Gear And Accessories
What’s In Your Range Bag, Ashlyn Blake?
What’s In Your Range Bag, Ashlyn Blake?
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Morgantown, West Virginia
Ashlyn Blake, a standout athlete on the West Virginia University rifle team, has garnered significant recognition in the competitive shooting scene. In 2025, she was awarded the Great American Rifle Conference Rookie of the Year in February and the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association Rookie of the Year in May. These accolades highlight her dedication and skill as she navigates the demands of competitive shooting. Her journey into the world of firearms began in July 2019 when she first held a firearma .22 caliber with a five-round magazine. Inspired by her fathers own NCAA shooting experiences, Ashlyn made a pivotal decision to pursue the sport herself. Her fathers tales of perseverance, including shooting despite a broken wrist, motivated her to visit the shooting range, a decision that sparked her passion for competitive shooting. Ashlyn noted that her entry into competition came in 2020, coinciding with the onset of COVID-19, which unfortunately required a break from her early endeavors. Despite these challenges, she has made remarkable strides in her shooting career, including securing third place at the NCAA rifle championship this past March in the air rifle category. Additionally, she was selected for the Drew Cup Prone Team and the Futures Team, showcasing her growing prowess in the sport. When it comes to her competition gear, Ashlyn utilizes a Walther KK500 Ultra Light smallbore rifle paired with Lapua Center-X and Midas+ .22 Long Rifle ammunition. For air rifle competitions, she relies on a Feinwerkbau 900 model, using either R10 or QYS pellets. This specific selection of firearms and ammunition reflects the precision and performance required in serious shooting sports. Central to her success is her range bag, which she currently uses: a Nike bag proudly adorned with the West Virginia University logo. Ashlyn transitioned from an OGIO rolling bag to the Nike version, appreciating its spaciousness and portability. Her organizational skills shine through as she efficiently stores all necessities within her bag, including competition gear such as her suit, ammo, kneeling roll, sling, boots, visor, gloves, and sight box. One accessory that holds sentimental value is her favorite magenta visor, which helps family spot her during competitions. This visor has become even more meaningful following her grandmother's recent passing, who would watch her competitions and cheer her on from the sidelines. Now, it serves as a cherished reminder of familial support that Ashlyn carries with her every time she competes. When not practicing or competing, Ashlyn enjoys downtime by watching TV and relaxing. For newcomers interested in competitive shooting, she wisely suggests following experienced shooters like Ginny Thrasher and Mary Tucker on social media for invaluable tips and perspectives. Ashlyn emphasizes that achieving success in competitive shooting requires hard work and dedication; perfection is not an immediate outcome. With a narrative rooted in family influence and personal determination, Ashlyn Blake is an inspiring figure in the world of collegiate rifle shooting. Her journey reflects the essence of commitment and showcases the rich community of support that surrounds competitive shooting. As she continues to build on her successes, Ashlyn embodies the spirit of competition, resilience, and the cherished bonds formed through shared passions.