First Shooter Ever to Crush a Clay Target at a Certified 201 Yards with a Shotgun
July 2026, Accokeek, MD — Benelli is proud to announce a groundbreaking achievement in the world of shotgun performance as professional exhibition shooter Steve Gould shattered multiple long-distance clay target records, culminating in a historic and unprecedented shot that broke a 110mm clay target at a certified 201 yards—the first time any shooter has ever accomplished the feat.
The record-setting performance showcased the extraordinary capabilities of Benelli’s ETHOS SuperSport A.I. shotgun, featuring the company’s revolutionary Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrel technology, paired with premium Federal ammunition. Independent third-party analysts utilizing a state-of-the-art Trimble Surveyor-Grade Total Station verified each distance, ensuring complete accuracy and certification of the results within fractions on an inch.
Record #1
The record-breaking session began with Gould successfully breaking a clay target at 130 yards using standard target loads—equaling and surpassing distances once considered nearly impossible for traditional target ammunition.
Record #2
Steve then pushed the limits even further by breaking clay targets at 160 yards with Federal Prairie Storm loads.
But Gould saved the most remarkable accomplishment for last.
Record #3
Using Federal Heavyweight TSS #7 loads and the Benelli ETHOS SuperSport A.I., Gould shattered a clay target at an astonishing 201 certified yards, eclipsing his previous world-record mark of 180 yards and establishing a new benchmark in shotgun shooting history.
“This is more than just a new record,” said Gould. “This is proof of what can happen when groundbreaking shotgun technology, premium ammunition, and relentless determination come together. We believed 180 yards was pushing the limits of what a shotgun could accomplish. To break a target at 201 certified yards is simply incredible.”
The achievement highlights the revolutionary performance of Benelli’s Advanced Impact technology, introduced to maintain downrange velocity, tighter and more consistent patterns, along with superior retained energy compared to conventional shotgun barrel systems. Benelli’s engineering team designed the Advanced Impact barrel and choke system to maximize pellet performance at distances previously thought unattainable for shotgun shooters.
Federal’s Heavyweight TSS ammunition also played a key role in the historic accomplishment. Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) is among the densest and most effective shotgun payloads ever developed, providing exceptional energy retention and pattern performance at extreme distances. The same technology previously helped Gould establish the 180-yard world record, but the combination of Federal Heavyweight TSS and Benelli’s Advanced Impact platform elevated performance to an entirely new level.
Gould is no stranger to rewriting the record books. In 2021, he surpassed his previous 160-yard record by breaking a clay target at 180 yards, a feat many believed would stand for years. This latest accomplishment not only surpasses that milestone by more than 20 yards but establishes Gould as the first shooter in history to crush a clay target at a certified distance exceeding 200 yards.
For Benelli, the achievement serves as a powerful demonstration of what modern shotgun technology can achieve.
“Records are meant to be broken, but milestones like this redefine expectations,” states Benelli USA CEO, Tom DeBolt. “Steve Gould’s achievement is a testament to innovation, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of performance. The ETHOS SuperSport A.I. was built to push boundaries, and today it helped make shotgun history.”
With a certified 201-yard target break now officially recorded, Steve Gould has once again expanded the limits of shotgun shooting—and in doing so, secured his place as the first and only shooter to accomplish one of the most extraordinary feats the sport has ever witnessed.
For a full review of Steve Gould’s record-breaking shots, click on the link. https://youtu.be/RozH8OmzBI0?utm_source=Press+release+&utm_medium=digital+&utm_campaign=World_Record_Release_AI&utm_id=World+record+
For more information on Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.
About Benelli
Benelli, headquartered in Accokeek, Maryland, offers the largest selection of semi-automatic shotguns in the world, as well as a variety of rifles. Since the company’s inception, Benelli has led the world in innovative firearm technology, including the ground-breaking Benelli Inertia Driven system, Advanced Impact barrel technology, effective recoil-reduction systems, and the BE.S.T. anti-corrosion coatings. Because of this commitment to innovation, Benelli is recognized as the world’s leading manufacturer of premium firearms for competitive shooters, hunters, and defense professionals.
# # #
