Mike Hwang is a rising star in competitive shooting who recently earned a silver medal at the 2025 IPSC Handgun World Shoot. Learn what he keeps in his range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
I purchased my first firearm at the end of 2018—a stainless steel Springfield 1911. I’ve always been drawn to the aesthetic and history of the 1911/2011 platform. It was also the primary handgun my father used while teaching me about gun safety and handling, so it was a clear choice for my first firearm.
Tell us how you began in competitive shooting.
After visiting the indoor range a few times, I wanted to try shooting in a more dynamic environment. In 2016, I found a local IDPA match and went with the intention to just watch. One of the competitors had an extra 1911 and was kind enough to let me borrow it. I somehow ended up winning that match and was immediately drawn in. However, I relocated shortly after, and it wasn’t until a few years later in 2019 when I moved to my current residence in Alabama, that I was able to attend my second local match at Hoover Tactical Firearms, this time in the USPSA discipline. Filled with the excitement and confidence from my previous victory, I eagerly shot the match with my brand new 1911, hoping for another win. Unfortunately for me, the shooters in Alabama are on another level, and I finished second-to-last place. I managed to stick with it, and many years later, I am now a sponsored shooter and match director for the Hoover Tactical match, and I still shoot regularly with the same group of amazing people.
Please share with us some of your major shooting accomplishments.
I returned home recently from an amazing two-week trip to South Africa, where I earned the Open division silver medal at the 2025 IPSC Handgun World Shoot, the Olympics of our sport, held once every three to four years. This was my world championship debut, and it was a dream come true to finish second amongst the greatest pistol shooters in the world.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
I am a sponsored team shooter for MasterPiece Arms and compete with their DS9 Open 2011 pistols. My MPA pistols are completely stock, but they have my logo engraved on the top rear of the slide for a personalized touch. I also enjoy shooting their newer Limited Optics pistols during the offseason for a change of pace. All my pistols are equipped with Vortex Defender XL/ST red dots, MBX magazines and Gun Butter lubrication. I wear Hunters HD Ruby and Gold lenses for eye protection, ISOtunes Caliber BT and Defy Slims for ear protection and jerseys made by ZeroSports. I only use gear I can trust to help create a winning formula on the range, and I’m thankful to my sponsors who make it happen.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms?
I use the Shooters Connection PRO Compact range bag. I love the bag’s durability and small form factor. I used to carry a large range bag to matches until I realized most of the contents were rarely ever used during the match. Now all my match gear is contained in the Shooters Connection range bag, an ammo can and a small backpack to hold a few backup parts, basic gun maintenance tools and snacks.
Other than my shooting gear, my range bag includes my Insta360 Go2 hat camera, grip chalk, some basic cleaning supplies and tools, sunscreen and some pineapple. You’d be surprised how well fruit can help you last during those long, all-day matches, especially in fighting the afternoon slump.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to hang out with my wife Juliet and two corgis, Basil and Ginger. I enjoy listening to music, playing the drums and guitar and playing video games, which I believe help with hand-eye coordination.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
The best way to learn more about the sport is to attend a match in person by searching for one on practiscore.com near you. You can go to the match to observe, but I always encourage people to bring whatever firearm they’re most comfortable with and give it a shot. The shooting sports community is so nice and welcoming. Don’t be nervous—stay safe and have fun.
Any tips for the new shooter?
Dry fire consistently, watch and learn from the experienced shooters in your club. Don’t be scared to ask the right questions. Always be open to learning new ideas, be a student of the game. One trait I always find in successful shooters is the ability to self-diagnose yourself from watching your own footage. It is the best way to identify your lowest-hanging fruit and work on them to turn your weaknesses into strengths.
Follow Mike Hwang on Instagram @mikehwang and YouTube @mike_hwang_uspsa
