Collegiate All-American Katie Zaun won the NCAA title as a member of the Texas Christian University Women’s rifle team earlier this year. Not only that, the Buffalo, North Dakota, native has competed in 15 international competitions and secured 12 medals during her shooting career. In addition, at the 2024 Championship of the Americas, she captured the U.S. an Olympic quota for the Paris 2024 Games. Find out what Zaun keeps in her range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
It was 13 years ago, when I was the age of seven, that I first picked up a BB gun. My older brother had started competing, so naturally, I wanted to do everything he did. I was too young to join the BB gun club at the time, but my dad brought me in, and I shot prone for fun.
Tell us how you began in competitive shooting.
I started competitively in BB gun when I was eight years old. After I reached nine years old, I began shooting air rifle. As a 10-year-old, I progressed to smallbore rifle. I began shooting because my older brother did it, and I saw him practicing at home. I was so curious about it. When I expressed my interest, my dad let me try it out.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
For air rifle competition I have a Feinwerkbau 900, and for the smallbore events I shoot a Walther KK500 with Eley .22 Long Rifle ammunition.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms.
L.L. Bean is the maker of the range bag that I use. I like how light it is, and it has plenty of room to carry my equipment. Besides my firearms, I always keep extra ammunition in there.
What do you do in your free time?
During my free time, I attend spin classes and concerts, bake and I’m currently teaching myself to knit.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
If you are interested in learning more about rifle shooting, contact any of us (competitors). We are all more than happy to point them in the right direction or answer any questions.
Any tips for the new shooter?
My biggest advice for new shooters is to create goals and enjoy the challenges. Personally, having goals allows me to work on something constantly. Goals are not just winning a match or qualifying for a team—they can be much simpler. Something like, “My goal is to have the best follow through for the next 20 shots,” or, “My goal is to learn three things after being done with this match.” Constantly working on goals always comes with difficulties. Whether it is positional or mental challenges, I find it extremely rewarding to work through them. I am very competitive and constantly assess myself to see what can be improved.
Follow Katie Zaun on Instagram: @katie.zaun
