TAKING AIM

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The official Aimpoint podcast. For more than 5 decades, Aimpoint has pioneered electric red dot sighting technology used by hunters and competitive shooters around the world. Now, we’re bringing you insights from influential voices in firearms culture. Dive into the 2A lifestyle with hunters, veterans, tactical experts, instructors, law enforcement, and even celebrities. The show is hosted by Richard Nance, a lifelong martial artist and retired Police Sergeant with 25 years of law enforcement experience, including time as a SWAT Team Leader and Defensive Tactics Program Supervisor.

  1. 24. MÄRZ

    From Ranger Sniper to Testifying About ATF in Congress – Ryan Cleckner Details His Experience

    In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Ryan Cleckner, a former U.S. Army Ranger sniper from the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, who shares his journey from an impulsive 18-year-old enlistment in Arizona to making it through the rigorous Ranger Indoctrination Program and serving in a sniper role, including deployments to Afghanistan. Cleckner discusses his transition to civilian life, where he became a passionate instructor and author, emphasizing practical, fundamentals-focused teaching over overly complex or gatekept approaches to long-range shooting—drawing from his bestselling Long Range Shooting Handbook and its advanced sequel. He critiques military training methods that prioritize attrition over effective instruction, debunks myths like excessive focus on minor variables (e.g., barrel twist rate or Earth's rotation at practical ranges), and advocates simplifying concepts like wind calls using tools such as "gun numbers." The conversation also covers his diverse career path as a firearms attorney specializing in ATF compliance and FFL issues, his experiences testifying before Congress on agency overreach, his creation of ventures like Gun University (an ad-free, honest gun review site), Rocket FFL, and Fail-Safe software, plus practical insights on concealed carry equipment, self-defense insurance, red dots on pistols, and the primacy of reliability, training, and mindset over fancy gear. Visit Ryan’s website at: https://ryancleckner.com/  Follow Ryan on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cleckner/ Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    1 Std. 12 Min.

  2. 17. MÄRZ

    “He Got Shot by a Concealed Carry Holder” – Kevin Michalowski's Shocking Origin Story

    In this episode of Taking Aim hosted by Richard Nance, guest Kevin Michalowski shares his personal journey into self-defense advocacy, sparked by the tragic 1998 shooting death of his brother during an armed robbery by a concealed carry permit holder. Michalowski describes how reviewing surveillance footage confirmed the shooter's legal justification, prompting him to deeply explore the legal use of deadly force; this led to a career shift from outdoor writing to becoming a police officer for 17 years while immersing himself in self-defense law and training. He now serves with the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), which boasts over 860,000 members and provides education, training, and self-defense liability insurance to help good people navigate the complex aftermath of a defensive shooting - including legal defense, critical response support, and resources to avoid common pitfalls like giving overly detailed statements to police under stress. The discussion emphasizes that marksmanship alone isn't enough; carriers need maturity, decision-making skills, and knowledge of when deadly force is justified (imminent threat of death or great bodily harm), plus preparation for post-incident scrutiny by investigators and prosecutors. Michalowski highlights USCCA's tiered memberships offering access to extensive online training (e.g., Protector Academy), live instructors nationwide, state law updates, reciprocity info, and real member stories illustrating high-stakes legal costs. The episode also touches on modern gear like red dot sights (which Michalowski praises for improving speed and accuracy after initial resistance), the physiological effects of stress on perception (tunnel vision, time distortion), and the importance of remaining silent beyond a brief public safety statement until consulting an attorney to protect one's defense. Overall, it's a thoughtful call for responsible, educated carry to protect both life and freedom in high-stress scenarios. Visit USCCA at: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/ Follow Kevin on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kevinmichalowski/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    57 Min.

  3. 10. MÄRZ

    Delta Force Legend Mike Pannone on Training, Red Dots Durability and Everything Tactical

    In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Mike Pannone, a highly experienced former Recon Marine, Army Special Forces soldier, and Delta Force operator who medically retired after losing an eye in a breaching accident, then transitioned into high-risk contracting, curriculum development, and founding CTT Solutions. Mike shares his extensive military and operational background, emphasizing how real-world experience shapes practical, no-nonsense approaches to training and tactics—contrasting sharply with theoretical or entertainment-driven content often seen on social media. He stresses critical questions like "What are we doing? Why? How does it work? How much time do we have?" to evaluate techniques, critiques unrealistic "cosplay" drills (like elaborate vehicle shooting maneuvers that ignore real ambush timelines and physics), and highlights the difference between marksmanship in isolation versus its application in dynamic, high-stakes scenarios. The discussion covers the value of competition shooting for refining fundamental gun-handling skills (while separating it from tactics), the importance of tailored instruction based on deep experience and critical thinking rather than rigid parroting of drills, the pitfalls of oversized classes that become logistics exercises instead of genuine skill-building, the crawl-walk-run progression for learning (including slow, deliberate practice before adding speed), and humility in demos (showing mistakes at full speed to teach awareness and realism). They also touch on gear priorities—reliable basics over flashy items—and modern optics like red dots (now highly durable and effective on pistols and carbines) plus compensators (valuable for recoil management, especially on shorter-barreled guns for concealed carry or duty use). Overall, Mike delivers straightforward, experience-driven insights aimed at cutting through industry hype to focus on what actually works for military, law enforcement, and responsible civilians. Visit The CTT - Solutions at: https://www.ctt-solutions.com/ Follow Mike on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cttsolutionsllc/?hl=enFollow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    1 Std. 6 Min.

