In this episode, Chris and Ike from Big Tex Ordnance sit down with Scott Howell, owner of Red Dot Fitness gym and host of the Iron Sights Podcast. Scott shares his fitness and business background, how he pivoted his gym during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his journey into firearms training and the 2A community. The guys discuss building customer relationships, meeting people at events like TTPOA, and making genuine connections in the industry.

You can find out more about Scott, Red Dot Fitness and the Iron Sights Podcast at the links below!

https://www.reddotfitness.net/

https://ironsightspodcast.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBrNdLjeZHSgdxDcIze_rdQ

https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/?hl=en

As always you can find out more about Big Tex Ordnance at Bigtexordnance.com!


Episode Highlights:
00:00:00 - Intro and meeting Scott Howell at TTPOA 2024
00:02:00 - How Chris and Ike started the Big Tex Ordnance podcast
00:07:00 - Scott's background and starting the Iron Sights podcast
00:14:00 - Origin of the name "Red Dot Fitness"
00:21:00 - Scott as a gun owner prior to 2020 and civil unrest in San Jose
00:36:00 - Getting into firearms training and the 2A community
00:42:00 - Impact of COVID shutdowns on Scott's gym business
00:48:00 - Pivoting Red Dot Fitness during the pandemic
00:51:00 - Building customer relationships and getting feedback
00:56:00 - Where to find Iron Sights Podcast and Red Dot Fitness online
01:00:00 - Connecting with people in the industry like Kyle Defoor
01:02:00 - Being open and reaching out to people you want to connect with

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Episode 90 of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast features guests Mike Mihalski from Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) and Brandon Hernandez from the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA). Mike and Brandon discuss SOLGW's role as the title sponsor for the TTPOA conference, the importance of their partnership, and how both organizations have grown over the years. They also cover SOLGW's new products like the 6mm MAXX and their expanding line of AR-15 parts. Brandon provides insight into the mission of TTPOA in providing world-class training to law enforcement.

Find out more about SOLGW at our website or https://sonsoflibertygw.com/ and find out more about TTPOA at https://www.ttpoa.org/

00:00:00 - Intro and discussion of use of force incidents
00:03:00 - Chris and Mike talk about advancements in AI technology
00:05:35 - Brandon introduces the Big Tex Ordnance podcast
00:11:00 - Overview of TTPOA as an organization
00:17:50 - The value TTPOA provides to members
00:21:15 - How Brandon got involved with TTPOA
00:27:58 - SOLGW's history with TTPOA
00:32:50 - Growth of SOLGW and Big Tex over the years
00:36:45 - The importance of relationships in the industry
00:39:52 - Working with companies that stand behind their products
00:43:50 - Discussion of SOLGW's new 6MM MAX
00:47:25 - The emotional significance of firearms used in the line of duty
00:51:10 - SOLGW rifles saving lives
00:53:45 - The state of policing in Washington vs Texas
00:55:10 - TTPOA SWAT competition and college shooting programs
00:58:20 - Where to find more info on TTPOA
00:59:45 - Where to find SOLGW online
01:01:15 - Big Tex's expanded offerings of SOLGW products

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In this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast, hosts speak with Ben DeWalt and Rachel Maloney from OnSight Firearms Training based out of upstate New York. Ben and Rachel discuss their journey into the firearms training world, the challenges of being traveling instructors, and the logistics behind scheduling over 300 classes a year across the country. They also share their experiences taking the Range Master Master Pistol Instructor Course with Tom Givens and the value of learning the history behind modern shooting techniques. Tune in for insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into being a successful firearms instructor on the road.

You can find out more about OnSight Firearms Training at https://oftllc.us/

00:00:00 - Rachel discusses the science behind blue-lit signs and their visibility at night while driving.
00:02:00 - Ben and Rachel recount their experiences driving in Texas and other parts of the country.
00:06:00 - Introduction of Ben and Rachel from OnSight Firearms Training.
00:10:00 - Rachel and Ben discuss how they started in firearms training in 2008 and their journey from casual shooters to serious training.
00:13:00 - Discussion about the lack of quality holsters and gear options when they first started compared to what's available today.
00:22:00 - Ben and Rachel explain how they started teaching to fill the gap in live-fire training in their area.
00:24:00 - Overview of OnSight Firearms Training's class schedule and locations.
00:37:00 - Rachel and Ben discuss their experience at the Range Master Master Pistol Instructor Course with Tom Givens.
00:46:00 - Rachel shares her appreciation for the history lessons and the collegiate atmosphere of the course.
00:51:00 - Discussion about the value of learning to teach techniques for left-handed shooters and understanding revolvers.
00:54:00 - Ben shares his experience at Tom Givens' professional trainer symposium and being in a room with industry legends.
00:56:00 - Overview of OnSight Firearms Training's upcoming classes and events, including hosting various instructors.
01:04:00 - Closing remarks and information on how to find OnSight Firearms Training's class schedule online.

This promotes our new weekly update on Youtube and the blog.