WELCOME!

If you’re new to all of this 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 one of the most important decisions you can make, but it can also feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of information out there, and a lot of people trying to sell you something.

I get it. I know how that feels.

Like you, I’m a student and an end-user. I started my 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. It’s a frustrating process at times, but it’s also part of the journey. I’m still refining my skills and dialing in what works best, just like you will.

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 on what gear actually matters, and what doesn’t. More importantly, I’ll help you focus on the skills that will make the biggest difference every time you step onto the range.

No two classes are exactly the same. My instruction evolves constantly to stay aligned with proven, real-world methods and equipment that actually work, not trends, not hype.

This is 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 honest answer. Keep it simple.

Like I mentioned before, I have spent a lot of money chasing trendy gear, and I have seen firsthand how often that stuff fails when it actually matters. The reality is, you do not need the latest or the flashiest equipment. You need gear that is reliable, proven, and consistent.

I keep my setup simple on purpose.

Everything I carry and use has been tested through real training and has met my personal standards for reliability and performance. If it does not hold up, I do not use it. Period.

Below is a list of gear that I have tested, trust, and recommend. These are not based on hype or marketing. They are based on what actually works. This is not a complete list, but it will get you started!

Full disclosure, I get kickbacks on only ONE of these items. Everything else I list here, I do NOT receive money from. Do with that information as you will! :)

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

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

  • Vertx Gamut 18L Sling

    • Use 945 Industries Velcro Kydex Holsters

  • Cakes Concealed Carry - Use code: XXXXX for a 10% off!

    • Use Mom’s Who Carry Holsters with Cakes Concealed Bags

Sighting Systems:

  • Vortex Optics Venom Enclosed Red Dot (Full Size Handguns)

  • Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot (AR15)

  • Vortex Optics 3X Magnifier (use with red dot on AR15)

    ***Vortex Optics have an unlimited lifetime warranty!***

  • Holosun AEMS Red Dot Optic (AR15)

  • Holosun EPS (Full Size) and EPS Carry (Slimline Handguns) Enclosed Green 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)

  • Streamlight TLR-1 HP-X w/SL-B9 batteries (Great budget option. Comes with rechargeable batteries and lifetime warranty)

  • Streamlight TLR 7 HL (Slimline / Concealed Carry)

Slings:

  • Magpul MS1 Lite 2 Point Sling

  • 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

  • Surefire Stiletto Pro

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

  • TDI Ka-Bar

  • Black Triangle Group

Other EDC Items:

  • Resqme Window Breaker

  • POM Pepper Spray

  • CRKT Williams Defense Pen

  • Madison Supply Trauma Shears

Range Safety Gear:

  • Howard Leights Electronic Ear Muffs

    • Use ProHear Gel Cups

  • Milwaukee Safety Classes

    • Yes…seriously. They work surprisingly well for the price and don’t fog up.