Shotgun shooter Connor Daniel has made major waves in Sporting Clays and FITASC, most recently claiming an extraordinary sweep of 2025 junior titles—including NSCA Junior World Champion, NSCA Sporting Clays USA Junior Team World Champion, Junior World FITASC Champion and FITASC USA Junior Team World Champion.
With multiple world-level wins and a long-standing status as a 4-time FITASC #1 Ranked Junior in the World, Connor continues to establish himself as one of the brightest young stars in the sport. Learn what he keeps in his range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
My first memory of handling a firearm is of being about eight years old and going quail hunting with my parents. I shot a Beretta A300 28-gauge semi-automatic at the time, which is a great shotgun to get started with because it has less recoil, especially for a small youth shooter. However, when I started competing in sporting clays, I wanted an over-under shotgun because I thought it was cool, and that’s what most sporting clays competitors used. So, my parents bought me a used Caesar Guerini 12-gauge over-under. One year later, I switched to a Beretta DT11 12-gauge. Now, I’m now proudly sponsored by Beretta.
Tell us how you began in competitive shooting?
I started competing in 2020, when I was 13. That’s when COVID hit and, basically, school and all traditional sports were put on hold, which freed up time allowing me to do something different.
With my mom instrumental in helping set up the clay shooting program at my school, I was interested in trying out for the team once I was eligible. Therefore, for the first time, my parents took me to our local club, and I tried it and fell in love with it. After that, I never played basketball or soccer again. In my first year of shooting, I fired 50,000 rounds. I remember my parents telling me, “Son, you need to take a break today.” I wanted to practice every single day.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
I shoot a Beretta DT11 12-gauge over-under with a custom Greenwood stock paired with Winchester AA Lite Handicap Target Load 1-oz., #7.5 shot, 1,290 f.p.s. ammunition.
I am blessed to be sponsored by the best brands in the industry, including Beretta, Winchester Ammunition, White Flyer Targets, Clay Target Vision, Cole’s Gunsmithing, Ultimate Shooting Accessories, Castellani, Promatic by Rick Hemingway and Daniel Defense.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms.
I use the Castellani range bag and roller case. They are heavy-duty, durable, waterproof and can withstand any of the outdoor elements. They also have a lot of space with various compartments where I can store ammunition, eye and hearing protection, as well as cleaning supplies.
What do you do in your free time?
I don’t have a lot of free time right now. I’m a freshman at Georgia Southern University, so I’m still trying to balance both competing and school. Besides shooting professionally with the National Sporting Clays Association, I’m also part of the Southern Clay Target Collegiate Team, which competes under ACUI. However, I do love hunting and fishing when I can squeeze it in.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
Try it! Don’t be intimidated. What I love most about the sport is that there are no bench warmers, and everyone has the same playing field. What you put into it is what you will get out of it, just like anything else in life. I also love the camaraderie and the people who participate in the sport.
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet people across the world that I would never have had an opportunity to meet had it not been for sporting clays. This sport also teaches the importance of firearm safety and encourages you to get outdoors and enjoy simple things in life.
Any tips for the new shooter?
The best tip for a new shooter is to find a coach. Learn the right way before bad habits set in. Also, get involved in a youth shooting program at a local gun club. Once someone receives the proper training and coaching, then they should see rapid improvements—if they are willing to put in the work.
Follow Connor Daniel on Instagram: @connor_d.21
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