AIMPOINT PODCAST - TAKING AIM
Richard Nance - Taking Aim Host
Listener Questions
April 14, 2026. In this special Q&A episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Rich is joined by producer Paul to answer listener questions. They begin with the challenges of transitioning from iron sights to a red dot optic, explaining that while red dots are more intuitive and allow the shooter to maintain focus on the threat (rather than the front sight), it requires retraining eye focus and managing the more noticeable movement of the dot during presentation. Techniques like writing text on a target and pressing the trigger when reaching marked red dots help build proper target-focused shooting. They discuss why red dots are harder to master on handguns than on long guns due to fewer points of contact and the importance of a consistent draw stroke and grip (including support-hand wrist cam and grip tightening) to quickly acquire the dot. The conversation then shifts to Aimpoint history, noting the company’s 50th anniversary in 2025, its Swedish origins with founder Arne Ekstrand, and its adoption by the U.S. military. They compare various Aimpoint models, such as the H2 vs. T2 (night vision compatibility and durability), Acro P2 vs. C2 (dot size differences), and Comp M5 vs. Micro T2 (battery type, size, and ruggedness), emphasizing that professional users often opt for the most robust options. Finally, they cover the popular Acro C.O.A. optic and its proprietary A-Cut mounting system, which allows a low, secure mount with standard-height backup iron sights, along with how manufacturers and gunsmiths can license the A-Cut. The episode highlights the practical advantages of red dots while offering tips for effective use and transition.
Interview with Nick Irving
April 7, 2026. In this episode of the Taking Aim Podcast, host Richard Nance sits down with Nick Irving, one of the most accomplished snipers in U.S. Army history, known by his nickname "The Reaper." Nick shares his journey from a military family upbringing in Germany to becoming an Army Ranger and eventually a sniper in the 75th Ranger Regiment's 3rd Battalion, where he made history as the first African-American sniper to deploy during the Global War on Terror. He opens up about the colorblindness that nearly derailed his military dreams, the grueling path to becoming a sniper, and the reality that the role involves far more than just marksmanship — encompassing meticulous planning, environmental awareness, and psychological fortitude. Nick also gets candid about the struggles he faced after leaving the military, including battling alcoholism and suicidal thoughts as he tried to find his footing in civilian life. The conversation shifts to his post-military career, which includes writing a New York Times bestselling autobiography, publishing novels in the style of his hero Tom Clancy, consulting on Hollywood productions like Transformers and the TV show Seal Team, and delivering motivational speeches — all things he never imagined possible. The episode wraps up with a great discussion on long-range shooting gear, optics, ammunition selection, and rifle maintenance, offering valuable insights for both enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Interview with Erick Gelhaus
March 31, 2026. In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance welcomes longtime friend and veteran instructor Erick Gelhaus for an in-depth conversation about his diverse background and insights on firearms training and use of force. Gelhaus shares his 29 years with a large California sheriff’s office (working patrol, gangs, narcotics, and field training), prior military service across Army active, reserve, and guard components, and advanced degrees that shaped his research-driven approach to training. He discusses transitioning law enforcement lessons on use of force, human performance, and decision-making into practical instruction for armed citizens, emphasizing the need for better communication of legal standards, intermediate force options, and avoiding over-reliance on any single tool like tasers. The discussion covers his extensive experience teaching at Gunsite Academy for 25 years, the development of red dot pistol courses (including helping create Gunsite’s pistol-mounted optics program), and the advantages of red dots over iron sights for faster target focus and feedback. Gelhaus highlights key training concepts such as occluded dot drills for both-eyes-open shooting, zeroing techniques, environmental challenges, backup iron sights, and the importance of humility, adaptability, and “managing up” in both law enforcement supervision and civilian instruction. He also touches on his company Cougar Mountain Solutions and the value of realistic, scenario-based training across pistol, carbine, shotgun, and low-light environments. The episode underscores Gelhaus’s philosophy that effective training must bridge the gap between professional tactics and real-world application for everyday armed citizens.
