EMPTY BRASS
33 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 121 ratingsThe gun community doesn't have many podcasts to call their own, host CJ Boxrud aims to bring the firearms community their own podcast. The gun world is ruled by Instagram, and the 60 second limits, Empty Brass is for new shooters to be able to tune in, and listen to explanations from instructors on a variety of topics. Or experienced shooters to hear from other folks in the community on a long form. The 2A community is full of veterans, law enforcement, and civilians who have faced adversity and seen dark times, Empty Brass seeks to discover what helped guests crawl out of a dark place, and succeed. No two episodes are the same, but each will contain information to help guide listeners to credible shooters, regardless of the discipline.
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Episodes
Milspec Mojo Part 1
January 05, 2021 01:00 - 1 hourDon Majillo is known for his extremely fast trigger, and precise accuracy. You have probably seen him blazing down a cold start drill with a berretta, but he is also a leader amongst Law Enforcement, and veterans. Don believes in the right thing, and living that out on a daily basis, his social media accounts have grown because he shows his genuine personality and tireless work ethic. In part 1 he goes into his beginnings as well as his time in the Marine Corps, and how he earned his purple h...
Christian Sailer
December 29, 2020 03:00 - 51 minutesHe is the only shooter to win every area match, then cap it all off with a National Title, and his encore act was just as impressive repeating as the National Champion in the open division, all before his 21st birthday. Christian is young, but has the work ethic and skill of someone very senior in life, he jumped into the scene in 2018 and climbed all the way to the top in 2019, and hasn't looked back. Even with the early accomplishments he maintains a down to earth and humble attitude, and d...
Chad and Charles from Trex Arms
December 05, 2020 05:00 - 1 hourShooting is only half the battle when it comes to trying to attract new shooters on social media, and the other half is camera work and editing skills. I got to sit down with 2 of the best media creators within the gun community. Chad and Charles from Trex have a passion for education as well as creation. For the 2nd amendment to continue being protected, gun rights advocates must adapt, and use technology to their benefit. CJ got the chance to talk to the leaders in content creation out in T...
Lucas Botkin
October 19, 2020 23:00 - 1 hourEmpty Brass is honored to welcome back the CEO of Trex-arms Luckas Botkin. There is no question that Lucas is a polarizing figure within the gun industry, but despite his biggest critics he has always been committed to doing the right thing based on his convictions. 2020 has been a wild ride for all of us, and we asked Lucas to find out how the lock down and riots impacted things at Trex-arms, as well as what they had done to prepare for incidents like these before hand. Lucas has always been...
Jerry Miculek
August 06, 2020 00:00 - 1 hourHe doesn't need an introduction, or list of accomplishments all you need to hear is the name Jerry Miculek. He may be the best practical shooter of all time, after dominating the revolver division for over 2 decades, he recreated himself in the quickly growing sport of 3-gun. CJ sat down with Jerry again on season 2, and got his take on all of the twists and turns that 2020 has brought thus far. They also went down some parts of Jerry's career as well as discussed his father-in-law Jim Clark ...
Jeremiah Wilber
June 18, 2020 01:00 - 2 hoursIn this episode of Empty Brass CJ sits down with a recently retired, and former Green Beret Jeremiah Wilber. Jeremiah shares the story of his Army career and how he was able to accomplish the rare achievement of not only his Special Forces tab, but his ranger and sapper tabs as well. Its hard to express just how rare that is, and also the amount of perseverance and determination it would take to accomplish that task. Jeremiah had a long and honorable career in the Army, including some very un...
Joe Farewell part 3
May 27, 2020 04:00 - 1 hourJoe Farewell is no stranger to Empty Brass and it is only fitting that this is his 3rd time on the show, him being a 3 gun shooter. Joe was teaching a course in Colorado so the guys had a chance to sit down once again. A lot has changed in the world since Joe was last on Empty Brass, and the guys discuss life post Covid 19 for shooters as well as law enforcement. It is always a privilege to discuss current topics with Joe, as well as discuss the ins and outs of shooting topics. If you would l...
Charlie Perez and Matt Gallant
May 21, 2020 06:00 - 54 minutesIn this episode of Empty Brass both guests are returners, and sit down with CJ and talk about practical shooting after Covid. As has everything in this world, practical shooting will look a little different post coronavirus. Charlie Perez and Matt Galant have a plethora of shooting experience and a passion that goes beyond practical shooting. They both give their take on what this season may look like, and some of the impacts. The guys also take a deep look into Red dots and parallax specific...
JJ Racaza co-host Eli Suarez
May 04, 2020 05:00Empty Brass welcomes JJ Racaza, who is truly one of the most elite and respected shooters in history. JJ's story starts in the Philippines, where he learned to shoot with his dad teaching as well as not accepting anything less than excellence. An unlikely kid set his mind to being the best he possibly could be. His journey led him to many places including working for DHS, and taking a year off to care for his children while his wife worked in a different location thousands of miles away. ...
Jim Krantz
April 29, 2020 18:00 - 1 hourEmpty Brass is back after a hiatus, and on this episode CJ sits down with Jim Krantz. Jim is a young and talented shooter from Minnesota. The guys got a chance to link up in Wyoming right before the travel bans went into effect. Jim is a member of Mac Defense, and will be shooting a mac glock this year in carry optics. Jim has already made it to master class in Carry Optics, and he's just getting started. The guys discuss all the usual equipment and politics in the firearms community. The tim...
Shane Coley
March 03, 2020 04:00 - 38 minutesEmpty Brass is honored to welcome the captain of team Glock Shane Coley. Shane's journey began back at age 14 in 2005. Just 4 years in 2009 later Shane enlisted in the US Army to join the AMU(Army Marksmanship Unit), and completed his first deployment in 2012. Shane won his first USPSA nationals at the age of 21, only one other national champion was younger. Shane is known for more than just his shooting, but also his love for fitness and Olympic lifting. Shane really embodies the athlete, th...
Amy Abbott and Steve from Trex-arms
February 23, 2020 22:00Empty Brass was happy to welcome back another repeat guest Steve from Trex-arms. In addition also honored to welcome Amy Abbott, you may know her as amy.556 on Instagram. In this episode CJ asks both of them about law enforcement culture, training, and the gun industry as a whole. Amy and Steve have a very well known public relationship supporting one another, and they discuss how that came about. Both are law enforcement, and believe in always improving through their training. They come fro...
Max Michel
February 16, 2020 02:00He became IPSC Handgun World Champion in the Open division in 2014. He is also the only seven-time winner of the Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships and the only competitor to win it 4 times in a row (2005, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016). Max has won carry optics every year since its inception, and also has speed headed the best set up available for the division. Currently he is running the X5 Legion with his optic the Romeo 3 max, CJ asks him about the evolution of tha...
Jared Clawson Tier 1 Concealed
February 03, 2020 04:00You have probably seen him shoot a tic tac out of the air or a water droplet as it falls, but a podcast? Not until now, but that kind of skill isn't something you are blessed with at birth, but rather obtained by constant and purposeful repetition. It goes back to when Jared Clawson was a kid, and he sits down with CJ and sheds light on a little bit of his journey, including how he learned to shoot a penny out of the air with an airsoft/bb gun. Most f the time that wouldn't be believable, bu...
Joe Farewell Part 2
January 28, 2020 02:00In the first episode of season 2 of Empty Brass welcomes a familiar guest Joe Farewell. Joe is one of the best 3 gun shooters in the world, and at the top of his game. Joe is a former law enforcement officer, who transition to instructing and competing full time. The guys sit down at Shot Show 2020, to discuss the World Shoot, and lessons learned. Joe opens up about things he wants to improve on going forward. Part 2 is a short episode, but it doesn't lack substance. Make sure you tune i...
