Detailed Episode Summary

Episode Overview

Episode Title: State Titles, 200 Straights & 916 Knives: The Packed Life of Chase Dobrinski
Podcast: Trap Talk From The Back Fence
Hosts: Zach Nannini & Richard (Ricky) Marshall Jr.
Guest: Chase Dobrinski
Air Date: January 30, 2026

In this episode, Zach and Ricky welcome rising trapshooting phenom, 14-year-old Chase Dobrinski, for an in-depth conversation about his outstanding accomplishments on the range, the mentors and methods behind his success, and his surprising entrepreneurial venture as a custom knife-maker. The episode dives deep into the making of a young champion—his mindset, training, and the community surrounding him—along with practical tips for shooters of all ages.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Chase’s Background & Early Achievements

[02:43]–[05:43]

• Chase hails from Silver City, New Mexico, and began shooting in 2020.
  • Four-time All-American Sub Junior
  • Four-time New Mexico State Team member
  • Youngest person in ATA history to shoot a 200 straight in singles, achieved at age 11.
  • Winner of multiple 100 straights, first 100 in doubles at the Autumn Grand
  • Four New Mexico state titles, including sweeping singles, HAA, and HOA in 2025

“He is the youngest person in the ATA to ever break a 200 straight in singles. He did that when he was 11 years old and eight days.” – Ricky [03:11]

2. First Experiences & Getting Hooked on Shooting

[06:04]–[10:10]

• Started shooting at age 7 during a family trip for his sister’s 4H tournament
• Broke his first clays at the Whittington Center, where the weather is notoriously unpredictable
• Mentored by Corey and Britt Dalton (the “Dalton Gang”) and Jim Powers, who got him into the sport

“Normally, this isn’t very normal for a kid to go out and hit the first few... After that, it just turned into a pretty big thing that I love to be in.” – Chase [06:58]

3. Equipment Evolution

[10:10]–[11:53]

• Started with a CZ side-by-side 28-gauge, progressed through SKB and Browning Satori, currently uses a Browning 725 Trap Combo.
• Prefers a consistent point of impact (~70/30) across all barrels.

“Probably close to about maybe a flat of shells for singles, not super high, but for doubles, I’m probably holding about close to two to maybe three.” – Chase [16:57]

4. Mentors and Coaching

[12:16]–[14:39]

• Credits the Dalton family, Jim Powers, and legendary shooter & coach Britt Robinson for technical and mental gains, especially in doubles.
• Key lesson: Refined hold points—“holding where I can see the target come out and just barely move the gun to the target” [13:37].

“He opened my eyes to holding where I can see the target come out and just barely move the gun to the target on the first bird.” – Chase [13:37]

• Appreciates Robinson’s advice about efficient, minimal movement.

5. Practice Regimen, Pressure, and Mental Game

[17:49]–[23:32]

• Practices at least weekly, but not in excess; values purposeful practice over quantity.
• Utilizes music (“older country,” e.g., George Jones, Waylon Jennings) to keep himself relaxed and in the zone.
• Avoids checking scores mid-event; focuses on execution rather than outcome.
• Draws on past sports experience to stay steady under championship pressure.

“A lot of it is just practice, honestly. The more you shoot, the better you’re gonna be at getting the handle in those pressure situations.” – Chase [18:21]

6. Goals and Future Plans

[24:58]–[27:01]

• Short-term: Make AAA 27 AAA, break 100 from the back fence for the Grand Slam.
• Recent goal achieved: First 100 in doubles [25:19].
• Long-term: Intends to compete in collegiate shooting after high school.
• Actively involved in SCTP, AIM, 4H—2024 New Mexico 4H state champion.

7. Entrepreneurial Journey: 916 Knives

[40:47]–[44:01]

• Self-taught knife maker, crafting custom knives for 3–4 years; operates under the brand “916 Knives”.
• Named after his family’s cattle brand, in use since 1884.
• Sells both pre-made and custom-order knives (including kitchen, skinning, and larger blades), often with custom sheaths he makes himself.
• Uses his business to help fund his shooting.

