Varsity Firearms and Safety Awareness Academy

John and JJ Occhipinti are back with us today to talk about the 2026 Friends of NRA Dinner. And after a great turnout in 2025, the goal this year is to build on that momentum and raise even more support for several Second Amendment Organizations.Also Learn about the Red-White & Boom scheduled for this June.For More information Email - [email protected]

I'm gonna give you some tips on Working Through the Ammo Shortage we are feeling and seeing right now — Without Losing Your Training Time

Today I want to talk about a gun I really like— a gun that I honestly don’t hear enough people talking about — even though a lot of shooters actually own one.

This episode focuses on some simple personal safety habits and everyday awareness tips that can help people stay safer in public, along with a quick update on the Glock 19 Gen 6 after time on the range.

Getting back underway with Season Four, I wanted to reset the tone as we head into 2026. I spent real time behind several platforms, and this season isn’t about hype — it’s about perspective. So let’s talk about a few guns that run great on the range, carry well, and I’ll give you my overall pick if you’re in the market for something new.

This Episode wraps up Season 3 with a spotlight on the new Shield X - a standout option for everyday carry or home protection. We talk about why this handgun is gaining so much attention and how it fits into Smith & Wesson’s growing lineup! A strong finish to the season with a firearm worth trying out...

In this episode we are talking about — Bullets and a Burger stop with a 2a-couple from Stewartsville, NJ, Joe and Camille Fasulo!HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Three guys, good food, and plenty of gun talk. They kick things off with their take on the North Jersey Friends of NRA Dinner, then jump into personal favorites and what firearms they’ve got their eyes on next.Varsity Captain Mike Renna, My Man Joe Fasulo & The Man who prefers look over performance when it comes to firearm choices Jesse Alcivar… 

I’m here again with my gun brother Mike Renna, who is no stranger to the show.  And today we are gonna  hear about Mike’s top 2 handguns— that he prefers to shoot at the range. 

Comparing two of my favorite 2011 compact firearms!Make sure you checkout New Jersey Firearm Owners Syndicate @ njfos.org and become a member today!

Break down the HK CC9 & since we talk about a lot of carry options on this podcast I thought it would be beneficial today to talk about five quality things you should know if you want to carry a firearm for self-protection. 

Get the inside scoop on this year’s North Jersey Friend of NRA Dinner.raffles and auctions are a big part of the night, and those depend on the generosity of the community. If someone listening wants to donate an item, a gift basket, or even contribute funds toward a prize contact John & JJ at 862-282-6409 or email FO-NRA-NJ @ Gmail.com

Interviewing my like minded guest— Mrs. Valentina Green founder of Naturally Armed. 2A has another ROCK STAR!Quick follow up- Rost Martin are now offering flush-fit 10-round magazines for the RM1S!So if your looking or  want that flush fit option head over to their website and pick them up!

Lets Support our Special Guest-Sandy Hickerson the Assistant State Director for the Women’s for Gun Rights here in New Jersey—and she is also hosting the upcoming—South Jersey Friends of NRA Dinner

Warm weather carry isn’t just about switching to a smaller gun for convenience... I think the whole process is more about adapting your whole setup and working around your comfort along with proficiency. In this episode you will hear my opinion and also look at a great option that may be falling beneath the radar. rostmartin.com

“A clean firearm is a reliable firearm.” And If you train, carry, or compete, then cleaning your gun isn’t a maybe it’s part of the process. Quote from Clint Smith, who is a firearms instructor and founder of Thunder Ranch-“Keep your weapon clean. If it’s dirty, it won’t work. And if it doesn’t work when you need it, you die.”

“Optics vs. Iron Sights – No Debate, Just a Choice”I truly believe that it's not about which one is better. It’s about which one makes you better.And We all have to remember– this is not a debate, it’s a choice.OpticsPros: Fast target acquisition, clear sight picture, better in low light.Cons: Needs batteries, can break, more expensive.Iron SightsPros: Simple, rugged, reliable, always ready.Cons: Slower to align, harder in low light, less precise at distance.

In todays episode I'm gonna give you a quick review and also give my opinion on a specific handgun— one that really surprised me.Please follow me on Instagram - Facebook - X#2a strong!

In this episode we're going to hit on the topic of Mastering Your Selection Of Firearms, Which is something I believe carries some real weight and offers value to people who make personal protection a priority— I'm also going to share an experience.

