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Episode 104: Competitive Shooting and Training with Santiago Lopez

Join us as we sit down with Santiago Lopez of Coast to Coast Tactical to discuss his journey from casual shooter to competitive shooter and firearms instructor. Santi shares his experiences in USPSA competition, his approach to teaching, and his passion for helping others improve their shooting skills. With his infectious energy and humble attitude, Santi provides valuable insights into the world of competitive shooting and firearms training.

Timeline:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Santi's background and early shooting experiences
00:02:00 - How Santi got into shooting and his transition from California to Florida
00:05:00 - First formal firearms training experience and instructors who influenced him
00:07:00 - Transition from student to instructor and teaching philosophy
00:13:00 - Discussion of upcoming Texas State USPSA Match and future teaching plans
00:15:00 - Experience with USPSA competition and training with world champion Eric Grauffel
00:19:00 - Current competition setup: Walther PDP Steel Frame and equipment discussion
00:29:00 - Experience at Alliance Range Day event in Ohio
00:34:00 - USPSA classifications and competition divisions
00:49:00 - Overview of match opportunities in the Houston area
00:52:00 - Upcoming class schedule and social media presence
00:54:00 - Discussion about the firearms training industry and social media dynamics

Don't miss this engaging conversation about competitive shooting, training methodology, and the importance of enjoying the learning process in both competition and defensive shooting.

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In this special Veterans Day episode, the BTO Podcast hosts sit down with Dr. Tony Brooks, former Army Ranger and author of "Leave No Man Behind." Dr. Brooks shares his powerful firsthand account of Operation Red Wings and the recovery mission following the tragic Chinook crash in Afghanistan. From his post-9/11 decision to join the military to his current work as a chiropractor serving veterans, Dr. Brooks offers a candid and respectful perspective on one of special operations' most challenging missions.

00:00:00 - Tony describes a harrowing fast-rope descent during operations
00:02:00 - Discussion of Tony's path to military service after 9/11
00:07:00 - Training experiences at Airborne School and RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program)
00:17:00 - Background on Operation Red Wings and the initial SEAL reconnaissance mission
00:25:00 - Details of the recovery mission preparation and deployment
00:29:00 - Dramatic 100-foot fast-rope insertion under night conditions
00:34:00 - Arrival at the Chinook crash site and initial assessment
00:41:00 - Moving story of recovering a fallen aviator's wedding ring
01:01:00 - Discussion of later deployment to Ramadi, Iraq
01:07:00 - Transition to civilian life and path to becoming a chiropractor
01:08:00 - Journey from Seattle to Texas during COVID and starting Freedom Chiropractic

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Episode 102 - Hunter Freeland & Matt McGuire join the BTO Podcast to discuss training philosophy, industry changes, and their new venture with Onus Group. Hunter announces his transition to Hunter Freeland Shooting in 2025, while Matt shares his experiences as Director of Training for Green Ops in Texas. The duo also unveils their new mounting plate system under Onus Group, designed to solve common issues with optic mounting solutions.

Timeline:
00:00:00 - Discussion about preparedness and shooting distances in real-world scenarios
00:02:00 - Account of recent shooting incident at Chapman military facility
00:04:00 - Introduction of guests and podcast episode count milestone
00:06:00 - Hunter announces departure from Modern Samurai Project and creation of Hunter Freeland Shooting
00:13:00 - Discussion about teaching philosophy and student development
00:19:00 - Matt discusses Griffin Armament sponsorship and training developments
00:24:00 - Conversation about industry evolution and training improvements
00:31:00 - Discussion about civilian preparedness and real-world shooting scenarios
00:37:00 - Hunter shares personal background and motivation for becoming an instructor
00:45:00 - Detailed discussion about training techniques and skill development
00:52:00 - Introduction of Onus Group mounting plates and company philosophy
00:57:00 - Technical details about plate design and manufacturing
01:00:00 - Future plans for Onus Group and product development
01:02:00 - Closing remarks and contact information

The episode provides valuable insights into modern firearms training methodology, industry developments, and new product innovations, while offering a candid look at the personal journeys of two respected firearms instructors.

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Join us for Episode 101 of the Big Tex Ordnance podcast featuring Douglas Greig of Greig Performance Shooting, a 24-year military veteran turned firearms instructor. Doug shares his journey from military service to becoming a "gateway instructor," focusing on teaching fundamental skills to new shooters and church security teams. The conversation explores topics like modern firearms training methods, the evolution of red dot optics, and Doug's approach to teaching students of varying skill levels.

