TFB Behind the Gun Podcast

We've welcomed "Hammy" on the podcast before, and he's also made a guest appearance on TFBTV Show Time. Now that summer is winding down and people are settling indoors for cooler weather, hobbies naturally shift with them. Today, we're diving back into the world of 3D printing with none other than Hammy, a true innovator in this space. We'll explore the cutting-edge developments shaping the 3D printing industry, where this niche is expanding, and the hurdles it faces to keep pace in such a competitive market. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Hammy of Hammy3DPrints, and be sure to check out his impressive lineup of American-made, expertly crafted 3D printed mounts and accessories for firearms, magazines, and gear. hammy3dprints.com @hammy3dprints TFBTV Show Time - Hammy3DPrints  

If you're familiar with this channel, you probably know Blue Alpha Belts—a brand closely connected to the TFBTV YouTube community. Founded by Kurt and Jessie in 2015, just a year after TFBTV launched, their partnership didn't start with a formal meeting but grew organically over time. Today, Kurt is here to share the fascinating origin story of Blue Alpha Belts and the nearly decade-long collaboration we've enjoyed with them. Please join me in welcoming Kurt back from Blue Alpha Belts, and a big thank you once again for their continued support.    Learn more about Blue Alpha Belts at their official website: Blue Alpha Belts Check out their Instagram for the latest updates and new products: Blue Alpha on Instagram Follow their YouTube channel for in-depth gear insights and demos: Blue Alpha YouTube And keep connected with their community on Facebook: Blue Alpha Facebook

Today, I'm excited to welcome a long-time friend of both the blog and the TFBTV YouTube Channel, Žiga Polajnar, CEO of Polenar Tactical. Despite the restrictive gun laws in much of the EU, Žiga has built a successful business that delivers tactical training, produces high-quality firearm media content, and sells premium tactical gear, including scopes, holsters, backpacks, and even custom t-shirts. Polenar Tactical also serves as a key hub for European shooters, offering top-tier training courses and running one of the continent's largest gun-related media channels. Beyond the business, Žiga has organized the Slovenian-grown "Lynx Brutality," a physically demanding 2-gun tactical shooting competition that challenges competitors with intense physical and mental tests amid tactical stage designs. This brutal-style match combines marksmanship with endurance, sprinting, climbing, and carrying heavy loads, attracting shooters from across Europe and beyond. In this episode, Žiga and I will dive into what it takes to run Lynx Brutality, share memories from this year's Swedish "Viking Brutality" competition, and discuss how these events build and unify the tactical shooting community. https://polenartactical.com/ Lynx Brutality  Polenar Tactical YouTube

In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we've brought back Joe from the YouTube Channel Desk Pop to talk a bit about one of the hottest topics currently circulating around in the firearm industry - Forced Reset Triggers and Super Safeties. These clever devices have been all the rage with virtually every type of shooter - at least if you can get them to run properly. Today, Joe will share some of his learned wisdom with us, some of what he's been up to, and, of course, his thoughts on what FRTs and the like have done for the gun industry so far, and what he thinks it means going forward. Please give a warm welcome back to our returning guest, Joe from Desk Pop!  Desk Pop on YouTube Desk Pop on Instagram  

In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I sit down in person with Alex Whiteside to talk about anything and everything TANDEMKROSS. TANDEMKROSS was founded in the early 2010s by its cofounders and has since grown to be one of the nation's top rimfire aftermarket parts suppliers. While TANDEMKROSS does strongly cater to the competitive shooting crowd, they are also starting to lean heavily into their growing manufacturing capacity by starting the process of selling complete in-house TANDEMKROSS 10/22 style firearms that can still be customized to meet your specific needs. Today, Alex and I will talk about the company's founding, its goals, and what we can expect around the bend from one of my favorite rimfire-centric companies in the industry. Please give a warm welcome back to Alex Whiteside from TANDEMKROSS. Apologies for the audio on this one, technical difficulties!  https://tandemkross.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tandemkross https://www.facebook.com/Tandemkross/ https://x.com/tandemkross https://www.youtube.com/tandemkross

