Firearms Nation Podcast

Joel Park is a grandmaster USPSA competitive shooter.  He is also an instructor in the Practical Shooting Training Group alongside world champion Ben Stoeger and the “professor”, Hwansik Kim.  These instructors have really taken the time to think about practical shooting and redefined the training techniques that have been taught for so many years.  Joel and the other instructors are not shy about sharing entire classes online so everyone can learn and see what they are teaching.  The nice thing about Joel is that he has an easy way about him and relays his ideas on shooting and teaching in a concise way. In this podcast you’ll hear: –Why vision is the key to recoil control. –How muscling the grip does not help your shooting. –What Joel thinks about using dryfire to work out problems in shooting. Links mentioned: Practical Shooting Training Group Joel’s Instagram

Jack DiCristofalo is a 30-year veteran of a major metropolitan police department.  During those years, Jack served on patrol, and tactical units as well as becoming a homicide investigator.  Jack also served on the department’s SWAT team as a sniper/instructor.  As Jack sees the light at the end of the tunnel, he transferred all his skills to be a firearms instructor.  Jack was involved in two shootings, which we discussed.  Jack’s background in tactics and homicide investigations gives him a unique insight into what works when it comes to winning gunfights. Recently, Jack was involved in establishing his department’s “one gun” program where the agency is going to a new platform with red dot sights.  Jack also has his own training company “On Target Training and Consulting” which he plans to teach more once he retires from the department. In this episode, we discuss: –How training consistently helped him in his shootings. –Why he feels red dots on guns are good for all officers. –What officers should focus on

In this captivating episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jay Beal, a remarkable individual who defies expectations. While most people know Jay as a dedicated blueberry goat farmer, there’s much more to his story.  I speak with Jay after his top ten finish at this year’s Carry Optics Nationals out of about 500 people! Discover how Jay masterfully balances the demanding lifestyle of a farmer with the rigorous training required in the world of competitive shooting. From cultivating blueberries to honing his marksmanship skills, Jay’s commitment and dedication are truly inspirational. In this episode, we explore:

Jacob Hetherington just took 3rd place at this year's Carry Optics Nationals.  He consistently wins or comes close to winning every major match (International and National) he competes in.  Jacob joined the Army in 2015 and shoots for the Army's Marksmanship Unit.  Jacob already has earned a top spot on the team that will cross over to a major sponsor once he leaves the military following other greats like Max Michel, Travis Tomasi, Julie Golob and KC Eusebio. I originally recorded this episode back in 2018 and after his 3rd place finish, I thought it would be great to hear from him again. In this podcast you’ll hear: What it’s like to be a part of the Army Marksmanship Unit. What are “pressure poops”! And what to tell your junior shooter (if you have one) to focus on when coaching them.

Have you ever wanted to shoot fast?  Or get better at your Bill Drills?  Do you know what a Bill Drill is?  That’s 6 shots at 7 yards landing them in the A-zone of a USPSA target.  The standard goal is all 6 in under 2 seconds.  That is speed and accuracy.  Competitive shooter Isaac Lockwood is going for supersonic.  6 shots in under a second.  He is close.  At last year’s Bill Drill Challenge at Nationals, he did the 6 shots in 1.23 seconds.  This weekend he goes back to Carry Optics Nationals and will face the winner of this year’s challenge.  Isaac thinks he can do it. Isaac is a former law enforcement officer from California who now shoots and teaches all the time.  He also is a pro staff member of Howitzer Clothing and shares that position with shooting greats such as JJ Racaza and Max Michel. In this episode, you hear: –How Isaac is able to get the shots off in such a short amount of time. –How Isaac prepares for a National Championship. –What Isaac practices when he goes to the range. Links mentioned i

Luigi Li is currently running for USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) President and the election is going on right now.  Listeners of this podcast know that I compete in USPSA as it’s one of the shooting sports that makes you a better shooter.  If you want to carry your gun every day or are required to because of your job, going out and competing is a great way to increase your skills.  The USPSA organization has over 37, 000 members that compete in all sorts of firearms, from handguns to rifles.  In this episode, I sat down with Luigi, who I’ve known for several years.  Luigi has served on the board of my local shooting club for 8 years.  He travels internationally to matches and recently shot at the latest World Shoot. Is Luigi the right choice for USPSA president?  Listen and make your own decision.  Also, I kept the Q&A session from the live show this was recorded from. In this episode you'll hear: --Why Luigi thinks USPSA is fractured. --Would Luigi reinstate banned members? --What L