Matt Tran 2
January 15, 2020 13:00Matt Tran was one of the first guest on Empty Brass, almost a year ago. Since then a lot has changed, and one of those is his partnership with triarc systems. Triarc and Matt are a match made in heaven, and on this episode CJ and Matt talk about all they have to offer from glock work, to rifles, and the Tri-11. Its no secret that CJ is a big supporter of the 2011 platform, and the guys talk about the future and performance around the 2011 and Tri-11. CJ and Matt had just shot a USPSA match ...
Antonia Okafor
November 18, 2019 00:00This episode CJ welcomes his first female guest on Empty Brass. Antonia is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, and grew up in Texas with democratic values, and endured some traumatic events very early in her life. The story of how Antonia came to support the 2nd amendment is nothing short of amazing. CJ and Antonia talk all things gun owner, to include things gun owners can do better as always. Antonia has been on national television multiple times, and is the future for gun advocacy. T...
Lucas Botkin
October 28, 2019 02:00The CEO of Trex-arms is often times polarizing, as well as subject of a lot of hate from gun owners. The truth of the matter is Lucas is dedicating his time and resources to preserving the 2nd amendment. Lucas came to Laramie to give a lecture at the University of Wyoming on the 2nd amendment, but before hand CJ and Lucas sat down to do the first podcast episode Lucas has been on. Some of the discussion topics closely resemble the lecture Lucas gave, so if you're curious about the material ...
The Journey of Empty Brass
October 24, 2019 03:00Meet your host from Empty Brass CJ Boxrud and the journey that has brought me to where I am today. Being a Podcast host and shooter have over time fused together and evolved over the course of the last year. I have been extremely lucky, beyond even my wildest imagination to have shot with and talked to the people I have in the gun community this year. Some have large followings, and some have small ones, but all my guests have large contributions to the community of gun owners. This episo...
Matt Gallant co-host Eli Suarez
October 23, 2019 03:00In this episode CJ sits down with his good buddies Matt and Eli following a once in a lifetime Jerry Miculek hand gun course. CJ met Matt during his first USPSA match, and Matt quickly began answering questions and being a guide for the guys. Matt has a short but very respectable back round in practical shooting. Matt isn't just there for the scores on the weekend however, Matt believes in the 2nd amendment and being a prepared citizen during these fragile times. In this episode the guys ...
Baersolutions
October 02, 2019 04:00Drew and CJ linked up in Salt Lake City for a rifle course taught by Drew and afterwords they sat down to talk about some of the current topics and much more. This episode covers everything from the future of 2011s specifically STI, putting your all into your craft, separating from the military, and what can be done to help protect gun rights. Drew is truly an elite instructor who goes above and beyond to ensure the large investment is worth his student's time. There is no shortage of firear...
Charlie Perez-Grand Master
September 10, 2019 02:00In the world of practical shooting, particularity USPSA the highest level one can achieve is Grand Master, and there are very few that have earned the title. In this episode CJ sits down with Charlie Perez to talk everything practical shooting and more. Charlie earned his Grand Master(GM) just 18 months after shooting his first match. Now he is passing on his years of knowledge and teaching others how to be successful. He hosts courses so anyone can come and learn, but there is one element...
Seth(AHT)-Confirmation Bias, Facts, Truths, and Gun control
September 06, 2019 04:00This episode of Empty Brass deviates from the normal format, CJ and Seth sat down after a long day to discuss gun control. With recent tragedies, the 2nd amendment is under attack from the media, and government representatives from both sides like never before. The next election cycle will be crucial if gun owners wish to maintain the freedom to own the firearms they cherish, and the ability to purchase them going forward. Seth digs into the conversation at hand, and how to effectively sway ...
John Nettles
August 02, 2019 01:00In this episode CJ sits down with a very distinguished guest John Nettles. John spend over 30 years in US army Special Forces, US government, and private training. John has expertise in both long range and CQB application. You won't want to miss what a man who served decades in SOF, and what he thinks about Instagram, gunbunnies, and shooting competition. John served in special operations since the early 1990's and has seen equipment evolve and shares his thoughts on modern red dots on pi...
