Success on the rifle range often comes down to consistency and preparation—and Amanda Pettersen has already proven she has all three. A member of the University of Alaska-Fairbanks rifle team and the Norwegian national rifle team since 2023, Pettersen earned three CRCA All-American honors during the 2024–25 season as a freshman and helped the Nanooks capture an NCAA smallbore team championship. Learn what she keeps in her range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
I shot with a club rifle when I started in 2017. In 2019, I got my own rifle. It was a black Feinwerkbau 800X. I saw that if I wanted to get better at the sport, I would need to upgrade.
Tell us how you began in competitive shooting.
I began competing because I started seeing progress from each competition. After I compete, I clearly see what I need to work on in practice. Although I first began competing for fun, I quickly realized that I wanted to do it on a higher level.
Please share with us some of your major shooting accomplishments.
I competed internationally representing Norway. In 2023, I was a part of the team that won bronze at the Junior World Cup. The biggest accomplishment so far, though, would be winning the NCAA smallbore championship with the team last season.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
For competition, both of my firearms are Walthers. My smallbore is a Walther KK 500, and my air rifle is an LG500. For ammunition, I shoot Lapua.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms.
I travel with an Osprey bag. I like it because it’s durable, waterproof and has a lot of room. This is useful when traveling with a lot of gear. In it, I carry my sights, buttplates, my suit, kneeling roll, my stand, ammo, bolt, etc. Other than shooting equipment, I always bring an AirTag (I’ve lost my gear bag during travel one too many times). At all times, I always have snacks with me. Competition days can be super long, with little to no time to get food.
What do you do in your free time?
When I have free time, I spend a lot of it in the Murie building at school studying and doing homework. Other than that, the team spends a lot of time together playing games and making dinner.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
Talk to a club near you, they’re happy to have you try the sport!
Any tips for the new shooter?
Be patient. Like any other sport, it takes time to develop skills and improve. One thing I wish I’d known when I first started shooting competitions was something Will Anti told me last year: “Being nervous means that you care for the sport.” I have spent so many hours asking myself why I get so nervous before a competition. Being anxious is the same thing as being excited.
Follow Amanda Pettersen on Instagram: @amandapettersen28
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