Interview with Ryan Cleckner
March 24, 2026. In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Ryan Cleckner, a former U.S. Army Ranger sniper from the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, who shares his journey from an impulsive 18-year-old enlistment in Arizona to making it through the rigorous Ranger Indoctrination Program and serving in a sniper role, including deployments to Afghanistan. Cleckner discusses his transition to civilian life, where he became a passionate instructor and author, emphasizing practical, fundamentals-focused teaching over overly complex or gatekept approaches to long-range shooting—drawing from his bestselling Long Range Shooting Handbook and its advanced sequel. He critiques military training methods that prioritize attrition over effective instruction, debunks myths like excessive focus on minor variables (e.g., barrel twist rate or Earth's rotation at practical ranges), and advocates simplifying concepts like wind calls using tools such as "gun numbers." The conversation also covers his diverse career path as a firearms attorney specializing in ATF compliance and FFL issues, his experiences testifying before Congress on agency overreach, his creation of ventures like Gun University (an ad-free, honest gun review site), Rocket FFL, and Fail-Safe software, plus practical insights on concealed carry equipment, self-defense insurance, red dots on pistols, and the primacy of reliability, training, and mindset over fancy gear.
Interview with Kevin Michalowski
March 17, 2026. In this episode of Taking Aim hosted by Richard Nance, guest Kevin Michalowski shares his personal journey into self-defense advocacy, sparked by the tragic 1998 shooting death of his brother during an armed robbery by a concealed carry permit holder. Michalowski describes how reviewing surveillance footage confirmed the shooter's legal justification, prompting him to deeply explore the legal use of deadly force; this led to a career shift from outdoor writing to becoming a police officer for 17 years while immersing himself in self-defense law and training. He now serves with the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), which boasts over 860,000 members and provides education, training, and self-defense liability insurance to help good people navigate the complex aftermath of a defensive shooting - including legal defense, critical response support, and resources to avoid common pitfalls like giving overly detailed statements to police under stress. The discussion emphasizes that marksmanship alone isn't enough; carriers need maturity, decision-making skills, and knowledge of when deadly force is justified (imminent threat of death or great bodily harm), plus preparation for post-incident scrutiny by investigators and prosecutors. Michalowski highlights USCCA's tiered memberships offering access to extensive online training (e.g., Protector Academy), live instructors nationwide, state law updates, reciprocity info, and real member stories illustrating high-stakes legal costs. The episode also touches on modern gear like red dot sights (which Michalowski praises for improving speed and accuracy after initial resistance), the physiological effects of stress on perception (tunnel vision, time distortion), and the importance of remaining silent beyond a brief public safety statement until consulting an attorney to protect one's defense. Overall, it's a thoughtful call for responsible, educated carry to protect both life and freedom in high-stress scenarios.
Interview with Claude Werner
March 3, 2026. In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Claude Werner, known as the Tactical Professor, who shares his diverse background spanning 23 years in the U.S. Army—including time as a paratrooper, Ranger, and Special Forces member—before retiring as a captain, followed by a career in market research and commercial real estate that honed his analytical skills. Werner discusses key lessons from his military experience, particularly the shift to performance-oriented, hands-on training with prioritized mission-essential tasks, and how these principles inform his approach to civilian firearms training by focusing on the most likely and critical scenarios rather than trying to cover everything. He recounts analyzing over 7,000 real-world incidents (mostly private citizen defensive gun uses) and highlights insights from force-on-force training and video evidence, such as a notable Michigan convenience store robbery where an armed citizen precisely engaged a box-cutter-wielding robber while improbably holding onto a six-pack of beer throughout. The conversation explores practical topics like the value of lasers (especially on small pocket guns for reduced aiming error) versus red dots (which he finds less ideal personally due to vision quirks), the benefits and limitations of competitive shooting in IDPA for building stress-resistant skills, spot-shooting techniques from his time instructing at Bill Rogers Shooting School, the importance of understanding one's true capabilities through realistic qualification and dry practice, and common serious mistakes in defensive gun use—such as poor firing solutions risking innocents or mishandling under stress—emphasizing thoughtful preparation and decision-making over marksmanship alone. Werner promotes tailoring training to individual needs, realistic expectations, and resources like his website and Patreon for deeper analysis of personal protection realities.