  4. 3. MÄRZ

    Special Forces Vet Analyzed 7,000 Real Defensive Gun Uses – What Actually Works w/ Claude Werner

    In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Claude Werner, known as the Tactical Professor, who shares his diverse background spanning 23 years in the U.S. Army—including time as a paratrooper, Ranger, and Special Forces member—before retiring as a captain, followed by a career in market research and commercial real estate that honed his analytical skills. Werner discusses key lessons from his military experience, particularly the shift to performance-oriented, hands-on training with prioritized mission-essential tasks, and how these principles inform his approach to civilian firearms training by focusing on the most likely and critical scenarios rather than trying to cover everything. He recounts analyzing over 7,000 real-world incidents (mostly private citizen defensive gun uses) and highlights insights from force-on-force training and video evidence, such as a notable Michigan convenience store robbery where an armed citizen precisely engaged a box-cutter-wielding robber while improbably holding onto a six-pack of beer throughout. The conversation explores practical topics like the value of lasers (especially on small pocket guns for reduced aiming error) versus red dots (which he finds less ideal personally due to vision quirks), the benefits and limitations of competitive shooting in IDPA for building stress-resistant skills, spot-shooting techniques from his time instructing at Bill Rogers Shooting School, the importance of understanding one's true capabilities through realistic qualification and dry practice, and common serious mistakes in defensive gun use—such as poor firing solutions risking innocents or mishandling under stress—emphasizing thoughtful preparation and decision-making over marksmanship alone. Werner promotes tailoring training to individual needs, realistic expectations, and resources like his website and Patreon for deeper analysis of personal protection realities. Visit The Tactical Professor at:https://thetacticalprofessor.net/ Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    1 Std. 2 Min.

  5. 24. FEB.

    “Red Dots Are Game-Changers… But Only If You Understand THIS” (with John Hearne)

    In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews John Hearne, a retired law enforcement officer with 26 years of experience and founder of Two Pillars Training, who emphasizes the often-overlooked "soft skills" and mental aspects of armed self-defense over pure hardware or trigger-pulling drills. Hearne shares his unconventional career path—from rural Virginia roots and early emergency services roles to federal park service duty—and explains how deep research into real-world incidents (like Newhall and Miami) led him to focus on human performance under extreme stress, debunking myths like heart rate dominance while highlighting factors such as recency of practice, valid "mental maps" of violence, situational awareness to avoid emotional brain hijacks, and decision-making in compressed timeframes with imperfect information. He discusses why sooner often beats faster in real encounters, the value of simulators and force-on-force for building realistic judgment, the advantages of red dot optics (like preserved situational awareness and better handling of moving targets without focal shifts), and how his flagship Cognitive Pistol course integrates cognitive load, tactical anatomy, and problem-solving under pressure to prepare students for actual threats rather than range perfection. The conversation blends practical insights, myth-busting, and evidence-based training philosophy, underscoring that true preparedness combines technical skill, frequent realistic practice, and understanding human limitations for better outcomes in life-or-death situations. Visit Two Pillars Training at: https://twopillarstraining.com/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    1 Std.

  6. 17. FEB.

    Red Dot Mastery: The Secrets Scott Jedlinski Teaches SWAT & Civilians

    In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Scott Jedlinski ("Jedi"), founder of the Modern Samurai Project and a leading instructor in red dot pistol training. Scott shares how his extensive martial arts background—spanning Brazilian jiu-jitsu (black belt), Taekwondo, Muay Thai, boxing, and others—influenced both the naming and philosophy of his company, viewing himself as a "project" striving for constant self-improvement rooted in warrior ethos rather than claiming to be a literal modern samurai. He discusses transitioning from martial arts to firearms training around 2009–2010, eventually building a busy schedule of nearly 100 classes annually, including heavy work with agencies like Houston PD during their red dot adoption. The conversation explores parallels between combatives training and pistol skills, emphasizing principles like economy of motion, consistent grip and presentation, target-focused shooting, and treating pistol technique athletically akin to rifle handling or jiu-jitsu drills. Scott advocates for appendix carry for better retention and draw speed, dismisses over-reliance on backup iron sights in modern reliable optics, and highlights benefits of competition for exposing weaknesses and building stress inoculation—while acknowledging it's not essential for everyone. He covers practical red dot tips, from zeroing distances (favoring 18 yards) and dot size preferences (2–4 MOA) to overcoming common hurdles like finding the dot, breaking target-focus habits from irons, and achieving efficiency through minimal unnecessary movement. The episode underscores staying in one's lane as an instructor—focusing on hard skills rather than tactics—and ends with Scott promoting his classes via modernsamuraiproject.com for those seeking to elevate their red dot pistol proficiency. Follow Scott on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/modern_samurai_project/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    1 Std. 12 Min.

