WELCOME!
If you’re new to all of this and don’t know where to start…you’re in the right place.
If you’re new to firearms training and don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place.
First and foremost, welcome. You’re stepping into an incredible world of firearms, shooting, and combatives. Choosing to take responsibility for your own protection is a big decision, but getting started can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of information out there and a lot of people trying to sell you something.
I get it. I’ve been there.
I started my own training journey in 2012 after leaving the military. Since then, I’ve invested thousands of dollars into training and gear that worked and tens of thousands into things that didn’t. I’m still a student, still training, and still refining what works. That experience shapes how I teach.
When you train with me, my goal is simple: meet you where you are and help you become a more capable protector.
I’m a straight shooter, no pun intended. I’ll give you honest guidance about what gear matters, what doesn’t, and where your money is better spent. More importantly, we’ll focus on developing the skills that make the biggest difference when you step onto the range.
My instruction continues to evolve as I train, learn, and refine my own approach. What I teach is built around proven methods and equipment that work, not trends or hype.
This is about more than becoming a better shooter. It’s about building confidence, capability, and a mindset that carries beyond the range.
GEAR
“What firearm should I get? What about holsters? Flashlights? And what about that super comfortable tactical belt I saw on social media?”
Here’s the answer: keep it simple.
I’ve spent a lot of money chasing trendy gear, and I’ve learned that expensive, popular, or heavily marketed doesn’t always mean reliable. You don’t need the latest or flashiest equipment. You need gear that works consistently and holds up to training.
That’s why I keep my own setup simple.
Everything I carry has been tested through training and has met my standards for reliability and performance. If it doesn’t hold up, I don’t use it. Period.
Below is a list of gear I’ve personally tested, trust, and recommend. It’s not a complete list, and there are plenty of other great options out there. But if you’re new and wondering where to start, this will point you in the right direction.
Firearms
Glock MOS Series - 19 / 17 / 45 / 47 / 43X / 48
Smith and Wesson M&P Series (No Thumb Safety)
Walther PDP Series
Springfield Echelon
Ruger RXM
Palmetto State Armory PA15 (budget friendly)
Get a version of the PA15 with a free floating barrel. Barrel life is roughly 7K-10K rounds. Having a free floating system will allow you to change the barrels out very easily in the future!
Upgrade your barrel at the 5K round mark with a Ballistic Advantage barrel. If you have the extra cash, upgrade with a barrel from Criterion Inc.
Bravo Company USA AR15 Upper Receivers
Inside the Waist Band Holster and Magazine Pouches:
Tier 1 Concealed
Tenicor Holsters
LAG Tactical
Use code “HighDesert” for 10% off at checkout.
Outside the Waistband / Competition / Duty Holsters, Belts, and Magazine Pouches:
Alien Gear Rapid Duty Level 3 Holsters
Safariland Level 2 Holsters
High Speed Gear
Wilder Tactical
Blue Alpha Gear
Esstac
Krydex (Budget brand found on Amazon. Decent nylon gear.)
Hunter Constantine EDC Belt
Use with jeans, sweatpants, and gym shorts!
Comfort Concealment Belt
Highly recommended by the women led Cakes Concealed training group.
Off Body Carry Bags
Use 945 Industries Velcro Kydex Holsters
Cakes Concealed Carry - Use code: GUN10 for a 10% off!
Use Mom’s Who Carry or LAG Tactical Purse Holsters with Cakes Concealed Bags
Use code HIGHDESERT with LAG Holsters
Range Bags / Hauling
Jansport Duffel Backpack
Mesh Zipper Pouches (Mags / Ammo)
Sighting Systems:
Vortex Optics 3X Magnifier (use with red dot on AR15)
***Vortex Optics have an unlimited lifetime warranty!***
Holosun 509T (Full Size) and EPS Carry (Slimline Handguns) Enclosed Dot Sights
Green dots are known to work for those with astigmatism!
Magpul MBUS Iron Sights (Rifles)
Night Fision Iron Sights (Handguns)
Weapon Lights:
Modlite Fuel 18350 with OKW v2 Head (Use Unity pressure switches)
Streamlight 89015 Pro Tac Rail Mount HP-X Pro (Great budget option. Comes with a pressure switch and lifetime warranty)
Surefire X300 Turbo (Full Size Handguns)
Pair with Emissary Development Paddle Shifter
Streamlight TLR-1 HP-X w/SL-B9 batteries (Great budget option. Comes with rechargeable batteries and lifetime warranty)
Streamlight TLR 7 HLX (Slimline / Concealed Carry)
Slings:
Blue Force Gear Vickers Padded 2 Point Sling
***Use 550 cord to attach your sling to your rifle***
Handheld Lights:
Modlite Multi Mode Handheld with OKW v2 Head.
Use with Thyrm Switchback
Trauma Medical:
North American Rescue
Purchase directly from NARescue.com to avoid copycats. The only trauma medical brand I trust to save lives.
Knives:
Shivworks Products Group - El Nino Push Dagger
Black Triangle Group
Other EDC Items:
Range Safety Gear:
Milwaukee Anti-Fog Safety Classes
Yes…seriously. They work surprisingly well for the price and don’t fog up.
Band Aid Travel Kit and Athletic Tape
You will get cuts and scrapes from handling firearms. Keep a box of Band Aids and Athletic Tape with you.
Misc Items:
550 Cord
Shock Cord
Tattoo Gun Tape
Hockey Grip Tape
One Wrap Velcro
Books
TTG / 2 GUN STARTER KIT:
We The People Belt Bundle Kit - Low Tier
Krydex Quick Release Battle Belt - (GC’s Suggested Budget Build)
Krydex Single Rifle Magazine Pouches x 2 (Purchase two singles. The double mag pouch are harder to reload from.)
Holsters