San Antonio, Texas - That’s Melisse Turner of the San Antonio Marksmanship Unit (SAMU) taking part in the 2011 Tactical Police Competition (TPC) at the National Police Shooting Championships in New Mexico. We’re going to be seeing a lot more of Melisse and the rest of the SAMU this weekend as the final TPC of the year takes place in San Antonio.

As you read this post I’m on my way to Reagan National Airport so I can get to competition a little bit early. Why’s that? Because of the Range Officers.

Range Officers, or ROs, are the men and women who give up their Saturday to make sure that those participating in the TPC do so with the upmost safety. Instead, they run the course the day before the match.

We’ll be following the ROs tomorrow and the rest of the field on Saturday, so make sure to check back over the weekend to see how the competition shapes up. See you then.

Albuquerque, New Mexico - The San Antonio Marksmanship Unit (SAMU) made their first trip to the National Police Shooting Championships three years ago. At that point, they were a scrappy pack of Texan rookie and veteran competitors who, through the help of their Chief (William P. McManus) and sponsors (like Ingram Park Auto Center), had just formed their team. My how they’ve grown.

“We’ve been receiving a lot more since our first trip to NPSC,” said Patrolman Monico Meneses. “More people on the team, more help from our sponsors and more recognition for our performance.”

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Albuquerque, New Mexico - Upon arrival at the Shooting Range Park for NRA's National Police Shooting Championships, one of the first things I did was check out the shirts. Competitors and supporters sporting the colors and logos of their shooting team. A shirt that stood out said Queensland. Queensland? Where the heck is that?

"Australia," answered Sgt. Robert Pierce of the Queensland Police Service. "Came over just for your Championships mate."

Located in the southeast corner of the continent, Queensland is best compared to California when considering climate. Home to cities such as Rockhampton (where Pierce and his team mate Paul Trinder are based), Brisbane (the capital) and Townsville, the state is probably best known for what one just outside of Cairns ... the Great Barrier Reef.

"I've been with the Queensland Police Service for twenty years," said Trinder. "The last ten as Training Coordinator for Firearms and Officer Safety Training Program."

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That beauty to the right is a .38 caliber Bob Jones Smith & Wesson revolver. The owner? None other than 3–time National Police Shooting Championships winner Robert Vadasz.

While wading through the sands of Albuquerque as Vadasz zeroed in on his latest title, we came to realize that the overall winner had to bring a number of pistols and revolvers to the competition. Why not take a look?

After final relays were complete, we tracked down Vadasz and pitched the idea. Always gracious, he agreed to participate and it was off to the Border Patrol's NPSC headquarters. About an hour later, we have a boatload of information and camera full of pictures.

Over the next few weeks, we'll take a look at each of firearms United States Border Patrol Agent Robert Vadasz used during the National Police Shooting Championships, tell you more about the guns and share the stories behind each. Stay tuned.

Albuquerque, New Mexico - Crowds gathered just after five in the afternoon on Thursday, September 21, 2011, for the National Police Shooting Championships' final awards ceremony. Gone were the tables and curtains and products that previously populated the main building's vendor hall. In their place where competitors, friends and family waiting to hear the Championship's final winners to be named.

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Albuquerque, New Mexico - A week ago today, radio virtuoso Andrew Wilkow boarded a New Mexico plane bound for the East Coast. His commitment to the National Rifle Association complete, it was time to return to SiriusXM studios in New York City. But he'll be back.

"I definitely want to come back," said Wikow. "Those are my kind of people."

Those kind of people are the more than 500 Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) who took part in the NRA's National Police Shooting Championships. Held in Albuquerque, New Mexico since 2006, the National Police Shooting Championships attracts LEOs from all over the United States and the world. And it was Wilkow who they asked to serve as keynote speaker for the 2011 Championship Awards Banquet.

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Albuquerque, New Mexico - James Parish of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Department and Robert Vadasz of the U.S. Border Patrol shoot different portions of the same match during the 2011 National Police Shooting Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico. James shoots from three, seven and twenty-five yards while Robert shoots in the third series from fifteen.

Albuquerque, New Mexico - I've only been going to the National Police Shooting Championships for a few years now. In that time, there have been a few constants upon my arrival in Albuquerque. The New Mexico skies will take your breath away, you'll see one of the best collection of shooters to be found anywhere and the NRA Law Enforcement Store will be stocked will goodies for man, woman and child alike.

The top selling item is usually the competition polo. In the color of the year with a logo over the right, those who come up with design tend to out do themselves time and again. Unfortunately for those who wait, they're usually gone by the end of day one.

The long sleeves and jackets with the same look and design are usually next to go. Then there are the speed loaders, dummy bullets, belts and curio.

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It's that time of year again - NRAblog is heading to the Southwest where hundreds of law enforcement officers are descending upon Albuquerque, New Mexico for the 2011 National Police Shooting Championships (NPSC).

Throughout the next week, we'll be bringing you coverage of the entire event from tomorrow's New Mexico Challenge to the NPSC Tactical Police Competition, and right through to naming the 2011 Champion. Reigning Champ Robert Vadasz with Border Patrol (pictured) will be back to defend his title, but he'll certainly have some fierce competition to contend with on the range.

In addition to the competition, we'll be giving you a look things happening off the range including the Law Enforcement Equipment Exposition, a special display from the National Firearms Museum celebrating 100 years of the Colt 1911, armorer schools, and a visit from our friend Eddie Eagle.

Our coverage of NPSC begins tomorrow, so stay tuned and check back throughout the week for photos, video, interviews, results, and more right here on NRAblog.