Jake Kitzmann
The sign-up period for the 2026 Mark Allen Hampton’s Handgun Hunters Competition (HHC) is right around the corner and for those looking to sharpen their skills under pressure, the HHC in New Castle, Wyoming, offers the perfect environment to master the unpredictable variables of the field. In 2025, this event hosted 50 shooters and though the basic format remained the same as years past, some changes were made in response to events which changed the handgun hunting industry.
2025 was the first year the Mark Allan Hampton’s Handgun Hunters Competition was named in honor of one of our sport's most influential figures. Mark Hampton, who passed away in 2024 shortly after participating in HCC, was renowned in the handgun hunting world. He traveled the world alongside his wife taking hundreds of game species using an array of handguns publishing many of these exploits in both print and digital media as an ambassador for the hunting and conservation community. A frequent and formidable competitor at HHC, Mark wasn't just known for his world-class marksmanship, winning or placing in multiple divisions annually; he was known for his humility and his willingness to mentor anyone who showed an interest in the craft. His history in this contest was one of excellence and leadership.
Mr. Hampton was a die-hard fan of the Thompson/Center single shot platform and used it widely in pursuit of game. To further recognize Mark’s legacy, a special T/C award was added to the HHC single shot division last year to highlight the top T/C shooter in this class and pay homage to this renowned hunter’s legacy. Chris Georgeon was the recipient of the inaugural award in 2025, also taking third place overall in the single shot division.
Since 2021, competitors of HHC have been challenged with stages which are meticulously designed to simulate real-world hunting scenarios, forcing shooters to build stable positions using whatever the stage provides. Logs, rocks, fence posts, gates or even old farm machinery are common as these are things you would actually encounter in the field. Beyond the shooting, the event is defined by its remarkable camaraderie. Veterans and novices alike gather to swap stories and talk strategies, creating a welcoming community bound by a shared passion for hand gunning.
The competition is structured into four primary divisions to accommodate nearly every type of hunting setup (no AR type pistols allowed):
Pistol/Revolver Iron Sights
Pistol/Revolver Optics
Rimfire
Single Shot Pistol
While there are specific weight and caliber regulations, the heart of the HHC is "run what you hunt." You don’t need a high-end custom rig to be competitive. However, success does require a solid understanding of your ballistics. Knowing your elevation and windage holds is essential and using high-quality ammunition tailored to your specific firearm certainly gives a leg up.
A core challenge of the HHC is using lightweight gear to get stable quickly. Competitors are responsible for carrying their own field rests—typically lightweight shooting bags, trekking poles, or portable bipods (no tripods are allowed) with a combined weight of less than 3.5 lbs. Again, the true test isn't about the gear you have, but the ability to quickly deploy it and execute the fundamentals of a steady shot when the clock is ticking.
Target engagement ranges vary significantly by division, pushing the limits of both the shooter and the platform:
Rimfire: 10 to 120 yards
Revolvers: 20 to 200 yards
Single Shot: 150 to 450+ yards
Targets are often tucked into cover or positioned at difficult angles, making knowledge of the ballistics of your cartridge critical. While some shooters find success with red dots in the optics divisions, many prefer optics with adjustable turrets or drop compensating reticles to navigate the long-range steel. Regardless of your setup, the HHC consistently reveals that the most important "upgrade" any hunter can invest in is more time on the range and more knowledge of their gear.
Each year, HHC concludes with a celebratory banquet and awards ceremony, followed by an optional prairie dog hunt. If you want to elevate your shooting game and challenge yourself in the field, the 2026 Mark Allan Hampton’s HHC takes place June 19-20 and is an experience you won't want to miss. Registration opens in January and is limited to 70 competitors, so keep an eye on the official site (https://handgunhunterscomp.com/) to secure your spot.
