Iron Sights

In this episode of Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Mike Mihalski & Kyle Grothues, two high school buddies who turned their passion into one of the top rifle and parts manufacturers in the industry. These guys aren’t just business owners; they’re hands-on, in-the-trenches gun nerds who put in the work, both in their factory and face-to-face with their customers. We dive into their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and what makes their approach unique in an industry filled with big names and custom builders.This conversation was even more special because it took place at Shot Show 2025, inside Staccato Vegas (formerly Prairie Fire). If you’re into firearms, you’ve probably seen Mike and Kyle on Instagram, other podcasts, or at industry events. They bring energy, knowledge, and an unfiltered perspective on what it takes to stand out in this competitive space.Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:30 Sons of Liberty Origins08:47 Challenges & Growth14:22 Innovations & Future22:20 Law Enforcement Expansion33:26 Innovation & Intuition35:02 Future-Proofing Firearms38:06 Decline of Customer Service41:03 Importance of Customer Retention56:25 Scaling While Maintaining Quality01:02:29 Consistency in Manufacturing01:05:05 Building Company Culture01:10:03 Hiring the Right People01:15:36 Industry Challenges & Innovation01:23:39 Social Media’s Impact01:31:32 Future Plans for SHOT Show 2025Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Take The Free IEP Assessment: https://iep-assessment.com/Behind The Mic:Scott HowellAaron DuggerIEP Programs:◼️Strength Program: https://iepstrength.com/◼️Speed & Power Program: https://iepspeedandpower.com/◼️Capacity Program: https://iepcapacity.com/◼️Performance Track: https://iepperformance.com/Download In Extremis Performance Free Guides:◼️https://iep-guides.com/Follow IEP:◼️Website - https://inextremisperformance.com/◼️Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inextperformance/

We’re back in the studio with the entire Red Dot Fitness crew.In this episode, we’re diving into the top three reasons you might not be building muscle. Whether you’re just starting out or have been hitting the gym for years, these are straightforward principles anyone can understand. We’re keeping it simple and practical, so you can start using these tips right away to make the most of your workouts and see real results.Enjoy the show!25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.comRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:50: Understanding Muscle Building Variables04:14: Key Principles of Muscle Hypertrophy05:06: Mechanical Tension Explained06:31: Load Management for Muscle Growth07:35: The Importance of Recovery08:46: Application of Principles in Workouts14:42: Balancing Strength and Hypertrophy24:21: Recovery Strategies and Nutrition40:43: Final Thoughts and Practical TipsConnect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Buck Pierson, CEO of Staccato 2011.  We dive into the newly released Staccato HD P pistol, covering its design, manufacturing process, and the buzz it’s creating at the show. Even skeptics are lining up to check out this groundbreaking firearm. Buck also shares updates on the exciting developments at Staccato and the big changes the company has seen over the past year.We also talk about Prairie Fire, a facility rapidly becoming a “Disneyland for shooters,” and the upcoming West Coast Range Weekend happening there in October 2025. Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:19: Catching Up with Buck04:54: Excitement Over New Release05:28: Product Development Journey08:57: Innovative Features24:37: Testing and Validation34:29: Company Culture42:45: Dealer vs. Consumer Sales47:08: Industry Trends & Growth47:40: Marketing Strategies55:49: Importance of Culture58:54: Challenges in Firearms01:14:16: Law Enforcement ServiceRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Take The Free IEP Assessment: https://iep-assessment.com/Behind The Mic:Scott HowellAaron DuggerJacob HeppnerIEP Programs:◼️Strength Program: https://iepstrength.com/◼️Speed & Power Program: https://iepspeedandpower.com/◼️Capacity Program: https://iepcapacity.com/◼️Performance Track: https://iepperformance.com/Download In Extremis Performance Free Guides:◼️https://iep-guides.com/Follow IEP:◼️Website - https://inextremisperformance.com/◼️Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inextperformance/

Welcome back to the studio with the Red Dot Fitness crew! In this episode, we’re breaking down the essentials for accelerating fat loss in 2025. We get into a few practical steps you can take including tips on building better habits, setting realistic goals, and avoiding common pitfalls. You’ll also hear about how to fine-tune your nutrition, prioritize strength training, and stay consistent even when life gets busy.Wherever you are in your fitness journey, this episode will help you take the next step toward feeling, moving, and looking your best.Let’s make 2025 your strongest year yet!25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.comRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:18 Holiday Hard22:35 Accelerating Fat Loss36:11 Step 143:08 Step 258:34 Step 3Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast! This episode is a special one. A week before recording, I got a call from Mike Pannone of CTT Solutions. He let me know that he and Matt Pranka of Xray Alpha would be local and teaching a course together. Somehow, we managed to get both of these legendary figures in the studio at the same time, making this episode truly unique.Mike and Matt are known for their fiery opinions and deep expertise, and they didn’t disappoint. We dive into a variety of training-specific topics, including insights into law enforcement, the impact of social media on the industry, and even Matt’s brief departure from Instagram, a hot topic that many have been curious about.Enjoy the show!Timestamps:00:00: Intro07:25: Firsthand Experience12:12: Social Media’s Role18:32: Shooting Industry Shifts26:36: Fundamentals Matter35:29: Public Conversations37:15: Experience vs. Tech Knowledge40:11: Military Training58:17: Evaluating Effectiveness01:05:38: Leadership & Development01:10:29: Standards & Accountability01:16:19: Training Challenges01:35:36: Limited Resource Training01:43:36: Goals & Fitness01:57:48: Firearms Drills02:02:15: Performance Shooting Explanation02:12:50: Final Thoughts and PlansRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Take The Free IEP Assessment: https://iep-assessment.com/Behind The Mic:Scott HowellAaron DuggerJacob HeppnerIEP Programs:◼️Strength Program: https://iepstrength.com/◼️Speed & Power Program: https://iepspeedandpower.com/◼️Capacity Program: https://iepcapacity.com/◼️Performance Track: https://iepperformance.com/Download In Extremis Performance Free Guides:◼️https://iep-guides.com/Follow IEP:◼️Website - https://inextremisperformance.com/◼️Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inextperformance/

In this episode, I’m joined by Pat from Apex Training Concepts, a program dedicated to training both law enforcement and everyday citizens.This conversation covers real-world experiences, and explores how effective training can impact positive change. I hope this episode resonates with you, prompts a few more conversations, and inspires you to take action where it matters most. Share it with the homies!Timestamps:00:00Intro03:46: Introduction and Pat’s Background12:31: The Role of Law Enforcement Agencies22:56: Preparing Recruits and Dispelling Myths33:16: The Impact of Social Media in Training43:36: Fitness Standards and Cultural Challenges53:46: Developing Fitness Standards for Law Enforcement1:05:31: Strength and Movement as Core Requirements1:16:16: Overcoming Resistance to Change1:26:46: Social Media’s Role in Cultural Shifts1:38:01: Apex Training Solutions and Practical AdviceRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Take The Free IEP Assessment: https://iep-assessment.com/Behind The Mic:Scott HowellAaron DuggerJacob HeppnerIEP Programs:◼️Strength Program: https://iepstrength.com/◼️Speed & Power Program: https://iepspeedandpower.com/◼️Capacity Program: https://iepcapacity.com/◼️Performance Track: https://iepperformance.com/Download In Extremis Performance Free Guides:◼️https://iep-guides.com/Follow IEP:◼️Website - https://inextremisperformance.com/◼️Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inextperformance/