Live from NRA 2025: Conor Donahue of ACE Virtual Shooting Talks VR Revolution on On The Range Podcast

ACR Virtual Shooting CEO Connor joins On The Range Podcast during the inaugural Voices of the Second Amendment

Straight from the Floor of NRA 2025 Atlanta - Voices of the Second Amendment

Welcome to another powerhouse episode of On The Range Podcast, where we help you be 1% better every day through expert insights, real talk, and actionable advice. This time, we're taking you straight to the heart of the action: a live recording from the 2025 NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, during the inaugural Voices of the Second Amendment event. Hosts Rick Hogg, founder of War HOGG Tactical and a 29-year US Army Special Operations veteran, and Mark Kelley, founder of Kelley Defense, sat down with Conor Donahue, CEO and Co-Founder of ACE Virtual Shooting. A former Navy SEAL, Conor brings a unique blend of combat experience and tech savvy to the table, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about firearms, training, and innovation.

Episode Highlights Across Platforms

Pulling from the episode descriptions across our platforms—Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Make Ready TV—this installment is all about the transformative power of virtual reality in shooting sports and tactical preparation. On Apple Podcasts, it's framed as an exploration of "cutting-edge virtual training simulators" that enhance marksmanship while cutting costs. YouTube viewers get the added bonus of visual clips demonstrating ACE's immersive features, and Make Ready TV positions it within their lineup of premium instructional content, blending entertainment with expert discussions.

Conor's Journey: SEAL to VR Pioneer

The episode opens with Conor sharing his backstory, from elite military service to pioneering VR shooting tech. "Ace started simply as a way to enjoy sport shooting more conveniently and affordably," Conor revealed, as echoed in episode notes and related interviews. Early demos drew raves from diverse groups: competition shooters honing precision, law enforcement practicing scenarios, and military pros maintaining readiness. Now, ACE boasts over 100 stages, from fun mini-games to intense tactical simulations, with customizable accessories that make it feel like the real deal.

Inside the Tech: ACE Virtual Shooting, Realistic Handsets and Immersive Features

Rick and Mark dove deep into the tech, asking about the handsets that replicate firearms like the Staccato P and SIG SAUER models. Conor explained, "We strive to replicate the core aspects of shooting that make it thrilling and immersive," including recoil, sights, and environmental factors. For podcast listeners, this means vivid descriptions that paint a picture of zombie-shooting fun or urban combat drills—all from your living room. The live NRA setting added energy, with audience questions on integrating ACE virtual shooting with real gear, like optics or holsters, for hybrid training.

Making Training Accessible to Everyone

A key theme was accessibility. Conor emphasized how ACE lowers barriers: no need for expensive ammo or travel to ranges. "It's for recreational plinkers to dedicated skill builders," he said, aligning with our podcast's mission to empower everyday enthusiasts. We discussed tactical benefits, like de-escalation training for LEOs or muscle memory for operators—drawing from Rick's combat deployments and Mark's defense expertise. Future plans? More firearm models, smarter integrations, and even multiplayer modes to train with buddies virtually.

Broader Discussions on Rights and Responsibility

The conversation broadened to Second Amendment advocacy, fitting the Voices event. Surrounded by NRA attendees, we explored how tech like ACE supports responsible ownership by promoting safe, effective training. Conor shared SEAL stories, illustrating VR's role in preparing for chaos, while Rick and Mark offered tips on combining it with tools like our The Firearms Training Notebook for data-driven improvement.

Listener Feedback and Calls to Action

YouTube comments highlight the episode's engaging visuals, Apple reviews praise the audio quality for commutes, and Make Ready TV viewers appreciate the instructional depth. We wrapped with calls to action: try ACE for yourself, join our "CREW" for bonuses, and subscribe for more episodes on gear reviews, current events, and guest spots like this.

The On The Range Mission in Action

This live episode embodies what On The Range Podcast is about: community, growth, and innovation. Whether you're a newbie shooter or seasoned vet, Conor's insights will inspire you to level up. Catch it on Apple Podcasts for seamless listening, YouTube for video enhancements, or Make Ready TV for full immersion. Visit ontherangepodcast.com for more, and remember—be 1% better every day.