TFB Behind the Gun Podcast

On this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Matt and Dan from The Proving Grounds return for an in-depth discussion. The Proving Grounds hosts a lineup of 2-gun competitions blending 70% marksmanship—rifle targets from 1 to 700 yards, rapid carbine transitions, and pistol stages—with 30% fitness elements like rugged obstacles, heavy plate carrier carries, and ruck marches constrained by 90-120 second par times. The diverse formats include Tactical Sniper series events, "Moons Out, Goons Out" nocturnal matches, Ruck divisions, regional showdowns, and specialty courses testing gear reliability under stress. Contact Email: [email protected] Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

Catch the full, unfiltered return of Jeremy Deadman, CEO of XTech Tactical. Today, we break down the SHOT Show 2026 official launch and giveaway of the LDR2000 loaders, 2,000 freebies that hada lot of people coming by the booth to try out the new product risk-free. We also take some time ot talk about the company's first acquisition with Creature Grips, and the transition of the brand name to Thru-Flo Rail Covers. Jeremy also shares some fun facts behind what numbers and data drive his decisions, what he'd rather be doing if XTech didn't exist, and, of course, how he's become one of the few firearms accessory manufacturers with an official Amazon presence. Ideal for Glock fans, AR builders, or anyone hunting reliable, budget-friendly upgrades that deliver. Packed with laughs, pro tips, and future hints—this episode fuels your firearm passion! Follow XTech Tactical & Jeremy: Instagram Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube Website Jeremy Deadman LinkedIn Official XTech Amazon Store Page

Join us this week on TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast for a fun, technical deep dive with the CEO of Atrius Development Group, Ryan Spadafore, as we unpack how their forced reset selector fire-control systems are changing the way shooters think about semi-auto performance. We cover how these selectors work with different rifle setups, what matters most for reliability and safety, and a simple checklist for diagnosing issues like poor reset or inconsistent cycling. If you're building or tuning a rifle with enhanced selectors in mind, and want to stay clearly on the right side of federal regulations, this is the podcast episode you've been waiting for. Atrius Website Atrius on Facebook Atrius on Instagram Atrius on X Atrius YouTube

Doug E. joins us this week on TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast for a no-holds-barred "Industry Hot or Not" showdown straight off the high of SHOT Show 2026. We'll dive into the hottest market currents, like suppressor sales surging, and all of the latest gadgets that people are strapping onto their guns. We'll also hit a few rapid-fire verdicts on standout innovations, like Glock's newest breed of handguns, FN's New SCAR variant, and of course, all of the latest marketing and selling tactics we're seeing in this growing market. Raw takes on what's sizzling, fizzling, or poised to stick through 2026. This episode is essential for those of you who like to know what's going on inside the industry. Doug E's Articles on TFB Doug E on Instagram

Ryan shares the real-world story of Frytech's magnetic system, from customizable magnet strengths for newbies to pros, to the added stability that keeps your barrel glued downrange no matter the caliber. Whether you're tweaking your setup or just geeking out on next-level firearm tech, today you'll get to hear from a guy who has spent a lot of time and effort trying to advance the AR-15 further than Stoner ever intended. Tune in this week to get the inside scoop on Frytech from owner Ryan Vaan Aken! p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Website: https://www.frytech.biz p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialfrytech/ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Twitter/X: https://x.com/frytecltd p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Pamax Tactical (distributor): https://pmtactical.com/mbs/

What happens when one of the masterminds behind the Brutality shooting matches decides to go bigger, faster, and nationwide? In today's episode of TFB Behind the Gun, Russell Phagan joins the show to unveil his latest competition project, Fast-Matches.org, a fresh, high-speed take on two-gun and rifle action shooting. Russell walks us through the thinking behind his new match divisions, from the fast and furious two-gun courses to the challenging Rifle Only categories. He shares what competitors should pack, how to train, and why this new series is built for everyone, not just guys with high-end competition-specific equipment. With matches kicking off this year in three states, and plans to spread across more of the U.S. in 2026, Fast Matches is more than just competition; it's a new way that gun owners can grow the sport and build a stronger, more inclusive shooting community in the most meaningful way possible. If you're interested in attending a match, more information can be found at the links below. https://www.fast-matches.org/ https://www.fast-matches.org/2-gun-rules Russell's Website KE Arms Russell's YouTube Channel for Match Coverage and Reviews

Kevin and Bryce from the Carry Handle Podcast join us on the show today after attending SHOT Show for the very first time, and they're bringing their raw impressions straight to the mic. From overwhelming first looks to unexpected highlights and frustrations, the Carry Handle boys are here to share what stood out, what surprised them, and what they'd do differently next time. If you're looking for an honest and unfiltered first-timer's look at the biggest firearms event of the year, this is one episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Pocdast you can't miss!

