TAKING AIM

Aimpoint
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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. 2D AGO

    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

  2. JAN 27

    Donal Trump Jr. + Jack Carr + Tony Sentmanat + Jared Reston + More with Unfiltered Discussions at SHOT Show 2026

    The special episode of the Taking Aim podcast, recorded at SHOT Show 2026 and hosted by Richard Nance, features a series of engaging conversations with prominent figures in the firearms, outdoor, and tactical communities, all tied together by themes of hunting heritage, adventure lifestyle, Second Amendment rights, and practical shooting/training innovations—particularly red-dot optics from Aimpoint. Donald Trump Jr. discusses his late-blooming passion for hunting, his escape from an urban upbringing via summers in Europe, and how those experiences inspired him to co-found Field Ethos magazine as an unapologetic, authentic alternative to stale traditional outdoor publications, emphasizing real campfire stories, aspirational adventure (hunting, fishing, overlanding, spearfishing), and preserving the lifestyle for future generations while rejecting overly cautious cultural trends. Jack Carr talks about his writing career, including the historical fiction Cry Havoc (set in 1968 Vietnam and centered on James Reece's father), the research intensity involved, his SEAL background, and his long-standing appreciation for Aimpoint red dots. Tony Sentmanat shares his journey from Marine to SWAT operator and tactical trainer, stressing the integration of extreme physical fitness, martial arts, and firearms training to prepare for real-world fights where being out of shape or relying solely on a gun can be fatal. Jared Reston recounts his 20-year law enforcement/SWAT career, a high-stakes 2008 gunfight that highlighted the "will to win" through relentless preparation and mindset, and his current work developing modular duty gear for Safariland. Mark Greaney discusses his bestselling Gray Man series, the constant research (including firearms accuracy), and the enjoyment of fan interactions at signings. Medal of Honor recipient Earl Plumlee briefly describes his intense 2013 Afghanistan gunfight against a Taliban assault, crediting rigorous training for his survival despite weapon malfunctions. Eric Gillhaus and Ken Good offer deep insights on pistol red-dot transitions, visual focus advantages, training pitfalls, low-light doctrine evolution (from SureFire Institute origins), and new modular steel targets from Shooter First. Overall, the episode blends personal stories, cultural commentary, and gear-focused expertise, celebrating outdoor traditions, self-reliance, constitutional rights, and high-performance training in the context of Aimpoint's products and SHOT Show energy. Follow Donald Trump Jr. on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/donaldjtrumpjr/?hl=en Follow Jack Carr on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/jackcarrusa/?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

    1h 5m

  3. JAN 20

    He Turned Suppressors Into a $200 Million Empire - The Wild Story Behind Silencer Central

    In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance chats with Brandon Maddox, founder and CEO of Silencer Central, about the world of suppressors (or silencers, as they're legally termed). Maddox shares his unexpected journey from pharmacist to industry leader, sparked by prairie dog hunting in South Dakota, where he discovered suppressors' value in reducing noise and recoil while preserving hearing and allowing hunters to track bullet impacts. They dive into the streamlined purchasing process Silencer Central pioneered—handling paperwork digitally and shipp ing directly to customers' doors—demystifying the once-intimidating $200 tax stamp (now eliminated as of 2026) and NFA regulations stemming from 1934 anti-machine-gun laws. Discussions cover suppressor benefits like enhanced situational awareness in tactical or home-defense scenarios, maintenance tips (cleaning baffles every few hundred rounds with CLR solution), how baffles work to slow and cool gases for quieter shots, and Maddox's advocacy for further deregulation to boost accessibility. The episode highlights trends in lightweight titanium designs for hunting, like the Banish line, and teases explosive market growth post-tax changes, emphasizing suppressors as essential tools for safer, more enjoyable shooting 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

    53 min

  4. JAN 13

    Grew Up Next to Original Cabela's… Now Runs Peterson's Hunting

    In this engaging episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance catches up with longtime friend David Draper, Editor-in-Chief of Peterson's Hunting magazine. Draper shares his Nebraska roots—growing up blocks from the original Cabela's, walking past it daily as a kid, and developing a lifelong passion for the outdoors through family waterfowl hunts with his dad. He traces his journey from avid young wing shooter (who struggled to hit his first duck) to big-game hunter after college influences, and eventually to his career path: starting as a catalog copywriter at Cabela's, freelancing, and landing at Peterson's Hunting. The conversation explores the challenges and joys of wing shooting (unlearning precision habits, instinctive swinging, and the benefits of red-dot optics like Aimpoint's shotgun mounts), parallels between wing shooting, dangerous-game hunting, and tactical scenarios (quick acquisition, both-eyes-open shooting), and the value of red dots for fast-moving threats. Draper highlights his transformative DIY caribou hunt in Alaska as a pivotal "why I hunt" moment, full of raw adventure, isolation, and instinctual connection. They discuss emerging hunting trends (resurgent lever actions, affordable accurate rifles, long-range tech), challenges like land access and rising costs, and the excitement of growing participation (especially among women). The episode blends personal storytelling, practical shooting insights, and enthusiasm for hunting as an accessible, rewarding pursuit—ending with a nod to Peterson's Hunting as a big-game authority and a call to get outdoors. Visit Petersen’s Hunting at: https://www.petersenshunting.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 Aimpoint.com to learn more: https://www.aimpoint.com/  PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    55 min

