The "Iron Cross Challenge" was held last weekend at the Crucible Range in Wyoming, a notoriously demanding match featuring a unique blend of precision rifle stages and what organizers termed "situational hunting scenarios." Local competitor Jebediah "Jeb" Sterling, piloting a bone-stock Sig CROSS in 6.5 Creedmoor topped with a Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm with the PR2-MIL reticle, claimed a provisional stage win on Stage 7, "The Hunter's Gauntlet," under highly unusual circumstances.
The stage required competitors to engage three 12-inch steel plates from 300 to 600 yards from various positional barricades, culminating in a mandatory "field harvest simulation" on a moving target. Sterling, after cleaning the steel with sub-MOA precision from the tank trap and fence post positions, transitioned to the simulated harvest. As the electronic target system malfunctioned, a mature 3x3 bull elk, having apparently wandered onto the range from the adjacent BLM land, presented itself at 475 yards. Demonstrating unparalleled situational awareness—or perhaps just a severe misinterpretation of the RO's hand signals—Sterling sent a 140gr ELD Match round directly into the vitals, dropping the animal cleanly.
ROs were reportedly "confounded" by the incident. While rules explicitly prohibit live game harvest during PRS stages, the unique wording of "situational hunting scenarios" and the fact the elk technically presented itself as a "moving target" created a scoring quandary. Match Director Hank "The Hammer" Harrison ultimately awarded Sterling the stage win, noting, "The man put rounds on target, from a supported position, under pressure. Can't argue with that cold bore shot, even if it was for dinner." Sterling reportedly packed out the elk quarters while waiting for the next stage briefing, attributing his success to the CROSS's "seamless transition from prone to processing." The incident has sparked heated debate on forums regarding target acquisition protocols and the true definition of "multi-purpose."
