Although affected by 75% immobility in his right hand in the 80s and with more than 30 years of experience in rifle shooting, “Top Gun” Harold Hopkinson has established himself as one of Guyana’s best in the business of not missing.
Harold “Top Gun” Hopkinson takes up aim
He recently reminded opponents that his pseudonym suited well after claiming the top spot in the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) Smallbore Section .22 Precision on Saturday at the Tactical Services Unit Range of the Guyana Police Force.
The marksman has not only dominated locally but he has matched rounds with regional and international counterparts. Therefore due to his accomplishment over three decades Guyana Times Sport saw it necessary to look into the barrel of a `Top Gun’ .
GTS-How long have you been involved in the sport of rifle shooting?
HH-A long time but retired and came back. As a member of the Guyana National Rifle Association and the Regional Director for IPSC, USPSA it is my vision to hold a level 2 Competition after I come back from the IPSC World Handgun Shoot, which will be held in France in August 2017.
From around early 80s, I had an accident in which I lost the 75% mobility of my right hand. My mentor Mr. Neville Denny told me if you can shoot with your right, you can adapt to your left. I did, I can recall I got released temporarily from the hospital to go shoot at the Seawall with my bandages on my right hand. I came second.
GTS-You said you started in the 80s then retired in 2005, before returning to action three years ago, what prompted you to start shooting initially and what encouraged you to return after you retired 12 years ago?
HH-I was taunted by Hemant Narine to come back so “Dem lil boy can tear yuh up”. I did and taught them a lesson.
GTS-It is obvious that there is some connection between you and rifle shooting. What is it that holds your interest after so many years?
HH-Just liked firearms as a kid. I remember having a .177 Daisy Air Rifle for my birthday. Guess I culled the Kiskadee population with my youthful ignorance. I am a practical shooter, handguns are my thing. Run and shoot. Speed, accuracy and power are our IPSC game. Trained by Jamaican Ronald “De Dragon” Brown and part sponsored by Akai Custom Guns, Miami. I travel all over to quench my thirst for competitive shooting.
GTS-Can you talk about some of the changes from the time you enter the sport up to present?
HH-It is now a very serious sport, the firearms are more sophisticated; Custom speed holsters, titanium barrels, custom made stroked pistols with compensators (makes them shoot like an air pistol) and custom high speed bullets, giving a power factor of over 170. These bullets will blow the slide off a normal firearm.
GTS-What is your vision for the sport?
HH-I would love to own a facility to have Level 3 and 4 Competitions. Our Present President of the Guyana NRA, Brigadier West MSS, is pushing such a project at the GDF Rifle Ranges. Next, it would be ideal to be equipped to remanufacture our own ammunition. The cost of ammunition here is prohibitive. One needs to practice with around 1000 rounds a month minimum. Being able to remanufacture ammunition under very secure and strict conditions is a plus for the sport. Duty free for sporting pistols and accessories. CARICOM need to be involved with sport.
GTS- Could List your major achievements to date?
HH-Produced the Guyana National Rifle Association’s present logo, the old one was boring. First Handgun Captain and multiple National Handgun Champion, Suriname Open, 2015 Production Champion. Third Place in Barbados Smoking Barrels 2016, First D Class Florida Open 2016, Grenada 2017. Third Overall production, First B Class, First Super Senior and many more. It is the fun and comradery one experience over seas. I am the only current Certified Range Officer for IPSC and USPSA.
GTS-Is there anything that you are yet to accomplish?
HH-Yes to manufacture my own ammunition here, so training can be done in Guyana and not in other countries. Winning the Senior Division in the Open Category (the F1 of pistols)
GTS-How costly is it to participate in this sport?
HH-Very costly, see above. Guns are 100% duty. I paid $365,000 duty here for my Limited gun, which I upgraded to an open gun.
GTS-Would you ever consider being an advocate to promote the sport locally?
HH-I am the Regional Director and do that all the time. I will be holding a six course Level 2 match when I return from France. I already have spent lots and lots of money on props for the sport, poppers, screens, fault lines, falling plates scoring and measuring equipment.
GTS-Being in the presence of a shooter is not always the best option, so how challenging is it for your family to cope with this reality?
HH-We have the safest dangerous sport in the world. We deal with guns and never have any violence against each other. My family and friends support me, I live for speed and the challenges every country put in front of me. Win or fail it is fun. We all promote safety and sportsmanship.
