What’s in Your Shooting Bag, Gabby Franco?

by
posted on June 3, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gabby.jpg
Gabriela (Gabby) Franco exudes energy and confidence as she travels the country teaching firearms courses and competing in USPSA matches. A former pistol competitor on the Venezuelan Olympic team, she moved to the U.S. in 2002 after claiming three gold medals in the South American Games. Many know her from Season 4 of History Channel’s “Top Shot” series.

Gabby has been shooting for 22 years and competing for 15. She credits her father for introducing her to the shooting sports. “In 2014 I shot my new Para ‘Tomasie’ Custom pistol in .40 S&W Remington ammo loaded with Barnes bullets. For this year’s 3-Gun matches, I will be shooting a Para pistol in 9mm, my Remington VersaMax in 12Ga and a Bushmaster XM-15 rifle,” said Gabby.

When asked about her range bag, she said, “I have so many range bags that I think I will start donating them … However, I am considering purchasing a backpack range bag because it is a lot easier to carry my guns and ammo.” In addition to her guns, ammo and tools, here’s what she puts into her collection of range bags:

• Eye and ear protection
• DryHands – a great gripping solution, especially during the summer
• Sun block. “There’s nothing worse than wearing a dress with a V-neck tan.”
• Oil and Cleaning rag
• Bore snake
• Spare parts

Gabby does not carry anything for good luck. “In competitions, there is only one thing that works – good training,” she stated. When Gabby’s not competing, she might be found at home painting ceramic pieces or dancing the Flamenco. “I would be happy if once in my life I have the opportunity to dance in a theater,” she said. She also loves traveling, exploring and meeting new people in this country she calls home.

Gabby is the author of Troubleshooting: Mastering Your Pistol Marksmanship, a shooting manual that she describes as having “the sole intention to teach you in a very personal and technical way how to shoot precisely with a handgun.” Visit www.gabbyfranco.com and her Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram (@gabbyfrancots4) and YouTube accounts.

Photo credit: PARA-USA

Latest

Beretta AX800 1
Beretta AX800 1

New: Beretta AX800 Suprema

Beretta’s AX800 Suprema for waterfowl hunting features advanced gas cycling and tough Steelium Pro barrels built for the harshest conditions.

Understanding Ogive Jive

Explains bullet ogive shapes—tangent, secant and hybrid—how geometry affects aerodynamics, seating depth sensitivity, twist rates and real-world accuracy for precision shooters.

Remembering The 2014 NRA Open Air Gun Nationals

From the vault: Our coverage of the 2014 Open Air Gun Nationals, which allowed air gun competitors to participate at one of 15 locations around the country.

New: Cabot Guns Rebellion MAX

Cabot Guns’ new Rebellion MAX is a 28-ounce double-stack 1911 with a $6,295 starting price.

2025 Marty Brown Memorial Invitational

This two-day rifle match at Camp Atterbury honored Marty Brown by blending marksmanship and fundraising for ovarian cancer awareness.

Results: 2025 World Action Pistol Championship

Doug Koenig wins eighth World Action Pistol Championship; Team USA sweeps podium and captures team world title in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Interests



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