A Competitor’s Story: Barbara Schläpfer

by
posted on August 1, 2019
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

1946 Nationals History 1
1946 Nationals History 1

NRA’s Tenacity Keeps Competition Alive In Uncertain Times: 1942-1953 National Matches

While World War II and the Korean War forced the suspension of the National Matches, NRA’s steadfastness ensured that competition would continue during the period of 1942-1953.

New Zealand To Host 2025 World Action Pistol Championships

The 2025 NRA World Action Pistol Championships will be held in Hamilton, New Zealand, next October.

Winchester Announces New 21 Sharp Rimfire Cartridge

Winchester Ammunition’s new 21 Sharp rimfire cartridge was “built from the ground up for enhanced accuracy and on-target performance with both lead and lead-free projectiles.”

20 Great Photos From The 2024 NRA National Matches

Here are 20 of the best photos from Camp Atterbury this summer at the 2024 NRA National Precision Pistol, Smallbore Rifle and High Power Rifle Championships.

Preview: Armasight Contractor 640 2.3-9.2X 35 mm Thermal Optic

Armasight’s Contractor 640 2.3-9.2X 35 mm thermal optic boasts a high-quality sensor and associated electronics in a small package.

Former NCAA Rifle Athlete JT Schnering Gets The Nod To Be The Manager Of CMP’s Competition Center In Alabama

Previously a NCAA athlete and coach, JT Schnering will bring fresh leadership to CMP South.

Interests



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