I am Jerry Miculek- Firearms expert, Special Forces trainer, Professional shooter, 90 time world & national shooting champion, holder of 5 world records, TV personality, host of the Youtube Channel Miculekdotcom, and arguably one of the best s...

Have you ever had a "eureka" moment in your career? Maybe some small adjustment to your technique that paid great dividends?

Do you have any hobbies completely unrelated to shooting?

What are some pitfalls that shooters attempting to enter competition make?

Answer to question 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDcX7GR6hno&feature=youtu.be

"Have you ever had a "eureka" moment in your career? Maybe some small adjustment to your technique that paid great dividends?"

It's all visual. When you have a good performance, the ability to catalog it visually and then bring it back into a performance is the learning moment. Sometimes I'll battle with it on the range for years until I have a visual clue and then all the sudden I can see it, I can repeat it, and then I've learned something.

I'm going to have to split these up into 3 videos so please bear with me for a moment. I'll put them in separate posts so you get the notification.

"Do you have any hobbies completely unrelated to shooting?"

Answer to question 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnmpeAuCJlE&feature=youtu.be

I'm kind of a tinkerer so if I'm not shooting, I'm always working on equipment. I've got probably 13 gas powered pieces of equipment on the property. Working on equipment, doing chores, or just cutting grass is normally what I do in my free time.

Answer to question 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l4fFHE_Flk

"What are some pitfalls that shooters attempting to enter competition make?"

Do you ever go through your gun safe and find guns you have no memory of buying?

I'm digging out the first gun I ever won to show you and I'll get a video up ASAP!

Do you ever go through your gun safe and find guns you have no memory of buying?

Answer: http://youtu.be/u475mMKPcx0

Short answer: yes.

If you had to shoot one caliber for the rest of your life, what would you pick? (You're amazing btw!)

That was a hard one but here it is!

Answer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-9ZgCRoI5c&feature=youtu.be

It would seem to be common sense to pick a .22 LR but it's not flexible enough. I'd have to go with a 12ga. It's extremely flexible as a platform. You can hunt with it, use it for self defense, kill large game, and use slugs out to 200 yards. It's bulky but it's so flexible that I would have to choose it if I could only have one.

Jerry, Have you heard of Jeff Coopers 20/20/20 challenge? Would you consider giving it a whirl?

Yes, Yes, and absolutely yes!

For those of you that don't know what this is, it's 20 shots in 20 seconds on a 20 inch target at 1000 yards.

If you do attempt this you absolutely have to take and post a video!!!

You can count on it.

Jerry, first of all you are awesome.

My question is what is the hardest shot (or series of targets) that you have had to make in your career and how did it turn out?

Answer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Rf74-jmLWw&feature=youtu.be

In 1996, the final shoot off run against Jethro out of the Philippines. We were tied 3-3, the next run was gonna be the champion. I had been there all week and shot multiple engagements. It was all man on man. 6 targets and a stop plate in about 2.5 seconds with reaction time- That, I really just had to mental out and I executed it well and beat him!

Thanks for the question and the kind words!

How many rounds do you shoot on average,per year?

My son and I really enjoy watching you shoot.

Thanks for doing this.

About 45,000-60,000 give or take 20.

You have been chosen to pick the next handgun for the U.S. military to replace the Beretta 9mm.

What would you pick and why?

If you're a single stack man, the S&W E-Series 1911 in .45 ACP. The enhancements really improved the reliability and the platform overall from the traditional 1911. If you favor a higher capacity, you can't go wrong with the M&P 9mm. I've shot both of them and compete with the M&P and would not even hesitate to carry either one into battle.

As far as the M&P goes, what modifications do you make? I'm assuming you start with an off-the-shelf C.O.R.E., or does S&W send you something extra special?

I do some trigger work on it, slap on a magwell, put some skateboard tape on the front of the trigger guard, and I also magnaport it. But other than that, it's stock.

Jerry, we're all very grateful that you're willing to do this AMA. As a longtime shooter and gun advocate, how do you feel about the new wave of youtube gun people like hickok45 and ColionNoir? Do you feel as though they represent gun owners well? Thanks for the response and the AMA!

They suck. Watch me!

