Interview with Combat Handguns Magazine

1. What started your journey into firearms? 
I was working as a video game artist on Call of Duty and began learning about guns for the first time. My co-workers and the military advisors that visited the studio piqued my interest in marksmanship. I asked my co-workers to take me to the range so I could see what the fuss was about. It was a fun demystifying experience that left me wanting more time behind a gun. Next, I took a class and rented a pistol from the instructor. Learning in a structured environment was exactly what I needed to feel confident and capable. Immediately after the class I went and bought a DA/SA Sig Sauer 229 pistol and ordered a custom Citizen Arms AR15. Soon I was competing and found it to be the most exciting and motivating way to develop my marksmanship skills and athleticism. 

2. What led you to team Beretta? 
I saw JJ Racaza crushing the competition with his Beretta 92X! He really “proofed” the pistol to the entire shooting community, so when Beretta approached me with an inquiry, I signed onto the team without hesitation.   

3. Please tell me which divisions you compete in along with any accomplishments you would like to include.
I compete in USPSA & IDPA Carry Optics, and Multi-Gun TacOps/Modified/Open.
 
In 2022 I started competing in strenuous “tactical athlete” matches and found the physical challenges humbling and eye opening. The obstacles pushed me to a level of physical failure I had never experienced. I don’t know why I keep signing up, but I do! haha My proudest achievements last year were winning 1st Place overall in Light Division (15lb vest) at the Gryphon Group Rumble, 1st Place Lady in Master’s Division (12lb vest) at The Patriot Games, and 1st Place Lady at the Battle for the South 3gun Championship. 
 
4. Please list the handgun you utilize in competition, what you like about it, and details of how this gun has been modified for you. 
I use a 92X Performance Carry Optic pistol. It has an extended firing pin, a polished sear, and I replaced the Extreme-S trigger with the classic Beretta 92/96 steel trigger because I have a short index reach (small hands). I also switched to a Beretta "D" Hammer spring, Toni System X3D grips, and Toni System magwell.    

5. Please list your go-to gear – basically a peak inside your range bag of what you use, what you like, and why. 
Ghost Belt Rig: Ghost Hydra-P Holster for USPSA Carry Optic Division, inner/outer belt, and 3 mag pouches. The belt and pouches are pretty standard, but I love the design of the holster. It has an unrestricted draw when it’s unlocked.
 
Pistol: Beretta 92X Performance Carry Optic, with Toni System accessories. The steel frame and brigadier slide really help to reduce felt recoil. 
 
Ammo: Winchester USA Ready 115gr 9mm. USA Ready is Winchester’s match quality ammo line which is ultra-reliable.  
 
Electronic Ear Pro: Harris & Sons F-12 hearing inserts. They have the clearest sound quality, and they’re custom molded to my ears, so they have a perfect seal that never moves and never aches over time. Sometimes I forget that I’m wearing them because the sound is so true to life. 
 
Eye Pro: Beretta Performance Shooting Glasses in Clear and Hunters HD Gold, INVU Polarized in Gold. I love my clear rimless lenses because there is nothing obscuring my peripheral vision. And I love the Hunters HD Gold on overcast days, they brighten the world and create contrast between the brown paper and white no-shoots. Make sure to give your eyes 10 minutes to adjust to gold/yellow lenses. The color felt strange to me at first, but all I needed was to give it a few more minutes. The added bonus with Hunters HD Gold is they’re 100% blue-light blocking, so I put them on an hour before bed. It settles my eyes down and blocks the blue light from my phone, so I sleep better. 
 
Shot Timer: Shooters Global Smart Shot Timer. This timer has so many features I’m not sure where to start. It comes with an app that lets you plan dry fire sessions, superimpose your shot times over your videos, has a 3D stage builder, stage library, and so much more. 
 
Range Finder: SIG KILO1250 for long range targets in multi-gun. 
 
Medical: Tourniquet, sheers, chest seals, booboo kit. 
 
Tools: Hex keys, multi-tool pliers. 
 
Misc: Nail clippers, extra batteries, lighter for red fiber optic rods, gun oil, liquid hand chalk. 

6. What would your advice be for someone looking to begin competitive shooting? 
If you’re an inexperienced shooter, I would start building a foundation in safe gun handling, and marksmanship. At a minimum, take a basic pistol class first, where an instructor will teach you the fundamentals of marksmanship, enforce safety, trigger discipline, and etiquette. You will need all those things before you show up to your first match. Once you’re at your first match, imagine that you’re in class and you’re there to learn from others. Learn the rules, learn how to score, and ask someone better than you what their stage plan is and why. Take note of what you need to improve on and make a plan on how to achieve it before the next match. Dry firing at home is where you’ll set yourself up for success at the range. If you’re an experienced shooter looking for a new hobby, just show up! Be humble and start with a student mentality. It’s hard not to become obsessed with the sport. You’ll be pawning off your previous hobby gear in no time! 
 
Pro tip: Take a competition class from a “Top 10” USPSA Nationals ranked instructor. It will shave off years of toil if you apply what you learn. $500+ for a 2-day class may seem like a lot, but if it makes you a more effective shooter and saves you time and ammo—both in matches and in practice—while giving you the guidance to correct your course, the class pays for itself. Take the competition class.  

7. What is your training regimen and how do you prepare for a competition? 
I dry fire a few times a week for maintenance and skill building. I usually create my own drills which include any mixture of drawing, reloading, moving, transitioning, etc. If I know I’m going to shoot IDPA soon, I’ll add the vest, table and chair, and Tac reloads. When I want prescribed drills I turn to books or social media. If I have a major match coming up, I’ll read the match book and practice any novel actions in the stage briefs. 
 
I also take care of my body with exercise and home cooked nutritious food. I started cooking a year ago, and now I’m hyper-aware of everything that goes into my body and how it affects me mentally and physically. I’ve significantly reduced sugar and stimulants (coffee, pre-workout, energy drinks) and now I have more energy at matches. I start hydrating a day or two before the match. I bring a cooler with fruit, protein, snacks and electrolyte powder like DripDrop. No more brain fog or sugar crashes at matches. Feeling healthy, capable, and mentally sharp gives me confidence in all aspects of life including shooting. And confidence is a force multiplier.   

8. Social Media and Website links with additional information on you and your shooting career. 
www.jessicahok.com/jhookshot 
www.Instagram.com/jhookshot 
www.Facebook.com/jhookshot 
www.youtube.com/jessicahook