Gear And Accessories
What’s In Your Range Bag, Ashlyn Blake?
What’s In Your Range Bag, Ashlyn Blake?
📅
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Morgantown, West Virginia
West Virginia University (WVU) rifle team standout Ashlyn Blake has recently made headlines in the shooting community, capturing both the 2025 Great American Rifle Conference Rookie of the Year award in February and the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association Rookie of the Year in May. Her journey in shooting began in July 2019, inspired by her father, a former NCAA shooter who often shared tales of his competitive experiences. In her early days, Blake recalled the first firearm she ever handled: a small .22 with a five-round magazine. This experience ignited a passion for shooting that would evolve into a competitive career. "I wanted to start shooting because of my dad," Blake shared. "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.'" Following this moment, her father brought her to the shooting range, where Blake quickly fell in love with the sport. Blake officially began her competitive shooting journey in 2020, navigating through a challenging landscape marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her perseverance paid off as she achieved notable accomplishments, including third place at the NCAA rifle championship in March 2025 in air rifle and inclusion in the Drew Cup Prone and Futures Teams. These accolades signify her potential and growing presence in the competitive shooting scene. The firearms and gear Blake uses are fundamental to her success. For smallbore competition, she employs a Walther KK500 Ultra Light, paired with Lapua Center-X and Midas+ .22 Long Rifle ammunition. Her air rifle of choice is a Feinwerkbau 900, utilizing either R10 or QYS pellets. This specialized equipment not only reflects the technical side of her sport but also indicates her commitment to excellence. When it comes to her range bag, Blake describes it as an essential part of her preparation. Currently, she uses a Nike bag adorned with the West Virginia University logo, which she fondly prefers over her previous OGIO rolling bag. "I love my Nike bag because I can fit everything very neatly inside, and its very easy to transport," Blake explained. "In my range bag, I have all my equipment, including my suit, ammo, stand, kneeling roll, sling, boots, visor, gloves, and my sight box." The organization and convenience of her gear enable her to focus on performance rather than logistics. Of particular significance is her magenta visor, which not only serves as a practical accessory but also as a sentimental item. Its how my entire family spots me on the line, she remarked, personalizing her connection to the sport. The visor holds additional meaning as a tribute to her late grandmother, who used to spot her during competitions. This emotional bond highlights the deeply personal aspects of sportsmanship and family legacy in shooting. In her downtime, Blake enjoys relaxing and watching television, a stark contrast to the precision and focus required in competitive shooting. To those interested in the sport, she has two noteworthy recommendations: "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." Ultimately, Blake emphasizes that achieving success in competitive shooting demands hard work and dedication. Her journey illustrates how personal passion, family influence, and relentless effort converge in the pursuit of excellence.