Bullets n Bourbon Podcast

Tyler Tharp - Synergy Training Group

Synergy Training Group, based in Mississippi, offers comprehensive firearm training with a focus on self-defense, competition shooting, and skill enhancement. Founded by a passionate individual with experience in both training and competition, the organization continually evolves its holistic approach to training. Collaborations with partners like Dry Fire King add diversity to their programs. Despite their Mississippi roots, Synergy's reach extends nationally, evidenced by their involvement in events like the RPGI Shooting International match in Florida. Their strategic approach and commitment to continuous improvement make them a go-to choice for shooters nationwide. Those interested in their classes can easily sign up through their website or other designated channels.

Driven to Succeed: A Journey of Racing and Shooting with James Han

In this episode, we delve into the multifaceted life of James Han, a competitive shooter with a background in street racing and a diverse range of roles in the shooting community. Han shares insights into his journey from Korea to the United States and his early days in street racing, including the organization of races and the thrill of competition. Drawing parallels between racing and competitive shooting, he discusses the similarities and differences in mindset and approach.
Han's passion for competitive shooting led him to found KAPSA (Korean American Practical Shooting Association), where he aims to foster a supportive community and promote firearms education within the Korean American community. He reflects on the challenges and cultural barriers encountered in this endeavor.
As a successful entrepreneur, husband, father, coach, instructor, match director, and competitor, Han discusses how he balances his busy schedule and allocates time to pursue his various passions. Finally, he shares insights on the significance of the QSC Frozen Chosin match and offers parting thoughts for the audience.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Don O'Bier - Mastering the Balance: A Competitive Shooter's Journey

In this episode, we delve into the journey of a competitive shooter who found their passion in USPSA/3Gun. Balancing a family, full-time job, and consistently performing at the top echelons of the sport poses its challenges, but our guest shares insights into how they manage their time effectively.
Training methods have evolved over the years, with a blend of dry-fire and range time becoming the norm. As for goals, our guest discusses both big-picture aspirations and specific objectives they're currently working towards.
While they once attended every match available, they now strategically select events based on various factors, revealing the logic behind their decision-making process.
The conversation also touches on the significance of certain matches as the culmination of the competitive season and reveals the lineup of events on their schedule for the year.
In closing, our guest leaves listeners with valuable takeaways and reflections from their competitive journey.
 

Nathan Drumm -Injuries, Rehabilitation and Reloading

Since the last time we caught up, there have been some significant developments in Nathan Drumm's life. He recently finished 4th in Master's 40 at TTG Nationals, narrowly missing the podium by less than 1%. Evaluating wins and losses helps him set goals for the following year.
Currently, Nathan is recovering from ankle surgery, prioritizing a healthy recovery over rushing back into competition. Despite this setback, he's considering branching out into other disciplines this year, diversifying his competition experience.
Attending Shot Show was an enriching experience for Nathan, potentially paving the way for future partnerships with Blayr. They also inadvertently discussed reloading during their last conversation. For Nathan, reloading offers benefits beyond just saving money, allowing for customized loads tailored to his shooting style.
When it comes to selecting components for reloading, Nathan prioritizes quality and consistency. His current gear setup reflects this, and he spends ample time configuring each part to his needs when introducing new equipment. As for developing a rifle load, his process involves meticulous case preparation and adherence to acceptable standards for load development.

Johnathon Solinsky -Marine Corps Sniper and Shooting Team Member

In this episode, John reflects on his journey into competitive shooting, initially shaped by the Marine Corps Marksmanship Program. He discusses the program's invaluable role in his growth within the firearms industry, highlighting lessons learned and experiences gained while on the rifle team. John reminisces about fond memories and connections made during his time on the team, acknowledging the massive evolution it has undergone since. He observes the transition from high-power competitions to .22 PRS and PRS, sharing insights from an outsider's perspective.
Delving into Precision Rifle Series (PRS), John offers a breakdown of the sport and essential gear requirements, catering to both budget-friendly options and ideal setups without financial constraints. He explores dry-fire alternatives for training and emphasizes the importance of meticulous ballistics data preparation, including the use of a kestrel and printed data sheets.
Reflecting on his competitive career, John shares his favorite match experiences and notable performances. Finally, he leaves listeners with parting thoughts and insights garnered from his extensive journey in competitive shooting.

The Tomasi Squared Experience

This summary covers a firsthand experience with Travis Tomasie's shooting class, highlighting personal interactions and decision-making processes:
The conversation with Travis Tomasie early in the shooter's career set the stage for an enriching experience. Attending the class provided insights into the contrast between online personas and real-life interactions, revealing Tomasie's genuine nature. Traveling to the class required logistical planning, differing from match attendance, and the class size and schedule were conducive to learning. Despite the challenge of ensuring individual attention in a group setting, the level of personal interaction with Tomasie was satisfactory. Initially identifying areas for improvement, the class reshaped priorities for skill development. Departing from active duty to transition into the reserves was a deliberate choice, prompting reflection on the conventional wisdom versus personal aspirations. The experience encourages contemplation of future paths for others navigating similar decisions.

Area 8 Director - Russ Fortney

Russ Fortney, an esteemed range master and area director, engages in a comprehensive discussion on the trajectory of USPSA. From reflecting on preferred matches to dissecting governance intricacies such as trademark disputes and board elections, Fortney provides valuable insights. Emphasizing inclusivity in multigun competitions and USPSA's role in military training, he offers guidance for leveraging the sport for enhanced readiness.
 
 

Firearms Journey: A Conversation with Chris Cerino

Chris Cerino, a seasoned firearms expert with diverse experience in law enforcement, competitive shooting, and television, is known for his approachable nature and passion for helping others. Despite not initially recognizing his celebrity status, Cerino's impressive resume includes roles as a law enforcement officer, Federal Air Marshal, firearms instructor, and television personality.
He draws parallels between competition and instruction, stressing the need for safety and effective communication in both roles. Cerino advises aspiring instructors to focus on building confidence and trust in their students.
In his varied career, Cerino has gained insights into different aspects of the firearms industry, advocating for career flexibility and open-mindedness.

Chris Scott - Sig Sauer's Upcoming Matches

In this episode, we speak to longtime friend of the podcast, Chris Scott. We cover the life changes he's had since leaving the Marine Corps, his role at Sig Sauer Academy, and planning major events and what those are.

From Sponsorship to Influencer: Navigating the Firearm Industry's Evolving Landscape

The interviewee Derrick Dumont, a gunsmith deeply involved in competitive shooting and marketing for firearm companies, traces their journey from gunsmithing to the present. They emphasize the crucial role of sponsored shooters in brand promotion and research. Selection criteria for brand representation balance technical expertise and positive influence. The interviewee highlights the distinction between competitive shooters and influencers, acknowledging influencers' broader audience appeal. Vetting influencers involves discerning authenticity amid flashy content. Challenges like buying followers and potential damage to a company's image are addressed. The interviewee also discusses strategies for overcoming content censorship on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, which often limit the reach of firearm-related content.