Swanson Media Group

07/08/2024

Don't miss the latest edition of The Armed Guardian Podcast as our editor, Trampas Swanson joins host Brian McCollum to discuss our free online publication, the Armed Lifestyle Magazine and all the hard work our writers put in to educate and inform readers!

Send us a Text Message. Unlock the secrets to mastering self-defense from an expert who has lived it. Join us as we sit down with Trampas Swanson, the visionary beh…

06/21/2024

Have you seen the latest issue of our ?
Its been our biggest issue read thus far!
We feature a wide range of stories from what makes the ideal martial arts school for your kids' black belt adventure ( ) to following author, trek towards Shooting in All 50 States!
Fight the night with the XT DF light from and discover a great LPVO option from .
Check it all out at www.ArmedLifestyleMagazine.com and don't forget to subscribe for FREE!!

# Asp

06/07/2024

The SIRT training pistol is one of the safest, most effective training tools on the market and only a click away at www.NextLevelTraining.com !

*** Save $$ by using our discount code, "STG2020" ***

These laser equipped training guns weigh and feel like the real world counterparts, offer resetting triggers without the training scar of having to rack the slide each time and will work with several simulator systems. We encourage our students to step up their training with these SIRT pistols in the classroom, at home and on the range. When you're ready for your next challenge, bring them to one of our Swanson Training Group Defensive Fi****ms Simulator classes and test yourself with over 120 ever changing challenges from basic fundamentals, no / no shoot and even IPSC competiton programs!

The new 115 C Gen 4 ans Gen 5 G19 SIRT pistols are now available for purchase on their website!

05/31/2024

Have you ever wanted to learn more about fi****ms and fi****ms safety but didn't know who to ask or what to say? I meet a lot of people who lewrn what I do for a living and then ask me about to get training. However, I often notice, their voices lower or they speak delicately as if it were a social taboo to discuss in public.
In the latest issue of Armed Lifestyle Magazine, staff writer, Joe Faletra does a great job of addressing the Stigma Associated with Guns in his article. It covers first time men and women shooters, their families, mental health aspects as well as community involvement.
If you are curious about becoming active in the 2A community and learning more about how to be safer and develop a mentally "armed" lifestyle, this article is a MUST read. For those of us with families and friends who need help overcoming the stigma of training, please subscribe for FREE and share the link below to our publication!

https://www.armedlifestylemagazine.com/read/issue-13

05/23/2024

Fellow Armed Lifestyle Magazine writer, Dan Tonto & I had good morning at the range today tuning in two recent AR builds I affectionately call "problem child 1 & 2" in my Tigerland series.

Out the gate, the only things that worked as planned were the Patriot Rifleworks lowers and the Blowndeadline Custom Finish 07 FFL/ SOT Cerakote finish. Still loving how well the matte black finish on the Rosco Manufacturing Purebred 20" barrel looks matched up to the other work. Shout out to Tyler Ferguson at Red Dirt Fi****ms for that last minute work when we realized it didn't ship to us finished lol. Can't complain when it was a prototype and no one had seen it yet.

After a bolt change, trigger adjustment, buffer switch out and sighting in both optics, these Tigerland ARs were purring like fat kittens!

Quick note, I have been using Timney Triggers for years as sponsors on various publications I have wrote for in the past and currently do so. The new Daniel Horner DH3 Two Stage Adjustable Trigger by Timney is absolutely insane running in the A2 Designated Marksman build. The 8 oz first stage and 1.6 lb second stage are fantastic for precision work. The R.E.D. Impact Trigger in the 14.5 suppressed build put in some great work with a 3.8 lb consistant pull for a everybday duty rifle.

For the record, there was a 3rd build tested as well. Unlike thebother two, this was its very first time at the range since leaving the work bench. Straight out the rifle bag, it ran like a top. Basic 14.5 weld & pin build, nothing flashy, Vortex LPVO. Some days you just get easy wins LOL!

You can read about the Riton Optics 1-10x24 5 Tactix Low Power Variable Optic in this month's issue of Armed Lifestyle Magazine!

Look to see these rifles in future articles as well as upcoming Swanson Training Group rifle courses!

