May 22nd, 2026
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Capstone Precision Group and Team Lapua USA announce with deep sadness the passing of Steve Reiter, one of the most accomplished competitive pistol shooters in history and a foundational member of Team Lapua in the United States. Steve passed away on May 18, 2026. In the slow-fire pistol shooting disciplines, Steve is probably the greatest American shooter ever.
Reiter was among the original members of Team Lapua USA when the program was established in 2009, helping to define the standard for excellence, sportsmanship, and brand representation that continues today. Throughout his career, he served not only as a world-class competitor, but also as a dedicated ambassador for the shooting sports.
Steve Reiter’s record in high-level competition is extraordinary:
34 National Championship titles, including five National Championships at Camp Perry
63 National Records, including a historic .22 Aggregate score of 899, the highest ever recorded
40+ Regional Championships
First-ever Quadruple Distinguished Marksman under the CMP
Triple Distinguished Marksman under the CMP
Two-time President’s 100 Champion in Pistol
Two-time National Trophy Individual Match Champion in Pistol
10-time Winner of the National Match High Senior Pistol Trophy
Five-time Winner of Citizens’ Military Pistol Trophy
Canada International Service Pistol Champion
Two-time Free Pistol National Champion
Seven-time Interservice Champion
Standard Pistol National Champion
Member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team (Free Pistol)
Reiter continued to compete at an elite level well into his later years, achieving many Senior titles. Following his retirement from active competition, Reiter remained an integral part of Team Lapua as an Emeritus Member, continuing to mentor shooters and support the sport he loved.
Steve Reiter Senior Championships:
2017 NRA National Pistol Championships — 1st Place, Super Senior
2013 NRA National Pistol Championship — Grand Senior Champion
2014 Mid-Winter Championship — 1st Place
2014 Indoor National Sectional Championship — 3rd Place and new Senior National Record
“Steve Reiter was more than a champion—he was one of the foundational figures of Team Lapua in the United States,” said Adam Braverman, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Capstone Precision Group. “His achievements speak for themselves, but what truly set Steve apart was the way he carried himself and the impact he had on others. He represented our brand with integrity, passion, and a genuine love for the shooting sports. Steve helped shape what Team Lapua stands for today, and his legacy will continue to inspire our team and the broader shooting community for years to come.”
In 2022, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) honored Reiter by establishing the Reiter Cup National Champion Trophy. This award is presented to the winner of the Match Pistol 2700 Any Sights National Championship, which recognizes the highest combined scores from the .22, .45 ACP, and Centerfire 900 Aggregate matches held during the annual National Matches at Camp Perry.
Beyond his competitive accomplishments, Reiter was widely respected for his humility, sportsmanship, and commitment to growing the shooting sports community. His influence extended far beyond the firing line, impacting countless shooters, teammates, and fans across generations. Capstone Precision Group and Team Lapua extend their deepest condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and the entire shooting sports community.
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Tags: .45 ACP Champion. .22 LR Pistol Champion, Capstone Precision, Pistol Championship, Steve Reiter, Team Lapua
