West Virginia University rifle team standout Ashlyn Blake made waves this year, earning both the 2025 Great American Rifle Conference Rookie of the Year in February and the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association Rookie of the Year in May. I caught up with her to find out what she keeps in her range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
The first time I picked up a firearm was in July 2019; it was a little .22 that had a five-round magazine. I wanted to start shooting because of my dad. He would always talk about how he shot NCAA with a broken wrist and shared a bunch of stories about his shooting days. One day I said to him, “Dad, I want to do what you did.” So, he brought me to the shooting range, and I absolutely fell in love with shooting.
Tell us how you began in competitive shooting?
I started competing in 2020. It was right when covid hit, so I had to take a long break.
Please share with us some of your major competition shooting accomplishments.
My major accomplishments are earning third place at the NCAA rifle championship this past March in air rifle, and making the Drew Cup Prone Team and the Futures Team.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
My smallbore rifle is a Walther KK500 Ultra Light. I use Lapua Center-X and Midas+ .22 Long Rifle ammunition. For my air rifle, I shoot a Feinwerkbau 900, and I use either R10 or QYS pellets for my ammo.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms?
The range bag that I currently carry is a Nike bag from West Virginia University. Before that I used an OGIO rolling bag. I love my Nike bag because I can fit everything very neatly inside, and it’s very easy to transport. I actually keep my firearms in soft cases, and then when I travel, I will put them in a hard case. However, in my range bag, I have all my equipment, including my suit, ammo, stand, kneeling roll, sling, boots, visor, gloves and my sight box.
My favorite accessory is my visor. I wear a magenta visor, and it is how my entire family spots me on the line (besides being the shortest). But I wear it mainly because it is how my grandma would find me on the line, and she just recently passed away. So, now it is my way of keeping her with me while I shoot.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to watch TV and just relax.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
Follow Ginny Thrasher on Instagram; she provides a wealth of valuable information about our sport. The same applies to Mary Tucker, who also offers excellent advice for shooters.
Any tips for the new shooter?
You won’t be perfect right off the bat. This sport, especially, requires a lot of hard work and dedication. So, keep working hard.
Follow Ashlyn Blake on Instagram: @ashlyn_grace_blake
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