“I’ve been making knives for about probably three or four years now, and it takes up my time. I’ve got my own little business and keeps me pretty busy.” – Chase [40:49]

8. Life Balance & Advice for Young Shooters

[48:29]–[50:33]

• Keeps a packed schedule—shooting, hunting, knife-making, school, and working for Doug and Susie Gray (Elite Shotguns).
• Advice: Don’t get discouraged by bad scores—focus on perseverance and learning from mistakes.

“Just keep going. Don’t get discouraged if you break a bad score. All it did was bring my other scores for the rest of the day down... The end result is always better than the current.” – Chase [50:00–50:30]

9. Technical Gear Details

[53:20]–[56:03]

• Chokes: Prefers Briley chokes—light full for singles and caps, light modified for first shot in doubles (on Britt Robinson’s advice).
• Shells: Remington STS and Nitro 27, noting improvement in breaks and scores with premium ammo.

“I’ve noticed a huge jump up. I had been shooting gun clubs and I noticed a huge jump up in my harder breaks as well as higher scores.” – Chase [53:55]

10. Philosophy and Final Tips

[56:32]–[57:00]

• The fundamentals matter most: gun fit and keeping your eyes on the target.

“A lot of it’s just looking at the target, honestly... and as long as your gun fits you good, most of the time it’s gonna break.” – Chase [56:32]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pressure & Achievement:

  “I can remember going in the clubhouse and sitting there watching scores roll in, and it was just that moment of excitement when I saw that I’d won it. It was pretty cool.” – Chase [05:15]

• On Coaching:

  “Getting some help from one of the legends and all time greatest shooters ever, you know, is a cool deal... Yeah, I know you understand it now, but you will later on.” – Ricky [13:04]

• On Practicing Wisely:

  “I don’t shoot a whole lot of practice at shoots... Something’s not working... and got it figured out.” – Chase [22:46, 23:09] “You don’t want to waste those 25s in practice.” – Chase [24:33]

• On the Mental Game:

  “If I don’t keep my grades up then I don’t get to go to shoot, so it gives me an incentive to keep my grades up.” – Chase [38:29]

• On Knife-Making:

  “The 916 is actually my family brand ... my grandparents’ brand. It’s been in the family since 1884... when you take it, you flip it over, it’s the same thing.” – Chase [41:53]

• On Setbacks:

  “Most of the time it’s the Indian, not the bow.” – Chase [51:55]

Practical Tips from Chase

• Practice under pressure—nothing replaces real competition.
• Music as a focus tool—find what relaxes and centers you.
• Avoid distractions—don’t watch scores or overthink.
• Be purposeful in practice, especially at shoots; don’t waste good scores on practice targets.
• Gun fit and fundamentals are crucial: “Look at the target and make sure your gun fits.”
• Don’t dwell on bad scores. Keep working and focus on the next target/event.

Segment Timestamps

| Topic | Start | End | |----------------------|----------|----------| | Chase’s intro/accolades | [02:43] | [05:43] | | How Chase got started | [06:04] | [10:10] | | Equipment progression | [10:10] | [11:53] | | Coaching/mentoring stories | [12:16] | [14:39] | | Technique: hold points and setup | [14:39] | [16:18] | | Mental game & pressure | [17:49] | [23:32] | | Goals for the future | [24:58] | [27:01] | | School/life balance | [34:40] | [39:02] | | Hunting and life in New Mexico | [39:02] | [40:47] | | 916 Knives venture | [40:47] | [44:01] | | Advice for younger shooters | [48:29] | [50:33] | | Choke/ammo preferences | [53:20] | [56:03] | | Final thoughts, thanks, and sign-off | [57:36] | [60:54] |

Takeaways for Listeners

• Chase’s journey is a testament to the importance of support, mentorship, consistency, and grit—plus a touch of entrepreneurial flair.
• His approaches to practice, technique (especially hold points and minimal movement), and the mental game offer actionable insights for shooters at any level.
• “Focus on the target, keep your gun fit, and never let a bad round ruin your success.” – the distilled essence of this young champion’s philosophy.

Links:

• [916 Knives on Instagram: knivesby916]
• Contact Chase for custom orders and info

End of summary.