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📍West Virginia
Ashlyn Blake, a standout member of the West Virginia University rifle team, has captured significant attention in the competitive shooting community this year. She earned both the 2025 Great American Rifle Conference Rookie of the Year award in February and the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association Rookie of the Year Award in May. As a talented marksman, Ashlyn brings a personal touch to the often technical world of competitive shooting, blending family history with her unique journey into the sport. Blake's journey with firearms began during the summer of July 2019, when she first picked up a .22 caliber rifle equipped with a five-round magazine. This initial experience sparked a passion that was deeply influenced by her father's own stories of perseverance, including competing in NCAA shooting with a broken wrist. "Dad, I want to do what you did," she recalls saying, leading to her first trip to the shooting rangea pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of her life. Competitive shooting quickly became a major passion for Blake, and she officially entered the field in 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that forced many to take breaks from their routines. However, through this disruption, she overcame challenges and continued to develop her skills. Reflecting on her accomplishments, Ashlyn recently secured third place at the NCAA rifle championships in March, excelling in the air rifle category. Further accolades followed as she was selected for both the Drew Cup Prone Team and the Futures Team, marking her as a rising star in the sport. When discussing the gear she uses, Blake mentions her smallbore rifle, a Walther KK500 Ultra Light, alongside Lapua Center-X and Midas+ .22 Long Rifle ammunition, which are critical to her competitive edge. Her air rifle setup includes a Feinwerkbau 900, with either R10 or QYS pellets serving as her go-to choice for shooting. Ashlyns range bag is an extension of her preparation and performance on the firing line. Currently using a Nike-branded bag affiliated with West Virginia University, she appreciates the space and organization it offers over her previous OGIO rolling bag. This practicality allows her to carry essential equipment, including her shooting suit, ammo, a stand, kneeling roll, sling, boots, visor, gloves, and her sight box. Notably, her magenta visor has special personal significance, serving as a beacon for her family to spot her among competitors. This accessory is not just functional; it holds a deeper emotional connection as she shares that it was a way for her late grandmother to identify her during competitions. This blend of personal history with competitive spirit adds another dimension to Blakes narrative in the shooting world. When asked about advice for newcomers to the sport, Blake recommends following experienced shooters like Ginny Thrasher and Mary Tucker on social media platforms. They offer invaluable insights for those looking to improve and navigate the intricacies of competitive shooting. She emphasizes that perfection isnt immediate; the sport demands dedication, patience, and consistent effort. As Ashlyn Blake continues her ascent in competitive shooting, she stands as a testament to the hard work and family ties that many athletes experience, and her personal story resonates with those who share a similar passion for firearms. In conclusion, the world of competitive shooting is more than simply a sport for Ashlyn; it is a pathway enriched with family bonds and personal stories that shape her journey on and off the range. As her career progresses, it's crucial to stay aware of emerging talents like Blake, as they contribute to the evolving narrative of competitive shooting.