I'm kidding of course. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Noir at this past NRA show and they are both great ambassadors to gun owners. I hope for the opportunity to do some collaboration videos with them in the future.

If you did a collaboration with Hickok45 I think the whole community would be ecstatic.

We're trying at the SHOT show next week.

Who shot first, han or greedo?

Han.

Have you ever had any accidents?

Yes but my mom usually cleaned those up!

Hey Jerry! Big fan, always appreciate your enthusiasm. wondering if your attending SHOT show this week and if so what booth and when?

How much do you dry practice do you do on average/week?

Could you put a good word in to Smith to produce the 625 JM in a 4.2" barrel for us canuks? Edit: my friend wanted say thanks for the 929, hes really excited to check it out this week.

Just wanted to say thanks for everything you do, keep shooting.

Yes, I WILL be at SHOT show this coming week at the S&W, Mossberg, and Hornady booths off and on as well as walking the show. Come and say hi!

And unfortunately I don't have much say in that sort of situation. Smith & Wesson adds new products every year but the chances of them adding a new JM revolver with so little difference in barrel length is unlikely. I will mention it to them though.

What does a champion eat for breakfast in the morning?

Bacon, Eggs, and Jelly on the tongue!

And a cup of Orange juice, of course.

What is the most ridiculous "guns don't work like that" moment you've ever seen in a movie or tv show?

There was a Schwarzenegger film where a MAC-10 was falling down a set of stairs firing it's entire magazine. That had me scratching my head.

True Lies. Sorry for mobile/potato quality.

Thank you!

Jerry, I'm a big fan and love the youtube channel.

How did you first get into shooting?

Also, I apologize for the disgusting comments from some of the redditors.

How did you first get into shooting?

Answer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpisAWZKeYE&feature=youtu.be

Most of it started back when I was a kid when my dad bought me a Remington 870 shotgun and I started duck hunting. I normally ended up bored whenever hunting season was over so I took up competition shooting.

And it's not a problem it isn't anything to do with you.

How many firearms do you own? What's your favorite handgun/caliber? What's your favorite Rifle/caliber?

3...

Hi! What's something about you that the general public doesn't know about you? -Thanks in advanced!

This is his daughter Lena speaking. Off the top of my head, he's addicted to chocolate and eats jelly with a spoon. He will even drink chocolate syrup. He was raised in a swamp yet can't float to save his life. All he does is sink. I'm thinking it might be all the lead... We normally end up at a chinese buffet or Wendy's every time we go out to eat. I think Wendy's needs to sponsor him! Also he likes cats so I think he and Reddit have that in common.

ps: Don't tell him I told you all this...

Hi Jerry,

After years of shooting what seems like every firearm on the planet, and being extremely proficient with them, what will always be your favorite firearm or trick shot?

After years of shooting what seems like every firearm on the planet, and being extremely proficient with them, what will always be your favorite firearm or trick shot?

Answer: http://youtu.be/NfCe9qmzg78

Probably the S&W model 627 .38/.357 magnum 8 shot revolver. But it will soon be replaced by my model 929 9mm revolver coming later this year. My favorite trick shot has to the 200yd shot I did with a snub nose revolver holding it upside down and pulling the trigger with my little finger. Here is the shot I recreated for youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIwVK_FxGZk

What training did you do with the Special Forces? Do you do much work with the military?

I can't really go into detail on it unfortunately. Wish I could! Sorry about that.

Thanks for doing this Jerry. I really enjoy following you on Youtube and here on Reddit, and I really appreciate all the time and energy you put into what you do. Question: Do you carry a revolver for self defense, if you carry at all, or did you choose a semi-auto? Also, could you do a video with a Model 36 in the near future? Thanks.

I carry both actually. It all depends on the clothing, time, and where i'm going. I'm looking into doing some concealed carry videos here after the SHOT show next week.

Do you have any roll models or people you revere in the shooting world? (past or present)

Ed McGivern is somebody I have always looked up to and he inspired me to shoot revolvers. He also inspired me to pursue beating his records and I have him to thank for a lot of who I am today.

And also my father in law, Jim Clark. All his abilities as a gunsmith, his professionalism, his bulls eye game, and being an all around cool guy really helped me in ways I am still coming to appreciate.

