At the 2023 Parapan American Games held in Chile last November, U.S. Paralympic competitor Marco De La Rosa won a gold medal in the P3 Men’s Air Pistol SH1 event, also securing the United States a quota spot for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Find out what he keeps in his range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
I first held a rifle in Marine Corps boot camp, where I also learned how to use, clean, maintain and respect it. It was an M16A2, which was chambered in 5.56x45 mm NATO and the standard issue rifle for the Marine Corps at the time.
How did you get started in competition shooting?
The veteran’s hospital has a recreational therapist who held an air rifle and air pistol event, and I took an interest in pistol because it seemed challenging. In April 2015, I was asked to try out for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, which was in Dallas, Texas, in July 2015. I went and shot a 510, which was extremely high for me at the time, and beat the other veterans by 100 points. After the event, they asked me to go to a shooting clinic held by great coaches. I learned a lot more, and they introduced me to Bob Foth.
What are some of your major shooting accomplishments?
In life, my major accomplishment was becoming a Marine. In shooting, it was the 2023 Parapan Games when I took the gold in air pistol, earning the U.S. a quota for Paris 2024.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
My firearm is a Steyr Evo 10 air pistol. For the pellets, I use RWS R10 Match. In sport pistol, I shoot a Pardini Sport Pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle. My ammo for that gun is Eley Tenex.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms?
For my range bag I use an SKB case. Mostly because I like how rugged it is. I know for a fact it’s been thrown and abused at airports and my items inside haven’t been affected. Besides my firearms, inside my bag I carry ammunition, tools, important paperwork and spare parts for my pistols.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time I practice at high schools that have the targets I require for competition. In addition, I like to help veterans get into the sport. Even if they don’t want to try to become elite athletes, they come out for the camaraderie among other veterans. Archery has also caught my eye as well.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
I always tell the new people how hard this sport is and not to get discouraged. Know that it takes time and patience to get ahead. It is a building process.
Any tips for the new shooter?
My advice to new shooters is always to learn the pistol’s trigger and do a lot of dry-fire practice.
Anything you would like to add?
Because of this sport, I’ve traveled the world and won a few medals. However, what sticks out the most is the lifelong friends I’ve made from many nations. This will always be an awesome memory in my life.
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