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04/23/2024

Check your emails!
Zoom links for tonight's STG webinar via Zoom have been sent!
The Swanson Training Group team and special guest, John Kolis are excited to have everyone join us tonight between 6p - 7p for a great discussion about handgun skill development and of course practice, practice practice!
For more on John's book, Pistol Practice check out our full review in the latest issue of Armed Lifestyle Magazine and subscribe for FREE!
See you all tonight!

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04/22/2024

LAST DAY TO REGISTER!

STG FREE Webinar via Zoom
Tuesday evening, April 23 from 6p to 7p EST
Special Guest: John Kolis, author of the book Pistol Practice
Join the Swanson Training Group instructor staff and Armed Lifestyle Magazine writers as we discuss handgun fundamentals and range delevelopment with our good friend, author and fi****ms instructor, John Kolis. We will be LIVE via Zoom and give everyone an opportunity to ask questions, join in the discussion and learn more about his book Pistol Practice and much more!
To learn more about John's book, read about it in the latest issue of www.ArmedLifestyleMagazine.com !
MUST be registered to recieve the link to join by 5p, Monday, April 22!
Register FREE at the link below.
https://training.usconcealedcarry.com/class/stg-free-webinar-pistol-skill-development-with-guest-john-kolis/4a325f82-fa84-11ee-b610-b2a0805f3f56

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12/31/2023

Don't forget to check out issue 10 of the Armed Lifestyle Magazine for FREE at www.ArmedLifestyleMagazine.com !

11/22/2023

The Holiday issue of our Armed Lifestyle Magazine is NOW AVAILABLE!!

Our writing team worked overtime to bring you top articles from Holiday Fire Prevention to our annual Top Ten Christmas Suggestions.

We are honored to spotlight not one but two amazing women with Writing Shotgun with Charlie focusing on Hold My Guns founder, Sarah Joy Albrecht and our Survivor Stories segment going from "Heels to Holster" with Shirley Watral!!

Don't forget to subscribe for FREE and share with your family and friends this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

09/19/2023

If you haven't checked out the latest issue of magazine, you are missing out on the hottest publication in the 2A industry! Staffed by certified instructors from all over the country to bring to you the best in training, product reviews, physical and mental health featurea, medical and so much more that truly makes up our 2A community. Best of all, you can subscribe, read and share for FREE!
Join us now at
www.ArmedLifestyleMagazine.com

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09/18/2023

Check out our latest issue of Armed Lifestyle Magazine now LIVE and available tonread with a FREE subscription. Please enjoy and SHARE to help strengthen our 2A community!

08/23/2023

❤️

07/10/2023

The Swanson Media Group's publication, Armed Lifestyle Magazine is blessed to have a legend such as Paul Pawela on our team to provide insight into lessons learned from historic moments in our country's history. Knowledge of our past can often provide a clear vision of how to better navigate our future. Check out the newest addition to these amazing articles in this month's Armed Lifestyle Magazine featuring the Dalton Gang!

05/15/2023

It's here!! Check out the latest issue of Armed Lifestyle Magazine now by clicking the link below. This month, we feature Jamie Wilson Headley's interview with former Green Beret / Football player and current actor, Nate Boyer and his misson joining Veterans and Athletes together after the career uniforms come off to give them a new team for personal growth in the civilian world.
Aaron Cobb stops in to give us 5 physical fitness tips for those of us who concealed carry and our good friend and staff member, Dan Tonto talks about how to best treat puncture wounds in this "Gun and Knife Show" article.
You won't want to miss out on this issue's featured Survivor Story, Jennifer Douglass Jackson! Learn how this brave lady survived an ambush from the person she least expected and overcame her injuries to now being an outstanding instructor in her community to help prevent future victims.
Speaking of amazing women, don't forget to take a ride with Charlie he interviews the one, the only, Pacifiers & Peacemakers with Beth Alcazar!!! Grab some snacks, buckle up tight and enjoy learning about one of the USCCA's top powerhouse instructors and Conceal Carry Magazine editors. This and tons more right here, right now in the issue below!
Remember to subscribe for FREE on the main page and do your part to create a safer, smarter community by sharing this magazine with all your online friends and family!!

