Exclusive Insights from NRA 2025: Buck Holly of C&H Precision Joins On The Range Podcast

On The Range Podcast with War HOGG Tactical and Kelley Defense is joined by Buck Holly CEO of C+H Precision at the 2025 NRA Annual Meeting Atlanta.

The 2025 NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta was a powerhouse event for firearms enthusiasts, Second Amendment advocates, and industry innovators. Amid the bustling exhibits, live demos, and passionate discussions on gun rights, On The Range Podcast had the honor of recording live episodes as part of the inaugural "Voices of the Second Amendment" series. Hosted by Rick Hogg, a 29-year US Army Special Operations veteran and owner of War HOGG Tactical, and Mark Kelley, a US Army Combat Veteran and 31-year major city Law Enforcement Officer owner Kelley Defense, the podcast delivered unfiltered, real-world insights into firearms training, gear innovations, and personal growth.

In this special two-part episode, we sat down with Buck Holly, CEO and founder of C&H Precision, a leading name in precision pistol optics and mounting solutions. Recorded right on the show floor, these conversations dive deep into the evolution of red dot optics for pistols, custom upgrades, and the future of tactical gear. Whether you're a competitive shooter, law enforcement professional, or everyday concealed carrier, Buck's expertise—backed by years of machining precision rifles and addressing real-world failures—offers actionable advice to elevate your setup. With over 30 employees and a new $17 million facility in Savannah, Georgia, C&H Precision is setting new standards in reliability and accessibility. If you're searching for the best pistol red dots, adapter plates, or slide milling services, this recap from NRA 2025 will arm you with the knowledge to make informed choices. Let's break it down.

The Origins and Growth of C&H Precision: From Custom Rifles to Industry Standard

Buck Holly's journey with C&H Precision started humbly in 2012 in Florida, focusing on machining custom precision rifles for competition and hunting. As Buck shared during our live recording at the NRA 2025 Annual Meeting, the pivot to pistol optics came in 2017 after relocating to Richmond Hill, Georgia. Spotting a glaring gap in the market—unreliable OEM adapter plates that loosened or failed under recoil—C&H stepped in to deliver bomb-proof solutions. "We saw the demand for plates that wouldn't fail," Buck explained, highlighting how early challenges with debris entry and zero loss drove their innovations.

What began as a family-owned operation has exploded into a powerhouse, producing over 6,000 plates weekly and employing more than 30 people. Buck's background in precision engineering ensured compatibility with top red dots like Holosun, Trijicon, and Aimpoint, across pistols from Glock, SIG Sauer, and Smith & Wesson. The discussion touched on the intuitive advantages of red dots, especially for low-light scenarios or aging eyes, transforming target acquisition by reducing focus on iron sights. Rick Hogg, drawing from his 13 combat deployments, emphasized how these mounts enhance performance without adding failure points.

A key takeaway from this segment: consumer feedback has been the lifeblood of C&H's growth. Buck recounted mounting thousands of optics, learning from failures like over-torqued screws (stick to 12-15 in-lbs without Loctite) and poor-quality hardware. This led to sealed designs, optimal heights for co-witnessing with suppressor sights, and modular systems for quick swaps. For firearms training enthusiasts at NRA 2025, Buck's story underscores the importance of gear that evolves with user needs, making C&H a go-to for duty, competition, or everyday carry. As Mark Kelley noted from his LEO perspective, these plates survive high-round-count sessions, proving their worth in real pressure.

Revolutionizing Red Dot Mounting and Optic Design

Diving deeper into the technical weeds, our NRA 2025 episode explored how C&H Precision is revolutionizing pistol red dots and mounting plates. Buck initially dismissed red dots as "dumb" back in 2014 but now champions them as game-changers for situational awareness. "They're life-changing for your eyes," he said, stressing the need for 10,000 reps in dry fire to master presentation—ensuring the dot appears instantly, regardless of window size.

C&H's adapter plates stand out for their precision alignment and robust materials, solving common issues like shear force on screws. Buck detailed the AOS (Agency Optic System) cut, a dovetail design that reduces failure risks, and their work with brands like Walther to redesign models like the PDP for fewer screws and better compatibility. The conversation critiqued social media's influence, where larger windows are hyped for aesthetics over function—Buck countered that proper grip angles (like Glock's wrist roll) make compact optics just as effective.

Expanding beyond plates, C&H is now manufacturing proprietary red dots, including enclosed emitters with shake-awake, solar backup, and large windows for rugged use in dust or mud. Affordable yet high-quality, these optics integrate seamlessly with holsters, lights, and compensators, ideal for hybrid training setups. Rick and Mark probed tactical applications, from military contracts to civilian defense, with Buck sharing stories of plates enduring extreme tests. For Second Amendment supporters at the NRA Annual Meeting, this highlights how American-made innovations like C&H's empower responsible gun owners, reducing barriers to proficiency.

Future Visions: Building Family-Friendly Ranges and Industry Collaboration

Looking ahead, Buck Holly painted an inspiring picture of C&H Precision's future during our live taping at NRA 2025. The new Savannah facility isn't just a factory—it's a community hub with 10 indoor bays (up to 33 yards with programmable targets), a retail space, and a family-friendly coffee shop. Designed with "Kendra"—a 30s-40s mom with kids and dogs—in mind, it aims to attract families and foster the next generation of pro-2A advocates. Buck plans free firearm safety training for children, drawing from his rod and gun club roots, to combat the industry's decline amid anti-gun pressures.

The episode critiqued broader firearms industry flaws: lack of innovation, education, and collaboration. "We tear each other down on social media," Buck lamented, advocating for positive engagement and motivational content. Solutions like in-store kiosks for custom plate/holster selection (with overnight delivery) could slash dealer inventory costs and simplify choices based on gun and optic specs. Holsters remain complex due to carry styles (appendix vs. fanny packs), but standardized "recipes" could help. Buck stressed partnerships with manufacturers like Daniel Defense to minimize design changes and reduce customer frustration.

Personal growth tied in seamlessly—Buck shared quitting alcohol after an Africa trip, gaining mental clarity and better decisions for his businesses. "Cut bad habits for peak performance," he advised, aligning with On The Range Podcast's "Be 1% Better Everyday" mantra. This segment resonated with NRA attendees, blending gear talk with life lessons for firearms training and accountability.

Podcast Conclusion: Empowering Shooters at NRA 2025 and Beyond

The live episodes with Buck Holly at the 2025 NRA Annual Meeting encapsulate why On The Range Podcast is a must-listen for anyone passionate about firearms training, pistol red dots, and Second Amendment rights. From C&H Precision's origins in custom machining to their cutting-edge optics and family-oriented facilities, Buck's insights provide a roadmap for reliable, innovative gear that enhances safety and proficiency. Whether you're optimizing your Glock for competition, upgrading a SIG for duty, or teaching kids firearm safety, these discussions from Atlanta's NRA show floor deliver real value.

Don't miss the full episodes on YouTube: Part 1 and Part 2. Subscribe to On The Range Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or our website for more honest reviews, leadership tips, and interviews. Join the OTR Crew on Patreon for exclusive content, and grab "The Firearms Training Notebook" on Amazon to track your progress. As we champion American manufacturing and responsible ownership, remember: incremental improvements lead to mastery. Stay tuned for more from NRA 2025 highlights, pistol optics innovations, and tactical firearms advice—because defending freedom starts at the range.