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Nine-time world record holder sets sights on career in ministry
Oshkosh, Wisconsin – One of the most accomplished and recognizable names in the shooting sports industry, Patrick Flanigan announced today that his shotguns will soon be shelved in pursuit of another calling. For more than half his life, Flanigan has entertained and amazed audiences with remarkable shooting exhibitions, and record setting performances. “This is all I've known for almost two decades,” he said. Now it’s time to set sights on a new career, “one that has been calling me for many years.” Involved in various ministries throughout his life, Patrick has chosen to focus his energy and considerable talents on his faith through spiritual leadership. The self-described Xtreme Sports shooter will continue to perform a limited number of select live shows going forward in 2018.
Best known for his accomplishments during a six year relationship with the Winchester Repeating Arms and Winchester Ammunition companies, Flanigan will forever be linked with the launch and blazing performance of the SX3 shotgun. Inspired and supported by the iconic Winchester name adorning his shooting gear, Flanigan was soon appearing in more than 60 live exhibitions a year throughout the world, setting eight world records in the process. Representing as many as twenty leading industry brands during his career, Flanigan later moved from Winchester to O. F. Mossberg & Sons, where he became the first exhibition shooter sponsored by the company. That relationship spawned “The Rhythm” Patrick Flanigan Signature Series shotgun, and he went on to set a ninth world record with a Mossberg 500 pump shotgun.
His growing popularity did not go unnoticed by the media. Appearances on television shows like Player Style Files (CBS Sports) and Hot Shots (NBC Sports) lead to hosting duties for a program called Shell Shocked produced by the Sportsman Channel. Flanigan also earned a featured shooting role on the Outdoor Channel’s popular Impossible Shots program, all while maintaining a full schedule of live performances. And, it was during this time that Patrick also produced a tourist show in the legendary town of Deadwood, South Dakota called, Legends of the Gun. This show marked the beginning of Flanigan's vision to create a stationary show similar to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.
The transition out of his shooting career over the past year has unleashed an almost overwhelming flood of memories for the World’s Fastest Shotgun Shooter. “I want to thank all my supporters and sponsor companies who took a chance on a young man with some wild and crazy ideas, and gave me the opportunity to prove myself,” said Flanigan.
“Special thanks go to Fr. Dan Felton for his support and encouragement to pursue my passions for hunting and shooting, and to Pat Neu for taking a chance by arranging my initial meetings with Winchester.” Flanigan also singled out Josh Taylor, Brady Arview, Matt Campbell, Shane Leanna, Jon Gafner and Scott Grange for providing opportunities and support.
Flanigan confirmed that he will maintain a small presence in the shooting sports industry with a few select live shows each year, and by helping some new talent make their way in the world of shooting. “I have started an extreme team with a unique mix of talented individuals, who I plan to guide and assist in accomplishing their goals in the outdoors and shooting sports industries.” Patrick Flanigan can be reached through his social media pages which he intends to maintain, and he will continue to produce videos periodically. He insists, “I'm not quitting... I am just stepping back to make shooting my hobby once again.
Media Contact-
Wade Thomas