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Rick Olson's path from crafting architectural metalwork for the homes of tech billionaires to revolutionizing firearms manufacturing exemplifies American innovation at its finest. In this candid conversation, Rick pulls back the curtain on the precision engineering that sets his barrels apart from anything else on the market.

With remarkable transparency, Rick shares how he taught himself machining from scratch in 2011, developing a single-point cut rifling process that took two years to perfect but produces pistol barrels with unmatched accuracy. "I can take anybody else's barrel on the planet and cut their group size in half," he states confidently – a bold claim backed by years of meticulous development and testing. His newly patented 12-groove rifling system for 300 Blackout barrels solves the fundamental problem of gas blow-by with subsonic ammunition, achieving sub-MOA accuracy at distances where competitors fall apart.

Beyond the technical innovations, Rick offers invaluable insights into navigating the volatile firearms industry as a business owner. From nearly losing everything during the post-2016 "Trump slump" to building a manufacturing operation that now employs over 40 people and runs 24/7, his journey highlights both the rewards and pitfalls of entrepreneurship in this space. He addresses head-on the economic pressures squeezing firearms manufacturers – rising costs but stagnant prices – while sharing strategies for sustainable growth.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as Rick discusses the current state of Second Amendment advocacy and the challenging legislative environment in Washington state. His perspective on education-focused approaches to changing public perception offers a refreshing alternative to the often polarized firearms discourse.

Whether you're fascinated by precision manufacturing, considering starting your own business, or simply interested in firearms innovation, this episode delivers insights you won't find anywhere else. Tune in to discover how determination, technical excellence, and a passion for quality have established Rick Olson as a respected innovator in American firearms manufacturing.

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Find out more about Big Tex Ordnance at bigtexordnance.com

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Imagine having a skill that weighs nothing, costs little to learn, and could provide access when you need it most. Pat from Uncensored Tactical reveals the fascinating world of tactical lock picking—a discipline that's simultaneously practical, accessible, and surprisingly ethical.

With over a decade of law enforcement and Coast Guard experience, Pat has developed a curriculum that transforms this niche expertise into an invaluable tool for everyone from soccer moms to special forces operators. "The amount of time it takes to learn: very small. The amount of money to get involved: very small. The weight and price of tools: very small. But what they open: very big."

During this eye-opening conversation, Pat demonstrates how complete beginners can successfully pick their first lock within minutes using just two simple tools. But this skill set goes far beyond tools and techniques—it's about developing a strategic mindset that enhances problem-solving capabilities in unpredictable situations. Unlike linear skills such as marksmanship, lock picking requires you to make a machine accept an input it wasn't designed for, creating a unique cognitive challenge.

Addressing common misconceptions head-on, Pat explains why teaching tactical lock picking doesn't enable criminals (who overwhelmingly prefer breaking windows or kicking doors) and how understanding lock vulnerabilities actually leads to smarter security decisions. As he puts it, "Three-inch screws in your door frame are probably a better investment" than exotic locks for most homeowners.

The conversation explores the differences between hobby lock sport, locksmithing, penetration testing, and tactical applications, highlighting why Pat's approach—which combines practical techniques with operational decision-making—has attracted clients ranging from local law enforcement to international special forces units. Whether you're interested in self-reliance, professional development, or simply fascinated by physical security, this episode offers rare insights into a skill that combines immediate utility with endless depth.

Ready to develop skills that could save the day when traditional options fail? Listen now and discover why tactical lock picking might be the most practical security training you've never considered.

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This candid and humor-filled conversation takes you behind the scenes at Shot Show while delivering practical wisdom every gun owner needs to hear.

We sit down with Craig Summers of  Templar Defense https://www.templardefense.com/
and Ben DeWalt from On Sight Firearms training ( https://oftllc.us/) while they share the physical realities of working the massive firearms industry event – from excessive indoor heating to miles of walking required each day. They offer fascinating insights into venue differences and booth traffic patterns that casual attendees never consider.

The conversation shifts to an amusing yet educational story about a student who attempted to implement a supposedly "special forces" technique during force-on-force training. The predictable failure serves as a powerful reminder about critically evaluating tactical advice rather than blindly following recommendations without testing.

