ZDENĚK HENEŠ: Gold from the World Championship? I do not really have any special feelings
Zdeněk, we would like to congratulate you to the gold medal from the 16th IPSC World Championship in Rhodes. How do you feel about being the absolutely best shooter in the World?
Well, feeling? I cannot feel anything special really. Honestly, I do not have any special feeling.
The feelings experienced at the shooting range in Rhodes were rather mixed. Shooting a difficult competition, the rivals are really good (professional shooters) and after one week of strenuous efforts at the shooting range, when one actually sees the chance to get a medal, which might even be the gold one, the nervosity and tension only raises even further. Imagine shooting the last round…and your rivals come to congratulate you to the World Champion position. And you are suddenly relieved that it is actually over. No euphoria from the victory, just a fairly good feeling about coming all the way to the end. Then you wait for your squad mates and pray they finish the competition successfully. Our squad was formed by three members only and any fatal error could have ruined our team hopes. Frankly speaking, you would just sigh with relief.
Your profile on the website of Česká zbrojovka is truly abundant with the list of achievements. You also claim to have started with the IPSC shooting at the turn of the years 2002 and 2003. What had you been doing before? When did you start with sports shooting?
If I can remember correctly, it happened sometime around the year 2000, when I started shooting at the “KVZ” Club. And it couldn’t be nothing but a successful start. Yet this type of shooting soon became too monotonous and almost boring for me just one and a half years later. So, I faced the only single option possible – the IPSC shooting.
And what would you add into your CV – family, hobbies, etc.?
I have one son – Zdeněk – who is 16 years old. And hobbies? Apart from guns, I am keen on cars, especially the “US cars”. I own one customised Ford Mustang, which is basically a hobby. And I also strive towards regular attendance to a gym, whenever possible.
You are competing in the Modified Division and claim to use the Dan Wesson, 40 SW and the CZ 75 Standard, 40 SW. How would you compare these firearms, with respect to their utilisation of course, in particular divisions of IPSC shooting?
The Dan Wesson pistol belongs among the absolute top guns in its class (i.e. pistols based on the design of Colt 1911). It features totally precise design and finishing and that applies to every single piece. Owing to the fact that it has been manufactured as a version with single-row magazines, this pistol could not manage to find its application within IPSC divisions outside the USA. The newly implemented “Single Stack” division of IPSC will definitely make a difference. DW is planning to begin with production of double-stack pistols as well, to fit into the STANDARD Division, which will surely excel with their accuracy and long service life. However, those will not be price competitive to the CZ 75 Tactical Sport pistols, with their design and definite prerequisites for application in the IPSC Standard Division.
In my point of view, the CZUB (CZ-USA) is using its pistols to cater for the relevant market and even the most demanding shooter can be supplied with a premium quality product – the Dan Wesson pistol.
With regards to firearms design and ammunition requirements, the Modified Division was the most demanding one. That made me incline to the more robust design of pistol based on the design of Colt 1911. Dan Wesson provided me with the best parts used for assembly of their pistols. I also used my old double-stack frame to build my new pistol.
You have reached the top notch. The Modified Division within the IPSC has been terminated, what are your plans towards the end of this year and what division are you planning to participate in next year?
It will most probably be the Open Division. But it has not been decided on 100%.
How did you enjoy parting with the World legend, Robby Leatham from USA, in one squad? What impression of him did you get?
Rob is one of the greatest shooters of all times without a doubt. He has got the sense for fair play, which even highlights his personality. He is always precise and would not skip even the smallest detail, always willing to consult other shooters about procedures for solving various shooting scenarios and explained his opinions and steps.
He is an incredibly open and friendly guy with unbelievable sense of humour.
Shooting with Rob was not only my best experience, yet it was also some kind of reward. I would have never dreamt of competing with Rob within a single squad, together with other excellent shooters, World Champions – Michael Voigt and Jojo Vidanes.
That was an unforgettable experience, indeed.
