Firearms Nation Podcast

Shannon Smith, top pistol shooter and firearms instructor is back! There have been numerous requests to have Shannon back to do some mythbusting he alluded to on the last time he was a guest. We cover all the age old myths such as what is the “best” caliber, and will competition get you “killed”?! Plus, Shannon goes professor and explain how he sets up the stage design at some of his classic challenging matches. A big thanks to Shannon for coming on yet again. Links mentioned on the show: http://www.shannonsmithshooting.com/

AJ Zito is a gunsmith and practical shooter. He designs and makes custom 1911s and also competes in action shooting sports such as USPSA and IDPA. He is one of the few people I know that has actually gone to a three year gunsmithing school (something that sounds incredibly cool!) AJ currently is one of the assistant instructors with Scott “Jedi” Jedlinski from Modern Samurai Project and travels to many of the classes with him around the county. I had a really nice talk with AJ and look forward to hearing more from him as he starts up his podcast again. Links mentioned in the show: https://www.practicalperformance.org/

Brian McKenna served as a police officer and retired as a police lieutenant. Brian got the most enjoyment from teaching other officers survival tactics and eventually began writing for several police magazines and websites. His first book, “Officer Down: Lessons from the Street” was primarily for law enforcement officers. In his second book, “Cops Under Fire!” he analyzes 12 different harrowing stories and breaks them down for all readers. Links mentioned on the show: https://authorbrianmckenna.com/  

Andrew Branca from the Law of Self Defense is back to discuss four cases:  Kim Potter, Derek Chauvin, Kyle Rittenhouse and Alec Baldwin.  All but the Chauvin trial had to do with firearms, but it was a monumental case with intense political pressure.  I always like to have Andrew on to talk about these types of cases and get his perspective. Andrew is also having a series of free webinars.  To sign up go to: www.lawofselfdefense.com/hardtoconvict or check out his site at: www.lawofselfdefense.com  

John Gilstrap is an author and his latest book, "Blue Fire" is a great read about what happens after a nuclear war.  With all that is going on these days, it really makes you think.  John spent time in the fire service and was writing all the way.  He has authored over 20 books and really takes the time to include details that any gun enthusiast would love. Links mentioned in the show: http://www.johngilstrap.com/

Derrick Bartlett is the director and lead instructor for Snipercraft.  His company trains law enforcement and some military snipers and he also has written several books on the police sniper.  Derrick demystifies the stigma around police snipers and explains their usage.  Derrick also talks about his course called "Tactical Vision" and why it's so important to understand what they really are seeing. Links in the show: www.snipercraft.org  

This episode is a replay of Firearms Nation Podcast #69 where I interviewed John Caprarelli who wrote the book "Uniform Decisions".  The book talked about what it was like responding to the North Hollywood Shootout between two bank robbers and the LAPD.  John responded back on February 28th, 1997 which is now having its 25th year anniversary.  I wanted to share the show again because that event had such a tremendous impact on law enforcement and it's a part of history that we should learn from. If you haven't heard the show before, I hope you enjoy it and take away the lessons.  If you have heard it, it's worth listening to again.  I hope John is doing well and he and the other members of the LAPD who responded that day have my best wishes.

John Kelly had a career as a police officer that lasted over 30 years. During that time he had a variety of positions as well as becoming a sergeant. One thing that he learned along the way was how to survive the constant life stress that this type of work puts on people. This year, over 118 police officers have killed themselves. That’s more than double the amount of police that have been killed by gunfire. One of the aspects to John’s new work is to connect with departments and individuals to create an avenue where officers can get help and work out their problems. Talking to a counselor is good but talking to someone who’s been there with you, sharing the same experiences is better. As John says, “Sometimes heroes need help…” This is an important podcast to listen to even if you are not in law enforcement or the military. During the holiday season, people can easily magnify their problems. Listen and share it. Stay safe. Links mentioned: John’s website

The most amazing thing about world champion JJ Racaza is not just his shooting ability, but his humility. He works hard to make sure his students understand his concepts, and he always takes the time to reveal the nuggets of instruction. Those nuggets are gold. I’ve trained three times with JJ and spoke to him on this podcast before. I feel like I grew as a shooter each time, however, this past class I had some amazing revelations about my shooting. Now I have to continue with the training. JJ started shooting as a teen and has won numerous championships in practical pistol and steel challenge. He also found time to serve in law enforcement as well as becoming a highly sought-after trainer. Links mentioned in the show: Last show with JJ JJ’s Instagram

Mike Simpson, “Doc”, is actually a medical doctor. He served in the US Army as a Ranger, in Special Forces, and went to medical school to become a doctor. Mike is more widely known for the hit reality show, “Hunting Hitler” with Tim Kennedy. Mike is the host of the “Mind of the Warrior” podcast and runs his own business called Greybeard Performance. Recently, Mike released his new book, “Honed” about bettering yourself in every way as a man over 40. It really is a very good book that benefits anyone at any age. Links mentioned in the show: Greybeard Performance Mind of the Warrior show episode on Afghanistan    

