Riton Field Staff member Daniel Keller’s 12-year-old son, Colton, is an up-and-coming shooter from East Tennessee. The Riton staff wanted to highlight his accomplishments, goals, and enthusiasm for the sport in this blog post written by Colton.

Hello Riton Nation!

My name is Colton Keller. I am 12 years old and have been shooting since Squirrel season last year. I live in East Tennessee. I started shooting competitions 5 months ago with the ABRA (Auto Benchrest Association) and am the current 2021 Outlaw Lite Barrel Youth TN State, VA State and National Tournament Champion.  I shoot my Squirrel rifle which is a Savage Mark II topped with a Riton X1 Primal 4-16×44 scope.

I got into shooting to enjoy hunting with my dad and big brother. As my interests peaked, I began watching sniper movies and reading books about snipers in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. My long-term goal is to become an US Army Sniper (BRAVO 4). I want to serve my country like my dad and my heroes MGSGT Carlos Hathcock and Chief Chris Kyle.

I like shooting because it’s just AWESOME!! I mean it gets your blood pumping and is very relaxing at the same time. Being able to put a bullet into a 10 spot the size of the ball of an ink pen at 50 yards or a dime at 100 yards is a freaking awesome feeling. I am also learning to shoot long range with center fire rifles. I’ve already zeroed at 200 yards and hit center mass on 3’x4′ targets out to 500 yards. MY GOAL IS TO HIT 1000YRDS BY NEXT FALL.

My dad heard about Riton Optics from one of his friends that’s a Navy Seal. Dad says I can’t say his name but he’s awesome. We liked them so well dad replaced everything with Riton X1s. Everything is so clear and easy to use I can use it without any help.

I get ready for matches by practicing dime drills, working bolt without moving my head in order to keep sight picture and practicing dime shot groups. I also study the videos from Riton about reading wind and mirage for holdover and how to use the cross hairs for distance. The wind is my worst enemy.

When I won Nationals, I was so excited I could hardly talk and could have easily run a mile!!!!! I am still in shock and can’t thank everyone enough for all they’ve done to help me accomplish this.

Thank you!

Colton Keller