TFB Behind the Gun Podcast

Most of you are familiar with TFB's own Vladimir Onokoy - a Russian writer who's not just an expert on the AK platform, but a wide variety of firearms from across the globe. Vlad has not only served as a consultant for military outfits around the world, but as you'll learn today, he's also been a consultant, and actor, and also worked in the exciting world of firearm prop houses for Russian-based films. Today Vlad shares with us some of his history in this exciting world, how it connects to some of his modern-day writing, and some of the more unsavory experiences he had while working on sets like Kalashnikov (AK-47), and the 2021 film Sky (Russian: Небо; Nebo) also known as Mission «Sky». When it comes to exciting tales and interesting factoids about some of filmmaking most popular guns, few people other than Larry Zanoff have as much to tell as Vlad does and that's why we're glad to bring him back on the podcast today!  Vladimir on Instagram Vladimir's Articles on The Firearm Blog  

This week, we’re joined once again by a familiar face to delve into a familiar topic: Paul B and Moons Out Goons Out 2024! Moons Out Goons Out 2024 is a night vision carbine match hosted by Forgotten Weapons and supported by great companies like TNVC, Varusteleka, Refuge Medical, and many more. The match consists of several stages of carbine-only shooting at night, with only non-white light illumination sources being allowed during the entire course of the match. Our guest this week is a relatively new user of night vision devices, and Moons Out Goons Out 2024 is Paul’s first venture into the competition space while using night vision. Paul B, an experienced writer affiliated with our sister sites OutdoorHub and AllOutdoor.com, had the opportunity this year to participate in the main match at Moons Out Goons Out 2024. Today, I’ve invited Paul to show us just how accessible attending the match can be – even for people who don’t have the most expensive or latest night vision equipment. Unlike other competitors like myself who used expensive sets of night vision binoculars, Paul relied mainly on a single night vision monocular, and a relatively inexpensive gun. Tune in as we discuss his match experience, highlights, and plans for next year’s Moons Out Goons Out night vision match.

We're back this week with another episode dedicated to the recent night vision carbine competition Moons Out Goons Out 2024 hosted by Forgotten Weapons. This week I had the opportunity to speak with the overall match director, a fellow competitor, and a good friend of mine - Les Winner of Polaris Logistics. This year Les had to put a lot of extra thought time and effort into each stage design to compensate for the reduced situational awareness, and drastically reduced visibility during the nighttime match. Since no white light was allowed at the match, everything from the movement of each squad, down to the terrain of the Echo Valley Training Center played a role in the creation of a safe match. Today Les and I talk about the gear he used for his own run during the match, some of the struggles with this year's stages, and how he and the Forgotten Weapons crew are planning on improving the event for next year's competitors. Please welcome Les Winner of Polaris Logistics back to the show! Les' YouTube Channel - Pegasus Tests Les on Instagram

For the next couple of weeks, we're going to be bringing on a couple of competitors from this year's "Moons Out Goons Out" night vision carbine match hosted by Forgotten Weapons. Our first pair of guests are Ian McCollum and Jordan Flayer, the two gentlemen from Forgotten Weapons responsible for putting the match together. Moons Out Goons Out is more than just about shooting under night vision. Today Ian, Jordan, and I talk about the tough safety challenges that they had to take into consideration for the match, their decisions behind the stage challenges and designs, as well as the effort they went through just to get the prize table stocked with great products for the competitors. If you're interested in attending next year's match, you can keep track of the Forgotten Weapons YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on the match, as well as dates for next year's match and equipment that you'll need to start training with and have. Please once again welcome the guys from Forgotten Weapons to the show! Forgotten Weapons on Instagram Forgotten Weapons on YouTube Forgotten Weapons on Facebook Forgotten Weapons Website

