ZRIntel News — Breaking Firearms News & Intelligence Reports

OldSchool Protection to Florida's Tactical Corridor: Tricia Collins Redefines Multi-State Firearms Instruction

In an era where firearms instruction increasingly transcends state lines, Tricia Collins has emerged as a pivotal figure, bridging the robust training communities of North Carolina and Central Florida. As a highly-rated USCCA Certified Instructor and a driving force behind OldSchool Protection,...

Engineering Empowerment: Lisa Ludwig’s Analytical Approach to Defensive Proficiency

The transition from an engineering mindset to firearms instruction has created a unique pedagogical niche for Lisa 'Guns' Ludwig. As the President and Lead Instructor of 'She Trains You,' Ludwig has moved beyond the typical 'tactical' persona to offer a curriculum defined by mechanical precision...

Tactical Evolution: Jason Ransome and the Rise of High-Tempo Civilian Training

The transition from public service to private training has created a new class of 'super-instructors' who are reshaping the American tactical landscape. Among the most prominent figures in this movement is Jason Ransome, a veteran of both the United States Marine Corps and long-term law...

Tactical Multi-Specialist Howie Williams Bridges Federal Security and Civilian Readiness in Tennessee

In the evolving landscape of Tennessee's self-defense community, Howard 'Howie' Williams has emerged as a critical voice for comprehensive personal protection. Operating as a lead instructor and Training Counselor at Caliber Firearms Academy (CFA) in Cordova and Memphis, Williams leverages a resume...

Tactical Preparedness in The Villages: Viking 6 Tactical Bridges Military Expertise and Civilian Safety

In the rapidly expanding corridor of Wildwood, Florida, just a stone's throw from the active retiree hub of The Villages, a veteran-led initiative is transforming how civilians approach personal security. Viking 6 Tactical, founded by retired Company Commander George Rodriguez, has emerged as a...

Bridging the Gap: How Julie Phillips is Redefining Civilian Preparedness in Florida

In the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, the landscape of civilian firearm training is shifting, driven by instructors who prioritize relatability over bravado. At the center of this movement is Julie Phillips, a lead instructor at Self Defense Emporium (SDE) in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Phillips...

Rick Pere: Airborne Infantry NCO, Law Enforcement Veteran, and Master Firearms Instructor

Rick Pere stands out as a highly accomplished firearms instructor, trainer, and security expert based in Round Lake, Illinois, with a career spanning more than 53 years across military service, law enforcement, and private-sector training. A retired U.S. Army Airborne Infantry Non-Commissioned...

Texas Instructor Spotlight: Karl Rehn's Three-Decade Blueprint for Civilian Defensive Training

Austin-based firearms instructor has spent more than three decades quietly shaping how civilian defensive handgun training is delivered in Texas and beyond. While many instructors enter the training world from law enforcement or military backgrounds, Rehn's path reflects a different but...

Firearms instructors talk changes coming in 2026

As the nation transitions from one political leadership to another, the firearms community observes a shift in trends and attitudes toward gun ownership and training. Recent discussions with several current and former firearms instructors shed light on the anticipated developments in the gun...

Laredo mourns Parks Director J.J. Gomez, beloved coach and mentor

The Laredo community gathered Monday morning to remember Parks and Recreation Director Juan Jose “J.J.” Gomez, a longtime coach, mentor, and public servant whose sudden death last week left a lasting void across the city. Gomez, 61, died on December 23rd. The community's outpouring of grief...