Timeline:
00:03:00 - Doug's background and transition to civilian instruction
00:12:00 - Discussion of church security training and real-world scenarios
00:24:00 - Teaching philosophy and "Gateway Instructor" approach
00:33:00 - Evolution of pistol mounted optics training
00:41:00 - Women's firearms training and course development
00:50:00 - Future training goals and long-range shooting aspirations
00:54:00 - Non-lethal training and situational awareness
00:58:00 - Upcoming BTO training events and course scheduling

Find out more about Greig Performance Shooting here https://www.greigshooting.com/ 

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Episode 100 of the Big Tex Ordnance podcast features Kerry Davis from Dark Angel Medical, returning as the first-ever guest to discuss the latest in tactical medicine, training, and gear. Kerry shares insights on the importance of medical training, everyday preparedness, and the evolution of medical technology. The conversation ranges from the dangers of everyday life to the future of medical interventions, all delivered with Kerry's signature humor and expertise.
Timeline:
00:03:00 - Discussion on the importance of carrying medical kits in vehicles
00:07:00 - Kerry talks about teaching medical skills to children
00:12:00 - Conversation about bleeding out vs. falls as causes of death
00:20:00 - Kerry describes the essential components of a basic medical kit
00:25:00 - Discussion on the dangers of counterfeit medical equipment
00:39:00 - Kerry introduces "vet gel," a new medical technology for bleeding control
00:47:00 - Explanation of Kerry's teaching philosophy and use of analogies
00:52:00 - The "dirty hobo" analogy for explaining carbon monoxide poisoning
00:56:00 - Discussion on the balance of hands-on vs. theoretical training
01:02:00 - Kerry talks about upcoming classes and events

Check out more from Dark Angel Medical at https://darkangelmedical.com/

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Episode 99 of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast features Kenneth Stretz of Stretz Tactical, a mobile firearms training company. Kenneth, a veteran law enforcement officer with over 27 years of experience, shares insights on police training, the evolution of firearms technology, and the challenges facing modern law enforcement. The conversation covers topics ranging from patrol rifles and red dot sights to the complexities of firearms laws in different states.

Key Events Timeline:

00:00:00 - Introduction of Kenneth Stretz and Stretz Tactical
00:03:00 - Kenneth discusses his military and law enforcement background
00:05:00 - Conversation about Kenneth's experience in the entertainment industry
00:11:00 - Discussion on bail reform and its impact on law enforcement
00:14:00 - Kenneth shares experiences with NYPD and firearms training challenges
00:21:00 - Conversation about firearms laws and restrictions in New York
00:27:00 - Discussion on community responses to attacks and political influences
00:35:00 - Kenneth talks about the void in firearms training in New York circa 2013
00:39:00 - Comparison of law enforcement and civilian firearms training
00:46:00 - In-depth discussion on the adoption of red dot sights in law enforcement
00:54:00 - Conversation about eye convergence issues with red dot sights
00:58:00 - Kenneth shares a personal experience from his law enforcement career
01:00:00 - Discussion on the unpredictability of real-world scenarios vs. training
01:02:00 - Kenneth talks about his upcoming training schedule and future plans
01:03:00 - Wrap-up and contact information for Stretz Tactical

https://www.stretztactical.com/

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Join us for an in-depth discussion about Quantified Performance (QP) shooting matches with special guests Ash Hess, Lloyd, and Preacher. Learn about the philosophy behind QP, upcoming changes for 2025, and get insider tips for your first match. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights and entertaining stories from the world of precision rifle competitions.

00:00:00 - Introduction and guest introductions
00:03:00 - Discussion of QP match setup and philosophy
00:08:00 - Explanation of point system and match scoring
00:13:00 - Upcoming changes for QP in 2025, including optic restrictions
00:15:00 - Changes to refund policy and quantifier stage rules
00:21:00 - Guest backgrounds and experiences with QP
00:27:00 - Lloyd's background and transition to civilian life
00:31:00 - Preacher's background and introduction to QP matches
00:37:00 - Discussion of guns and setups for upcoming match
00:42:00 - Detailed breakdown of Ash's gun setup
00:46:00 - Chris and Ike's gun setups for the match
00:49:00 - Ash's trigger story with Lloyd from their military days
00:52:00 - Discussion of various trigger types and preferences
00:55:00 - Match details for upcoming event, including number of shooters
00:58:00 - QP match design philosophy and target sizing
01:00:00 - Balancing challenge and fun in match design
01:04:00 - The importance of camaraderie in QP matches
01:07:00 - How QP has helped shooters in their personal lives
01:10:00 - Encouragement for new shooters to try matches
01:11:00 - Addressing common fears about attending first matches
01:13:00 - Tips for improving during matches, including making bold corrections
01:16:00 - The unique culture of QP matches compared to other shooting sports
01:18:00 - Final thoughts on the welcoming nature of QP community


Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share! All links mentioned in the episode can be found in the description below.