Vortex Edge instructor/RSO Chris Urrutia, a Marine vet, ex-SWAT sniper, SPECtrain founder, unpacks razor-sharp training at Vortex Optics HQ with us today in reflection of a recent trip we had out to the Vortex HQ and Edge facility in Wisconsin. Today, Chris and I will discuss pistol fundamentals, training discipline, how he measures progress, and, of course, what some of his current favorite pieces of gear are in 2026. Vortex Edge Vortex Optics Vortex Optics Facebook Vortex Optics Instagram Vortex Edge YouTube

Today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast highlights a frequently overlooked part of the firearms industry: targets. Drue Addis joins the show to represent his family's company, Re-Nine Safety, and to talk about the company's origins and the role that shooting and firearms have played in his family's life. Drue also walks us through the design philosophy and unique features of Re-Nine's self-supporting cardboard targets, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the company's new AR500 steel targets and their production, and hints at what shooters can expect from Re-Nine's expanding product lineup in 2026 and beyond. Use Coupon Code "UINPXQE1X5" to receive 10% off at checkout from Re-Nine Safety Re-Nine Website Re-Nine on Facebook Re-Nine on Instagram Re-Nine on X Re-Nine on YouTube

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we get to pick the brains of the guys behind the latest and greatest that comes out of the doors of the Vortex Optics New Product Development group. The literal "Skunkworks" of their company, the New Products Development team gets to imagine, test out, and develop everything from the very affordable budget-oriented red dots and scopes you know and love, to the extremely secretive and currently still classified XM157 Fire Control optic that has been a part of the U.S. Army's NGSW Program. Today, we'll have the opportunity to speak with Ben and Connor, both engineers who work within the NPD division, and they will share with us some of the what and why behind their newest products of 2026 so far. We're of course talking about the brand new Civilian variant of the Vortex AMG 1-10x24 LPVO, the Vortex Triumph 1-10x42 Relay equipped rangefinding binoculars, and the brand new Vortex Ace portable weather station. These new products further flesh out the Vortex Relay system, giving the end user a simple yet extremely capable ranging and weather data suite that allows them to take more informed and accurate shots, regardless of the number of components used.

Today's guest is James from Zer0 & Sons, a new crew that's using 3D printing to squeeze way more performance out of modern suppressors and way less money out of your wallet. By printing in metal instead of sticking to old‑school machining, they can make cans that are lighter, tougher, and shaped inside in ways you just can't do any other way, and also get the price down to something akin to the cost of a new rifle or handgun, rather than the latest bougie 2011. That means better gas flow, less blast to your ears, and gear that actually feels good to run on the guns people use every day at a price that most of us can afford. Please give a warm welcome to the founder of Zer0 & Sons, James! Zer0 & Sons Website Zer0 & Sons on X

For TFB Behind the Gun #200, Emmanuel and I dive deep into what it means to "recover from blackout" — but in the sense that being so busy, sometimes you just don't have time to keep up with the industry you work in. We talk about the philosophy behind American Steppe: why Emmanuel insists on U.S. manufacturing, how he designs gear that's both kid‑friendly and mission‑capable, and the importance of teaching kids real skills with real gear instead of just handing them toys. From soft goods to some light politics, this is a high‑energy, wide‑ranging conversation about gear, parenting, preparedness, and what it really means to build resilience from the ground up. If you've ever wondered how to equip the next generation without compromising on quality or capability, this is the episode to listen to for Emmanuel's unique personality and his great backpacks and gear, which you should 100% check out at the links below. American Steppe Website American Steppe on Instagram American Steppe on YouTube ​

The AK might be one of the most recognizable rifles on the planet, but that does not mean it has to stay stuck in the past. On this New Year's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we are talking about what a modern, lightweight, competition-ready AK can look like when you throw tradition out the window and start thinking in carbon fiber. My guest is "Penny," the lone designer and driving force behind Raiders Arms. Drawing on years of hands-on experience with AKs in the United States and Eastern Europe, Penny has built a product line that reimagines the platform from the ground up. Raiders Arms offers ultra-light carbon fiber handguards, rigid yet featherweight dust covers, minimalist fixed and folding stocks, and slimline grip panels designed to cut ounces without sacrificing durability. The catalog also includes tuned gas tube assemblies and accessories that help manage heat, keep optics stable, and improve overall balance. In this episode, Penny breaks down how he approaches the AK's biggest pain points—weight, heat, and ergonomics—and explains how strategic use of carbon fiber can make a 70-year-old design feel like a truly modern rifle. Whether you are running an AK in competition or just want a lighter, more responsive rifle for training, this conversation should give you some new ideas about what is possible with the platform. Raiders Arms Website Raiders Arms on Instagram Raiders Arms YouTube Channel

Merry Christmas from all of us here at TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast! In our fifth year, we're grateful to have you both as an audience and as our direct supporters. Today, I've brought on TFB Editor in Chief Josh Centers and long-time TFB writer Rusty S. for a fun but pointed discussion on a few important topics to close out 2025. First and foremost is TFB's ongoing Christmas movie debate — which film will come out on top as the quintessential "Gun Guy Christmas Movie"? We also take some time to talk about the new Gun Rights Office being added to the Department of Justice and what that means. Of course, we share what we'd like to see happen in our own pursuits and across the wider gun industry for our Christmas wishes, then close out the year by previewing what we're looking forward to bringing you from SHOT Show 2026, just around the corner. Thanks as always for listening, and Merry Christmas from all of us here at The Firearm Blog!