If I could only have 5 guns

Published on May 4, 2025
Duration: 8:17

This video discusses the practical considerations of choosing ammunition for competitive shooting, particularly USPSA Carry Optics. The speaker emphasizes that for most shooters, factory ammunition is the more practical and cost-effective choice due to the high initial investment and time commitment required for reloading. He also touches on the importance of consistency in ammunition choice for training and competition, advising against frequent switching between heavy and light recoil loads.

Quick Summary

For competitive shooting like USPSA Carry Optics, 9mm bullet weights of 124 or 135 grains are generally preferred over 115-grain (snappy) or 147-grain (sluggish) rounds. The speaker advises that factory ammunition is often more practical than handloads due to the high cost and time commitment of reloading, and stresses the importance of ammunition consistency for training and competition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Questions
  2. 00:15Factory vs. Handloaded Ammo for Competition
  3. 00:34Price Dictates Ammo Choice
  4. 01:01Practical Shooting Ammo Preferences (9mm)
  5. 01:36Reloading: Is It Worth It Now?
  6. 02:50Reloading Press Costs
  7. 03:55Heavy vs. Light Recoil Ammo for Practice
  8. 04:17Adjustment Time for Ammo Changes
  9. 05:01Consistency in Ammo Choice
  10. 05:50Ideal Ammo Scenario
  11. 06:22When Ammo Choice Matters Most
  12. 06:45The 'Five Guns' Question
  13. 06:58Joel's Five Gun List
  14. 07:16Redundancy in Firearm Selection
  15. 07:36Apocalypse Scenario & Redundancy
  16. 07:57Competition vs. Practice Guns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 9mm bullet weight for competitive shooting like USPSA Carry Optics?

For practical shooting disciplines such as USPSA Carry Optics, 9mm bullet weights of 124 or 135 grains are generally preferred. While 115-grain rounds can be good for training due to their snappier recoil, and 147-grain rounds can be a bit sluggish, the 124/135 grain range often provides a good balance for competition.

Is reloading ammunition still cost-effective for competitive shooters?

The speaker suggests that reloading ammunition is no longer as cost-effective as it once was, especially for those considering starting now. The significant upfront investment in reloading equipment, coupled with the current cost of components, often makes factory ammunition a more practical and economical choice for many shooters.

How important is ammunition consistency for competitive shooting?

Ammunition consistency is highly important for competitive shooters. Frequently switching between ammunition with significantly different recoil profiles (e.g., very hot loads versus very soft loads) requires an adjustment period. It's generally recommended to stick with a reliable load that you are accustomed to for both training and competition.

What is Joel Park's ideal collection of five firearms?

Joel Park's ideal collection of five firearms consists of three identical Walther PDP 5-inch polymer pistols and two ADM 14.5-inch pin-and-weld 3-prong rifles chambered in 5.56 NATO. This selection emphasizes redundancy, ensuring he has backups for his primary competition and training tools.

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