Trap Talk Ep 140: Remembering Mike Jordan – Industry Legend, Hall of Famer

Podcast: Trap Talk From The Back Fence
Hosts: Zach Nannini & Richard (Ricky) Marshall Jr.
Guest: Mike Hampton
Date: September 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode marks a tribute to the late Mike Jordan—a legendary trapshooter, Winchester ambassador, and industry innovator—through the eyes of his longtime friend Mike Hampton. Hosts Zach and Ricky dive deep into Jordan’s influence, exploring his shooting prowess, technical mastery, leadership in the industry, and the lasting friendships and memories he created. The episode goes beyond shooting scores, reflecting on Jordan’s extraordinary character, his technical contributions to ammo and equipment, and the camaraderie he inspired in the sport.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mike Jordan’s Early Days and Shooting Career

Timestamp: 02:23 – 04:31

• Mike Hampton recounts meeting Mike Jordan over 50 years ago at Edwardsville Gun Club, where Jordan’s quick shooting stood out immediately—“holding the gun straight, parallel with the ground and pull boom, pull boom. Black, smoking everything.”
• Jordan began as a handicap shooter, excelling in the toughest discipline early on; singles weren’t his initial forte but “that was a great score for him” (B, 04:31).
• Notably committed and competitive, he hunted, fished, and traveled the country with Hampton, forming a lifelong friendship and partnership.

Notable Quote:

“We shot together for 50 years and traveled the country. We hunted, fished, shot live birds. His career he used to the pull boom, pull boom. He was always a handicap shooter.” — Mike Hampton (B), [02:23]

2. Technical Brilliance and Industry Innovation

Timestamp: 07:47 – 15:13

• Mike Jordan was instrumental in Winchester’s product development:
  • Key figure behind the “Super Handicap” shells—“He was the main guy behind the super handicap when it came out... they kicked the crap out of you” (C, 08:58).
  • His ballistics knowledge was unmatched—“He knew more ballistics than almost anybody in the industry.” — Mike Hampton (B), [12:47]
  • Developed the original Super Target, particularly the Winchester paper loads.
• Jordan was deeply technical about his equipment, especially release triggers and point of impact: he preferred a 70/30 pattern (B, 15:05).

Memorable Moment:

Story of Mike’s use of release triggers and adapting to technical challenges in competition, including switching to double release triggers in the middle of the doubles championship after two failures—ending with the famous “drop kicking the hulls” in frustration.
[16:51]

3. Reputation as a True Gentleman & Mentor

Throughout Episode

• Mike was loved by all—always willing to help, regardless of brand or shooter status.
• Known for being approachable, genuinely kind, and never argumentative, even when called upon to do “dirty work” for others.
• Rick Marshall recalls in awe, “It was always a lot of fun shoot with MJ or just talking to him about anything shooting related... If you had a question... he’d give you the answer.” (C, 50:24)

Notable Quote:

“He was always willing to help everybody. Was one of the nicest guys that ever shot clay target by far. Never, never was in an argument.” — Mike Hampton (B), [06:37]

4. The “Industry Class” Era

Timestamp: 38:31 – 43:05

• Explains the now-defunct “industry class”—designed for shooters who worked for manufacturers or associations, and were ineligible for main titles or prizes.
• Mike Jordan dominated industry class, regularly winning trophies in all events.
• This class was a way to thank industry workers for their efforts, often also ensuring level competition.

Notable Quote:

“He shot industry probably until for 10 or 12 years before they dissolved industry class because there wasn’t that many of them. But when I say he dominated the industry class... most of the time, he was going to go get the trophy.” — Mike Hampton (B), [38:51]

5. Competitive Milestones & Legendary Shoot-offs

Timestamp: 22:47 – 32:13

• Hampton shares memories of breaking 100 in doubles at the Grand American (1981), a feat matched by only five shooters that year.
• Dramatic recounting of their shoot-off with Ray Stafford and Larry Russo—“Nobody had ever broke 60 straight. We go out and Ray... I said, ‘I know you like lead off. I would bow to you...’ He smiled... I broke the first pair and he missed the second bird.” (B, 25:11)
• Historic doubles shooting stories—contrast of then-vs-now, the challenges of changing traps and pullers.