Check out Quantified Performance https://quantifiedperformance.com/

Thanks to SSD for hosting and the awesome accommodations https://strategicshootingdynamics.com/

Check out the Episode blog post here! https://www.bigtexordnance.com/bto-podcast-episode-098-quantified-performance-with-ash-lloyd-and-preacher/

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Join hosts Chris and Ike as they sit down with Kawa Mawlayee from 2Alpha Training Group to discuss his remarkable journey from Afghanistan to the U.S. Special Forces. Kawa shares insights on tactical training, his experiences in the military, and his current ventures in the firearms industry.

Timeline:
00:00:00 - Introduction and casual conversation
00:05:00 - Kawa's background and immigration from Afghanistan
00:12:00 - Joining the Marine Corps and deployments to Iraq
00:16:00 - Transition to Army Special Forces
00:23:00 - Experience as a Special Forces instructor
00:27:00 - Current projects and partnerships in the firearms industry
00:39:00 - Discussion on movie consulting work
00:47:00 - Insights on firearms companies and product endorsements
00:52:00 - Upcoming charity golf tournament
00:58:00 - Where to find Kawa and 2Alpha Training Group online

Find out all the information about this episode and more here! https://www.bigtexordnance.com/bto-podcast-097-kawa-mawlayee-2alpha-training-group/

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Episode 96: From Iguanas to Night Vision - A Wide-Ranging Chat with Jon Dufresne

Join the Big Tex Ordnance team as they sit down with Jon Dufresne of Kinetic Consulting for a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from hunting iguanas in Florida to the latest in night vision technology.

Detailed Timeline:

00:00:00 - Introduction and casual conversation about Jon's travel to Texas
00:03:00 - Discussion about alligators in Florida and Texas
00:05:00 - Jon shares a story about duck removal and HOA issues
00:07:00 - Conversation about invasive species and hunting methods
00:10:00 - Brief tangent on Red Bull lawsuit and class action lawsuits
00:12:00 - Formal introduction of Jon Dufresne and his upcoming class
00:13:00 - Discussion on the prevalence of red dot sights in handgun classes
00:16:00 - Jon talks about his experience with Frank Proctor's classes
00:19:00 - Anecdote about a bolt breaking during a class
00:22:00 - Conversation about Joe from Radian Weapons attending Jon's class
00:25:00 - Discussion on steak preferences and dining experiences
00:27:00 - Jon shares his recent training experiences and classes he's taken
00:31:00 - Explanation of Jon's note-taking method for students
00:35:00 - Discussion on long-range and precision shooting techniques
00:37:00 - Conversation about night vision and magnifiers
00:41:00 - Overview of current popular laser systems for night vision use
00:45:00 - Discussion on the Arisaka laser and its features
00:51:00 - Transition to night vision technology discussion
00:52:00 - Jon explains improvements in night vision tube manufacturing by L3
00:54:00 - Conversation about thermal and night vision fusion technology
00:56:00 - Talk about different mounting options for night vision devices
00:57:00 - Jon mentions his upcoming classes in Texas, including dates for January
01:00:00 - Discussion on flight experiences and airline preferences
01:03:00 - Jon introduces his new "Skills on Demand" class collaboration with Brian Valise
01:05:00 - Details about the Night Ops Summit at Dilley and available night vision rentals
01:07:00 - Information on long-range night vision shooting courses at the summit
01:08:00 - Wrap-up and where to find Jon online (kineticconsulting.net)

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In Episode 95 of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast, hosts Ike and Chris welcome special guests Mike Barker, founder of Intrepid Care, and Bo Sandoval from Texas A&M Athletics. Join us for an inspiring conversation about supporting veterans through outdoor activities, sports, and community events. Learn about Intrepid Care's mission, upcoming fundraising events, and how you can get involved in making a difference in veterans' lives.

Find out more about Intrepid Care at https://intrepidcare.org/

Timeline of Key Points:

00:00:00 - Introduction and casual conversation about hunting experiences
00:05:00 - Mike Barker introduces himself and explains the origins of Intrepid Care
00:07:00 - Bo Sandoval introduces himself and his role at Texas A&M Athletics
00:08:00 - Discussion of various events and activities organized by Intrepid Care
00:15:00 - Explanation of Intrepid Care's mission and support for veterans
00:20:00 - Mike shares stories about hunting experiences with veterans
00:26:00 - Overview of different types of events organized by Intrepid Care
00:29:00 - Introduction of the upcoming USA sanctioned boxing event on October 19th
00:31:00 - Bo describes the venue for the boxing event (Hall of Champions at Kyle Field)
00:35:00 - Discussion of ticket prices and auction items for the fundraising event
00:39:00 - Detailed description of custom knives by Neil Kamimura for auction
00:43:00 - Mike talks about the growth of Intrepid Care and future fundraising ideas
00:48:00 - Conversation about archery and upcoming Total Archery Challenge
00:51:00 - Brief discussion about Garmin chronographs and their usefulness
00:52:00 - Information on how to find and support Intrepid Care
00:54:00 - Closing remarks and podcast information

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Find out more about Big Tex Ordnance at bigtexordnance.com