TAKING AIM

In this episode of Aimpoint’s Taking Aim podcast, hosted by Richard Nance, guest John Correia, founder of Active Self Protection, shares his journey from a Navy veteran and pastor to a leading voice in evidence-based self-defense education. Correia discusses how his realization that self-defense must be grounded in logic and real-world principles, rather than outdated traditions, led to the creation of ASP’s massive YouTube platform, boasting 3.5 million subscribers and 1.9 billion views. He emphasizes the importance of studying real attack videos to develop practical, principle-based strategies, recounts his transition into video content creation after learning editing skills to enhance viewer engagement, and highlights the effectiveness of red dot sights, like Aimpoint’s, for faster and more accurate shooting. Correia also contrasts the civilian mission of breaking contact with threats against law enforcement’s approach, advocating for less-lethal tools like OC spray when appropriate, while underscoring the need for preparedness against deadly threats.

Check out Active Self Protection on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsE_m2z1NrvF2ImeNWh84mwVisit Active Self Protection at: https://activeselfprotection.com/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

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In this episode of Aimpoint’s Taking Aim podcast, hosted by Richard Nance, guest Eric Poole, the 14th editor-in-chief of Guns & Ammo magazine, shares his journey into gun writing and his deep connection to firearms. Nance recounts meeting Poole 17 years ago at a Black Hawk gun writers’ event, which sparked his own career in writing after Poole encouraged him to contribute to gun magazines. Poole details his path, from a Marine Corps veteran and designated marksman during the 2003 Iraq invasion to becoming an armorer at the NRA and Blackwater, where his technical expertise shaped his writing. He discusses his passion for historical firearms, inspired by his VMI rifle team experience, and his role in launching the Guns & Ammo Buzz podcast to reach new audiences. Poole also highlights Aimpoint’s optics, praising the Acro’s innovative mounting and the RDS-MR’s versatile reticle, emphasizing their reliability for tactical and civilian use. The episode blends personal anecdotes, professional insights, and practical advice for aspiring gun writers, underscoring the importance of teamwork and multimedia platforms in the firearms industry.Check out the Guns and Ammo website at: https://www.gunsandammo.com/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

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In this episode of the Taking Aim Podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Rick Hogg, a retired Special Operations veteran with 29 years of military service, including 13 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and the founder of War HOGG Tactical. The discussion explores Hogg’s extensive military background, starting with the 82nd Airborne and transitioning to Special Forces, and how his real-world combat experience shapes his training philosophy. Hogg shares how a pivotal moment in 2002, when soldiers credited his training for saving their lives, inspired the creation of War HOGG Tactical, which provides firearms training for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel. The episode delves into War HOGG Tactical’s offerings, including pistol, carbine, K9, and low-light training, with a focus on practical skills like red dot usage and proper light application. Hogg emphasizes the importance of robust equipment, realistic training (e.g., Project Officer Survival for law enforcement), and a mindset focused on survivability in deadly force encounters. Key topics include the transition from iron sights to red dots, the value of a firearms training notebook for tracking progress, and the need for well-rounded skills, including empty-hand techniques and legal knowledge, to prepare for real-world threats. The episode underscores Hogg’s passion for enhancing marksmanship and tactical proficiency across all levels, driven by his commitment to saving lives through training.

Follow Rick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warhoggtactical/Check out Rick’s website at: https://www.warhogg.com/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

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On this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance sat down with Tom Beckstrand, Guns & Ammo Rifle and Optics Editor, tracing his journey from plinking beer bottles in Nevada to serving as a West Point graduate, Ranger School alum, Special Forces team leader in Afghanistan, and sniper team leader in Iraq with the Commanders In-Extremis Force, enhanced by Marine Corps Scout Sniper training. Tom shares his combat-informed perspective on selecting reliable bolt-action rifles for precision, debunking cheap scope myths, and praising Aimpoint red dots for ruggedness, while highlighting NRL Hunter competitions for practical marksmanship skills. He reflects on his 2020 Bill McRae Lifetime Achievement Award for educating shooters and his passion for sharing knowledge through Guns & Ammo TV, emphasizing learning from failure and choosing dependable gear for critical tasks.

