As part of his preparations for the upcoming IPSC Level 4 European Shotgun Championships, James Williamson recently took on the European Shotgun Warm-Up Match—a high-energy, 24-stage contest held at LZ Range in Buzsák, Hungary, on 29th–30th March 2025.
This event offered the perfect opportunity for James to get a feel for the terrain, pace, and technical demands of the stages he’ll face in June when representing Team GB in the Modified Division.
7 Countries. 20 Hours. One Mission.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, James made the journey overland, driving nearly 20 hours across 7 countries—France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and finally Hungary. A true road warrior’s route to elite competition.
Fast Stages, Fierce Competition
Spread over two days, the 24-stage match was fast-paced and technically demanding, featuring some of the best IPSC shotgun shooters from across Europe—and the world.
After a steady start, James quickly found his rhythm, posting multiple top 10 stage finishes, consistently delivering runs within 90% of the top scores. His Mossberg shotgun performed flawlessly under pressure, helping him maintain strong momentum into Day 2.
A Tough Finish, But Confidence Gained
Unfortunately, an unforeseen issue on the final two stages saw James slip to 15th overall in Modified Division—a tough result in a stacked field, but an outcome that proves he’s right on pace with Europe’s elite.
With his sights now set on the main 5-day European Championships in June, James heads into the next round with confidence, experience, and the knowledge that he’s more than capable of competing with the best.
Follow the Action
Want to learn more about IPSC and competitive shotgun shooting?
Gear That Performs Under Pressure
James competes with the Mossberg 940 JM Pro—a semi-automatic competition shotgun built for speed, endurance, and precision. Developed in partnership with world champion Jerry Miculek, it’s a favourite among practical shotgun shooters around the globe.