In todays episode I am going to talk about the 2nd Amendment and what it means to me.

Grab your unloaded firearm, set up a safe training area, and start drilling! Your live fire performance will thank you.

As voter registration efforts grow and the push to flip NJ red gains momentum, I’ll be discussing 2A unity with Anthony Colandro, emphasizing the need for full commitment and collaboration to strengthen our movement and protect our rights.

Catching up with Shawn & Grant of News 2A.See how News 2A evolved into one of the most trusted sources for Second Amendment news…Like and follow News 2A on social media platforms; X, Facebook & Instagram & also visit their site @ News2a.comAll Music on the VARSITY FIREARMS PODCAST is Sponsored & Created by J Pettiford.

The Sig Sauer P365 series is a versatile, high-capacity, and modular concealed carry pistol lineup that adapts to different needs, making it one of the most dynamic and trusted platforms in the market today.Music on this PODCAST is Sponsored and Created by J Pettiford.

Talking guns and FONRA dinner with John & JJ OcchipintiLearn about the success of the 2024 event and how to support or volunteer for the 2025 event!

I want to touch on a topic that I think can provide insight to others, especially because I am frequently asked the same question regarding my shooting skills.

In this episode we are going to discuss some of the firearms' we enjoyed and validate in 2024 and what we look forward to as we begin the new year (2025).

With it getting darker earlier and the holidays around the corner lets refresh some safety protocols!

We are going talk about the options you have to purchase a firearm on a tight budget... You deserve the right to protect yourself and your loved ones... You can get this done with a little patience and discipline and you will be on your way to enjoying all the benefits of gun ownership... we will break down some rough math and give you the opportunity to put a price tag on all you need to make this happen. the end result will lead to having your: Firearms ID Card Firearm Safety Course Lockable box 1 reputable handgun 1 reputable shotgun 200 rounds of ammunition

Shotgun recommendations with Mike Renna. New to shotguns or looking for some opinion on particular brands? Tune in for some options.

Let me introduce to you the "first" female to ever run for Sherriff in Passaic County NJ. https://secure.anedot.com/saracinoforsheriff/1f77136a-4b06-4c86-840c-3d7b17477254?utm_source=anedot&utm_medium=qr_code&utm_campaign=fund

Recommending a firearm that may fall under the radar with the tremendous market that currently exists! Breaking down "the baby G" (GLOCK 26).

In this episode we are going to breakdown the importance of safe firearm storage

Some Varsity Talk with "MY Paisano" Pietro Caldarelli!

Chatting With The Occhipinti ‘s

Season 2 Episode 13We all need good etiquette -Range Etiquette

In today’s episode we are going to discuss options other than the Glock 19 that you can count on out of the box. Even though I have loyalty to the 19, I have researched, hand tested and found some better options…. Don’t forget to get your tickets to the Friends of NRA Dinner, tickets are going fast! And Use PROMO CODE Varsity10 and get a 10% discount with NJ Liberty Cards.

In today’s episode we welcome Scott DeBruin back to the show for some casual gun talk!

Breaking down 9mm vrs 380 acp! Check out njlibertycards.com to convert your Firearm Permit/ID card from paper to plastic

What it takes to be a responsible gun owner! Check out NJ Liberty Cards! https://www.njlibertycards.com/

Support Sandy Hickerson & The 2a Women! Website: Womenforgunrights.org Facebook: Women For Gun Rights New Jersey [email protected]

GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE NORTH JERSEY FRIENDS OF NRA DINNER - Scheduled for Oct 2, 2024 AT THE TIDES ESTATE… To purchase your tickets contact The Man Behind It All… John Occhipinti! Call or text John at 862-282-6409 or email him at [email protected]

Getting some insight and opinion on some top firearms that are popular in today’s market [email protected]

The importance of proper holster drawing and the commitment that goes into the skill…

Chatting with a VFP listener and getting to know his firearm choices

Meet Mike Renna the first guest of season 2! Let’s get Mike’s opinion on a gun he wished he had and a gun that he owns that turned out to be a bad choice…

Breaking down how gun owners use their good reputation as upholding citizen to be an asset in public safety.

My favorite CCWs that I validate based on experience! ALSO CHECK OUT https://thesquarereviews.com

Get some background on The Pen Patriot and learn about his newest book Decoding Firearms!

Who’s your Gun Guy? What is a Gun Guy? The break down with Scott DeBruin…