Miles' Ahead
Karen and Gebben Miles had barely received their FBXs when they were already able to celebrate their first wins.
At this year's NSCA Jack Links Cup at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch in Okeechobee, Florida, the Miles’ brought their FBX shotguns along for the first time and immediately achieved outstanding results. “It feels almost like a revival of my career,” says Gebben Miles who is still overjoyed by the outcome of the competition, “and what makes it even more astounding is that we are still transitioning into the shotgun.” It certainly did not look like that way at the beginning. Even with a less-than-optimal start, Gebben Miles won the Main Event and took third place in the 5-Stand Master Class. His wife Karen came third in the Women's Main Event and won three other competitions (FITASC Ladies, Prelim Ladies, and Winchester Cup Ladies)!
Their results are all the more impressive given that it was the first time they started with the FBX. “But it also says something about the shotgun”, smiles Gebben. The couple was smitten from Day One with the FBX when they came to Isny to have a closer look at it and have their stocks made to measure. “What impressed us most about the FBX is its thoughtful design: the slim profile up front combined with a fuller rear section creates a balance we immediately connected with. That weight distribution between the hands, along with the ability to fine‑tune both barrel and stock, shows how much intention went into this shotgun,” recalls Karen and Gebben adds, “The clear sight picture around the barrels makes it feel exceptionally natural and was definitely a factor in the competition.”
When they came to Isny a while ago, they did not what to expect and for Karen it was her first factory visit ever. However, after their first day at Blaser, their eyes were shining with excitement and happiness alike. “It was impressive to see the technology in action and to watch how quick and accurate results are produced”, says Karen, “and even knowing that a couple of hundred people work here, everything felt so calm and fine-tuned.”
After the factory tour Karen and Gebben had their measurements taken for their bespoken stocks. “That was also a first-time for me, getting a fit like that,” admits Karen, “and it was a cool experience. Especially, because we could adjust my previously high-rib dimensions to the flatter rib of the FBX.” For Gebben, who has been working with a stock fitter before, it was a great experience, too: “The process was simply amazing because with many little adjustments the stock felt incredibly good at the end and I could hardly wait to shoot with it.”
The stock-fitting was the easy part for the Miles’ because the next step was to choose the wood in the Custom Shop. “Of course, the choice was amazing and at the beginning even a little overwhelming,” recalls Gebben, “but together we moved forward, eliminated some stocks, compared others and were finally able to choose ours. The stocks are similar so that we will have a “his” and “hers” version.” Afterwards they discussed their engravings on their actions. Both Miles’ are religious and chose an engraving which reflects their faith. “We want to use the gifts we received, or talent as you might call it, in the best way possible and want to be good examples in this sport. But there is always a higher aim which also helps to deal with pressure or those days when you are not at your best.”
After the Custom Shop, it was time for lunch before trying out the bespoken stocks on the shooting range. “Our high expectations were not disappointed as the shooting was very comfortable from the very first shot,” says Karen. Gebben adds: “Something that both Karen and I loved when we first shot the FBX was the linear recoil of the shotgun, which is negligible. Together with its slim profile and its excellent overall balance, it makes for a perfect combination.”
The Miles’ proved their first impression more than true with the results during the NSCA Jack Links Cup at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch in Okeechobee, Florida. What a promising start!
Text: Alexandra Berton; Photos: Stephanie Göhrig
Karen and Gebben Miles had barely received their FBXs when they already celebrated their first wins.
