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

1A Mauser M98
1A Mauser M98

New Mauser M98 Das Original Bolt-Action Rifle Includes .300 Win. Mag. Chambering

Mauser updates its classic M98 with DLC bolt components, Grade 5 wood and new calibers including a first-ever .300 Win. Mag. option.

Winter Olympic Biathlon: Skiing and Shooting at 180 BPM

A history of Olympic biathlon, tracing its evolution from military patrols to a high-speed sport combining skiing and precision shooting under pressure.

New For 2026: Top Handguns

Eleven standout handguns—from race-ready steel to modular pistols and a modern revolver—highlight the biggest trends emerging from SHOT Show 2026.

New: Real Avid Master Collection for 1911

The 1911 Master Collection brings together tools, cleaning gear and chemicals in a single kit designed for straightforward at‑home maintenance of the classic handgun platform.

Collegiate Rifle: 2026 Patriot Rifle Conference Championship Results

Nebraska secures 2026 PRC Championship title in Fort Wayne with balanced scoring in both guns, topping Ole Miss and TCU for its first league title in two decades.

Kim Rhode Receives NSSF’s Top Honor at SHOT Show 2026

Olympic legend Kim Rhode is honored by NSSF for a career that reshaped competitive shooting and expanded its future.

Interests



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