Other Side of the World Not Too Far to Advance CMP’s Action Pistol Mark
January 26, 2026
By Jim Henderson, CMP Pistol Manager
Not too many years ago, I would have told you I would never visit New Zealand because it was too far away. Then, I had a trip to a World Cup, and travel time was nearly 40 hours door-to-door, one way.
All of a sudden, New Zealand didn’t seem that far away.
Fast forward a few years to an out-of-the-blue phone call from a longtime friend.
“Wouldn’t it be cool if the CMP sent a team to the World Championships?”
As the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) was just ramping up our Action Pistol program, it seemed like a great way to really increase the CMP presence in the international Action Pistol arena – especially with the CMP hosting its own world championships at Toowoomba, Australia, in 2026.
Traveling to Hamilton, New Zealand, for the Action Pistol World Championships offered a rare blend of world-class competition and genuine international camaraderie.
As the CMP Pistol Program Manager, I had the opportunity to witness, firsthand, the skill, preparation and sportsmanship that define this discipline on the global stage.
Hamilton proved to be an exceptional host city – welcoming, vibrant and deeply supportive of the shooting community. The lush landscapes and mild spring weather provided a stunning backdrop for a match that demanded absolute precision, consistency and mental focus from every athlete in attendance.
Beyond the match itself, the trip strengthened relationships with international organizers, athletes and governing bodies – all of whom play critical roles in shaping the future of Action Pistol.
Representing the Civilian Marksmanship Program on this platform underscored the importance of our continued work to elevate match standards, expand participation and support athletes at every level. The experience offered new insights, confirmed our direction for upcoming CMP Action Pistol initiatives and showcased how global collaboration can enhance the sport’s reach and reputation.
The U.S. team sponsored by the CMP was also extremely successful at the event, with 20-time Bianchi Cup champion Doug Koenig firing a perfect 1920-182X to claim his eighth World Action Pistol Championship title. He was also the only competitor to shoot a clean match.
Bruce Piatt finished second overall as well as within the High Master division. Piatt additionally earned the top Senior honor.
The pair joined up with Joey Deleon and Benito Martinez to form the USA-CMP Open Team, which went on to claim the Team World Championship title.
Hamilton delivered an unforgettable championship and a renewed sense of purpose as we look ahead to the 2026 CMP Bianchi Cup and beyond.
Upcoming Action Pistol:
The CMP will be hosting the 2026 CMP Bianchi Cup in Missouri, May 21-24! The annual event is open to adult and juniors of all experience levels in Practical, Barricade, Falling Plate and Moving Target challenges.
Those who register BEFORE May 1 will be automatically entered into a 1911/ammo giveaway! Open to U.S. citizens only. Learn more and register at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-bianchi-cup/.
The CMP will also be hosting the 2026 Action Pistol World Championships at the Toowoomba Pistol Club in Australia, Oct. 26-31, in conjunction with Target Pistol Australia! The event will welcome athletes from across the globe in a test of precision, speed and accuracy. Learn more about Target Pistol Australia at https://pistol.org.au/. Find more on Toowoomba Pistol Club at https://www.toowoombapistolclub.org.au/.