What's your preference on stance and grip for a semi-auto? I've never been an excellent pistol shot, and part of it is lack of practice...but a bigger part is probably lack of consistent practice. My main focus is IDPA, aside from general range work. I'd be interested in your preferences, particularly as a trainer. I think I mostly fall in to a Weaver stance, with a grip that's suitable for a revolver or SA.

What's your preference on stance and grip for a semi-auto?

isosceles stance is the short answer but here it is a little more in depth:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRvO_1B5dfc&feature=youtu.be

Jerry, thanks for doing this. My question is do you think scandium frame revolvers hold up as well as steel framed revolvers for heavy competition use?

From my limited exposure to scandium guns, I believe their main purpose is to provide the user with a very light weight and strong platform. I have never personally wore any one out yet.

Thanks for the question

Holy cow. This is a seriously good AMA.

Thank you!

Hi jerry from the UK !

Hello from the US!

A question I like to ask all atheletes and high-level sportsman: What motivates you? Everyone likes to shoot things, but what drives you to craft your skill greater than the average person?

All of my heroes were gun related so the fascination with the firearms was always there and I just took it to the next level. I also met my wife that way!

Anyone ask his thoughts on the Kennedy assassination? Were those shots possible?

Good question! I actually participated in a recreation of that at the Second Chance bowling pin competition back some time ago. Richard Davis recreated the whole scenario to scale and allowed all the competitors to participate and see if it was possible for this to have happened the way it was documented. After a week of trial and error, it was found that if a right handed guy put the rifle on his left shoulder and operated the bolt with his right hand while resting the rifle on the window sill, it was pretty easily done. I might have to do a video on this eventually.

Hello. Military here. Every time I go to CATM I miss marksman by 1 point. I'm a decent shot and have been shooting since I was about 10, but that last point evades me continually. Any tips on using an M16A2 with holo sight?

You're in luck, because I have 2 videos on youtube on shooting AR style rifles. I'll provide the links below. Good luck on making marksmen!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j22CGzs5Vik http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAG8XGrOOS4

Hi Jerry,

Thank you for doing this. In your opinion, what is the most important lesson you have learned from all the years of shooting?

Have a good day

Thank you for doing this. In your opinion, what is the most important lesson you have learned from all the years of shooting?

In action shooting, there's no such thing as a perfect score. No matter how good you are there is ALWAYS the next level.

Jerry personal question: who your ancestors are? You have surname which sound quite slavic, do you know anything about your roots from Czech, Slovakia or Poland?

thanks in advance for your reply

Czech is right. I have 100% Czech blood but I was raised in south Louisiana.

Thanks for the question!

Hey MICULEKdotCOM, I am blind in my right eye but I am right handed. This has caused me to learn to shoot "lefty" throughout life. The thing is, even with one eye, I am still a better shot than most anyone I know.

My question is this: How does one with my "disability" find a means to get in to professional shooting or something like that? Every time I inquire about the military or police force or something, I am instantly shut down.

That's not necessarily a disability when it comes to competitive shooting. The biggest problem you would have is with your peripheral vision. My advice would be go to the local gun range, see what the guys are using, and ask questions. Most people will be happy to help you! Attending a match just to spectate is also a great idea if you are interested. Also, getting into club matches locally will help you find where you belong as a shooter. The good thing about the shooting sports is that the pro's and amateurs shoot together.

Have to ask, 9mm or .45acp?

9mm. The wide choice of ammunition and the round count/ cost of ammo. Thanks for the question!

Would you be able to do that six-shot, reload, six-shot drill in front of a high speed camera?

I would love to see some nice slow motion shots of you reloading that fast.

We actually did that but the footage got deleted some how. I'm going to have to recreate it soon though.

What are special forces soldiers like in real life? Any funny stories?

They're about the nicest bunch of folks that you would want to hang out with. Extremely caring and giving. And you can't BS them!

Jerry! Where does the accent come from?

Straight from the south of Louisiana!

How do you manage to stay so modest?

I take an anti-BigHead pill every day!

I turn 30 this year, and have had an appreciation for firearms for many years. I enjoy target shooting and other activities, but have never owned my own firearm. I would like to make my first firearm purchase for my 30th. I like to spend around 300 dollars or leas for this first purchase. Could you make any suggestions for a good first firearm that fits the bill? I'd like a hand gun, but I understand that the budget doesn't give many options in that category so a rifle would work as well.