  5. JAN 6

    Inside the Mind of a Backcountry Hunter Who’s Seen It All

    In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance engages renowned hunting writer Joseph von Benedikt in a wide-ranging conversation that reveals the guest's deep-rooted passion for the outdoors. Raised in remote southern Utah cowboy country—where he trailed cattle on horseback, carried firearms from a young age, and lived far from modern conveniences—von Benedikt inherited a love of guns and hunting from his grandfathers, began competitive shooting early, and later guided hunts before transitioning into a prolific writing career fueled by extensive reading and authentic experiences. The discussion explores the craft of hunting storytelling, emphasizing sensory details to immerse readers, the mental and spiritual renewal found in backcountry pursuits, and the value of preparation through training like their elk hunting boot camp to ensure ethical, successful shots in challenging terrain. Von Benedikt shares memorable adventures from Kodiak Island to Africa, offers practical gear advice favoring accurate, manageable rifles in potent cartridges like 6.8 Western or 7mm PRC with suppressors and dialing scopes, and highlights transferable skills between hunting pressure and defensive shooting—such as staying composed for follow-up shots—while promoting his long-running Backcountry Hunting Podcast as a rich resource for Western hunters. Follow Joseph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephvonbenedikt/?hl=en 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 Aimpoint.com to learn more: https://www.aimpoint.com/  PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    1h 1m

  6. 12/30/2025

    Bronze Star Medal Marine’s Transition to Mossberg - Jeremy Stafford’s Wild Journey

    In this wide-ranging episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance reunites with his old friend Jeremy Stafford — former Marine Corps reservist (Bronze Star w/V), long-time LAPD officer, legendary Guns & Ammo handgun editor, and current Mossberg pro-staffer — for a candid, laugh-filled masterclass in real-world training and mindset. The two lifelong martial artists trace their journeys from chubby kids getting thrown around in judo dojos, through 1980s ninja-movie obsessions and Steven Seagal worship, to becoming career cops and combat veterans who helped drag law-enforcement firearms training out of the Weaver-era and into the red-dot age. Stafford pulls no punches on watered-down strip-mall martial arts, the evolution (and stubborn resistance) of police and military shooting doctrine, why red-dot optics are a literal game-changer for grip, trigger control, and hitting under stress, and the critical mindset shift every fighter must make: you have to already be okay with pulling the trigger before the fight starts. Packed with war stories, range truths, and hard-earned lessons from the streets of L.A., the sands of Iraq, and decades on the mat, and countless hours behind the gun, this is two old-school warriors passing the torch with zero filter and maximum respect. Follow Jeremy on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/jestafford/?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 Aimpoint.com to learn more: https://www.aimpoint.com/  PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    1h 7m

  7. 12/23/2025

    4-Star General: “They Told Me I’d Never Jump Again… So I Took Command of the 82nd Airborne”

    In this powerful episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance sits down with retired four-star General Charles “Chuck” Swannack Jr., former commander of the legendary 82nd Airborne Division. Swannack takes us from his small-town North Carolina athletic roots and a blown-out knee that doctors said would keep him from ever going airborne, to ignoring that advice, becoming an Airborne Ranger, and ultimately leading the entire 82nd into combat in Iraq — proving that heart and determination can override even medical orders. He shares gripping war stories (including why he slung a 12-gauge shotgun in Al Anbar so snipers wouldn’t spot the general, and the day General Abizaid literally took the gun off his shoulder), credits Aimpoint red-dot sights for dramatically improving marksmanship and reducing collateral damage in the Global War on Terror, and explains the deeper reason the 82nd exists: not just rapid deployment, but to seed relentless discipline and standards across the entire Army. The conversation turns to servant leadership (“Soldiers first, mission always”), the danger of leaders who are “assholes 100% of the time,” and why harsh tyranny never earns lasting respect. Now retired, Swannack continues serving through Welcome Home Patriots (bringing veterans and their families to NASCAR races for VIP experiences) and the Patriot Military Family Foundation (providing PTSD treatment, service dogs, Gold Star family hunts, and holiday support). A candid, inspiring, and often funny masterclass in leadership, resilience, and giving back from one of the Army’s most respected paratrooper generals. 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 Aimpoint.com to learn more: https://www.aimpoint.com/  PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    56 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Will Brantley Reveals Why Red Dots Are Secretly Taking Over Deer & Turkey Hunting

    In this relaxed episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance sits down with western Kentucky outdoors writer and lifelong hunter Will Brantley. The conversation covers Will’s family-centered hunting lifestyle (he, his wife Michelle, and their 11-year-old son live and breathe the outdoors), his career path from devouring 90s hunting magazines to becoming a full-time freelancer for Field & Stream, Petersen’s Hunting, Realtree, and Ducks Unlimited, his Level-2 Deer Steward certification with the National Deer Association, and the tongue-in-cheek “Total Redneck Manual” he co-authored. Richard shares two recent hunts with Will—a wildly fun squirrel hunt that turned him into a believer and a Winchester-sponsored Kentucky rifle deer hunt where he killed a solid rutting buck on the last afternoon with a Model 70 in 6.8 Western—while the pair wrap up praising red dots for thick-timber and turkey hunting. It’s an hour of authentic, zero-BS hunting culture that feels like eavesdropping on two buddies who genuinely live life. For more on Will and articles he’s written visit: https://www.ducks.org/contents/authors/will-brantley.html 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 Aimpoint.com to learn more: https://www.aimpoint.com/  PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Aimpoint
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Aimpoint
  • Show Website
    TAKING AIM

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