From Nationals to the World Stage – Team Apex Heads to the PCC World Championship
This May, Team Apex shooters Taylor Reich and Melody Philistin will step onto the international stage to represent Team Canada at the IPSC PCC World Championship in Hodonice, Czech Republic. Running from May 12–25, this event brings together top PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine) shooters from around the globe. For both Taylor and Mel, the road to Worlds has been paved with determination, adaptation, and relentless drive—despite political setbacks and gear challenges at home.
With the Apex Fusion Red Dot leading their optics setup and months of dedicated training behind them, these two athletes are ready to compete with the world’s best.
Qualifying for Team Canada
For Taylor Reich, the road to Czechia started the moment IPSC Canada announced its first-ever PCC Nationals in 2022.
“I knew I wanted to pursue that discipline of IPSC, so I pre-ordered a Raven and started training. Since IPSC’s policy requires the best two scores from the past three nationals to qualify a team, we had to get two PCC Nationals in before the World Shoot to even field a team.”
Taylor didn’t just qualify—he dominated. After winning both nationals, he secured his spot as Team Canada’s captain and top-ranked shooter.
Melody Philistin earned her place through consistent national-level performance as well.
“Based on our rankings at PCC Nationals and the 24 spots allocated to Canada, the top shooters were offered a slot to represent Canada on the world stage. I was one of them—and I’m incredibly honoured.”
Overcoming Setbacks
In December 2024, the Canadian government implemented sweeping firearm bans that affected most of the PCC platforms competitors had been using. Suddenly, training was halted and many athletes were left without the equipment they’d been preparing with.
“We had filled all 24 Canadian slots,” Taylor explained. “After the bans, that number dropped to 18.”
But where the government closed a door, the shooting community opened another. U.S.-based DaVinci Machining stepped in to lend rifles, and Sterling Arms (Canada) released the R9—making it possible for athletes to train again.
“I’ve been shooting the R9 consistently in training,” said Mel. “I’ve also been dry-firing with multiple setups to push myself to adapt. Different rifles, different stocks, different weights. I feel like it’s made me a stronger, more well-rounded shooter.”
Training to Compete
Both Taylor and Mel have ramped up their physical and mental preparation to peak for Worlds. Taylor’s training schedule has been intense.
“Every Saturday for the past two months, I’ve shot 600–800 rounds per session—more than I used to shoot in an entire year. We’ve trained everything from close-speed transitions to 80m targets that require building a position. This is a different game than handgun IPSC—your DOPE matters.”
Taylor also prioritized physical conditioning, dropping 12 pounds and sharpening his focus.
“Mentally, I feel more prepared than ever. I’ve never shot IPSC outside of Canada, but I’m treating this match like any other. That mindset is key.”
Mel echoed a similar focus.
“I’ve put in tons of work—dryfire, live fire, strength training. I set up a garage dryfire range for the days I can’t get to the range. Even if I can’t shoot my main PCC, I’m staying ready. I just remind myself: I’m an athlete; I know how to play this sport.”
Running the Apex Fusion
Both athletes are heading to Czechia with the Apex Fusion 1×30 Red Dot Sight on their rifles.
“I helped shape the Fusion into the optic I wanted to run in IPSC,” said Taylor. “The clear, precise dot with adjustable scale gives me confidence on any stage. I’ve put over 15,000 rounds through the Fusion—I trust it completely.”
Mel is running two Fusions—one primary and one offset—and has also opted to run the Weather Shield.
“The window size is fantastic, and the Weather Shield gives me peace of mind. We’ll likely see rain during the match, and knowing the dot is protected is huge. Honestly, I forget it’s even there—it doesn’t obstruct anything.”
Eyes on the World Stage
For both Taylor and Mel, competing internationally means more than just personal performance.
“I’ve dreamed of this since getting my Black Badge in 2019,” Taylor shared. “I wanted to prove that a Canadian optic can compete with anyone in the world. Despite everything—political challenges, gear bans, setbacks—I’ve made it here. This is the dream.”
“All of it excites me,” Mel added. “Representing Canada, meeting international athletes, competing without restrictive laws—it’s my first World Shoot, and I’m ready.”
Words for the Next Generation
As for future competitors looking to follow in their footsteps?
“Work hard and leave it all on the range,” said Mel. “Match mentality is everything. Don’t let one stage shake you. You’re here for a reason—focus, execute, and show the world what you can do.”
Apex Optics wishes Taylor and Mel the best of luck as they head to Czechia – we are very proud of all your hard work and accomplishments, and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.
Follow along with updates from the match at 2025pccmr.worldshoot.org and follow both Taylor and Mel on their personal Instagram accounts.
Taylor: Instagram
Mel: Instagram
