BEDFORD, Texas, April 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC) partners with USA Shooting in its upcoming May Premier Auction, to offer an engraved and gold inlaid Krieghoff K-32 over/under shotgun and its four-barrel set, with 100% of the proceeds dedicated to supporting the USA Shooting Team at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games in France. The auction will take place Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 in Bedford, TX.

“We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of Rock Island Auction Company as we embark on another Olympic and Paralympic journey,” expressed Kelly Reisdorf, CEO of USA Shooting. “Auctioning this unique shotgun is not just financial support—it’s a pivotal investment in the future of America’s elite marksmen and markswomen. This partnership helps provide our athletes with the superior resources they need to pursue Olympic and Paralympic gold, symbolizing a commitment to maintaining our nation’s legacy of shooting excellence.”

The 2024 Games present an unprecedented situation for the USA Shooting athletes, as the shooting venue is located three hours outside of Paris. This deviation from the norm of Olympic and Paralympic athletes staying in the Village places a considerable responsibility on USA Shooting to ensure they have everything they need to succeed—from housing to security and beyond—elements traditionally provided within the village’s confines. The sale of this master engraved shotgun will help cover these additional costs, which build on the expenses the team already faces. The athletes depend on donations and sponsorships, as the U.S. government doesn’t fund the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

“Our shared commitment to the preservation and promotion of shooting sports is what makes this partnership so special,” says Kevin Hogan, President of Rock Island Auction Company. “We hope the proceeds of this fantastic Krieghoff help these athletes overcome their logistical challenges and focus on what they do best – representing the United States and finding their way to the podium.”

In addition, RIAC will also offer former German Olympian Erich Krempel’s historic engraved, inlaid and relief carved system Gotz single shot “free pistol” during the May Premier Auction. This elaborate presentation target pistol was presented to Krempel by the Suhl Schuetzen Guild after he earned a silver medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics 50M Free Pistol event. It eventually became a war trophy of Colonel John H. Sampson Jr. who brought it back from Germany at the end of World War II. The pistol’s pre-auction estimate is $15,000–$25,000.

For additional information on Rock Island Auction Company and other highlights of the May event, visit: www.rockislandauction.com.