Phagan Expands FAST with New Auto Rifle Division
Russell Phagan, VP at KE Arms and founder of FAST (Firearms Action Shooting Trials), has introduced an auto rifle division to his action shooting series. Phagan built his reputation over two decades by testing the limits of practical shooting sport rules through the Brutality match series with InRangeTV before establishing FAST as a standalone competition platform. The new division represents another evolution in how shooters can compete in structured, high-round-count environments.
Key Details
- Phagan founded FAST to operate independently from other match organizations while maintaining practical shooting focus
- His background includes co-producing Brutality, known for testing equipment and shooter skill under demanding conditions
- The auto rifle division joins existing FAST competition formats
- Phagan's day role as KE Arms VP gives him direct influence over equipment used in competitive shooting
Why It Matters for Gun Owners
Action shooters pursuing competitive outlets now have another organized format to test rifle skills in structured matches. FAST's addition of an auto rifle division provides competitors with a dedicated platform for semi-automatic rifle competition—a category that sits between standard three-gun formats and specialized rifle matches. For shooters in states without restrictions on semi-automatic rifles, FAST offers a legitimate competitive avenue. Gun owners who already participate in action shooting sports benefit from expanded match calendars and ruleset diversity. The division also signals market demand for rifle-specific competition that doesn't require shotguns or pistols.
DownRange Analysis
Phagan's consistent pattern of expanding shooting sport boundaries reflects broader industry movement toward specialized competition categories. FAST's new auto rifle division doesn't require exotic equipment—shooters bring standard AR-15s and similar platforms. The move positions FAST as a serious alternative to established match circuits, particularly for shooters who want rifle-focused competition without the traditional three-gun equipment load. For manufacturers like KE Arms, hosting and sponsoring matches creates direct feedback loops on how shooters deploy rifles in real-world competitive stress. Watch for whether this division gains traction in regional match circuits or remains limited to FAST's core events. The division's success will indicate whether market appetite exists for rifle-only competitions as a standalone category.
