted 25s, with two more 24s rounding out the top five.
Winners
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1st Place: George Sands (IL), shooting a newly purchased Model 12Y. He also recently picked up wins at Brittany in Singles, Handicap, and Doubles with Remington Nitro ammo.
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2nd Place: Jordan Ziercher (MO), borrowing a Model 12 for the very first time from Pat Hopson—and turning it into a podium finish.
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3rd Place: JD Ellwanger (NE), shooting reloads from his grandfather Gary’s bench in his honor. JD has now placed in the top six of this event multiple times.
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4th Place: Kohen Burda.
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5th Place: Britton Peterson.
The top five walked away with Molly’s Belt Buckles, ornate prizes decorated with cubic zirconia stones, German silver, and scrollwork.
Final Take
The Nostalgia Shoot continues to embody its name—a sentimental celebration of trapshooting’s heritage. Whether borrowing a Model 12 for the first time or carrying on family traditions, shooters embraced the past while competing for some of the Grand’s most unique trophies.
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