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

Lede 1 Shotshow2026 Gear Roundup
Lede 1 Shotshow2026 Gear Roundup

Best Of SHOT Show 2026: Top Gear and Accessories

Ten standout gear and accessory picks from SHOT Show 2026, featuring products from Garmin, Streamlight, Mantis, Caldwell, Magna Lens and more.

2026 NCAA Rifle Championship Field Is Set: Eight Teams Heading to Columbus

Eight teams and individual qualifiers in smallbore and air rifle will compete at the 2026 NCAA Rifle Championship hosted by Ohio State on March 13-14.

Results: 2026 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Rifle State Championships

Everett High School wins both smallbore and air rifle at 2026 Pennsylvania Sate Championships, setting a new smallbore team record of 2293-97X.

Collegiate Rifle: Akron Zips Soar to Season-Best Air Rifle Score in Home Finale

Akron rifle fired a season-best 2371 air rifle score in their 2026 NCAA qualifier, jumping from No. 16 to No. 12 in national rankings.

Best Of SHOT Show 2026: Top Ammunition

Ten new ammunition products from SHOT Show 2026, including loads from Winchester, Federal, Hornady, Remington, Sierra, Fiocchi and CCI.

Anthony Matarese Leads Team Winchester and White Flyer Surge With 12 Top Finishes at Jack Link’s Cup

Anthony I. Matarese, Jr., wins 2026 Winchester Cup and FITASC title as Team Winchester combines for 12 top finishes at the 2026 Jack Link’s Cup.



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