A Competitor’s Story: Barbara Schläpfer

by
posted on August 1, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
barb-iwa-1.jpg

Barbara Schläpfer, the NRA All-American shooter formerly with the Murray State Racers rifle team, was named the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association Rifle Athlete of the Year, and set a school air rifle record (599) at the 2018 Buckeye Open.

What’s more, last season her average air rifle score set a new single-season record (594.3), and her smallbore average was 587.

As a member of the Murray State rifle team, Schläpfer helped the team qualify for the NCAA championship each of her four years of eligibility. At the 2019 NCAA rifle championship on the campus of West Virginia University this past March, Schläpfer and her fellow Racers brought home a fourth-place finish, with a combined team score of 4677-268X. Murray State last won the championship in 1987.

A native of Gais, Switzerland, Schläpfer’s recently competed at the 2019 IWK competition in Germany. This is one of her first after graduating from Murray State this past May with a degree in engineering physics. Schläpfer competes for her home country of Switzerland.

“The first day, I really struggled with the wind conditions during prone,” says Schläpfer, adding, “Air rifle during the second day was okay, but not really what I can do. The temperature was ridiculous, but the match itself went really well. I am happy with my 418.3 score.”

For smallbore rifle, Schläpfer uses a Bleiker with Lapua Center X ammunition. For air gun, she uses a Feinwerkbau with RWS pellets.


See more: TCU Wins 2019 NCAA Rifle Championship

Latest

Sw Specseriesvi Shotshow2026 1
Sw Specseriesvi Shotshow2026 1

SHOT Show 2026: Smith & Wesson Adds To Spec Series Lineup With New Revolver, Compact Pistol

Smith & Wesson adds two firearms to its Spec Series: a performance-tuned revolver and a compact metal-framed 9 mm handgun.

Collegiate Rifle: Akron Tested by No. 3 Mountaineers in Season Restart

Akron Zips rifle opens spring at No. 3 West Virginia as Rachael Paddock posts career highs, leading competitive smallbore and air rifle performances.

New: Benelli 828U SuperSport A.I.

The Benelli 828U SuperSport A.I. combines advanced barrels, recoil management and adjustability to deliver consistency and confidence for demanding clay shooters.

Remington Marks America’s 250th Anniversary With ‘We The People’ Limited-Edition Ammo

Remington unveils a limited-edition ammunition series honoring America’s 250th anniversary, pairing familiar calibers with commemorative packaging.

Beretta’s 500th Anniversary: Five Centuries of Italian Craftsmanship

As Beretta marks 500 years, the Italian gunmaker looks back to its origins while revealing how centuries of craft inform what comes next.

How to Duplicate .357 Magnum Factory Ballistics with Handloads

Extensive testing shows which powders and charge weights allow .357 Mag. handloads to reach factory velocities without exceeding published pressure limits.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.