Revolver Fest 2025: A Weekend of Training, Tradition, and Top-Tier Instruction
Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend Revolver Fest 2025, hosted by the team at American Fighting Revolver—an organization run by my friends Bryan Eastridge and Darryl Bolke. These guys have built a well-earned reputation as one of the premier educational resources for revolver users and enthusiasts. They’re also highly respected consultants for several major firearm manufacturers, and their professionalism showed in every aspect of this event.
Darryl Bolke of American Fighting Revolver
The event took place at The Clinton House Plantation in South Carolina, and honestly, the weather couldn’t have been better. With cloudy skies and mild temps, it was perfect gun range weather. Attendance was estimated at around 140–150 people, and class sizes were ideal—large enough for camaraderie, small enough for meaningful instruction.
Day One: Demo Day
The first day of Revolver Fest was all about hands-on experience. “Demo Day” allowed attendees to move bay to bay, trying out various revolvers provided by the attending manufacturers. Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Diamondback, Colt, and Taurus were all on site and supporting the event. For some attendees, the one-day Demo Day ticket was their entire experience—but for those who stayed, the following two days were where the real training magic happened.
Days Two and Three: Training and Learning from the Best
Days two and three were packed with incredible training blocks covering topics like pocket carry, revolver ballistics, and defensive applications. The instructor lineup was truly elite: Greg Ellifritz, Justin Dyal, Chuck Haggard, Lew Gosnell, Bryan Eastridge, Wayne Dobbs, Caleb Giddings, Mike Wood, Darryl Bolke, and Bruce Cartwright all brought decades of experience and instruction to the range.
Chuck Haggard working with students
I was there representing both Mountain Man Medical and KSG Armory as a sponsor and vendor. Our vendor table featured trauma kits and holsters, and we were especially excited to showcase the semi-new KSG Armory Saratoga Holster, now available for Smith & Wesson J-Frames, select Taurus revolvers, and the Ruger LCR family. Attendees were able to handle and discuss the setup in person, which led to some great conversations about comfort and concealment options for wheelgun carriers.
Vendors, Gear, and Community
Revolver Fest wasn’t just about shooting—it was about community. Alongside us were several fantastic vendors including Ignis Lux Coffee, Gunfighter Gun Oil, The Firearm Trainer’s Association, Palmetto Leather Works, Simply Rugged Holsters, XS Sights, and Wilderness Tactical. If I’ve missed anyone, my apologies—but it’s hard to think of another event where revolver enthusiasts and carriers can learn so much, shoot so much, and make so many connections in one weekend.
Lessons and Takeaways
As someone who has spent most of the last decade focused on semi-automatics—both in my own training and as the focus of most of the curriculum we offer at ConcealedCarry.com—this event was a refreshing deep dive into the revolver world. It reminded me that while technology changes, fundamentals remain. The revolver is still relevant, and the skills and mindset required to run one well are timeless.
I learned a ton about revolver-specific techniques, ammunition performance, and concealed carry considerations that will definitely influence how I approach future content and training opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Revolver Fest has already been announced for the same weekend next year, and I can’t recommend it enough. To learn more or to plan to attend next year, visit RevolverFest.com.
For those who couldn’t make it this year, I captured some great video content that will be published right here on ConcealedCarry.com for Guardian Nation members in the coming weeks—so stay tuned!
If you’re looking to improve your carry setup or your range preparedness, check out:
- KSG Armory Holsters – purpose-built comfort and concealment for revolvers and semi-autos alike.
- Mountain Man Medical – quality trauma kits for shooters who take responsibility seriously.
Events like Revolver Fest remind me why I love this community—the shared knowledge, the humble professionals, and the constant pursuit of better skill and understanding. I can’t wait to be back next year.