03/20/2023

The March issue of the Armed Lifestyle Magazine is now available!!

Our All-Star crew of writers from all over the country have come together to bring you another amazing issue full of great articles on mental and physical training, fi****ms reviews, skill set development and outstanding stories of overcoming the odds to survive!

Read it for FREE at the link below and please share with others to strengthen our Armed Lifestyle Community!

02/02/2023

01/18/2023

11/23/2022

It's here!!! Check out the new issue of the Armed Lifestyle Magazine for FREE!!

To say we have a vast amount of content packed into under 70 pages would be a huge understatement! Writers from all different medical, business, law enforcement and training idustries have all pitched in and contributed to this special Holiday Issue!

As we welcome Aaron Cobb on board our team this month, our good friend Gary Quesenberry stops in to share some travel tips from his new installment of the "How to Spot Danger" series of books. I get to spend time on the range with the amazing C**t Python .357 and share a personal story of how all my gun writing and revolver training heroes such as Sheriff Ken Campbell and others inspired me. We even explore the history of the iconic bowie knife through a custom build by Forged In Fire contestant, Dave Armour!

As you read this issue, it will progressively take you through the Holidays from staying healthy during the Thanksgiving fest, to refreshing your CPR skills and situatiional awareness during the excitement of Christmas to Amy Lucas giving us a few lessons on staying safe during our New Years Eve plans.

Our team is really excited to bring you this special Holiday issue not just because of all the festivities but also because it starts a new segment called Survivor Stories. This on going series will focus on not just what happened to the victims but how they overcame adversity to go on to help educate and stregthen others! We start this off by sharing a very special collaboration with the amazingly talented Kas McGuire. Some of you may know of her as Tic Toc's Starsnoopdogg and her fun videos as well badass martial arts skills but there is much much more to this bright star. We discuss her escape from Domestic Violence and how she went on to now educate others through martial arts. (Thank you Kas!)

As you give thanks tomorrow, keep those less fortunate in your hearts and donate to your local churches and selters. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

https://www.armedlifestylemagazine.com/read/november-2022

Please share and don't forget to hit the subscribe button!!

09/30/2022

BOOM!! The new issue of Armed Lifestyle Magazine is now LIVE! Check it out now for free!!
This issue includes cover girl Nala and a look at Blue Star Service Dogs and the volunteers who help veterans in need of a furry battle buddy. Gary Quesenberry joins us to discuss the vital topic of spotting danger before it spots our children. Jamie Wilson Headley continues her fi****ms purchase and training adventure in the Scared to Prepared series. Security expert Amy Lucas discusses how to keep your crew safe out on the town in "Girls Night Out". STG's own, resident paramedic Dan Tonto talks about how to prep your vehicle for emergencies, The Pen Patriot shares his travel safety tips for the busy fall season. We take a deep look at the Spartan Harsey Tactical Trout Knife from Spartan Blades and knife legend, Bill Harsey.
The always charismatic Charlie Cook shares a Riding Shotgun With Charlie segment featuring the amazing Cheryl Todd - Gun Freedom Radio Host and Danny Todd - Gun Freedom Radio Host. Don Alley breaks down the specific threats your family may face and how to deal with them. I hop on the range for a bit of fun with an amazing series 70 C**t rebuilt from the ground up by my good friend, Brad Amick from Amick's Guns in an article titled the "Fighting .45." as well as discuss one of my favorite "Go to rifle slings on the market from Ready Tactical Slings Inc. Rob Pincus gets the "Final Word" with a discuss on what to pack for your next shooting course. This and much more in store for you in the new issue!

09/29/2022

Our staff can't wait for tomorrow's release of Issue #3 of the Armed Lifestyle Magazine!!

New look, new website and now 100% owned by the Swanson Media Group !!

www.ArmedLifestyleMagazine.com

The new website is now up and running with issues #1 and #2 transferred over from the old site. Feel free to check them out and stay tuned for tomorrow's new adventure into the world of training, situational awareness, mental health, gun features, gear reviews, medical and emergency response and much much more!!
This is OUR STORY, and this is OUR TIME!!
Enjoy!!

