Lance Dingler

Benelli: How long have you been a Benelli ambassador (3-gunner) and what does it mean to you to be associated with Benelli?  

Lance: I have been shooting 3 gun for almost 15 years and a Benelli Ambassador for 10 years.  I was shooting Benelli shotguns in 3 gun prior to coming onto the team, but being part of Benelli really opened the doors to my competitive shooting career.  Benelli makes the best 3 gun shotgun in the business… 

Benelli: How long have you been hunting or shooting and what got you into this sport?  

Lance: I have been hunting and shooting from very early on (3 yrs old).  I grew up on the family ranch and shooting and hunting was part of everyday life.  3 gun did not start until much later when a friend of mine invited me to a 3 gun competition which we attended not knowing anything about the sport or the gear…. It was like flying a plane into a mountain in slow motion, but I was hooked from then on… 

Benelli: If you could only have one Benelli firearm, what would it be and why? 

Lance: I have had really good luck with M2s for competition and hunting.  They just don’t know how to quit, but seriously who would only have one Benelli firearm… 

Benelli: What is your career highlight or achievement?  

Lance: I enjoy competing at the highest level and have been successful in developing a few others into nationally ranked competitors.  I have always enjoyed coaching those who are willing to put in the work… 

Benelli: What is your favorite hobby, other than hunting or shooting?  

Lance: Hunting and shooting are also number 3 and 4.  But seriously I enjoy watching and helping my kids in their respective sports or pursuits and their achievements…. My wife plans vacations that are always needed and enjoyed by all… 

Benelli: Who was the childhood idol that led you into the hunting or shooting industry?  

Lance: My dad and grandfather both taught me a lot about hunting and shooting.  When we were not working at the ranch I had a gun in my hand… 

Benelli: What advice would you give youth who want to be professional hunters or shooters? 

Lance: Practice safety and proficiency with firearms, there is lots of responsibility that comes with hunting and shooting on top of all the joy and memories that will last a lifetime. 

Benelli: Tell us about a moment that you feel was a positive turning point in getting into the hunting/shooting industry? 

Lance: The first turning point was after competing for a couple years I started finishing in the top 10, then top 5, then some wins which feels good on the way up the ladder.  But the biggest turning point was the night I got a call asking to join Team Benelli… 

Benelli: If you could hunt or shoot with one person, who would it be and why? 

Lance: I would love to go on one last hunt with my dad who passed in 1990, way too early for his time… 

Benelli: What goals do you have as a hunting or shooting ambassador? 

Lance: I enjoy the sport, competition, and friends that I have made over the years and passing along what knowledge I can to the younger or newer shooters… 

Benelli: If you had to switch professions from hunting or shooting, what would it be and why? 

Lance: Seems like a trick question, you wouldn’t switch. 

Benelli: Coldest / most miserable place you’ve ever been while hunting? Was it “successful” though?  

Lance: Rocky Mountains, it was only cold and miserable because I was young and didn’t know what to wear not to mention the finances to purchase the appropriate cold weather gear.  That has not happened since… 

Benelli: What was your first firearm and how did you get it? Do you still have it?  

Lance: Other than air guns, my dad bought me a single shot 22 around the age of 5.  I let some of the younger cousins use after, but it is back in my possession… 

Benelli: What is your favorite wild-game dish?  

Lance: Axis meat and anything in the Antelope family is really hard to beat in flavor and tenderness.  Elk and Moose are tasty as well.  Salt water fish cooked fresh is a fine meal…