Riley Kropff

3-Gun Shooter

Riley Kropff grew up around guns. His father is a former law enforcement officer and always taught Riley the value of firearms and proper gun safety. Riley has been hunting since the age of 5 and got into competition shooting in 2015 when he was 14 years old. He immediately fell in love with the idea of competing with firearms. Over his short time thus far in shooting sports he has competed in matches not only across the nation, but also around the globe. He won his first national title early in 2019 and earned his first gold medal at the 2019 Rifle World Championship in Sweden. He plans to continue shooting, along with helping and teaching new students of the sport, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Meet the Benelli Pros

Benelli: How long have you been a Benelli 3-Gun Shooter and what does it mean to you to be associated with Benelli?

Riley: I have been on team Benelli for 4 years now, but have been shooting a Benelli in competition for 8 years. It is truly such an honor to be a part of such an amazing team and brand. Benelli has dominated the industry in reliability and comfort. The thing that truly makes it unbelievable is the brilliant, hardworking, and committed team at Benelli. I am forever grateful to be shooting for team Benelli.

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

Riley: I have been hunting since I was 7 and started competing when I was 14. My father was really into hunting and shooting and was the spark for my passion of hunting and shooting.

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

Riley:SBE 3 B.E.S.T. The all-around best shotgun I have ever shot. The one gun does everything I will ever need to do.

Benelli: What is your career highlight or achievement?

Riley: Winning my first national championship and 2 gold medals in the Rifle World Shoot in the same year.

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

Riley: Riding my dirt-bike. I really enjoy trail riding/ enduro. I don’t really like motocross style.

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

Riley: Cameron Hanes was my idol in bowhunting and the reason I began bowhunting. I haven’t rifle hunted since falling in love with archery. Birds – a completely different story. Evan Felker helped develop the love of birds with his poetry.

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

Riley: If it is something that is a passion for you, stick with it a never stop learning. Ensure you are keeping it fun to prevent burnout, and always stay true to you.

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

Riley: Cameron Hanes or Steve Rinella. I have a huge amount of respect for what they have done for the hunting community and idolize them.

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

Riley: My goal in competition is always first. I am never content with anything else. As for hunting, bird hunting is my favorite and I am chasing as many new species as I can. Especially in ducks this year!

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

Riley: There was one year I recall at Fort Benning Multigun Championship where it was frigid. The metal of the guns was so cold, and you could barely feel your fingers. It did end up being successful, but Fort Benning in November is a rather cold place.

Benelli: Word Association (rapid fire):

Outlet

Charger

Tube

Toothpaste

Silent

But deadly

Year

2000

Hot

Cold

Brain