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we've brought on a man who is not only an avid firearms competitor, but someone who has a passion for tackling difficult tasks no matter what. I had the pleasure of meeting Derek "Hooahberry" at Finnish Brutality 2023 and as is pretty typical at competitions like Finnish Brutality, we became instant friends. Today Derek will share with us not only his experiences at Finnish Brutality and how he got into the competition as a regular joe, as well as his passion for another type of difficult self-imposed task - GORUCK. GORUCK, founded in 2008 by former Green Beret Jason McCarthy, is a lifestyle brand that epitomizes the fusion of military-grade durability and civilian functionality. Drawing inspiration from Jason's Special Forces experiences and his wife Emily's CIA background, the brand has successfully carved a niche in creating rugged, versatile gear, most notably the GR1 backpack. GORUCK's ethos extends beyond product design to fostering a resilient community through the GORUCK Challenge—endurance events led by Special Forces veterans that emphasize teamwork, leadership, and endurance. These events reflect the brand's core values of resilience, community, and excellence, engaging participants from various backgrounds in physically and mentally demanding tasks. Under Jason and Emily's stewardship, GORUCK has grown into more than just a gear company; it's a platform that promotes personal growth, physical fitness, and a deep sense of camaraderie among its loyal following, making it a testament to their commitment to building a brand that transcends conventional boundaries and encourages individuals to push their limits. So please sit back, relax and enjoy as Derek recounts his time at Finnish Brutality and his ongoing goal to challenge himself and others through the GORUCK program. Check out Derek's Instagram Finnish Brutality More Information about GORUCK events

In this week's episode, we dive once again into the topic of Suppressors, but with a broader scope beyond mere speculation on the elimination of the NFA and the importance of reasonable wait times with the increasing legal usage of suppressors - something that literally harms no one and in fact, makes firearms a lot safer to use. Returning as an annual guest is Brandon Maddox, the CEO of Silencer Central, a man who is well-versed in the intricacies of not only NFA regulations but the suppressor market as a whole. While sharing our desire to see the NFA abolished, Brandon brings insightful perspectives on the potential ramifications of such a move at the state level for firearm enthusiasts and hunters, and why other firearms laws are first on the chopping block for him personally. He also engages in a detailed discussion with Pete on the recent surge in suppressor interest and its potential impact on the overall quality of suppressors available in the market today to address the swirling rumors of a massive dip in the quality control of many poplular suppressor brands. Brandon Maddox, known for his expertise in the industry and commitment to advancing firearm rights, offers invaluable insights into these pressing issues so we're happy to have him back on the show once again! Please welcome back CEO Brandon Maddox of Silencer Central!

In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Pete speaks with Chris from Yankee Hill Machine, about his favorite subject - Suppressors. Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) is a family-owned firearms manufacturer based in Massachusetts, USA. Established in 1951, YHM began as a small machine shop servicing the defense industry. Over the years, the company expanded its offerings to include precision firearm components and complete firearms, such as AR-15 rifles and carbines and even suppressors and other muzzle devices. Over the years, YHM has secured contracts with various military and law enforcement agencies, and earnd a solid reputation in the civilian world for producing products worthy of just about anyone looking for durable components and firearms. 

Get ready to dial up the energy because we've got Twista in the hot seat in this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast! A lifelong resident of the city of Chicago, Twista isn't just a rapper, he's an avid firearms enthusiast who has a passion specifically for handguns, and also for training others. Known for his lightning-fast flow and razor-sharp lyricism in the recording room, and even faster splits on the USPSA range, Twista wants to bring the fun back into firearms for the people of Illinois. That's why we're happy to have him on today to talk about SHOT Show 2024, and some of his favorite guns and shooting sports. We'll also get a chance to hear him talk about how his early passion for firearms eventually led him to open up Gun Camp - a free firearms training facility where the people of Chicago can get the necessary training to acquire the infamous Illinois FOID card, as well as their concealed carry license. Today I think you'll be surprised to hear just how much Twista loves his guns, and how much more enthusiastic he is about training others for self-defense. Please welcome Chicago Rapper Twista to the show! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dZ92zpLqsM

Beth Shimanski is an accomplished athlete, hunter, and angler and also our guest for today. Beth Shimanski joined Savage Arms in 2017 as their director of media. That same year Beth became a new hunter and since then has become a very accomplished hunter with a wide variety of firearms across a borad spectrum of hunting disciplines. Today Pete and Beth will share some of her favorite hunting stories, some behind-the-scenes looks at the development of some of Savage's most recent firearms and of course talk about how more and more women are beginning to take an interest in the hunting and shooting sports industries. Please welcome Beth Shimanski from Savage Arms to the show!  Hunting Articles by Beth Shimanski