In this episode, I'm happy to have not just one, but two awesome guests, both with powerful stories and real connections to American military life. Today, Darwin N from the blog will be joining me as a co-host, as he's a huge fan of the works of Chris Kyle and is excited to finally be able to speak to our guest in person about some of his questions. Our guest today, Colton Kyle—son of the legendary "American Sniper," Chris Kyle—sits down with us to talk about his dad's legacy, growing up in that shadow, and what it means to carry that name forward in his own way. Chris Kyle's story is one most of us know, likely through his books, as well as a fairly popular movie, but hearing from Colton gives it a strikingly human side. He also shares a look into the charity work connected to the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation (now TACK-F), which helps military and first responder families stay strong and connected when life gets tough.  Together, the three of us dig into stories of resilience, family, and the kind of purpose that goes way beyond the range, and also take a chance to talk about the direction that the young Colton Kyle is taking his family's business, and use it as a force for good among the Veteran and 2A community. Today's episode is not only fun but also a genuine, grounded talk about carrying a legacy, helping others, and finding meaning in the hard stuff—told by a young, enterprising man whose also got a wedding just around the corner!  American Sniper Website WX JAKL – American Sniper Brand Signature Series The Taya and Chris Kyle Family Foundation  Kerry & Colton's Wedding Registry

Today on this episode of TFB's behidn the Gun podcast, we're back in the studio with the founder of HUSH Holsters, Specner Gottleib, to talk about some of his newest products and a massive expansion of his company into new territory. HUSH started a number of years ago as a dream of Spencer's to create a more practical and sensible holster for use with pistols that have suppressors attached to them. Seeing no good solutions that did what he wanted already on the market, he set out to 3D print his own, which eventually led to the first iteration of the HUSH Holster. After a short year-long hiatus, Spencer is back in the holster business again, along with new talent, and has a whole new generation of Universal Suppressor Compatible Holsters, along with a whole suite of aftermarket parts for the legendary SKS rifle. Today, Spencer and I will talk about all that and more to bring you guys up to date on the latest from HUSH Holsters.  HUSH Holsters Website HUSH Holsters on YouTube HUSH Holsters on Instagram HUSH Holsters on Facebook

This week on TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, returning guest Bryce from The Carry Handle Podcast shares insights into some exceptionally rare and fascinating firearms he's recently encountered. Thanks to his new position at a local auction house, Bryce has gained hands-on experience with an array of unusual and collectible guns, ranging from creatively converted machine guns to authentic, legally registered destructive devices. His day-to-day work not only exposes him to an impressive spectrum of rare firearms but also provides plenty of colorful stories and unique details, which he brings to the podcast for an in-depth discussion. Listeners will get to hear about recent auction highlights and the ongoing appeal of firearms collecting, plus the challenges and surprises that come with handling such rare pieces in a professional setting.

Thunder Ranch stands out as one of the top choices for practical, in-depth firearms training, thanks to its highly skilled instructors, real-world course design, and unique atmosphere. Living nearby gave me the perfect chance to join Jordan from Meprolight for their Urban Precision Rifle class, where I tested the new MVO 1-8x28 LPVO in typical Thunder Ranch conditions. While today's story isn't about optics, it focuses on Jordan's first carbine course experience, sharing lessons from instructors like Jack Daniel and first impressions of Thunder Ranch's facility and training approach. Jordan also reflected on using Meprolight products under hard-use conditions, offering fresh insights into their performance and utility. Thunder Ranch Links Website: Thunder Ranch Instagram: @thunderranchinc Meprolight Links Website: Meprolight Instagram: @meprolight LinkedIn: Meprolight LinkedIn YouTube: Meprolight YouTube Channel

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast, we welcome back Jonathan Wild from Wild Arms Research and Development to discuss his latest—and fastest—rocket project to date: the Hypervelocity Rocket. Unlike conventional anti-aircraft munitions that rely on explosives, the Hypervelocity Rocket is designed to incapacitate targets through sheer kinetic energy, traveling at speeds exceeding 10,000 feet per second (approximately Mach 9). To bring this project to life, Jonathan has undertaken extensive research, including submitting official Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to uncover details about this once-classified initiative that has remained dormant in sealed government archives for years. In this episode, Jonathan shares his journey through the research, development, and testing of the Hypervelocity Rocket, and gives us a preview of his forthcoming book on the subject. Wild Arms Research and Development on YouTube Wild Arms Research and Development Books (Amazon) Wild Arms Research and Development on Instagram https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MatoQ9hNsEM  

