Lapua’s Erik Cortina Wins F-Class Southwest Nationals 

Congratulations to Team Lapua member Erik Cortina who finished 1^st Place in the F-Open category of the 2023 F-Class Southwest Nationals. Erik, who also brought home a medal from last year’s European F-Class Championship, scored a Grand Aggregate of 1241-60X.

The Southwest Nationals was held February 15-19^th at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, AZ. Hosted by the Desert Sharpshooters Rifle Club, the Southwest Nationals is the “must-attend” event for competitive long-range shooters around the world. The Southwest Nationals features F-Open, F-TR, and Sling disciplines. Competitors from over 9 different countries were in attendance. 

“The wind was tough and the competition even tougher,” commented Erik. “It took me 12 years to do it, but I was finally able to pull off the win at the Southwest Nationals.”

The F-Open category has requirements of a rifle weighing no more than 22 pounds and chambered in any caliber .35 and under. Rifles are fired in the prone position from the shoulder with an adjustable front rest and rear sandbag.