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

Sk 2026 911 1
Sk 2026 911 1

New: SK Guns 9/11 Remembrance 1911 Commander

SK Guns is building 100 numbered 1911 Commanders chambered in 9 mm Luger, engraved with the Twin Towers, marking 25 years since Sept. 11.

Caldwell ClayCopter Surface-to-Air Wins Top Innovation Award

Caldwell’s hands-free ClayCopter Surface-to-Air launcher wins 2026 Frank DeSomma Innovation of the Year Award from the Industry Choice Awards.

Ammunition Depot’s AmmoVault Bets You’ll Want The Ammo Before You Need It

Ammunition Depot’s new AmmoVault service lets shooters buy ammunition over time, store it insured off-site and request shipment whenever they want.

NRA Gun Bus Rolls Out of Fairfax on 63-Stop Battleground Tour

NRA-ILA’s first national bus tour left Fairfax on Aug. 27, bound for Montana and 62 more stops across 13 states.

Peiser, Zaun Win Smallbore Titles at 2026 USA Shooting Rifle Fall Selection Match

Braden Peiser and Katie Zaun won 50m rifle three-position titles at the 2026 USA Shooting Rifle Fall Selection Match in Colorado Springs.

Real Avid and Doug Koenig’s Range Ready Handgun Series Starts Before the First Shot

Real Avid’s Range Ready series features handgun preparation with a new Doug Koenig video run covering setup, fundamentals, maintenance and more.

Interests



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