Open Source Defense or OSD is committed to safeguarding gun rights for all people, steering clear of the political complexities that often accompany such advocacy – a stance we wholeheartedly support here at TFB. Their approach centers on prioritizing online platforms, recognizing the paramount importance of cultivating and disseminating a pro-gun culture in the digital realm which is where a majority of interaction between people is taking place these days. During today's show, our host Pete, and the OSD team delves into the pivotal role of 3D-printed firearms in the upcoming years. Additionally, they discuss the legality surrounding electronically triggered firearms and explore why the ATF may be focusing on this specific feature, which has gained popularity in the DIY firearm community. They'll also address what their favorite firearms to bring to the range are! Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you all next week! https://www.instagram.com/opensrcdefense/

A few weeks ago at SHOT Show 2024, our Editor-in-chief got out on the SHOT Show floor and recorded a couple of episodes for us. Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be spacing those episodes out here and today we'll check out the first one from our good friend Andrew Wright at SureFire LLC. Naturally, Pete would want to visit their booth this year as he's not only our resident suppressor aficionado but also the brains behind the blog's weekly series Silencer Saturday. Today Pete and Andrew discuss some of the recent successes of SureFire, their recent launch of the much anticipated SureFire SOCOM RC3 suppressor, and course their healthy lineups of pistol, rifle, handheld, and other high-powered lighting gear. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the first of these episodes from Pete at SHOT Show 2024!  SureFire LLC New SureFire XR1 and XR2 Lights (Plus A New Tape Switch) Next Gen SureFire Stiletto Pro II

We have more than a special guest in today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast. In addition to our guest today, Nick Thayer of the Tactical Games, TFB's Behind the Gun podcast is publishing its first video episode! Nick Thayer is a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran with a love for both fitness, and tactical shooting sports. He joined The Tactical Games as a competitor in early 2020 and quickly found a home in the sport and the community and today largely runs most of its operations. Nick has participated in dozens of Tactical Games competitions and today we'll ask the man himself what you should expect should you choose to test yourself at a match. Today we'll go over things like round counts expected at matches, what level of fitness you should be at, what kind of gear you'll need, and where and when these matches are typically held so you can find the one that's closest to you. Today we'll also go over the unique relationship that Under Armour has with the Tactical Games, and how this is a massive shift not only for what was previously an anti-gun company, but for all shooting sports and their future. Please welcome Nick Thayer of The Tactical Games to the show!   

In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we've brought back on Hop, as well as Brock (BrassFacts) to talk about something many shooters don't often consider when heading out to the wilderness to shoot - winter survival. Having seen a handful of people including competitive shooters, influencers, and other shooters getting stuck in the ice and snow at their shooting spots, I've brought on Brock (BrassFacts) to talk about how to get through and also be prepared for these types of situations. BrassFacts has an extensive amount of current and past experience and formal training and teaching when it comes to winter survival, land navigation, and making camp when you're displaced from your vehicle. Today we'll talk about some basic necessities for the road, what extra things you should keep around in the winter, and what type of gear is most important when it comes to tackling these types of situations. Please welcome BrassFacts, and Hop to the show! 

In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Luke C speaks with Chris and Sawyer from Vortex Optics about some of their new products, their company's history and focus, and all about their dedicated training facility, Vortex Edge. Vortex Edge sits as a standalone part of the Vortex Optics campus that serves the purpose of being one of the best ways that the Vortex Optics company can interact with their customers - firearms training. Whether it's long-range precision shooting, basic carbine, high-level pistol shooting, or even night vision training, Vortex Edge's team of talented and experienced instructors and staff can not only get you the training you need, but they can also get you the equipment you need to do it.  Today Chris and Sawyer will give us the rundown on what you can expect from a class at Vortex Edge, as well as some hints at some new products set for release throughout 2024. Please welcome Chris and Sawyer from Vortex Optics to the podcast!  Vortex Optics Vortex Optics on Instagram The Vortex Nation Podcast Keep track of Vortex product releases via the Vortex Nation Newsletter  

