Peak Years

In every sport there is an age where athletes hit their peak.  In some sports it is a narrow window and in some it can last years.

What seems to be the peak ages for top Bullseye shooters?

If you use Steve Reiter as as example, there is isn't one.  I am shooting better now at 69, than I did at 30.  Having cataract surgery at 50 helped.

I started in my early 20's. I focused my training on distinguished and received my badge in my 40's. I shot my PB in my 50's. I think physical limitations (old and new injuries and eyesight), rather than age, are the biggest factors. The older one gets, the less muscle mass and endurance, so older shooters must work harder to maintain physical fitness.

Jim Cloward, who was a high end gunsmith and accomplished high power shooter, once told me that a high power rifleman typically peaked in his or her late 30s thru mid 50s.  Usually they would diminish from there as eyesight and physical condition deteriorated.  

This was for Highpower.

Reiter was 60 when he won his last Championship at Perry. He had another win in the bag years later when his UD broke during 45 RF match. He’s the man!
Jon

It's not just age unless you standardize time available, family, work, health, finances,  and dedication, etc