Spotlight On Federal’s Krystal Dunn 

Get On Target With Krystal Dunn

H&B: So you grew up in “Steel City,” Pittsburgh. Was shooting steel plates a big part of your upbringing? 

Krystal Dunn: Haha! My dad was in the military and with the airlines, so I moved around—California, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Minnesota—growing up. A couple of times a year, we’d go to the range as a family for target practice. Like most dads, he was very good about teaching me the fundamentals of shooting and the rules of safety, but he didn’t have me do a lot of actual gun handling. I realized I had gotten more comfortable with guns, but I didn’t have a lot of skills to feel confident doing it on my own. So now when I train people, I take that into consideration and make sure they feel confident shooting by themselves. 

What are your earliest shooting memories? 

When I was little, I would go with my dad and his friends to the range. Looking back, I realized, “Oh, he wanted to go to the range with his buddies, but he was on little kid duty.” I’d have my safety glasses and big ol’ earmuffs on, and I’d sit there while my dad and his friends shot. And slowly, he started introducing me to little .22 rifles and pistols. And I remember, when I was little, he’d have the bucket, and when we were finished, he’d have me pick up all the brass and put it in the bucket. 

Did you grow up hunting? 

No, I came to hunting later on, but when I first got into shooting and people would ask me that question, I’d tell them I was not quiet enough for that sport. With hunting, there’s a lot of sitting still and being quiet, and those were not things I was good at when I was little. I went hunting for the first time with Federal last December. It was the most amazing first hunting experience ever. The guide was amazing, the outfitter was outstanding—we hunted whitetails in Kansas on managed land. I ended up shooting a 10-pointer that the outfitter had been watching all season. It was right before sunset when a doe stepped into range, and she was followed by the big buck. When the doe put her head down, I took solid aim and took my shot. I dropped him right there—call it a bit of beginner’s luck! To show some appreciation to the outfitter, I showed up with a bottle of whiskey to say sorry for getting his deer. 

How did you get started in your competition career? 

After a breakup in my 20s, I started doing all kinds of new things. I took woodworking classes and sewing and upholstery classes. I even took a breakdancing class. My dad then steered me toward competitive shooting. He told me I was a decent shot, and he thought I’d enjoy the competition part of it. So, I watched some YouTube videos and I found a guy to give lessons. He taught me about range commands, what gear to buy, and how to properly and safely use a holster. He connected me with another young woman, and we shot our first IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) match together. I stayed on the competition side, and she went more to the industry/self-defense side, and now she and her husband own PHLster Holsters. 

I started out shooting IDPA matches, and I did that for the better part of a season. That’s the gateway drug. Then I met some other people who got me to try USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association). And then you try all kinds of things: 3-gun, long range. I tried all the disciplines, but I really gravitated to pistols. I’ve done a fair amount of long-range and some partner matches, but pistols are where I spend the bulk of my time. 

What goals have you set for yourself in shooting? 

First I just wanted to learn and get better. But once you’re training and shooting competitively, you do so many reps that you can come up quickly. If you put the work in, you can quickly excel in this sport. I have shot all around the country and in most of the divisions. I set a goal to shoot internationally, and I shot in Australian Nationals. I’ve won my class and High Lady in different divisions at some major matches I’ve shot. Another goal I’ve set is to win my division someday. 

Once you’ve done it for a while and you see behind the scenes, it’s nice to give back to the sport. I re-upped my range officer certification and I’ve found my new passion for helping new people get into the sport or just helping people get comfortable with gun handling and self-reliance. I still enjoy competing, but it’s rewarding to give back on the volunteer side. 

Tell me about your partnership with Federal. 

I love Federal! I partnered with them back in 2016. I had a friend in competition who worked for Federal, and we were at a match where it was pouring rain. He had this fancy Federal rain jacket, and I really wanted that jacket. But instead of the jacket, he had been tasked with creating a team in the pistol space, so I was part of that first team. As an ambassador, I shoot for Federal and represent them at matches, but we also do educational videos for the different spaces we’re in. The biggest part of my relationship with Federal now is doing the media and educational pieces. We’re also doing product awareness spots and offering tips and tricks to Federal customers. 

As a female in the shooting world, do you see yourself as a role model? 

Yes, and I say that with the caveat of, like it or not. When I first got into this, it just wasn’t a light I saw myself in. As I’ve learned and had a lot of opportunities afforded to me, I do feel like it’s important to share my experience. 

What was your first gun, what is your favorite gun you own right now and what is your dream gun? 

My first gun was a little Ruger LCP, and I didn’t have it too long before I wanted to shoot something different. My first competition gun was a Glock 34, and I very quickly jumped to the CZ platform, and now I have a CZ Shadow 2, which is my favorite gun to shoot in competition. I love a big, heavy gun. Another gun I really like is my Volquartsen .22 pistol. It’s great to have that variety when I take people out to train so they can shoot different things. I’ve had the opportunity to shoot all kinds of guns, but the thing I think my collection is missing is a gold tiger-striped Desert Eagle .50 AE. It’s neat and totally impractical, but I just want one to have one. 

What is your day job? 

I’m an aesthetician, and I own an eyebrow and skincare salon. I started the business when I was 24, and I’ve grown to have a small team and staff. It is so fun and rewarding! 

What’s your five-year plan? 

My boyfriend and I are building a house in North Carolina and are planning to move down there in the spring. I’ll continue to stay involved in competition, hopefully more on the support side and helping to grow matches and bring more people to it. I want to do more family range days so that it becomes more of a family thing. 

When not competing or working, what do you like to do? 

I’ve done some things for Turning Point USA giving college campus talks. I do a lot of training and working with new shooters. I love to travel to see my family and friends. And I have a puppy I’m obsessed with. His name is Charlie, and he’s a Cavapoo.