For the 100th episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Hop and I are coming at you with some tips for attending your first SHOT Show convention in Las Vegas. With the show just around the corner, my buddy Hop and I thought it's about time to drop some survival tips based on our years navigating this gun enthusiast's haven in Las Vegas. From the best places to grab a bite and chill to strategic booth visits, we've got you covered. Expect a mix of our coolest and cringiest moments from past shows, giving you a taste of the SHOT Show rollercoaster. And of course, if you're itching for the latest releases, stay tuned to our blog and YouTube channels for daily updates straight from the SHOT Show floor. Let's make your 2024 SHOT Show experience one for the books! TFBTV - Main Channel Updates and Big Releases TFBTV Show Time - Comprehensive SHOT Show Video Coverage right from the show room floor Hop - Instagram Luke - Instagram

Happy New Year from all of us at TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast - Today in Episode 99, the squad discusses their 2024 New Year's Gun Resolutions. We've brought on a lot of the TFB Crew and a couple of friends including Brass Facts, Crogs, and Katie from the Discord channels. In this celebratory episode we all talk about what we want to get out of our firearm year in 2024. While most of us probably want to shoot more in general, today the gang has a few more specific goals in mind when it comes to some of the firearms they want to pick up, shooting events they want to attend, or even some more basic training needs and practices. No matter how you slice it, we're all out here to improve this year so we hope you'll join us in ringing in the new year with some positive energy as we discuss our 2024 New Year's Gun Resolutions. 

It goes without saying that for media outfits like TFB and TFBTV, SHOT Show is one of the biggest highlights of the year, with virtually unfettered access to all of the industry's various firearms, optics, ammunition, and accessory companies as well as their latest products. This week we're bringing you a previously unreleaesd episode of the TFB Behind the Gun Podcast featuring TFB Writer Marcus H. This episode is back from the very same year that we started the podcast (2020) and we recently found this lost audio and decided it was a perfect time to share it with you all. Marcus is an avid long-range shooter who has covered this specific topic many times in the past, and today we get to hear TFB's Editor, Pete pick his brain about all things long-range shooting as well as what his pick for an end of the world gun would be. Please welcome TFB Writer Marcus H to the show! 

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast we've brought back fellow TFB writer Sam S, author of our weekly series the TFB Armorer's Bench, as well as one of our resident gunsmiths and gun history nerds. While it's not as common today to come across weird undocumented firearms from a bygone era, you can still find these oddities in pawn shops and inside the consignment cabinets of local gun shops. Today Sam and I talk a bit about some of the weird guns we've come across over the years including a mystery manufacture revolver and a High Standard rimfire pistol with a questionable set of components. So join us this week as we talk about all the weird, and mismatched guns we've come across in in this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast. 

In this episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun podcast we’ve brought back in our Editor in Chief Pete, as well as long time TFB Writer, Editor, and the editor of Overt Defense, Matthew Moss. Matt has been writing for TFB for quite a long time and in addition to covering historical firearms, he also has quite the passion for the minute details that can be found in the complex and vast world of military firearms, technology, and news. This has led Matt to become the editor of Overt Defense, a daily blog that specifically focuses on not just America military news and issues, but the militaries of all nations across the planet. Matt’s job, as well as his many other ventures within the historical firearms space have given him a lot of insight into not just past conflicts, but current ones as well. Today Matt and Pete discuss the various conflicts going on around the world, the arms we’re seeing these conflicts fought with, and of course what weapon Matt would go for if he had 90 seconds to “bug out.

In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we talk about Christmas gifts for gun guys! I've brought alohg a special guest, Kirk from Aero Precision, as well as Paul B, and Eugene L from AllOutdoor to talk about the best Christmas gifts to get for gun guys. Since the four of us have a pretty wide variety of tastes and experience when it comes to guns, we decided to get together and have a short brainstorming session about what kinds of gifts that gun guys actually want to recieve from their friends and loved ones. While we all love guns, there are just some things that cost quite a bit but aren't perfect for everyone in every situation. So today we'll each give you our best suggestions for the perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for your close friends and family, as well as some of what each of us would like for christmas. So join us today as we brainstorm about our last minute Christmas shopping ideas!