Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
In the quiet countryside of Polk County, Florida, long-range steel targets ring out past 500 yards and sometimes far beyond.
According to a report from Gulf Coast News, civilians are training in what some describe as “military-style” skills at facilities like Bone Valley Industries, where retired Air Force two-star Gen. Rick “RB” Mattson is now a co-owner.
What used to be considered an impressive 500-yard shot, Mattson says, is no longer unusual. Modern rifles, optics, and training have expanded civilian capability dramatically (don’t we know it!).
Sharing the same grounds is another company, Barrel & Hatchet, owned in part by Air Force veteran Eric Rocher. His courses include training with body armor and night vision, gear that’s increasingly common in today’s firearms market.
Rocher calls it part of the “Prepared Citizen Movement,” which he describes as a mindset focused on defending and providing for one’s family, physically and spiritually.
Rocher points to global instability (from COVID-era uncertainty to civilian mobilization efforts in Ukraine) as wake-up calls. Video of Ukrainians receiving crash-course training before Russia’s invasion, he says, reinforced the idea that readiness matters.
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Not everyone sees it that way. FGCU philosophy professor Landon Frim told Gulf Coast News the term “Prepared Citizen Movement” is broad and potentially vague, questioning the necessity of civilians training to shoot hundreds of yards. He expressed concern about motivations within such movements.
But here’s the reality: this isn’t some brand-new phenomenon.
Call it what you want: “prepared citizens,” “militia-minded,” or simply responsible gun owners, the idea of being ready for worst-case scenarios is woven into the core ethos of the Second Amendment community. From medical training and disaster prep to marksmanship and situational awareness, preparedness has always been part of the culture.
For many in the 2A world, it’s not about looking for a fight. It’s about not being helpless if one ever finds you. And that mindset didn’t start with a YouTube channel. It’s been around as long as Americans have been serious about their rights.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
if you don’t train you learn nothing.