09/11/2022

We still remember.

06/01/2022

Issue #2 of The Armed Lifestyle Magazine is here!

Click the link to read and share for FREE!

https://www.thearmedlifestyle.com/featured_item/issue-2-june-2022/

The Swanson Media Group in partnership with Calibre Publications is very proud to bring you another great issue of our new magazine. The staff has works hard to fill each issue from cover to cover with articles you don't want to miss!

This issue leads off with a focus on a hot topic within the training industry right now, REALTOR SAFETY from Amy Lucas.
Following this up is a packed line up with Chapter 2 of Jamie's search for the perfect carry gun including a look at the PX9 from Tisas, Dan's insights as a paramedic on the dangerous of Heat, and of course a review on great gear such as the Wanderer from Duluth Pack pictured on the cover!
We have a full star studded list of special features in this issue featuring our new Instructor Spotlight series starting with Klint Macro from Meet The Pressers. Writing Shotgun with Charlie features the always entertaining Anthony Colandro discussing Tactical Pens and more. Following up this feature we have the The Pen Patriot discussing the TSA and the challenges of traveling with tactical pens and other personal defense items.
Don't miss our knife review from Emerson Knives, Inc., a discussion on security prodcuts from LOKSAK, Less Than Lethal options from PepperBall and a great article from Rob Pincus about how to choose the best training for you, your time and and valuable resources!
Click the link above and read about all this and more!
Please enjoy and share with others!

05/30/2022

These brave men and women did not make the ultimate sacrifice for Americans to whine about Starbucks and electric cars. It was about their sense of duty to the preservation of our freedom. They didn't die for it only for you to stand by and do nothing while someone slowly takes that away.

03/22/2022

Flashback to SMG editor, Trampas Swanson and long time SMG family member, Jared Peltz representing the team at SHOT SHOW together! Can't wait to have the "pretty beard" writer joining us on these trips again in the future.

03/18/2022

Check out this new article about my new Real
Estate Safety Program and being a writer with The Armed Lifestyle Magazine! ~Amy

Realty can be a surprisingly dangerous profession, but one fi****ms instructor is hoping to make realtors a little safer on the job.

03/18/2022

We now have an app for The Armed Lifestyle Magazine!

Want to enjoy reading The Armed Lifestyle Magazine on the go? Download our new app now!

https://www.pocketmags.com/titlelink.aspx?titleid=2328&referrer=utm_source=android_share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_campaign=Armed+Lifestyle+Magazine

03/17/2022

Happy St Patrick's Day from your favorite "green team" the Swanson Media Group!

Today we all celebrate but in doing so please remember alcohol and fi****ms do NOT mix! Celebrate responsibility and carry your favorite shalaylee instead.

03/15/2022

Check out my recent interview with the amazing Rob Beckman as I was asked to be a guest on the Firearm Trainer's Podcast. The experience getting to talk with Rob for over two hours on various industry topics including about 35 minutes of recording was awesome. If you haven't met or at least followed who he is or everything he does in the training community, you're really missing out. I enjoyed getting to share who and what the Swanson Training Group and the Swanson Media Group are and talk about some of the outstanding people who make up both. Over the past six months, the industry has been a buzz about the The Armed Lifestyle Magazine and what it would feature. Now that the first issue is published, you can listen to exactly how everything came to be and our goals moving forward. I hope you get to enjoy this!

In this week's episode we talk with Trampas Swanson about Living The Armed Lifestyle. https://www.firearmtrainerpodcast.com/2022/03/14/s3e02-living-the-armed-lifestyle/

03/13/2022

The Swanson Media Group is extremely proud of the hard work and passion put into the first issue of The Armed Lifestyle Magazine by the SMG / Calibre Publication team! Enjoy and do your part your make the 2A community stronger by sharing this post to help educate others!

https://thearmedlifestyle.com/featured_item/issue-1-march-2022/

Welcome to the very first issue of THE ARMED LIFESTYLE! In this new FREE TO READ online magazine we will aim to explore our shared world and values through reviews, interviews and special features but we will also spotlight ranges, instructors and top quality training from around the world written b...