  7. 10. FEB.

    Are The Tactical Games the Ultimate Test of Operator Readiness? Nick Thayer Dives Deep Into the Competition

    In this episode of Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Nick Thayer, owner and president of The Tactical Games, a fast-growing hybrid sport that combines demanding physical fitness challenges with practical marksmanship under fatigue. Thayer shares his journey from Coast Guard service and defense contracting to discovering the sport in 2020 as a competitor, quickly falling in love with its unique blend of pursuit, personal growth, and community—something he felt missing since leaving active duty. He describes The Tactical Games as a test of shooting proficiency (rifle and pistol at varied distances and positions) while physically taxed—think high heart rate, grip fatigue, sandbag lifts, crawls, rucks, and more—emphasizing that it builds foundational skills transferable to real-world tactical scenarios for military, law enforcement, and civilians alike. Thayer discusses the sport’s evolution under his leadership (improved structure, marketing, inclusivity across divisions like Intermediate, Tactical, Elite, and age groups), its emphasis on camaraderie over cutthroat competition, and how it motivates participants to train consistently without monetary reward. He highlights accessible training tips (dry fire, erg-based cardio at the range, gym work with sandbags), the value of community and shared struggle, and upcoming events including the Sniper Challenge and international expansion. The conversation celebrates the sport’s appeal as a purposeful, humbling challenge that fosters resilience, better marksmanship under stress, and a supportive network—making it ideal for anyone seeking fitness, shooting improvement, and real-world readiness. To learn more about The Tactical Games visit: https://thetacticalgames.com/ Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    54 Min.

  8. 3. FEB.

    Tactical Insights from the Front Lines: Greg Ellifritz on Guns, Red Dots, Knives, and Resilience

    In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews longtime friend and renowned tactical trainer Greg Ellifritz, who shares his extensive background: starting as a young police officer in a Columbus, Ohio suburb right after college (initially aiming for park ranger work), serving 25 years on the force with 13 of those as a full-time training officer, and gaining broad experience in firearms, combatives, bike patrol, sniper roles, and more. Ellifritz discusses his martial arts journey (from wrestling and traditional karate to judo and early Krav Maga), his passion for weightlifting and powerlifting, and his long tenure at Tactical Defense Institute (TDI), where he taught specialized classes like knife defense, ground fighting, impact weapons, close-quarters shooting, and civilian active killer response—contrasting the enthusiasm of paying civilian students with the often reluctant mandated agency training. He highlights his popular website (activeresponsetraining.net), including the widely read weekly "Weekend Knowledge Dump" of curated links and articles, his design involvement with knives like the LDK (Last Ditch Knife) for discreet carry and escape, and his philosophy on open-minded instruction by sharing resources from various sources rather than gatekeeping students. The conversation touches on practical topics like knife fighting realities (balancing lethal efficiency with legal defensibility, informed by expert witness work), skepticism toward expandable batons versus improvised impact tools like flashlights, reluctance to adopt pistol red dots (preferring them on carbines but wary of reliability and maintenance issues until eyesight demands it), key close-quarters pistol skills (proper retention positions and smart draw timing to avoid gun grabs), influences from top instructors like John Benner, Craig Douglas, and Ron Avery, and his book Choose Adventure on safe, realistic travel in developing/third-world countries based on his extensive solo adventures. Ellifritz also candidly addresses his ongoing battle with metastatic prostate cancer (diagnosed in 2020, recurrent and spread despite innovative treatment), defying doctors' two-year prognosis as of early 2026 while remaining active, teaching, and optimistic. Visit Active Response Training at: https://www.activeresponsetraining.net/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    51 Min.
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The official Aimpoint podcast. For more than 5 decades, Aimpoint has pioneered electric red dot sighting technology used by hunters and competitive shooters around the world. Now, we’re bringing you insights from influential voices in firearms culture. Dive into the 2A lifestyle with hunters, veterans, tactical experts, instructors, law enforcement, and even celebrities. The show is hosted by Richard Nance, a lifelong martial artist and retired Police Sergeant with 25 years of law enforcement experience, including time as a SWAT Team Leader and Defensive Tactics Program Supervisor.

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  • Erstellt von
    Aimpoint
  • Jahre aktiv
    2025 - 2026
  • Folgen
    55
  • Bewertung
    Anstößig
  • Copyright
    © Aimpoint
  • Sendungswebsite
    TAKING AIM

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