Check out Guns & Ammo at: https://www.gunsandammo.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/ 

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On this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance sat down with Jared Reston, a seasoned SWAT veteran from Jacksonville, shares his journey from an athletic youth inspired by his law enforcement brother to a decorated officer with 17 years of full-time SWAT experience. He recounts a harrowing 2008 shootout at a mall, where a routine shoplifting call escalated into a life-or-death gunfight, leaving him severely wounded but victorious due to his training and mindset. Jared emphasizes the critical role of mental preparation, reliable gear, and rigorous training in surviving deadly encounters, offering insights from his extensive career, including over a thousand SWAT operations and leadership roles. Now retired, he trains both law enforcement and civilians through his company, stressing the importance of humility, teamwork, and preparation for high-stakes situations, while also working with Safariland to promote quality duty gear.

Follow Jared on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reston_group/?hl=enCheck out Jared’s website at: https://www.restongrouptraining.com/default.aspxFollow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

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Visit Aimpoint.com to learn more: https://www.aimpoint.com/ 

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On this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance sat down with “The Collector,” to dive into his passion for acquiring everything from cars and pinball machines to firearms and rare collectibles. One highlight of their conversation was 'The Colletor's' acquisition of a rare John Wick-themed safe—one of only four in existence—originally intended to be part of a ten-unit run before legal issues shut production down. The safe, fully stocked with screen-accurate firearms and ornate details like real marble and a velvet couch, became a centerpiece of his collection and a staple of his YouTube content. The Collector also discussed his firearm preferences, noting a strong leaning toward carbines over pistols and a near-obsessive love for red dot optics, especially Aimpoint’s P-2 and C-2 models. He estimates owning around 600 firearms and an uncountable number of optics. Despite the scale of his collection, he emphasized that each piece—especially the John Wick safe—was acquired with enthusiasm (and full support from his equally passionate wife), blending functionality, storytelling, and cinematic nostalgia.

Follow “The Collector”’ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_collector_yt/

Subscribe to “The Collector’s” YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCollectorOfFirepowerCheck out “The Collector’s” website at: https://thecollectorsapparel.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/ 

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On this episode of the The Taking Aim Podcast, On this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, Duane Liptak dives deep into the technical evolution and practical application of rifle setups, optics, and shooting fundamentals. He explores the balance between low power variable optics (LPVOs) and red dot sights, highlighting their strengths in different engagement scenarios—from rapid target acquisition at close range to precision identification at distance. Liptak also breaks down the anatomy of a truly versatile AR platform, emphasizing the importance of properly tuned components like the barrel, bolt carrier group, buffer system, and rail rigidity. Throughout the conversation, he underscores how advancements in lighting systems and optics have significantly enhanced shooter performance and efficiency, especially in real-world environments.

Follow Duane Liptak on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/duaneliptak/

Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

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On The Taking Aim Podcast, former Navy SEAL and world-record-holding skydiver Andy Stumpf opened up about his remarkable journey from combat injury to pushing physical and mental limits for a greater cause. After taking a round to the hip in combat, Stumpf faced a long and grueling recovery, dealing with nerve damage that still affects him today. Despite the setback, he found purpose beyond the battlefield, setting a world record wingsuit jump in 2015 to raise money for the Navy SEAL Foundation. He also shared insights on red dot optics, stressing that effectiveness outweighs dogma, and that training—regardless of equipment—is what truly matters. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and adapting to life’s hardest transitions while continuing to serve a mission bigger than himself.

Follow Andy Stumpf on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andystumpf212/?hl=en

Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

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In this episode of the Taking Aim Podcast Richard Nance sits down with renowned outdoor writer and firearms expert Brad Fitzpatrick. He shares insights from his decades-long career in gun writing, self-defense, and big game hunting around the world. Brad dives into the evolving landscape of firearm journalism, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are crafted for hunters, shooters, and everyday defenders. He also discusses the importance of responsible gun ownership, real-world self-defense principles, and the ethical side of conservation through hunting. With stories from the field, hard-earned lessons, and a deep respect for wildlife, Brad’s episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the outdoors.

Follow Guns and Ammo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunsandammomag/?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: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@AimpointUSA

Visit Aimpoint.com to learn more: https://www.aimpoint.com/ 

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Taking Aim Podcast, use-of-force expert and former law enforcement officer Kevin Davis discusses the complex realities of police work, body-worn cameras, and the legal challenges facing both officers and armed citizens. He explains how video footage—while helpful—is often misunderstood due to technical limitations and lack of context, leading to flawed investigations and media bias. Davis also breaks down the legal standard of “reasonableness” in use-of-force cases, debunks common misconceptions about de-escalation, and emphasizes the need for proper training and expert analysis in today’s highly scrutinized environment.

Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@AimpointUSA

Visit Aimpoint.com to learn more: https://www.aimpoint.com/ 

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD