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This episode of Eye on the Target Radio opens with Rob and Amanda welcoming listeners and introducing a training-focused show centered on the value of firearms education. The hosts emphasize why they seek instruction from multiple trainers each year, explaining that varied perspectives reveal weaknesses, improve consistency under stress, and expose shooters to different equipment, techniques, and problem-solving approaches.

The discussion highlights how stress affects performance, particularly grip consistency, decision-making, and time management. Real-world training scenarios, timers, and friendly competition are shown to expose flaws that static range practice often hides. The hosts stress that running out of time with rounds remaining is better than rushing shots and missing, and that pressure-testing skills is essential for concealed carriers and serious shooters alike.

The conversation transitions into an extended interview with Tim Herron of Tim Herron Shooting, who—along with AJ Zito and Riley Bowman—co-created a three-day Practical Pistol Craft Workshop in New Mexico. Herron explains that the class was intentionally designed to offer material outside each instructor’s standard curriculum, giving experienced students new challenges rather than repeat content. The location and structure allowed multiple instructors to teach simultaneously while keeping costs reasonable.

Herron describes his background as a competitive shooter without military or law-enforcement experience and explains how that perspective shaped his teaching philosophy. His courses focus on performance-based shooting, blending speed and accuracy rather than treating them as separate skills. While competition shooting influences the curriculum, the classes are not competition-only; instead, they teach transferable skills applicable to defensive shooting and real-world scenarios.

The episode also explores the differences between USPSA and IDPA, explaining scoring systems, use of cover, and how competition acts as a safe way to pressure-test skills. Herron emphasizes that competition reveals both strengths and deficiencies, helping shooters focus their practice and training more effectively.

Throughout the segment, the hosts reinforce the idea that firearms training is a lifelong process. Familiarity with equipment, dry fire, maintenance, and recognizing subtle changes in firearm performance are framed as essential habits—much like noticing warning signs in a vehicle before failure occurs.

The episode closes by underscoring the value of camaraderie in the shooting community, encouraging listeners to seek training, try competition, and continuously refine their skills through structured pressure and professional instruction.