| Brian Zins | |
| Branch: | United States Marine Corps |
| Serviceyears: | 1988–2008 |
| Rank: | Gunnery Sergeant |
| Awards: | Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Meritorious Service Medal |
Brian Zins is a retired United States Marine Corps Military Police Gunnery Sergeant. He is also a competitive shooter known for his proficiency with the M1911 pistol with which he holds various NRA records. He is also known for competing in the second season of History Channel's marksmen competition Top Shot.
Brian Zins was raised in Canfield, Ohio.[1] He grew up playing baseball and also learn how to juggle at a young age, both of which he credits for his good hand–eye coordination in shooting. After graduating from high school, Zins went to college to study Law Enforcement. However, he decided to quit and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1988.
After completing the Recruit training program at Parris Island, South Carolina, Zins attended the Military Police School at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During that time, he received the Top Gun Award for having the highest qualification score with the M1911 pistol.[2]
Through his career of 20 years at the Marine Corps, Zins served in various capacities, like:
During that time, he participated in various competitions, setting several records.[3]
Zins retired from the Marine Corps in May 2008.[5]
Since retiring from active duty, Zins has worked as National Manager of NRA Pistol Programs in the Competitive Shooting division. He also works as an independent security contractor. Zins also started his own line of ammunition called Gunny Zins Ammo. In 2011, he was hired by Cabot Gun Company as spokesman and ambassador. In 2012 he married Mary Jo Boomhower and they reside in Ohio. He has two children, Connor and Danielle and 3 stepchildren, Connor Loze, Laney Boggs, and Jacob Manente.[6]
In 2017 Brian and Mary relocated to Monroe, North Carolina where he accepted a position as Training Director at Point Blank Range in Matthews, North Carolina.[7] He oversees all training programs at Point Blank Range and conducts his Bulls-eye Competition class[8] as well a 1911 – 101 course.[9]
In 2011, Zins appeared in the second season of History Channel's marksmen competition Top Shot. During the first half of the competition, Zins competed as part of the Red Team. His team ended up winning six challenges, and Brian was never nominated for elimination during that period. During the final half of the competition, Zins won three of the last individual challenges before the final. In the final, he lost to Chris Reed.
In 2013, Zins appeared in the fifth season. He finished fourth overall out of 16 all-star contestants from previous seasons.