In this episode of Bourbon and Ballistics, host Joel Potter sits down with Ira LaBarge, a retired police Sergeant, Marine
Corps combat veteran, and owner of BASE Firearms and Training.
Ira completed two combat deployments to Iraq with the United States Marine Corps, serving as a squad leader, platoon
sergeant, and crew-served weapons instructor. After transitioning to law enforcement, he served as a Patrol Sergeant,
Field Training Officer, Range Officer, Firearms Instructor, School Resource Officer, and SWAT operator.
Now, as the lead firearms instructor at BASE Firearms and Training, Ira focuses on responsible civilian firearms
education built on real-world experience. He is an NRA Law Enforcement pistol and carbine instructor, has completed
active shooter response training through the Alice Institute, and is also the owner and president of Bullseye USA Inc.
This episode explores firearms responsibility, leadership under pressure, civilian preparedness, and the mindset
required to train with purpose—without fear-mongering or hype.
