Firearms and Self-Defense: Expert Insights from Trigger Talk Tuesday - July 15th, 2025

This week’s episode of Trigger Talk Tuesday opened with light-hearted conversation about everyone’s 4th of July celebrations. While the Shadow Hawk Defense team enjoyed their day with firearms, food, and fireworks (followed by some adult beverages), the Green Monstah Firearms crew spent the weekend hard at work at the shop. Rain dampened some local firework shows, but spirits remained high.

The discussion quickly turned serious, focusing on the recent attempted assassination of Donald Trump. The hosts and guests, including Richie from Green Monstah and Randy & Lynn from Shadow Hawk, praised the Secret Service’s quick response in protecting the former president, emphasizing the bravery required to physically shield someone knowing you might become the next target. However, some panelists criticized apparent lapses in training and coordination among certain agents during the chaos, stressing the need for better and more frequent training—especially for local and federal law enforcement. The conversation expanded to highlight the ongoing lack of funding for police training and the concerning trend of departments limiting or eliminating live fire practice altogether.

Mental health also became a key topic, with the panel stressing that incidents like this highlight a broader societal issue. They criticized decades of federal underinvestment in mental health services and called for a renewed focus, especially for youth, whose wellbeing is increasingly impacted by technology and isolation. The group agreed that these challenges won’t be solved by more laws alone, and they urged a return to civil political discourse and real conversations that go beyond partisan yelling.

Shifting to upcoming events, Richie announced Green Monstah’s Customer Appreciation Day on July 27th, featuring food trucks, face painting, live music from 95.9 The Big Dog, giveaways (including Orioles tickets), and community organizations like Thin Line Service Dogs. Shadow Hawk Defense will also be present to offer insights into their training programs.

Shadow Hawk’s upcoming classes include a Concealed Carry Level 1 course on July 20th, which focuses on real-world holster draw techniques and live-fire practice, and Room Clearing (CQB) Levels 1 & 2 on August 3–4, which emphasize solo and team-based tactics for navigating dangerous environments. They’ll also host a knife defense course on August 10th, covering both offensive and defensive techniques based on multiple martial disciplines. In addition, the Young Marines will be doing an encampment at Shadow Hawk on August 3rd, offering leadership and survival training to youth ages 8–18. Shadow Hawk also invited listeners to attend or spectate an upcoming PCC match, described as a dynamic shooting sport suitable for those already comfortable drawing and shooting from a holster.

The episode wrapped up with a reminder to shop local and take advantage of Green Monstah’s July 27th in-store-only deals. The hosts encouraged listeners to seek professional firearms training and not rely solely on “Uncle Bob’s backyard advice.” As always, Trigger Talk Tuesday closed with a mix of humor, gratitude, and a call for responsibility in both gun ownership and civic dialogue.