The Wizard of Winchester

Admired and respected by thousands of friends and fans, the legendary Herb Parsons was much more than just a showman shooter. I must have been about nine when Dad signed me up for the introductory shooting course that Winchester Arms offered to the children of its employees.

Every Saturday morning, he’d take me to the range, where I would explore how a precise .22 rifle could still miss the bull’s-eye on a standard 50-foot NRA target. The instructors explained that shooting a rifle is a straightforward, mechanical process demanding coordination of hand, eye, and breath.

Lying there on my stomach, week after week, I began to understand that while mechanics were necessary, they were not the whole story. Marksmanship also involves a metaphysical aspect, a Zen quality. For most people, it requires strict discipline and years of practice. It is a skill that can be improved but never fully mastered. For a lucky few, it is a gift.

An Unforgettable Day at Nilo Farms

One Saturday that summer, Winchester invited the public to Nilo Farms, the company’s hunting demonstration preserve, for an hour of entertainment by Herb Parsons, Winchester’s celebrated showman shooter. Dad and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.

"Shooting a rifle is a straightforward, mechanical, strictly rational procedure requiring coordination of hand, eye, and breath."

"Marksmanship is also a metaphysical exercise, a Zen thing."

Author's summary: Herb Parsons was a legendary shooter whose skill combined mechanical precision and a unique, almost spiritual discipline, inspiring audiences and students alike.

Ducks Unlimited — 2025-11-05

The Wizard of Winchester

An Unforgettable Day at Nilo Farms

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