What’s in Your Shooting Bag, Gabby Franco?

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