Smith & Wesson’s Julie Golob shares her first gun, last gun, and next gun

Veteran, mom, and decorated champion explains her firearm history

Surprising Julie Golob at the 2015 SHOT Show in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada – You’ll be hard pressed to find a better shooter out there than Smith & Wesson Captain Julie Golob. After eight years in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, she’s gone on to win multiple national championships and titles including NRA’s Bianchi Cup as well as all of USPSA’s division.

All of this while wrangling a pair of ankle bitters back in Kansas City. And if you’re a parent, or an aunt/uncle, you have to wonder which is tougher – keeping up with the kids or keeping up with the bullseyes.

Now while I’m sure you’re dying to hear about the wonders of parenthood, I’m heading in a different direction this afternoon. We’re just going to ask her one question. A three part question. What was her first gun, last gun, and plans for the next gun.

What was your first gun?

Technically I had an Ithaca shotgun that passed down to me for deer hunting, but I’m going to say my first true gun was a Browning Hi Power. That’s what I started shooting in the sport with.

I began with a 1911, shot it a few times, but soon discovered that I needed my own gun instead of borrowing dad’s. We downloaded the .45 so it was nice a soft, but the little Browning High Power was perfect for my little hands. It worked really well for me.

Being a harder gun to shoot than other guns out there I think it taught me a lot and grip and trigger control and how to shoot better. So a Belgian Browning Hi Power.

And your last gun?

The last gun that I brought home was probably a new set of Pro Series M&Ps for the World Shoot. I’m a little hard on my guns so my go-to competition M&Ps were a little worn out. That way I got two new pistols to take to Florida and raced with. That was a lot of fun.

I probably forgot a gift from my husband, he’s going to say, “I can’t believe you forgot about this!” But that’s what I’m going with.

What gun are you going for next?

The next gun that I want, oh my gosh, the new Benelli Over and Under. Hello!

I don’t even own an Over and Under so when they came out with it I thought, “Yes, this is so awesome!” I have an Ethos which is an amazing gun but, believe it or not, I have no Over and Under shotgun so I have to fix that.

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