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast, I'm joined by Alex Whiteside and Luke Diamond of TANDEMKROSS. Known for their huge lineup of over 250 aftermarket parts for competitive and recreational shooters, TANDEMKROSS is stepping up their game with the new ADX receiver. This receiver is a game-changer, letting DIY builders put together a complete 10/22-style rifle using only TANDEMKROSS parts. It's ambidextrous with a patent-pending left-hand charging handle that locks in place, making reloads faster and easier, plus it's built tough with a steel insert and a durable Teflon-infused finish to make it an actual upgrade instead of just another receiver.  We talk about how the ADX receiver fits into the bigger picture of TANDEMKROSS's product range and what both Alex and Luke bring to the team behind these innovative designs. The receiver also features a quick-release rear cap for easy cleaning and maintenance, and it includes an integral Picatinny rail ready for optics. With pricing expected under $300 and release planned for later this year, it's sure to appeal to rimfire competitors and DIY builders alike. This episode is packed with insight on how TANDEMKROSS is helping shooters build better, faster, and with more customization than ever before. TANDEMKROSS Website TANDEMKROSS on YouTube TANDEMKROSS on Instagram TANDEMKROSS on Facebook

Today's episode of TFB's behind the podcast features Kevin and Bryce from The Carry Handle Podcast, as well as a new guest, Scout Trooper. Today we'll be talking about something that is right up Scout Trooper's alley - movie, TV, and video game guns. Many of our generation who grew up watching 80s action movies, playing early shooter video games, and soaking up all of the great cop TV shows that the 90s had to offer love guns because of these things. Today we'll be discussing our favorite media representations of guns, our least favorite, and, of course, everything in between when it comes to the intersection of our favorite pastimes.    The Carry Handle Podcast Scout Trooper  

Today on TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we've brought back on Mr. Mike Slack from Engaged Industries to talk about some new developments, testing, and news he's got from his virtually brand new suppressor company. Mike's flagship suppressors, Operator 5.56 and Recon 7.62, use the unique VLB25 baffle system, which uses vacuum expansion design to help reduce the amount of gas coming back to the shooter. In addition, Mike's suppressors can also use his unique StealthLOK QD system, which eliminates carbon lock, is much quieter than other locking mechanisms, and also requires barely a ½ twist to be locked in tight. Today, Mike will share some of his latest developments from some testing he did with Pew Science, and also announce his huge 30% off sale for Military and Law Enforcement personnel, in addition to his already reduced prices on both of his flagship suppressors. Please give Mike a warm welcome back to the show!  https://engagedindustries.com/ Suppressor Engineer YouTube Channel https://www.instagram.com/engaged_ind/ https://rumble.com/c/EngagedIndustries https://www.youtube.com/@EngagedIndustries/videos

On today's episode of the TFB Behind the Gun Podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Firearms Historian Mr. Mike Helms. Mike specializes not just in firearms history, but has also been an expert witness in several court cases, and he's also appeared in a couple of episodes of the TV Show Swamp People, of course, for his firearms expertise. Today, Mike is going to share a slightly longer and more detailed version of a presentation he's given before on the history of Smith & Wesson. Today, we'll dive into the history of one of America's oldest and longest-running firearms companies, in addition to a very neat history on one of the rarest firearms I've had the pleasure of handling - Mike's personally owned Smith & Wesson Model 1 - serial number 5. For all you history and S&W nerds out there, this is one great episode in what I hope will be many with Firearms historian Mike Helms.  https://mikehelms.org/ https://www.instagram.com/firearmshistorian/ https://twitter.com/FirearmsHistory https://www.linkedin.com/company/michael-helms-firearms-historian https://youtube.com/@Firearms_Historian  

Suppose you've ever wanted to get your hands on a G36, or at least something that almost perfectly clones a G36. In that case, you'll be interested to hear that Bo and his team over at S5 Tactical are carrying the torch for fans of one of H&K's most popular unobtainium rifles. S5 Tactical is a firearms manufacturer that produces G36-style receivers under the product name SG-36. While this isn't really anything new, the receivers previously sold by another company, DEF, are now being made with the years of injection molding expertise that Bo and his team have to offer. Today, Bo and I will talk about anything and everything G36, as well as his thoughts on what the future of more H&K clones like the currently offered SG-36, and "SMP Rifle" (UMP Rifle Clone) might look like.  S5 Tactical Website S5 Tactical Facebook Page S5 Tactical Instagram Page  