In force-on-force training, participants engage in simulated scenarios where they face opposition from other individuals or teams. These scenarios involve using non-lethal training ammunition, such as paintball rounds or simulated munitions, to replicate the effects of real weapons without causing fatal injuries. The training can take place in various settings, including indoor facilities, outdoor environments, or purpose-built training grounds. Force-on-force training offers several benefits, including: Realistic decision-making: Participants have to make split-second decisions under pressure, simulating the cognitive demands of actual operational situations. Stress inoculation: By exposing participants to simulated high-stress situations, force-on-force training helps them develop the ability to perform effectively and make sound decisions under duress. Tactical proficiency: The training allows participants to practice and refine their tactical skills, including movement, communication, and target engagem

Adam Haidary is a former police training sergeant and spent seven years in law enforcement.  One of the things he realized, was that police officers often had a hard time dealing with combative subjects and weren’t really trained on how to do it.  Old-style control techniques that were not pressure tested, would fail and the situation could easily escalate to deadly force.  Adam created Effective Fitness Training and Effective Fitness Combatives to solve these issues.  The programs utilize Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the use of a firearm as well as various fitness challenges to keep officers in shape.  His company works with police departments around the nation and he has a solid cadre of instructors. Adam also has a massive Instagram page called Police Posts https://www.instagram.com/policeposts. This page is filled with body cam footage and other videos that show critical incidents (from fights to shootings) that are debriefed.  The purpose is not to draw criticism of the officer’s actions but to have an open

Joel Turner, a renowned expert in the field of archery, is the focus of this fascinating podcast episode. As the founder of Shot IQ, a leading organization dedicated to training archers and improving their mental game, Turner has had a significant impact on the sport and its practitioners. With a background in psychology and a deep understanding of the mind-body connection, Turner has developed innovative techniques that have revolutionized shooting performance. His groundbreaking approach to firearms training focuses not only on physical skills but also on mental strategies to enhance concentration, control anxiety, and optimize overall performance under pressure. Throughout the podcast, Turner shares his insights into the importance of mental fortitude in shooting, emphasizing how mastering the psychological aspects can have a profound impact on a shooter’s accuracy and consistency. With years of experience coaching athletes at all levels, from beginners to world champions, Turner brings a wealth of knowled

In today’s episode, we have the privilege of exploring the remarkable journey of JJ Racaza, a world champion in the thrilling sport of practical shooting. Born in the Philippines, JJ Racaza developed a passion for firearms and marksmanship from a young age. His fascination with shooting began with air guns and gradually evolved into a lifelong pursuit. Racaza’s unwavering dedication and exceptional talent propelled him to the forefront of the shooting world. Racaza’s rise to prominence came as he honed his skills in practical shooting, a demanding sport that tests an individual’s ability to engage targets accurately and efficiently under intense pressure. With each competition, he refined his techniques, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in the realm of shooting sports. Throughout his illustrious career, Racaza has amassed a multitude of accolades and titles, consistently showcasing his unparalleled skills in various shooting disciplines. His unwavering commitment to excellence has made him

The literary world is once again buzzing with anticipation as acclaimed author Jack Carr unveils his latest masterpiece, “Only the Dead.” Known for his riveting storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, Carr has captivated readers with his previous novels, and this highly anticipated release is no exception. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intriguing world of “Only the Dead,” exploring the themes, characters, and the intense adrenaline-pumping plot that awaits eager fans. Carr is a former Navy SEAL and his first book “The Terminal List” was a successful series on Amazon Prime.  He now has two projects in the works at Amazon, the sequel to “The Terminal List” and a prequel focusing on the Ben Edwards character played by Taylor Kitsch. In this episode, Jack reveals: –What his writing process is when working on a novel. –What Jack’s influences are regarding story ideas and writing style. –What tips he has for people who want to get into the writing business. Jack writes damn good books!  It’s grea

