What’s in Your Shooting Bag, Gabby Franco?

by
posted on June 3, 2015
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

4 Lousiana HPR Champ 2024
4 Lousiana HPR Champ 2024

Results: 2024 Louisiana State High Power Rifle Championship

Chance Cavin walked away from the 2024 Louisiana State High Power Rifle Championship with this year’s title.

Joe Charnigo’s Shooting Accomplishments Prove He’s No ‘Average Joe’

Champion trapshooter Joe Charnigo was dubbed “Ohio Joe” to differentiate him from all the other Joes while attending competitions across the country.

Blankenship Extends NRA Pistol Championship Win Streak To Five: 1964 National Matches

Attendance continued to surge at the National Matches in 1964, where crowds were wowed by Bill Blankenship landing a record-setting fifth consecutive NRA Pistol Championship title.

Steel Challenge And USPSA Competition Q&A: Rule Explanations, Scoring Questions

NROI Director Troy McManus answers questions about Steel Challenge and USPSA competition.

Fairless Captures Distinguished Rifleman Badge With M1 Garand: ‘It Gave Me A Chance’

For Bill Fairless, the M1 Garand is more than just a gun, it represents a special bond between father and son.

Addressing Unsportsmanlike Behavior In USPSA Competition

When all competitors pitch in at a USPSA match, everyone benefits.

Interests



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