Interview with John Hearne
February 24, 2026. In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews John Hearne, a retired law enforcement officer with 26 years of experience and founder of Two Pillars Training, who emphasizes the often-overlooked "soft skills" and mental aspects of armed self-defense over pure hardware or trigger-pulling drills. Hearne shares his unconventional career path—from rural Virginia roots and early emergency services roles to federal park service duty—and explains how deep research into real-world incidents (like Newhall and Miami) led him to focus on human performance under extreme stress, debunking myths like heart rate dominance while highlighting factors such as recency of practice, valid "mental maps" of violence, situational awareness to avoid emotional brain hijacks, and decision-making in compressed timeframes with imperfect information. He discusses why sooner often beats faster in real encounters, the value of simulators and force-on-force for building realistic judgment, the advantages of red dot optics (like preserved situational awareness and better handling of moving targets without focal shifts), and how his flagship Cognitive Pistol course integrates cognitive load, tactical anatomy, and problem-solving under pressure to prepare students for actual threats rather than range perfection. The conversation blends practical insights, myth-busting, and evidence-based training philosophy, underscoring that true preparedness combines technical skill, frequent realistic practice, and understanding human limitations for better outcomes in life-or-death situations.
Interview with Scott Jedlinski
February 17, 2026. In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Scott Jedlinski ("Jedi"), founder of the Modern Samurai Project and a leading instructor in red dot pistol training. Scott shares how his extensive martial arts background—spanning Brazilian jiu-jitsu (black belt), Taekwondo, Muay Thai, boxing, and others—influenced both the naming and philosophy of his company, viewing himself as a "project" striving for constant self-improvement rooted in warrior ethos rather than claiming to be a literal modern samurai. He discusses transitioning from martial arts to firearms training around 2009–2010, eventually building a busy schedule of nearly 100 classes annually, including heavy work with agencies like Houston PD during their red dot adoption. The conversation explores parallels between combatives training and pistol skills, emphasizing principles like economy of motion, consistent grip and presentation, target-focused shooting, and treating pistol technique athletically akin to rifle handling or jiu-jitsu drills. Scott advocates for appendix carry for better retention and draw speed, dismisses over-reliance on backup iron sights in modern reliable optics, and highlights benefits of competition for exposing weaknesses and building stress inoculation—while acknowledging it's not essential for everyone. He covers practical red dot tips, from zeroing distances (favoring 18 yards) and dot size preferences (2–4 MOA) to overcoming common hurdles like finding the dot, breaking target-focus habits from irons, and achieving efficiency through minimal unnecessary movement. The episode underscores staying in one's lane as an instructor—focusing on hard skills rather than tactics—and ends with Scott promoting his classes via modernsamuraiproject.com for those seeking to elevate their red dot pistol proficiency.
Interview with Nick Thayer
February 10, 2026. In this episode of Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Nick Thayer, owner and president of The Tactical Games, a fast-growing hybrid sport that combines demanding physical fitness challenges with practical marksmanship under fatigue. Thayer shares his journey from Coast Guard service and defense contracting to discovering the sport in 2020 as a competitor, quickly falling in love with its unique blend of pursuit, personal growth, and community—something he felt missing since leaving active duty. He describes The Tactical Games as a test of shooting proficiency (rifle and pistol at varied distances and positions) while physically taxed—think high heart rate, grip fatigue, sandbag lifts, crawls, rucks, and more—emphasizing that it builds foundational skills transferable to real-world tactical scenarios for military, law enforcement, and civilians alike. Thayer discusses the sport’s evolution under his leadership (improved structure, marketing, inclusivity across divisions like Intermediate, Tactical, Elite, and age groups), its emphasis on camaraderie over cutthroat competition, and how it motivates participants to train consistently without monetary reward. He highlights accessible training tips (dry fire, erg-based cardio at the range, gym work with sandbags), the value of community and shared struggle, and upcoming events including the Sniper Challenge and international expansion. The conversation celebrates the sport’s appeal as a purposeful, humbling challenge that fosters resilience, better marksmanship under stress, and a supportive network—making it ideal for anyone seeking fitness, shooting improvement, and real-world readiness.
Interview with Greg Ellifritz
February 3, 2026. 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.
Interview with Donald Trump Jr., Jack Carr, Tony Sentmanat, Jared Reston, & more.
January 27, 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.
Interview with Brandon Maddox
January 20, 2026. 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
Interview with David Draper
January 13, 2026. 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.
Interview with Joseph von Benedikt
January 6, 2026. 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.