Notable Quote:

“That trigger started doubling... he walked back to the truck...[on] the way to the car to get another gun. And the squad started laughing and said, no, we can't say anything. Get back... But the drop kicking the holes was a lot better story.” — Mike Hampton (B), [16:53]

6. Technical Obstacles and Creative Solutions

Timestamp: 29:47 – 32:13

• Jordan’s shooting suffered from release trigger “doubling”—his solution: set the release trigger with the gun open and close it on the way up.
• Notoriously broke 100 in doubles using a Remington 870 pump due to the trigger issue—a nearly unheard-of feat.

Memorable Moment:

“He broke 100 with... with the 870... One of the first people to ever break 100 in doubles at the grand was Rudy Etchen with the 870. So now...MJ’s out there shooting an 870...” — Ricky Marshall (C), [31:30]

7. International Achievements & Lasting Legacy

Timestamp: 32:13 – 35:37

• Jordan’s performance at the 1981 World Live Bird Championship in Spain; winning the Spanish championship by breaking 41 straight, and being moved to tears on the podium during the US national anthem:

  “The only time I ever saw him cry was when he got up on the podium and they raised the American flag and played the national anthem.” — Mike Hampton (B), [34:09]

• Together, the "salt and pepper" duo of Jordan and Hampton enjoyed a balance of competition, friendship, and fun.

8. Camaraderie, the Shooting Community, and Remarkable Character

Throughout

• Deep dives into the shifting social scene—how back in the day, shooters and reps would gather, socialize, and enjoy themselves after long days on the range.
• Jordan’s attitude of humility, humor, and generosity is repeatedly illuminated: from warming credit cards with wives on antique shopping adventures to sharing winnings from the live bird shoots.

9. Jordan’s Hall of Fame Induction — The “Michael Jordan Basketball” Anecdote

Timestamp: 54:55 – 56:35

• When asked to introduce Mike at his Hall of Fame induction, Hampton relates a humorous office request to get “Michael Jordan’s” signature on a basketball:

  “He had a pen, he wrote Michael Jordan, no bull. No bull. No bull. And pass it and pitch it back to me. So I still have that in my... Oh, dude, my trophies. That is cool.” — Mike Hampton (B), [56:31]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He was very, very astute in ballistics...they listened to Mike Jordan and they didn’t have to do any homework. So that was a big plus for Winchester.” — Mike Hampton (B), [12:47]
• “He knew everything. He was honest, he was trustworthy, he was nice to everyone. There wasn’t anyone that he wouldn’t help.” — Zach Nannini (A), [51:59]
• “He made the sport better.” — Mike Hampton (B), [54:26]

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------|---------------| | First memories of Mike Jordan | 02:23 | | Technical influence at Winchester | 07:47–15:13 | | Doubles shoot-off at Grand (1981) | 22:47–25:52 | | Release trigger misadventures | 16:51–18:53 | | Role in “Industry class” explained | 38:31–43:05 | | Hall of Fame Basketball story | 54:55–56:35 | | International wins and emotional moments | 32:13–35:37 |

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode strikes a balance between reminiscence, technical authority, and humor—rooted in the genuine camaraderie shared by competitors and lifelong friends. Technical anecdotes, heartfelt memories, laughter, and respect all come through in the retelling of Jordan’s impact.

Episode Takeaways

• Mike Jordan was more than a champion shooter; he was a storied innovator, mentor, and leader whose technical knowledge and kindness shaped generations in the trap shooting world.
• His legacy includes pioneering advances in ammunition, selfless sharing of expertise, and sportsmanship that extended beyond competition.
• Personal quirks, camaraderie, and memorable stories highlight the humanity behind the legend.

For Listeners

Even without a deep knowledge of trapshooting, the episode resonates as a lesson in dedication, friendship, and humility at the highest levels of competitive shooting.