Quality gear becomes a central theme as the hosts discuss holster selection, firearm standardization, and parts compatibility. They share personal experiences with proprietary systems that ultimately proved frustrating and impractical. One memorable anecdote details an improvised field repair using an AR-15 trigger spring to fix a broken magazine catch – a hack that's surprisingly continued working for over a year.

Perhaps most valuable is the panel's perspective on the post-COVID firearms market. Drawing from their industry experience, they explain why current conditions represent an opportunity for enthusiasts to stock up before the next inevitable price surge. Their seasonal training insights also provide a window into how professional instructors adapt to regional weather challenges throughout the year.

Whether you're a new gun owner or experienced enthusiast, this episode blends practical advice with entertaining stories from professionals who've seen it all. Subscribe now and join us for more candid conversations at the intersection of firearms, training, and real-world experience.

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"When you got a barrel of monkeys, you put a gorilla in charge." With these words, a drill sergeant forever shaped Michael Megan's understanding of leadership – wisdom he now passes to the next generation of military officers at Texas A&M University.

Megan brings over 13 years of experience from the prestigious 75th Ranger Regiment to his role as Senior Enlisted Advisor for Rudder's Company, an elite organization within Texas A&M's Army ROTC program named after James Earl Rudder, former university president and WWII Ranger commander. His transition from special operations to academia wasn't merely a career move but a mission to shape future officers and strengthen the critical officer-NCO relationship that underpins military effectiveness.

Throughout our conversation, Megan reveals what truly makes elite units exceptional – not flashy tactics or equipment, but relentless accountability and fundamentals. "The regiment just gets back to the basics constantly," he explains, highlighting how the organization's unique structure with lower-enlisted personnel creates both its greatest strength and challenge. His candid reflections on the selection process, the difficulty of maintaining standards, and the brotherhood that develops through shared hardship offer rare insights into one of America's premier fighting forces.

Perhaps most fascinating is Megan's ability to identify tactical patterns across different domains – drawing direct parallels between military operations, football strategies, and combat sports techniques. This pattern recognition helps him teach complex concepts by meeting cadets where they are, using familiar frameworks to explain unfamiliar tactics. Under his guidance, Texas A&M's Ranger Challenge team has secured back-to-back national championships, outperforming hundreds of ROTC programs nationwide.

Whether you're fascinated by military culture, leadership development, or the psychological elements of high-performance teams, this episode offers valuable insights applicable far beyond the battlefield. Follow Megan's continuing mission to prepare the next generation through his "Ranger U" podcast, available on all major platforms.


Ranger U Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/michael-meegan1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.a.n.g.e.r.u/
https://linktr.ee/r.a.n.g.e.r.u?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZyR1ze7Oum38h-n3682enNDrLje8DGOP9aAS2ZUyWzaY2ljLjDvA_Av8g_aem_e4l5gCeWKR9TGoJR83N_pA

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What happens when you reach for your gun in a life-threatening moment only to realize you don't actually know how to use it? This raw, honest conversation with firearms instructors Michelle Waldran and Bonnie Lanzarini reveals how their own terrifying encounters transformed them from casual gun owners into passionate advocates for proper training.

Michelle shares her heart-stopping moment at a gas station when a knife-wielding attacker approached her car window. Despite having access to a firearm, she discovered in those critical seconds that she couldn't operate it properly—the holster was still on when she pointed it at her assailant. Though the attacker fled at the sight of the gun, the experience left an indelible mark. "Before that, I thought you know, I have my gun, I'm fine... And that's all I can remember, like I didn't even know how to pull it out."

Bonnie's wake-up call came during force-on-force training when she couldn't access her purse-carried firearm quickly enough during a simulated attack. These pivotal moments led both women to dedicate themselves to becoming proficient and helping others—especially women—avoid similar situations.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the false confidence many new gun owners have, the value of competition shooting for building skills under stress, and the unique challenges women face in firearms training. Michelle and Bonnie bring refreshing humor and authenticity, from stories about Michelle's viral "tactical spoon" videos to their shared mission of making firearms training more accessible and less intimidating for women.

Whether you're an experienced shooter or just considering firearms for personal protection, this episode offers valuable insights into the psychological and practical aspects of defensive training. Subscribe now and join our community of responsible, empowered gun owners committed to ongoing education and preparedness.


