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

2026 NRA MR 2
2026 NRA MR 2

Kim Rowe Captures 2026 NRA National High Power Mid-Range Championship

Kim Rowe wins 2026 NRA National High Power Mid-Range Championship and Patriot Minuteman Trophy with a 2399-171X aggregate.

Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Adds 300 FPS to a Cartridge You Probably Already Shoot

Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak uses Peak Alloy cases to push velocities 300 fps faster while fitting existing 6.5 Creedmoor rifles.

AMU Competitors Top 2026 Dixie Match Leaderboard

USAMU swept the podium at the 2026 Dixie Matches in Jacksonville, with Greg Markowski claiming Top Gun and the NRA Regional Championship.

The Whistler Boy Match Returns to NRA Smallbore

Sponsored by Ruger, the popular junior rifle competition is coming back in July during the 2026 NRA Smallbore Rifle Nationals at Cardinal Center in Ohio.

Federal Ammunition Signs Agreement With U.S. Army for Peak Alloy Case Technology

Federal Ammunition will allow the U.S. Army to use its Peak Alloy steel case technology across multiple calibers following delivery of 40 million cases.

Classic SSUSA: The History of the Palma Trophy

Trace the Palma Trophy from its 1876 debut through wars, controversies and revivals—including the disappearance of the original seven-foot Tiffany trophy, still missing today.

Interests



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