Mike Wood is back to talk about the post 2020 election world we are now in. How Antifa is still around and gearing up. What gun laws are like in places like Brazil and what some of the causes of revolver and semi-auto malfunctions. Great stuff from the prolific historian. If you want to follow Mike's blog click here: Revolver Guy Also, if you want to purchase Mike's book on the Newhall Shooting click here:                        

  Dustin Salomon is a former Navy officer and contractor. He’s been shooting for almost his entire life and based on his time at the Naval Academy and as part of his duties as an officer, Dustin began developing a system of training people how to shoot. More importantly, how to remember how to shoot. Often we go to a training class and forget most of what was taught, but Dustin was able to break down specific training methods using brain studies to help students succeed. Dustin is the author of several books including: And his most recent book: Links mentioned on the podcast: https://www.buildingshooters.com/ Bear Creek Arsenal    

Nathan Gorenstein was an investigative reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer and author of a previous novel. He currently released his second book “The Guns of John Moses Browning” last month and now it’s at the top of the charts on Amazon. Browning is one of the legends of the firearms world and sometimes called the “Thomas Edison” of firearms. Browning is the father of the modern semi-auto handgun which are based off of his 1911 design. Not much was known about the man behind all these inventions until now with the release of the new book. Nathan and I discuss Browning and his genius. Links mentioned in the show: https://www.nathangorenstein.com/ Bear Creek Arsenal

Lisa Song Sutton is a former Miss Nevada and Miss Las Vegas. She also is an entrenpanuer and ran for Congress during the 2020 election cycle. As a pro-2nd Amendment candidate, she chooses to practice and promote gun ownership, especially to other women. Lisa states it’s not only for self-defense, but it empowers women as well. Lisa has several successful companies in the Vegas metro area and now supports other 2nd Amendment candidates for future elections. Links mentioned in the show: Lisa’s website Bear Creek Arsenal  

Garrett-John Evans also know as Gazz, is a competitive shooter from South Africa. Gazz has one several of their national championships, although they have a bunch of them during the year. In addition Gazz was selected to be on the team going to the IPSC World Shoot later this year. Gazz also has a defensive shooting background and shares this information along with all sorts of shooting tips on a podcast called “Welcome to the Gun Show”. Gazz is part of the Steve Anderson shooting team and you can hear more about it on Steve’s podcast “That Shooting Show”. Links mentioned on the show: Gazz’s company DVC Tech Gazz’s Facebook Page “Awareness” episode of Welcome to the Gun Show Contact Gazz for training at: info@dvctech.co.za Show sponsor Bear Creek Arsenal  

Tom Kubiniec reinvented the gun storage concept by studying the needs of the military and getting a contract to store their guns. It was such a successful venture, Tom took that knowledge to the civilian market along with the concept of decentralized gun storage. Tom was generous to offer a special 10% discount on new orders for thirty days. Go to www.secureitgunstorage.com and enter the code FNP10 to get your 10% off.

Jack Carr is back again with a new book, “The Devil’s Hand”. This time around the main character, James Reece, is fighting against time and bad guys to rescue the United States from a deadly virus. Jack incorporates recent events into a fantastic and scary thriller. Jack was a Navy SEAL and now writes novels for a living. His first book, “The Terminal List” is now a series ready to be launched on Amazon Prime with actor Chris Pratt as the main character. Jack is a great guy and willing to share his insights on current topics as well as how he made it as a successful author. Links mentioned in the episode: https://www.officialjackcarr.com/ Jack’s first interview on the Firearms Nation Podcast: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/13958462  

Dave Matheny started out as a computer programer and then bought his first suppressor. That started him down a rabbit hole and he ended up with one of the largest suppressor or silencer retail companies in the business. That company, Silencer Shop, is a one stop shop to help customers go through the entire buying process for a suppressor including the paperwork with the ATF. If you ever wanted to purchase a suppressor, now is the time. In this show, Dave talks you through the process and tells you what kinds of suppressors you should be buy. Links mentioned on the show: Silencer Shop And visit this show’s sponsor, Bear Creek Arsenal and use code 5Nation for 5% off your first order.  

Jeff Emrich competes in USPSA and came in 7th in the 2020 National Championship. His road to being a high level competitor goes back to his history of always excelling in sports. He tributes his quick success to the drive and practice he used to do in athletics that carried over into shooting a handgun in compeition. Recently, Jeff ran into a medical crossroad and almost had his dream of being a national champion taken away…not to mention almost dying. Listen to his compelling story this week on the show. Links mentioned on the podcast: Jeff’s Instagram Also, get 5% off your first order at Bear Creek Arsenal with code 5NATION.  

Paul Phegan comes from the Land Down Under. He is a National Champion in IPSC in Australia and part of their world team for the upcoming 2021 World Shoot. Paul has an interesting story when it comes to shooting since having a gun in Australia is very difficult. Also, with COVID and the ammo crisis, shooting matches and practice have changed. But what is great about Paul, is he shares his training secrets and explains what it took to be a National Champion. Links mentioned in the show: Paul’s Facebook page This show’s sponsor, Bear Creek Arsenal. Use code Nation5 for 5% off your first order.