Social Links:

Bonnie: 
https://www.instagram.com/bonbonsnguns/?hl=en
https://bonbonsnguns.com/
https://www.hopp.bio/bonbonsnguns

Michelle:
https://www.instagram.com/tacgirlmichelle/?hl=en
https://tacgirlmichelle.com/
https://taprac.app/tacgirl

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What if the future isn't just about starships and laser battles, but also about confronting the ethical complexities of artificial intelligence and interstellar governance? Inspired by sci-fi classics like Star Trek, we delve into these questions and more. 

Aaron talks about his journey as an author and discusses his novels including the latest Sci-Fi series.

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Join us for an enlightening session with Aaron Cowan from Sage Dynamics, as he shares his remarkable transition from the military to law enforcement, and finally to the world of firearms instruction. methods, enhancing self-defense shooting techniques for his students.

Discover the challenges and triumphs Aaron faces in revolutionizing advanced firearms training. Our conversation sheds light on the Red Dot Sight (RDS) instructor class he teaches, detailing the initial resistance from law enforcement students and the gradual acceptance as technology evolves. Aaron shares invaluable insights into the potential liabilities associated with inconsistent red dot adoption across departments and the impact of advancing optics on training methods. We emphasize the significance of foundational skills over complex maneuvers, backed by real-world feedback on the reliability of various firearm optics.

In a shift to personal reflection,  Aaron shares his journey into the world of writing, detailing his experiences with self-publishing and his passion for the Rushing Winter book series. Learn about the creative process behind his writing, the challenges of the publishing industry, and the thematic intricacies that make his series unique.

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Join us for Episode 106 of the Big Tex Ordnance podcast featuring Scott "Jedi" Jedlinski of Modern Samurai Project. In this episode, Scott discusses competition shooting, red dot optics, teaching methodology, and his journey in the firearms training industry. With over 100 classes taught annually, Scott offers valuable insights on everything from gear selection to the importance of continuous personal development.
Timeline:
00:02:00 - Introduction and background on Modern Samurai Project
00:04:00 - Discussion of class scheduling and teaching tempo
00:07:00 - How instructors maintain their own training while teaching
00:10:00 - Addressing common misconceptions about competition shooting
00:13:00 - Discussion of competition stress and performance metrics
00:20:00 - Debate on "building bad habits" in competition shooting
00:24:00 - Evolution of red dot pistol shooting over the years
00:26:00 - In-depth review of current pistol optics market
00:31:00 - Analysis of specific optic models and their performance
00:38:00 - Debate on closed vs. open emitter optics
00:45:00 - Discussion of optic durability requirements
00:50:00 - Overview of MSP staff instructors and class locations
00:55:00 - Required gear and setup for MSP classes
00:59:00 - Teaching methodology and student progression
01:01:00 - Approach to handling students of different skill levels
Whether you're interested in competitive shooting, carry optics, or professional firearms instruction, this episode offers practical insights from one of the industry's most experienced trainers. Scott's honest evaluation of current market offerings and training methodologies provides valuable information for shooters of all skill levels.

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Travis Wilson, a retired Green Beret and founder of Alpha Elite Performance, joins the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast to discuss his work with the Green Beret Foundation and his supplement company. Travis shares his journey from Special Forces to entrepreneurship, details the Foundation's crucial support for Green Berets and their families, and discusses his company's innovative supplement line, including their specialized heavy metal detox greens powder.
Key Timeline:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Travis Wilson and his background
00:02:00 - Discussion of Travis's near-fatal free fall accident and starting his business
00:03:00 - Overview of the Green Beret Foundation's mission and support programs
00:05:00 - Foundation fundraising events, including Rock the Green Beret with Kid Rock
00:11:00 - Discussion of the Foundation's Warrior Sportsman Program
00:17:00 - Mental health and addiction support through Warrior's Heart
00:40:00 - Transition to discussing Alpha Elite Performance and supplement line
00:42:00 - Detailed explanation of the heavy metal detox greens product
00:47:00 - Overview of other supplements including Alpha Immune and pre-workout
00:50:00 - Preview of upcoming product "Gut Check"
00:53:00 - Information about shipping and international availability
01:02:00 - Discussion about Staccato Ranch and SAR firearms

Find out more about Travis Wilson and Alpha Elite Performance as well as the Green Beret Foundation at the links below -

https://alphaeliteperformance.com/

https://greenberetfoundation.org/

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