Paul Bellito
July 30, 2019 21:00Following Ohio Range Day 2019 host CJ Boxrud sits down with Paul Bellito aka blackirongunner to talk about many topics in the shooting industry as well as being an everyday guy, and working with what you got. Paul has grown from a weekend warrior to a large social media following over the last couple years and rightfully so. Paul does not work in the gun industry so equipment and time at the range comes at his own personal expense. Paul has made efficient use of what he has, and developed an...
Jerry Miculek co-host Tony Cowden
July 13, 2019 19:00Episode 12 features a legend from the shooting world Jerry Miculek, and co-hosted by one of the best in the business Tony Cowden. Jerry is a 2 time overall IPSC revolver world champion, a 7 time 3-Gun National champion, and a 4 time national USPSA multigun champion. Jerry holds over a 100 national and world titles, and has been a contender in every discipline he's competed in for over 30 years, Jerry recently surpassed 1 million youtube subscribers, showing his ability to succeed off the ran...
Nick Nunes
July 02, 2019 00:00In this emotional episode host CJ Boxrud talks with Nick Nunes a former Marine, and current Law Enforcement officer. The guys talk about some of the hardships that come from the day to day grind while being a peace officer. They also go over a recent OIS Nick was involved in, and some of the lessons learned. One of the lessons was the idea of using a red dot system on a duty gun. Nick was the first in his department to be authorized to use an RMR on duty, since then 2 more have chosen to ...
Mike Glover Fieldcraft Survival
June 25, 2019 03:00This episode host CJ Boxrud sits down with Mike Glover from Fieldcraft Survival, following a training event they did together to benefit Law Enforcement. Mike has a history of success, and his business Fieldcraft Survival is no different, as well as his podcast. CJ and Mike discuss a problem on the horizon, artifical intelligence and some of the potential problems that cold arise. They also discuss starting and running a business, and using military experience to facilitate success. They ...
Joe Farewell
May 21, 2019 04:00CJ sits down with one of the most elite 3 gun shooters on the planet. Joe is a Law Enforcement officer who understands competition and tactics, also the small considerations that separate the two. The guys also discuss some of the hardships law enforcement may face, and how they can be left out of the PTSD discussion. They discuss ways the LEO community can improve maintaining mental health, as well as all the gun talk you normally find on an empty brass episode. Joe and CJ crossed paths a...
Tony Cowden
May 13, 2019 20:00Empty Brass was inspired by a walk in the woods that Tony and CJ had back in fall. Through the conversation I was able to learn so much about training and the industry and how to most importantly test things on the range myself. This episode the guys talk about the gun industry, red dots, and ultra marathons. This episode could have easily went double the time, and probably should have. Tony Cowden has a resume, and experience far beyond what he shares, if you are looking for rock solid i...
Steve from TREX arms
April 28, 2019 01:00CJ and Eli traveled to Tennessee and sit down with Steve from Trex arms to talk about his first competition shoot. The gun industry is sometimes difficult to navigate, but Steve sheds light on his experience and how to seek quality instruction. The guys touch on a variety of topics including when sometimes life gets you down. This episode isn't one you are going to want to miss. You can find Steve on Instagram [email protected]
Matt Tran
March 23, 2019 06:00Host CJ Boxrud sits down with Matt Tran a veteran who works in Law Enforcement in Colorado. The guys discuss the differences in tactical, and competition or the lack of differences. Matt has a very distinguished resume and helps shed light on his approach, and USPSA's impact on his duty environment.You can find Matt on Instagram at@_mattew.tran
Being Prepared
March 18, 2019 06:00Recently a blizzard came through Colorado and Wyoming, many citizens were stranded on the side of the road the National Guard was activated to help rescue helpless motorists. Host CJ Boxrud discusses being prepared, and the lack of preparedness within the United States along with how it relates to conceal carry. Using concepts from Mike Glover from fieldcraft and the slogan "No one is coming to save you" from Runenation, CJ expands on relying on yourself to get through situations that are un...