Bruce Gray is a well-known gunsmith and competitive shooter who has been involved in the firearms industry for over 40 years. He is known for his expertise in building high-performance custom firearms and has worked with many law enforcement and military agencies to develop custom firearms for their needs. Gray’s interest in firearms began in his early teens when he started shooting with his father. He later went on to serve in the United States Army and worked as a police officer in California. During this time, he became increasingly interested in firearms and began tinkering with his own guns, eventually leading him to pursue a career as a gunsmith. Gray has worked with a number of firearms manufacturers over the years, including Kimber, Springfield Armory, and Sig Sauer. He is perhaps best known for his work on 1911-style pistols, which he has customized for competitive shooters, law enforcement agencies, and military units. He is also known for his work on the Sig Sauer P320, which he has modified for co

John Lovell is a former Army Ranger and Special Forces soldier, as well as the founder of Warrior Poet Society, an organization dedicated to providing high-quality training and education in self-defense, firearms, and tactical skills. In this podcast replay from 2018, Lovell covers a range of topics related to self-defense, personal development, and current events, drawing on his extensive experience in the military and law enforcement. He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, situational awareness, and physical fitness, as well as the need for responsible gun ownership and use.  We also get into the pros and cons of different weapon systems so you can make the right choice.

Steven Gould is a current law enforcement officer in a rural area of Massachusetts.  He is also the producer and host of the “Things Police See” podcast and the “Cops in the News” show.  Steven started these podcasts to share the police experience after working with several LAPD cops while working as a background investigator.  The stories he heard every day made Steven realize that he needed to share them with people because most folks do not know what really goes on in the law enforcement world.  The things police see are sometimes tragic and sometimes heroic but are always entertaining. In this episode you’ll hear: –What makes rural police enforcement so appealing. –Why good fathers are so important to young men. –Should people take up the badge and enter law enforcement? “Things Police See” podcast.

Wayne Black is a security expert. His company, Wayne Black and Associates handles executive protection, security and investigations for many high-profile clients.  Some of those clients also include churches and synagogues which now face threats every day.  Wayne has provided protection to former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, as well as other celebrities.  He is a former law enforcement officer, firearms instructor, and avid motorcycle rider. Wayne is about to publish a book called “School Insecurity”.  In the book, he discusses different security options for schools and parents.  We discuss some of these topics in the show. –How to talk to the school board and administration about security policy. –What are the most effective physical safeguards for preventing an attack? –How to detect and report observable concerning behavior. Link to “School Insecurity”

BJ Norris started shooting and competing with he was only 11 years old.  He was a very competitive junior shooter and took many National titles.  BJ went on to earn a gold medal with the US National team in 2008 and has won the World Speed Shooting Championship many times.  In fact, I’m releasing this replay episode since the 2023 World Speed Shooting Championship is taking place at the end of April and I thought people would get the benefit of BJ’s knowledge before the match.

On April 11, 1986, there was a massive shootout between agents of the FBI and two dedicated, murderous, armed suspects.  The end result was two agents dead and several wounded.  This shootout changed the caliber choice for the FBI and numerous police agencies for many years and brought forward the classic topic of round “stopping power.”  Mike Wood, the resident Firearms Nation historian, goes in depth to how the shootout went down and as a bonus, we discuss his previous book on the California Highway Patrol Newhall CA shootout.  Mike writes for his own blog on both tactical history and revolvers.  In fact, he is known as the “Revolver Guy”. Topics you’ll hear on the show: –Why gun manufacturers are putting optics on revolvers. –Did the CHP Officers pick up their empty shell casings and put them in their pockets during a gunfight? –How a strong mindset defeats any weapon or skill in a survival setting. Link to Mike’s website RevolverGuy.com Link to Mike’s book on Newhall Shootout 

Shannon Smith, if you don’t know him, is a multi-division Grandmaster shooter in USPSA.  Shannon has won the national championship in the Limited Division as well as multiple Florida State championships.  Shannon also was talented enough to make TEAM USA for three World Shoots.  Before Shannon got into competitive shooting, he was a spec ops veteran serving in the Ranger Battalion.  Currently, Shannon has signed up with SigSauer to take lead of their new “Shoot SIG” competition experience.  SIG is big on “experiences” and made this new competition very inclusive and fun for anyone to come out and shoot three stages for a chance to win multiple prizes.  In this episode, Shannon breaks down: –What the ‘Shoot SIG” experience is all about. –How to shoot each of the “Shoot SIG” stages. –Why getting speed in shooting is so difficult for the tactical folks of law enforcement and military. Links mentioned in the show: Shoot SIG Shannon’s Instagram