Firearms and Self-Defense: Expert Insights from Trigger Talk Tuesday - May 6th, 2025

On "Trigger Talk Tuesday," hosted by Clint Gage on WPN WCST, part of the Impending News Network, the show celebrated significant achievements with guests Randy and Lynn from Shadow Hawk Defense and Ritchie from Green Monster Firearms. The station was honored with the News Talk Station of the Year award for the second consecutive year, a rare feat, while Gage received the Best Breaking News Story award for an unranked station. The lively discussion acknowledged the contributions of Shadow Hawk Defense and Green Monster Firearms to WPN’s success, with humorous banter about Gage’s self-proclaimed "greatness" adding a lighthearted tone to the segment. The awards underscored the station’s growing reputation and the collaborative efforts of its partners, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about responsible gun ownership.

The discussion shifted to a Fox News article by William Laziness, which revealed that over 40% of U.S. households own firearms, with annual gun purchases surpassing new car sales. The article emphasized that owning a gun does not equate to proficiency, a point echoed by quotes from recent gun owners. Kevin Ray Reagan, a Maryland real estate executive, likened buying a gun to purchasing a piano, stating, “If you buy a piano, you’re not Billy Joel. If you buy a gun, you’re not Wyatt Earp.” Similarly, Texas trauma surgeon Bill Morgan stressed that casual range practice is insufficient without proper training. The guests reinforced the need for professional instruction over informal sources like YouTube or family members, highlighting Shadow Hawk’s focus on developing a combat mindset and understanding the legal implications of firearm use, including the recommendation for concealed carry insurance to address potential legal challenges.

Green Monster Firearms’ innovative try-before-you-buy program was a focal point, described as a unique offering due to its partnership with a shooting range, a rarity among gun stores. This program allows customers to test firearms before purchasing, ensuring comfort and suitability. Ritchie shared examples of customers who, after testing, switched from their initial choices—such as a small Bodyguard unsuitable for a large-handed customer—to better-fitting options like the Echelon. A personal anecdote from Gage about a friend in the 1990s who struggled with a Glock 17 but thrived with a Beretta 92 after professional guidance further illustrated the program’s value. This approach not only prevents costly purchasing mistakes, as firearms lose value once used, but also saves time and frustration by ensuring the right fit between the user and the firearm.

Shadow Hawk Defense’s training programs were detailed, emphasizing foundational skills over flashy tactics. Upcoming courses include Concealed Carry Levels 1 and 2 on May 10, with Randy noting that while some students can progress directly to Level 2, others benefit from additional practice or private lessons. CQB (Close Quarters Battle) training on May 17-18 focuses on room-clearing tactics and strategic thinking rather than extensive shooting, though other courses involve significant range time, with students firing over 200 rounds to master techniques like drawing from a holster and target transitions. Randy’s smaller class sizes allow for personalized diagnostics, addressing issues like grip or sight alignment, ensuring students leave with improved accuracy and confidence, critical for self-defense scenarios.

The segment also covered upcoming shooting sports events, including a USPSA match on May 10-11, involving pistol or pistol-caliber carbine shooting within designated areas, and a PCSL pistol match on May 17-18, noted for its simpler competition and practical divisions. Green Monster’s recently revived Facebook page was highlighted, featuring posts about new products like the Savage Arms suppressor and the TRP Carry Contour, designed with a bobbed mainspring housing to reduce the firearm’s profile for easier concealed carry. Despite past issues with Facebook restrictions, resolved with legal assistance, both Green Monster and Shadow Hawk are now active online, offering easy access to class sign-ups and product information at greenmonstafirearms.com and shadowhawkdefense.com. The collaborative, customer-centric approach of both organizations ensures that firearms enthusiasts receive the training and equipment best suited to their needs, fostering responsible and skilled gun ownership.