In the Field

Behind the Trigger: An Interview with Desahun 'DJ' Jenkins

September 15, 2026

DJ Jenkins didn't shoot his first match until he was 28. Five years later he's winning state championships with a Cajunized Shadow 2 wearing a Justice II

Desahun 'DJ' Jenkins competing in a USPSA match, pistol drawn from his holster

The first shooter signed to Swampfox's pro team talks self-improvement, his CZ setup, and what it takes to keep winning.

If you still shoot exclusively with irons, chances are you've been living under a rock, and that means it's very likely you're unaware of our pro shooting team. Desahun Jenkins (DJ to his friends, and enemies) was the first shooter brought on by Swampfox. He stands out among the crowd as a competitor of blistering speed, infallible accuracy, and an award-winning smile.

A child of the '90s, DJ grew up in Georgia, where he still crushes the competition scene. Currently, DJ shoots for Team CZ USA and competes in USPSA and occasional PCSL matches. As if you needed a reason to keep reading, check out his list of accomplishments.

RECENT RESULTS

  • 2nd Overall Limited Optics: 2026 Bluegrass State Championship, Kentucky
  • Limited Optics Champion: 2026 Alabama State Championship
  • 2nd Overall Limited Optics: 2026 Mississippi Classic
  • 3rd Overall Limited Optics: 2026 Area 5 Championship
  • 3rd Overall Limited Optics: 2025 Area 2 Championship, Arizona
  • 16th Overall Limited Optics: 2025 Race Gun Nationals, Hurricane, Utah
  • 3rd Overall Limited Optics: 2025 Area 6 Championship, Alabama
  • 3rd Overall Limited Optics: 2025 Georgia State Championship
  • Limited Optics Champion: 2025 Dragon's Cup, Odessa, Texas
  • 3rd Overall Limited Optics: 2025 Georgia Peach Classic
  • Limited Optics Champion: 2025 Alabama State Championship
  • Limited Optics Champion: 2023 Endless Summer Blast, Dothan, Alabama
  • 1st Place Overall: 2023 Atlanta Practical Shooting Championship
  • Team Gold Medal, Optics Division: Pan American Championship, Aruba

With the bragging out of the way, let's talk to DJ directly to learn more about this living legend.

THE INTERVIEW

Q: What do you like most about competition shooting?

A: I like that the only way to lose is to fail yourself. The name of the game is self-improvement. It's an individual battle to become the most proficient shooter you can be.

Q: Which divisions are you shooting in?

A: Divisions I compete in are Carry Optics, Limited Optics, and Open.

Q: With so many pistol options out there, which are you running and why?

A: The primary firearms I'm using in competitions are the CZ Shadow 2 Blue, Dan Wesson DWX, and CZ Czechmate. The CZ Shadow 2 has been my favorite gun for a long time. When I started shooting matches, it was clearly the best gun for me. Ergonomically it fits my hand amazingly, and it's super customizable; there was plenty of aftermarket support to make it absolute perfection.

DJ Jenkins reloading mid-stage, extending his pistol toward a target behind the S3 Range Carts sign

Q: Being part of the CZ shooting team is a big deal. Congrats! How did that happen?

A: I was approached by John Dain at the 2025 NRA Show in Atlanta. After a great conversation, we came up with the idea of making a CZ USA team. CZ is very popular in the States, so it made sense to represent the brand here at home.

Q: Let's go back to the beginning. How old were you, and what sparked your interest in competition shooting?

A: I was working in law enforcement and teaching classes on the side. A friend and client had just taken my class and asked me if I'd shoot a match with him. My first match was in 2021, so I was 28 years old.

DJ Jenkins leaning around a barricade, engaging a steel target

Q: What has been your biggest match success?

A: Hands down, my favorite victory was winning the Dragon's Cup championship in the Limited Optics division. I was using my DA/SA CZ Shadow 2.

Q: What's the best advice you have ever received from another shooter?

A: I was told to shoot to my own abilities, instead of trying to be someone that I'm not yet.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve as a competitive shooter?

A: Take things one step at a time. Don't just practice what you're good at; you need to be working on your deficiencies until they become second nature. Then add things as you progress. Don't try to force anything; just enjoy the process and the results will come.

DJ Jenkins in full stride, pistol extended, sponsor logos visible on his shirt, next to a Dillon Precision sign

Q: What does the future hold for you?

A: Obviously, continued progression as a shooter and person. I'm getting myself back in shape in order to perform at a higher level. I'm going to keep running my favorite Swampfox dot (Justice II), and continue to represent Team CZ USA and myself to my highest ability. Keep an eye out for more match videos on my socials!

NOW, LET'S TALK HARDWARE

DJ Jenkins engaging a target, back of his sponsor jersey visible with his name and the CZ logo

A: I run all CZ and Dan Wesson pistols. My main pistol is a CZ Shadow 2; it's been "Cajunized" by Cajun Gunworks.

DJ's Competition Shadow 2 Build

  • Cajun Gunworks Pro Package trigger job
  • 412 slide cuts
  • CrN refinish in silver and rose gold
  • Cajun Gunworks fluted barrel
  • Brass LokJaw palmswell grips from Lok Grips
  • Magwell from Springer Precision
  • Swampfox Justice II 6 MOA red dot

Thank you, DJ! We appreciate your time and insights.

"I'm happy to answer your questions!"

Be sure to follow along as DJ continues to tear up the competition scene. If you're looking to learn how to be as good as he is, he also instructs. The Swampfox pro team is growing and progressing with DJ at the helm, and we're looking forward to seeing what's next.

Follow DJ's journey

Instagram: @djenks412 | YouTube: DJenks412

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