Firearms and Self-Defense: Expert Insights from Trigger Talk Tuesday - June 17th, 2025

On June 17, 2025, "Trigger Talk Tuesday" aired on WPN WCST, hosted by Clint Gage and sponsored by Green Monster Firearms, featuring Lynn from Shadow Hawk Defense and special guest Mike Demchak, a two-time Grandmaster in USPSA shooting sports. With regulars Randy and Ritchie absent—Randy taking a break and Ritchie at a buyers’ event—the episode maintained its focus as a hub for firearm news, safety, and self-defense. The lively discussion covered upcoming training classes, the welcoming nature of shooting sports, and the importance of foundational skills, with resources available at greenmonsterfirearms.com and Shadow Hawk’s contact points.

The show highlighted Shadow Hawk Defense’s upcoming training schedule, including Pistol and Guns 101 on June 21, ideal for beginners or those uneasy with firearms, such as owners of untouched nightstand guns. This low-key course introduces basic skills through dry fire practice, using airsoft or real firearms, and offers optional live fire for those ready, though it doesn’t qualify for concealed carry certification due to Shadow Hawk’s emphasis on proficiency. On June 22, Carbine Level 2 targets advanced students, requiring prior completion of Shadow Hawk’s Carbine Level 1 or equivalent from recognized providers like Loudon Tactical. Lynn and Mike stressed that revisiting basics, even for experts like grandmasters, reinforces fundamentals, with small adjustments—like trigger reset or grip—yielding significant improvements.

Mike Demchak shared insights into shooting sports, particularly USPSA, where he excels in revolver and single-stack divisions. He emphasized the sport’s evolution to reduce reliance on specialized race gear, making it accessible for civilians using tactical equipment. Competitive shooting enhances real-world proficiency for daily carriers like Mike, who lack law enforcement or military backgrounds, by simulating stress through timed challenges. He recounted his early struggles at an IDPA match with a Colt 45, highlighting the learning curve of dynamic movement and reloads. The community’s openness, driven by humility and safety, welcomes newcomers, with Shadow Hawk offering free stage trials and mentorship to foster success and enthusiasm.

The journey to grandmaster, as Mike described, demands relentless focus on fundamentals, like grip and double taps, honed through thousands of dry fire repetitions. He cited training sessions with his daughter and a young shooter at Shadow Hawk, firing 500 rounds to perfect basics on small steel targets. Lynn noted the tight-knit shooting sports community, exemplified by top competitors like JJ Racaza, whose humility contrasts with novices’ bravado, which raises red flags. The episode also addressed logistical challenges, with Shadow Hawk’s website under construction, directing listeners to Green Monster Firearms or the office line (304-616-6582) for class registration and competition details via PractiScore links.

The episode wrapped up celebrating the supportive shooting sports culture, where safety and humility create a nurturing environment for growth. Green Monster’s role as a community hub was reinforced, offering class sign-ups and new inventory updates on their active Facebook page. Shadow Hawk’s commitment to thorough training and accessible competitions ensures participants, from novices to grandmasters, can build skills and confidence. Listeners were encouraged to engage with both organizations at greenmonsterfirearms.com and through Shadow Hawk’s temporary contact methods, fostering responsible firearm ownership and community involvement.