About

Who is Uncle Zo?

Hello, I’m Uncle Zo.

Uncle Zo in a colorful Hawaiian shirt aiming a pistol at a shooting range, wearing ear protection and a tactical hat at the 2023 USPSA Primary Arms Space City Challenge.
2023 USPSA Primary Arms Space City Challenge.

First gun

2013

Texas CHL, now LTC

Competing since

2019

USPSA ◆ Steel Challenge ◆ IDPA

Instructor since

2022

Rangemaster Master Instructor

Training

443h

43 courses and counting

I’m a dedicated firearms enthusiast who bought my first gun in 2013 after moving to Texas, sparking a journey into concealed carry, competitive shooting, and firearms instruction. Since earning my Texas CHL (now LTC) in 2013, I’ve immersed myself in the world of guns and the outdoors, competing in USPSA, Steel Challenge, and IDPA since 2019, and honing my skills through extensive professional training. I became a certified instructor in 2022, earning credentials like Rangemaster Certified Master Instructor, Active Response Training Certified Extreme Close Quarters Gunfighting Instructor, KR Training Certified Force on Force Instructor, and Citizens Safety Academy Certified Gateway Instructor, and I’m committed to teaching armed self-defense and pistolcraft. I’m also a USPSA NROI Certified Range Officer (SCSA Endorsed) and hold classifications across multiple divisions in USPSA, Steel Challenge, and IDPA.

Currently, I serve as an assistant instructor at KR Training and offer independent firearms training, sharing my knowledge to help others navigate their own paths in shooting sports and self-defense. This blog is where I document my journey, from range sessions to certifications, while also featuring gun and gear reviews, exploring training and practice techniques, breaking down dry and live fire drills, and discussing self-defense, competition, and hunting topics. My goal is to inspire and inform fellow enthusiasts and armed self-defense practitioners.

Below is a detailed list of my certifications, training, memberships, and competitive classifications. I’m always learning, staying process-focused, and striving to grow in my pursuit of mastery.

Certifications

9 current

Training Log

Most recent first

CourseProviderHours
No Fail PistolPress Check Consulting20
Pistol Skill DevelopmentGreybeard Actual16
Pistol Shooting Solutions LIGHT PINGabe White Training16
Extreme Close Quarters Gunfighting Instructor DevelopmentActive Response Training16
Defensive Pistol Skills Program 17 coursesKR Training68
Top 10 Drills Yet AgainKR Training2
Advanced Handgun AgainKR Training6
Top 10 Drills Level 2KR Training2
Top 10 Drills AgainKR Training2
Advanced Training 2 Scenarios AgainKR Training5
Top 10 DrillsKR Training3
Beyond Basics Handgun AgainKR Training4
Skill BuilderKR Training2
Advanced HandgunKR Training6
Beyond Basics HandgunKR Training4
Defensive Pistol Skills 3KR Training6
Low Light Shooting 1KR Training3
Advanced Training 2 ScenariosKR Training4
Personal Tactics SkillsKR Training3
Defensive Pistol Skills 2KR Training4
Defensive Pistol Skills 1KR Training4
Red Dot Pistol EssentialsKR Training8
Pistol Shooting Solutions Yet Again LIGHT PINGabe White Training16
USPSA NROI Level One SeminarUSPSA NROI16
Firearms Instructor Training 4 coursesRangemaster Firearms Training Services88
Professional Pistolcraft Instructor Course PISTOL MASTER24
Master Instructor Course24
Advanced Instructor Course16
Basic Instructor Development Course24
Practical Shooting Skills and DrillsBen Stoeger16
Cognitive Pistol with Tactical AnatomyTwo Pillars Training16
Pistol-Mounted Optics InstructorOutrider Training Group24
Gateway Instructor CertificationCitizens Safety Academy16
Force-on-Force InstructorKR Training8
Defensive Shotgun 1KR Training5
Extreme Close Quarters GunfightingActive Response Training8
Assistant Instructor TrainingCitizens Safety Academy6
Pistol Shooting Solutions Again LIGHT PINGabe White Training16
Practical Shooting FundamentalsBen Stoeger16
Pistol Shooting SolutionsGabe White Training16
Combative PistolRangemaster Firearms Training Services16
Tac Pistol / RifleCarry the Day Texas8
Intermediate Pistol TrainingSafety Measures4
Introduction to HandgunSafety Measures4
Texas CHL ClassCentral Texas Gun Works8
Total training time43 courses443

Memberships

Classifications

Multiple divisions, three sports

USPSA

DivisionClass
Carry Optics (CO)B
Limited Optics (LO)B
Open (OPN)C
Single Stack (SS)C
NROI Certified Range Officer.

Steel Challenge

DivisionClass
Carry Optics (CO)B
Rimfire Pistol Open (RFPO)B
Iron Sight Revolver (ISR)C
Optical Sight Revolver (OSR)C
NROI Certified and SCSA Endorsed Range Officer.

IDPA

DivisionClass
Carry Optics (CO)Sharpshooter
Custom Carry Pistol (CCP)Marksman
Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP)Marksman
Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP)Marksman
Stock Service Pistol (SSP)Marksman
Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC)Novice