Sam Leiendecker

Sam Leiendecker

2023 World Police & Fire Games – Gold Medalist (High Overall)

American Trap Team Xcel AAA 27 AA

About Sam

I’m from Hereford, Arizona and currently living in Bottineau, North Dakota. I’ve been competing for 21 years, starting in 2005. I first got into shooting through the JROTC 10-meter air rifle team in high school before transitioning into trap, skeet, and sporting clays through the Scholastic Clay Target Program. I later attended Lindenwood University where I competed on the shotgun team and earned four consecutive national championship titles.

“Get a good gun fit so you can hit where you’re looking, and use strong visual hold points to maximize your visual advantage.”

Quick Facts

Hometown
Hereford, AZ (Currently Bottineau, ND)
Discipline
American Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, Bunker
Years Competing
21 (Since 2005)
Classification
AAA 27 AA
Team
Xcel Shooting Sports
Favorite Gear
Perazzi MX8, Pilla Shooting Glasses

Highlights

  • 2025 Pre-Autumn Grand – Singles Champion
  • 2025 Nevada State Shoot – Non-Resident AA Champion & AA High All Around Champion
  • 2025 Southwestern Grand – Singles Runner-Up Champion & AA High All Around Champion
  • 2025 Heartland Grand – AA High Overall Champion
  • 2025 World Police & Fire Games – Gold Medalist (Sporting Clays) & Silver Medalist (High Overall)
  • 2024 Southwestern Grand – AA High Overall Champion
  • 2024 Heartland Grand – Handicap Runner-Up Champion
  • 2024 U.S. Open – Handicap Runner-Up Champion
  • 2023 World Police & Fire Games – Gold Medalist (High Overall, Trap Singles, Trap Doubles)
  • State Teams: 2024–2026 North Dakota Men’s Team | 2014 Arizona Men’s Team

Why Team Xcel

Being part of Team Xcel is an absolute honor. It means being aligned with a winning enterprise and working with friendly, helpful, and caring professionals who truly support shooters. Xcel is simply the best in the industry — and that’s why I choose to represent Xcel.

Off the Range

When I’m not shooting, I work as a firearms instructor teaching advanced pistol and rifle courses. I also enjoy spending time with my family, and getting out hunting and fishing.

Pro Tip

Get a proper gun fit so you can hit where you're looking, and use strong visual hold points to maximize your visual advantage on the target.

Watch & Follow

Fun Fact: Sam enjoys restoring and driving vintage cars to car shows.

Contact & Media

For media, interviews, or clinic opportunities, please contact the Xcel team.