What’s In Your Range Bag, Marco De La Rosa?

U.S. Paralympic shooter Marco De La Rosa qualified for the U.S. team heading to France for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games later this year.

by
posted on June 8, 2024
Rangebag Delarosa 1
U.S. Paralympic competitor Marco De La Rosa began shooting through his local Dept. of Veterans Affairs chapter.
Photo by USA Shooting

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.

Marco De La Rosa
Marco De La Rosa qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games after the conclusion of the 2024 U.S. Paralympic Trials - Shooting Part Three held this past April.

 

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.

Marco De La Rosa with air pistol
For air pistol competition, Marco De La Rosa shoots a Steyr Evo 10 with RWS R10 match pellets. He made his Paralympic debut at the Rio 2016 Games.

 

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.

Marco De La Rosa-Paralympic air pistol competitor
At the 2023 Parapan American Games, Marco De La Rosa earned a silver medal in P3, was crowned champion in P1 and also secured the U.S. a Paralympic quota in P1.

 

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.

Latest

1 Glock G17lgen5 MOS
1 Glock G17lgen5 MOS

Review: Glock G17L Gen5 MOS

Made for competition, the optics-ready Glock G17L sports a longer barrel and a lighter trigger pull.

USPSA Multigun Nationals: A New Lease On Life For Hit Factor

The single biggest change to the 2024 USPSA Multigun Nationals from last year was to score the match Hit Factor.

The U.S. National Rifle Team’s Voyage To The West Indies Fullbore Championships

U.S. shooters dominated in the individual shooting divisions at the 2024 West Indies Fullbore Championships, held Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 in Guyana.

Nighthawk Custom: A Legacy Of Craftsmanship And Excellence

Nighthawk Custom offers solid products, with a history of innovation for its customer-focused designs, including the BDS9 handgun.

Collegiate Rifle: Western Trip Yields Big Results For Akron

The first of two rifle matches last weekend resulted in Akron upsetting Air Force.

Review: Vortex Venom 1-6X 24 mm Optic And Pro Extended Cantilever Mount

Vortex’s Venom 1-6X 24 mm riflescope with the Pro Extended Cantilever Mount is a winning combination for competitive carbine shooters.

Interests



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