Top 10 Episodes of The Big Tex Ordnance Podcast

Almost 300K Views and Downloads!

With now almost 300K views and downloads at the time of this blog post we wanted to share with you the Top 10 Episodes of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast.

This is a comprehensive list of the most watched episodes on our Big Tex Ordnance YouTube Channel.

We hope that you enjoy these episodes as much as we enjoyed having the conversations with our friends in the firearms and training industry. Don’t forget you can also watch or listen to these episodes on Rumble, Spotify, Apple, and many other podcast apps!

As most of our dedicated podcast audience knows we are in the middle of our yearly between season break and we are hard at work getting season three ready to go. Hopefully this Top Ten list will hold you over till then and if you are a new listener there is no better place to start. Kick back, turn your earbuds up, and enjoy the show.

– The BTO Podcast Crew

Number 1: Episode #24 - Misses Are OK- Scott Jedlinski & Hunter Freeland Modern Samurai Project

In this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast, hosts Chris, Ian, and Ike sit down with Scott Jedlinski of Modern Samurai Project and Hunter Freeland to discuss firearms training, red dot pistols, and the evolution of shooting techniques. Scott shares insights from his journey as a competitive shooter turned instructor, explains his teaching philosophy, and discusses the development of his “black belt” shooting standards. The conversation covers topics like calibration in training, the importance of speed, and the growth of Modern Samurai Project’s instructor program.

You can find this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast at the following links!

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch or Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Podcast here.

Watch on Rumble here.

Number 2: Episode #18 - Past, Present, & Future - Mike & Kyle- Sons of Liberty Gun Works

On this episode of The Big Tex Ordnance Podcast Ike and Chris travel to San Antonio to chat with Mike & Kyle about how SOLGW came about and became the company we know today. This interview was conducted on site at what Sons affectionally call “The Green In The conversation covers the company’s origins, their commitment to quality and reliability in firearm manufacturing, and the technical aspects of building high-performance rifles. Kyle and Mike discuss their approach to customer service, the importance of proper materials and processes, and their upcoming projects. They also touch on industry challenges, the evolution of their brand, and their excitement for future events in the firearms community.

You can find this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast at the following links!

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch or Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Podcast here.

Watch on Rumble here.

Number 3: Episode #14 - Fighting with Your SPR- Alex Hartmann & Jared Reston

In this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast, hosts Ike and Chris are joined by Alex Hartman from Ridgeline Defense and Jared Reston from Reston Group Training. The guests discuss their backgrounds in military and law enforcement, respectively, and share insights on precision rifle training, equipment trends, and the importance of proper fundamentals in marksmanship. They delve into topics such as the challenges of condensing multi-day courses into one-day formats, the pros and cons of various optic setups, and the evolution of firearm technology. The conversation also touches on the importance of practical application in training and the need for continual skill maintenance.

You can find this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast at the following links!

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch or Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Podcast here.

Watch on Rumble here.

Number 4: Episode #33 Alex Hartmann - Ridgeline Defense

In this episode hosts Ike and Chris sit down with Alex Hartman from Ridgeline Defense. Alex shares his journey from the Marine Corps to founding Ridgeline Defense, discussing the company’s growth, training philosophy, and facility development. The conversation covers topics such as the evolution of firearms training, the increasing popularity of precision rifle and scope carbine courses, and the challenges of building a training facility. Alex also provides insights into upcoming classes, collaborations with other instructors, and the state of the firearms industry.

You can find this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast at the following links!

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch or Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Podcast here.

Watch on Rumble here.

Number 5: Episode #85 - Rusty Firmin - SAS / Operation Nimrod

Rusty Firmin discusses his life and career in the British Special Air Service (SAS). He was forced to join the army at age 15 and initially hated it. Over time, he grew to enjoy the military lifestyle and joined the SAS in 1977 after serving in various units. Rusty details the grueling selection process for the SAS, which includes physical and mental challenges, jungle training in Belize, and close quarters combat training. A significant portion of the interview focuses on the 1980 Iranian Embassy Siege in London, where Rusty and his team were tasked with rescuing hostages. He describes the six-day operation, the meticulous planning, and the successful 11-minute assault that resulted in the rescue of 19 hostages and the death of five terrorists. Rusty also briefly discusses Operation Certain Death during the Falklands War in 1982, which was ultimately aborted due to various challenges and the loss of 19 SAS members in a helicopter accident. The interview concludes with Rusty mentioning his two non-fiction books, “Go! Go! Go!” and “The Regiment: 15 Years in the SAS,” which provide more detailed accounts of his experiences.

Find out more about Rusty at www.rusty-firmin.com

You can find this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast at the following links!

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch or Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Podcast here.

Watch on Rumble here.

Number 6: Episode #12 - Dirty Converging With Chuck Pressburg and Steve Fisher

Join Chuck Pressburg and Steve Fisher as they sit down with the Big Tex Ordnance crew for an insightful discussion on lasers, zeroing techniques, LPVOs, and more. This episode is packed with expert knowledge from two industry veterans, covering everything from military experiences to current trends in firearms and optics.

You can find this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast at the following links!

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch or Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Podcast here.

Watch on Rumble here.

Number 7: Episode #34 -An Elegant Weapon for a More Civilized Age - Jim Hodge - Hodge Defense Systems Inc

Ever since we started the BTO Podcast one name has continually been requested, Jim Hodge… The crew got to sit down and speak at length with Jim about who is Jim Hodge and why’s and how’s behind Hodge Defense Systems Inc. We even manage to work in a few questions from our Facebook Group.

You can find this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast at the following links!

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch or Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Podcast here.

Watch on Rumble here.

Number 8: Episode #52 -Mike Mihalski Sons of Liberty Gun Works

Episode 52 and the first of Season two of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast. In this episode, we sit down and talk with Mike Mihalski of Sons of Liberty Gun Works about his story, the current status of SOLGW, and what is coming in the future. We also talk about our favorite government agency, politicians, and what it means to be in the gun industry in today’s climate.

You can find this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast at the following links!

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch or Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Podcast here.

Watch on Rumble here.

Number 9: Episode #22 -Resisting Forces- Training for Real Life- Aaron & Kyle Sage Dynamics/ SOLGW

In this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast, hosts Chris, Ian, and Ike are joined by Aaron Cowan from Sage Dynamics and Kyle Grothues from Sons of Liberty Gun Works. The guests discuss their backgrounds in firearms training and manufacturing, respectively. Aaron shares insights on his red dot training programs, force-on-force classes, and his passion for writing. Kyle talks about Sons of Liberty’s growth, collaborations with trainers, and upcoming product releases. The conversation covers topics such as active shooter response, the importance of realistic training, and the relationship between the firearms industry and Second Amendment rights.

You can find this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast at the following links!

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch or Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Podcast here.

Watch on Rumble here.

Number 10: Episode #41 -Roger Wang - Forward Controls Design

In this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast, hosts Chris, Ian, and Ike sit down with Roger Wang, founder of Forward Controls Design. Recorded at TTPOA, the conversation covers Roger’s background in the firearms industry, the origins of Forward Controls Design, and his approach to product development and customer service. Roger shares insights on product design philosophy, manufacturing challenges, and the company’s growth strategy. The discussion also touches on collaborations with other brands, the popularity of certain products, and Roger’s perspective on running a small business in the firearms industry.

You can find this episode of the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast at the following links!

Watch on YouTube here.

Watch or Listen on Spotify here.

Listen on Apple Podcast here.