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Phillip Jones from GAIM Virtual Shooting. Like ACE VR, GAIM is a peripheral-enhanced virtual reality shooting simulator that has a heavy emphasis on training. However, unlike ACE, which is almost entirely focused on practical handgun shooting, GAIM is instead focused on the broader aspect of firearms training and familiarization. Interestingly enough, GAIM was originally developed by Aimpoint as a red dot training simulator for rifles and pistols. Today, combined with the Meta Quest VR system, GAIM makes use of a combination of Bluetooth trigger groups, Quest controllers, rifle or handgun handsets, and a lot of finely tuned software to give you one of the most realistic shooting simulators out there. GAIM covers everything from basic shooting on the flat range to competitive shooting like Steel Challenge, and virtually any type of hunting scenario you can think of. In addition to hunting, sport shooting, professional training, and casual enjoyment, GAIM also has real-world partnerships across the globe with prominent hunting, sport shooting, and firearms associations that help develop interactive online leagues you can compete in, as well as training for up-and-coming hunters and competitive shooters. Today, Phillip is going to help us get into the weeds of this incredibly complex software that I think has some impressive value for those who take their shooting and training seriously.  GAIM Website GAIM on Instagram GAIM on Facebook  

On this week's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we have an opportunity to talk to one of the product developers from Leupold Optics. Based here in my home state of Oregon, Leupold Optics helped pioneer both weatherproof hunting scopes, as well as tactical military scopes and red dots. Our Guest today, Nic, shares some of that rich Leupold history with us, as well as helps me walk through some of Leupolds current and past products, with the aim of cluing us in on what's coming out next from Leupold - an entirely new generation of red dot optics. So if you've ever been curious about what Leupold as a company is all about, or you're already a fan and just love to hear about some of the lesser known history of the company, join me and Nic as we get a look behind the glass at Leupold Optics.  https://www.leupold.com/ https://www.instagram.com/leupoldoptics/ https://www.youtube.com/user/LeupoldOptics

Today, long-time friend of the blog and podcast and current TFB contributor, Kirk, joins us to talk about one of his favorite subjects - Shotguns. Shotguns are an often underloved sector of the firearms industry these days, and today we're going to take some time to talk about what's new in the world of shotguns. I'll be discussing some recent experience I've had with some semi and pump-action shotguns at Thunder Ranch, and Kirk brings his decades of expertise with shotguns to shed some light on what some of the best (and worst) examples of shotguns are in the modern firearms era. Please give Kirk a warm welcome back to the show as he joins us on his ferry commute home!  Follow Kirk on Instagram here  

Today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast features Harrison Benson of Double Tap Coalition. Double Tap is a full-service firearms training and advocacy organization aimed at bringing essential and foundational training to those living in the greater Atlanta area. Today, Harrison shares his origin story with us, from ammunition selling to now owning and operating an entire company that not only trains people how to use firearms but also equips them with the best firearms and accessories available to them. Harrison and I also talk a bit about some of his favorite guns to have at the range, what he typically recommends to people who are looking for a first gun, and also some of the craziest things he's seen during his time as a firearms instructor. Please give Harrison of Double Tap Coalition a warm welcome to the program!  Double Tap Website - Class Info and Dates Double Tap on Facebook Double Tap on X Double Tap on Instagram Double Tap on YouTube  

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I have the unique opportunity to talk with someone who is not only a businessman and entrepreneur in the firearms industry but has also brought plenty of successful products to market in other industries as well. Jeremy Deadman is the CEO and founder of XTech Tactical, a company focused on bringing "legacy" products for pistols and rifles into the industry at a reasonable price to the consumer. Today, Jeremy and I will discuss his past business history, what XTech offers today, and how XTech is trying to pioneer a marketplace in which firearms companies are typically discouraged from participating. From everything from how Amazon accepts and adds new products to its marketplace, to how XTech is trying to expand that, get buckled in for a great podcast with a guest who's got a lot to say about how things are currently run, and can be run inside the gun industry.  XTech Tactical Website XTech Tactical on Instagram XTech Tactical on Facebook XTech Tactical on YouTube