ABOUT Riggid Tactical
Who is Riggid Tactical?
My name’s Jonathan Riggins, but most people know me as just “Riggins.” I’m a 34-year-old guy chasing a dream that’s been with me since I was a kid—the thrill of firearms, tactical training, survival, and all things outdoors. While that passion’s always been there, I wasn’t introduced to shooting sports until 2023. I’d always wanted to compete but never quite knew how to get started. When I finally found my way into IDPA, it didn’t take long to realize that this was exactly what I wanted to do. I aspire to master the fundamentals, excel in various disciplines, and become an elite competitor.
What is Riggid Tactical?
Riggid Tactical is more than just a brand; it embodies my ideas, dreams, and determination to create something meaningful. While it began as a personal venture, I envision it becoming a collective brand for everyone. I want Riggid Tactical to inspire, educate, and share vital knowledge, helping others on their journeys. It will reflect the aspirations of those looking to improve themselves and enhance their preparedness.
At this stage, Riggid Tactical will chronicle my experiences in shooting sports, aiming to motivate others along the way. I’ll review gear to provide valuable insights, and share my thoughts on competition and shooting to help others learn. Ultimately, I want Riggid Tactical to guide people in finding their paths and achieving their goals. While I’m currently sharing my experiences, my hope is that one day Riggid Tactical will grow into something that represents a broader community.
Why?
This journey began when I attended Palmetto State Armory's The Gathering in 2023. There, I met Justin from the Cerebral Firearms YouTube channel. If you’re not familiar with him, I highly recommend checking out his channel—he's an incredible guy producing fantastic content! Our discussions about the firearms industry and social media inspired me. He convinced me that I had to start my own YouTube channel. That conversation ignited a fire in me, leading to the creation of Riggid Tactical. This venture included rebranding my Instagram, launching a Facebook page, starting a YouTube channel, designing a logo, and even building this website.
Around the same time, I decided to explore competitive shooting after receiving an invitation to participate in an IDPA match. From the moment I shot my first stage, I was hooked. Just like I dove into creating Riggid Tactical, I immersed myself in competition. I knew that participating in IDPA would provide not only valuable content opportunities but also essential skills and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. I began shooting every match I could find within a few hours of home. After my first sanctioned match, it became clear that I wanted to push myself even further—I aimed to compete at the 2024 IDPA National Championship!
The challenge was clear: could I shoot enough qualifying matches to earn a spot at Nationals? I quickly mapped out a calendar and began planning my schedule. As I did so, I also had to consider the financial aspects of this journey. Fortunately, I met Chris Sapienza and Geremy Velez Masini, who shared the same ambition. Together, we traveled up and down the East Coast, competing in as many Tier 2, 3, and 4 matches as we could afford. Splitting gas, lodging, and driving helped make the dream possible. I was fortunate to join Precision One Ammunition’s inaugural Pro Team, a milestone I know wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and effort I invested in building my brand and honing my skills through training and competition. I am truly grateful and honored to be part of their team.
In the end, Chris, Geremy, and I successfully qualified and competed at Nationals in 2024, where I finished 101st—just shy of a top 100 placement. I had an incredible time during my 2024 season, making new friends, celebrating a few wins, and learning from my losses. Now, I’m focused on 2025! My goals are to win a little more, explore other shooting disciplines, and further expand the Riggid Tactical brand.
