Marksman Gilbert enters Maine H of F

Joe Gilbert of Augusta has been right on target for more than four decades. The crack shot has racked up five national titles and 40 state championships in the sport of benchmark riflery.

Sunday night, he’ll take his place alongside the most storied sportsmen in the state’s history when he is inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. Gilbert is one of seven people who will be so honored at the event, which begins at 5 p.m. at the Spare Time Recreation Center in Lewiston.

The 69-year-old Gilbert has continued to excel with the rifle, exhibiting patience and maturity while competing in numerous competitions. Two years ago, he claimed his eighth New York state title after claiming seven straight Grand Aggregate Varmint Hunter championships through 1992.

Gilbert is the only benchrest shooter to earn Shooter of the Year honors more than once, winning four times, and has been the runner-up four times. In 1990, he established the International Benchrest Shooters national varmint record with a score of 250-23x, a mark that still stands.

In 1991, he won state titles in Maine, New York and Maryland.

Gilbert, who helped organize the Capital City Rifle and Pistol Club in 1962, was a longtime employee of the U.S. Postal Service. The 1947 graduate of Cony High School resides in Augusta with his wife Jeannine.