Smith & Wesson makes the M&P-15 .22 which is an outstanding gun, especially for the price! You can customize it with triggers, parts, sights, and all the things that make the AR platform cool. I also personally use it extensively for training and the ammo is normally cheap and easy to come by.

What is your preferred home defense weapon?

Hands down, the Barrett M107 .50. I'm in the process of constructing the first ever room entry Barrett!

But in all seriousness, what ever is handy at the moment. I like to have options!

What are your thoughts on the standards to which police are held in terms of shooting abilities? The requirements seem pretty low for the amount of responsibility they hold. Your thoughts?

Being a shooting enthusiast I think it would be paramount that they would receive more training but that's simply not the case due to time and budget restraints.

I'm a newly hired police officer and have mainly used glock 19. Looking for an off duty weapon 9mm or 40. Any suggestions for a good starting pistol? I do like the grip on SW M&P.

I think the answer to your question is right there and I have to agree with you!

Jerry,Thinking about trying 3 gun. Looking for info/suggestions on belt rigs. Also your preferred rig? Thanks.

Safariland ELS is what I use personally. Highly recommend it.

That video with the revolver is just astounding, and the reload... Impressive as hell. Do you have any injuries (RSI, arthritis, etc.) from all the years of practicing?

I actually had Tendinitis in my right elbow years ago and I have bowlers thumb in my right thumb to the point where I have no feeling in it! I also have an elevated lead count. It's probably not too good on the years either. I also might have some brain damage from shooting that Barrett so much! ha ha. Kidding, of course.

What are your thoughts on 3-gun rifle optics? Should I buy a Vortex?

The Vortex 1-6 JM is by far the best combination I've ever come across.

Did you make that 200 yard upside-down shot on the first try? I just can't believe that's the first time you ever attempted it.

It was the 3rd try when I did it for Youtube but I've actually done it several times in a row with a different gun believe it or not.

Jerry, I just wanted to say that it has been a genuine pleasure watching you over the years. Your attitude, kindness and willingness to share your skills with us is greatly appreciated. I hope to be able to meet you one day and shake your hand.

It means a lot for people to say this. Appreciate the kind words.

Hey Jerry! I just wanted to say that I love your videos! Keep doing what you're doing :)

Thank you sir!

Will you be on my side when the dead start rising?

If you bring the ammo, I'm your guy!

Jerry,

Would love to see you shoot long range! Jerry Miculek at a Mile sounds great to me!! Any chance we can get a video? Maybe out at NRA Whittington Center? Try to duplicate the worlds longest confirmed sniper kill?

If I can find a range that long and some spare time I would love to attempt to beat it. Keep an eye out.

How do you find anything in that shelf behind you without dying in an avalanche?

Alternatively, can we get a picture of your gun... well I guess it would be a gun vault at this point.

I haven't used anything off that shelf in 20 years...That might explain it!

Hello! Marksman/shooter from the UK here!

You should come to the UK and compete in our matches! Our biggest event is called the Summer Meeting (aka the Imperial Match), which is held annually at the UK's National Rifle Association headquarters at Bisley.

I have shot with the best shots from the UK, Australia, South Africa, and so forth - we would love to have you here. I personally know the person who helped write the British Sniper's manual (just the shooting portions, not the tracking/etc).

I was actually at Bisley back in early 90's maybe 3 or 4 times. Of course, that was back when you guys could still own handguns. I do not have any plans to attend in the future unfortunately, but thank you so much for the invite!

Jerry, I just joined reddit to say you are the best shooter ever. Your skills are unbelievable and, quite frankly, I'm jealous.

Thank you for the kind words!

Any chance of having your own special edition M&P?

I'm hoping!

What was your first shotgun growing up?

97 winchester!

How many bowls of Pepe's hot sauce can you eat in one sitting.

I just got done eating there and it's too Damn hot.

Im in the army bootcamp right now. Any good advice on how to shoot a little better than the rest if my troop, other than what our trainer will tell us? Weapon is hk416n

I would recommend having a look at the two rifle videos I have available on Youtube. I hope they help you out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j22CGzs5Vik http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAG8XGrOOS4