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

2 Grandamerican 2026Gallery
2 Grandamerican 2026Gallery

Gallery: 2026 ATA Grand American World Trapshooting Championships

The 2026 Amateur Trapshooting Association Grand American in photos.

Polite Society Industries Launches Six Suppressors, Promises Fix, Replace Or Refund

Polite Society Industries launches its first suppressor line—six models, rimfire through .36 caliber—priced against the post-tax-stamp market with a money-back guarantee.

Legends: Allan Cors, 1936–2026

Allan D. Cors, the NRA’s 63rd president and a Distinguished Rifleman who helped create NRA-ILA, died Aug. 10, 2026.

Richard Marshall, Jr., Claims Grand American HOA, Doubles Titles

Trap Talk cohost and Fiocchi pro shooter Richard Marshall, Jr., is Grand American Doubles and High Over All Champion after the close of the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s marquee event.

CMP Sets January 2027 for M14 Rifle Sales

CMP will open M14 rifle sales in January 2027, priced under $2,000, limited to two per person annually, with 100,000-plus rifles available.

Silver, Trophy Hunts And A Grand Champion: The 2026 Heartland Grand

The 19th Heartland Grand hits Ackley, Iowa, Aug. 17-23, with 1,100 HOA targets, a $25,000 trophy deer hunt and nightly cookouts.

Interests



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