What’s In Your Range Bag, Sagen Maddalena?

Learn what Sgt. Sagen Maddalena of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit keeps in her range bag.

by
posted on April 7, 2023
Sagenmaddalenarangebag 3
Sagen Maddalena placed fifth at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics for the United States in the 50m three-position rifle event.
USA Shooting

Tokyo 2020 Olympian Sgt. Sagen Maddalena, a soldier serving with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, is a double Distinguished competitive shooter who has earned her President’s 100 Tab and is also the holder of multiple National Records. Find out what Maddalena—an eight-time All-American rifle shooter—keeps in her range bag.

Sagen Maddalena
Last year at Hillsdale College, Sagen Maddalena topped the leaderboards in air rifle and smallbore at the USA Shooting Nationals.

 

What are your first memories of handling a firearm?

I was about 11 years old when I first handled a firearm. My dad, Randy Maddalena, allowed me to shoot my Grandpa Greg’s .22 Long Rifle Winchester 62 pump at an “Archie” comic book. To my disappointment, I missed. By far, that Winchester was the most enjoyable .22 LR gun that I’ve ever shot—once I could hit something.

I’ll add that my Grandpa Greg also took me out to shoot his old .22 LR bolt-action rifle. He had me shoot at a paper plate, and I’m pretty sure I hit that one.

Tell us how you began in competitive shooting?

I started competing in the Jamestown .22 Program once a week through 4-H. This program taught gun safety to teenagers living in the county. Eventually, I advanced from .22 shooting to high power with the California Grizzlies Junior Rifle Team. My fascination with shooting sports was fueled by my desire to beat all the boys.

Sagen Maddalena with rifle
Some good advice from Sagen Maddalena, “A poorly executed, well-aimed shot won’t get you very far.”

 

What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?

Being a part of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit brings great opportunities for our gunsmiths to work on equipment. Another bonus is that I get to try out different brands of guns and gear. I am currently shooting a .22 LR Bleiker Challenger and a .177-cal. Walther barreled action in a Feinwerkbau 700 Aluminum stock.

Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms?

Right now, I’m using an OGIO for my equipment when I travel. However, I’ve also used Osprey and Dakine products in the past. As long as the bag can withstand all of my travel requirements, the brand doesn’t really matter to me.

Some of the most important items that I carry in my travel bag, besides my firearms, are electrical tape, duct tape and zip ties. On my home range, I rock a wagon between yard lines. Let me tell you—wagons are not just for soccer moms.

Sagen Maddalena and Lucas Kozeniesky
Last November, Sagen Maddalena and Lucas Kozeniesky won the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the 2022 CAT Championship in Lima, Peru.

 

What do you enjoy to do in your free time?

I spend my free time in the woods, or out on the water fishing. There is peace to be found on the water, and not much can beat the thrill of watching a chunky bass surfacing past the lilies to obliterate a tasty snack. Cutting and splitting firewood is another way I use my so-called free time.

What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?

Stop by your local gun range and ask if you can watch a shooting competition. There are all kinds of shooting sports. Find one that you like and run with it.

Any tips for the new shooter?

Stick to the fundamentals. Pull the trigger like you flip on a light switch and watch the shot hit the paper. A poorly executed, well-aimed shot won’t get you very far.

Latest

1961 National Matches 5
1961 National Matches 5

More Than 6,000 Shooters Experience An Improved Range: 1961 National Matches

A refurbished range greeted the more than 6,000 competitors at the 1961 National Matches, a number which broke attendance records.

Rich Combination Of History & Shooting On Display At Creedmoor 150 Match

A weeklong competition with period and recreated rifles was held in October to recognize the 150th anniversary of the original 1874 Creedmoor International Match.

NRA Announces 2025 National Matches Locations & Schedule

The 2025 NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships will be held at the Cardinal Shooting Center, Alliance Rifle Club, Oklahoma City Gun Club and Winnequah Gun Club next June and July.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Rifles

Five rifles that are excellent presents for competitive shooters this holiday season.

All About The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship

The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship was held at Cavern Cove Competitive Shooting Range in Marshall County, Ala., May 16-18.

$50,000 Total Prize Purse At Inaugural Florida Shooters Cup

Apex Shooting Center is hosting the inaugural Florida Shooters Cup Tournament in January 2025 with $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.