In this episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast, we sit down with Safariland’s Dave Higginbotham to talk about the slick new Gravity holster! This new OWB optics-ready passive retention holster is turning heads with its customizable Cordura wraps, optics compatibility, and a wallet-friendly $65 price tag. In this episode, Dave gives us an inside look at what went into designing this EDC-friendly holster, from its rugged SafariLaminate build to the paddle mount that also fits in the Safariland QL...
Jul 03, 2025•47 min
Happy summer, everyone, and welcome back to another episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast. Today, we’re talking all about building skills and drills while we’re out there enjoying this amazing summer weather. Today I’ve brought on both Bryce and Kevin from The Carry Handle Podcast to chit chat about our favorite skills and drills to work on at the range. As firearms owners, I think we must have more than just a rudimentary understanding and proficiency with our firearms - we should all be good...
Jun 26, 2025•56 min
On this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're joined once again by Bryce from the Carry Handle Podcast as we go through some of the industry's latest news and trends. Up first we talk a bit about a recent post from Calvin of FirepowerUnited asking some important questions about the intersection of competition and military firearms. However, our biggest topic of the day is of course in refrence to the "Big Beautiful Bill" and some recent changes made to it by the Senate Finance Committee...
Jun 19, 2025•56 min
In today’s episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast, we bring back Paul Fletcher of Fletcher Rifle Works to talk about his new line of suppressors. While Fletcher Rifle Works is primarily known for their introduction of the OpenTop 11/22 platform, they’ve now also delved into the suppressor business with the Taquito 22, Cotula 6, Texas Flood, and Weston 8 being their first offerings, and with each silencer offering slightly different characteristics to fit the wildly varying shooting practices fo...
Jun 12, 2025•42 min
In this exciting episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun podcast, we sit down with Conor, CEO of ACE Virtual Shooting, to explore the groundbreaking Ace XR Virtual Shooting Simulator. We dive into the system’s ability to hone skills like trigger control and visual processing, while also going over some debates about its realism compared to live-fire training. The conversation gets lively as we discuss the “sticker shock” of Ace XR’s cost, its immersive VR handset, and how it stacks up against dry-fire t...
Jun 05, 2025•50 min
We're back in the studio with Bryce and Kevin from The Carry Handle Podcast for a fun and friendly conversation on Memorial Day (for us at least). Today the three of us go over a couple of recent events in the firearms world - most notably the very real chance that Suppressors might be removed from the NFA. Additionally, we talk about some new news for Kevin and Bryce when it comes to their own ventures including a brand new gun/gaming YouTube channel ( The Carry Handle Gaming ). We also take ti...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast features Bo and Aaron of Staker Precision, the small company behind the new Side ACOG Mount or SAM. The SAM somewhat reverses the roles of the offset red dot and primary optic and instead puts the magnified ACOG at a 36-degree offset for a quick boost in magnification over that of your normal red dot. Today both Aaron and Bo will share their origin story from conception, to prototyping and eventually to production and give us some insight into how ...
May 22, 2025•26 min
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of firearm suppressors with Mike Slack, the innovative mind behind Engaged Industries. With years of experience as a seasoned suppressor designer, Mike shares his journey in the industry, offering insights into the challenges and breakthroughs that have shaped his career. We explore the cutting-edge technology behind Engaged Industries’ flagship suppressors, the Operator 5.56 and Recon .308, discussing their design philosophy, performance, and unique ...
May 15, 2025•39 min
Join us this week on TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast for an engaging conversation with Dan Wolgin, CEO of Ammunition Depot, as we dive into the hot topic of ammunition prices and why gun owners don’t need to be “tariff-ied" of the recent tariffs being levied both by and against the United States. In this episode, Dan breaks down the strength of the U.S. ammo supply chain, explaining how domestic production keeps prices stable despite tariff rumors of ammo shortages and skyrocketing prices. We tackl...
May 08, 2025•54 min
In this week's episode, we follow up from our pre-NRA Show pow-wow to a full-blown review and discussion of NRAAM 2025. Today I've brought along Paul B, Mags M, Eugene L, and Kirk F, to talk about what they saw at the show and what they think of all of it. In addition to talking about everything we saw at the show, we also talk a bit about some of the different views we have based on our position within the industry, as well as what we personally hope will happen despite some of the current tren...
May 01, 2025•1 hr
Today we're on the move on the way to NRAAM 2025 in Atlanta Georgia talking to Bryce from The Carry Handle Podcast about what we expect to see at the show this year. The NRA Show or NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits is an open to the public gun show that gives customers and manufacturers a chance to mingle with one another and showcase products, answer questions, and hopefully get questions answered. In stark contrast to other trade shows like SHOT Show, NRAAM also has a pretty hefty political co...
Apr 24, 2025•26 min
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we're speaking with Kevin from The Carry Handle podcast about what's in our range bags. Anyone who shoots likely has a range bag or at least something to carry all of their gear to the range with them when they shoot away from home. Typically I bring at a minimum a set of ear protection, eye protection, and some medical gear. However, over the years, both Kevin and I have allowed our range equipment to somewhat balloon, and in today's discussion...
Apr 17, 2025•48 min
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast, we've brought Bryce from The Carry Handle podcast to talk about our recent fascination with the ACE Virtual Shooting Simulator (Ace XR). ACE XR describes itself as the "premier shooting and pistol training platform" for the Meta series of completely wireless virtual headsets. When you combine the Quest VR headset, one of the controllers, and an ACE handset, you've got everything you need to dive right into a virtual shooting range that can be c...
Apr 10, 2025•43 min
On today’s episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast, we’re chatting with Tom Kubiniec from SecureIt Tactical about all things gun storage. SecureIt’s been around for over two decades, starting out by designing armories for the military and law enforcement before branching out to civilian and commercial sales. Tom and his crew aren’t just about locking guns away—they’re pros at keeping them organized, too. Tom walks us through his work with the U.S. military, sharing how SecureIt’s clever designs ...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of TFB Behind the Gun Podcast , we sit down with Bill Reilly, founder of SIM-X Ammunition, to unpack the story behind his company and its practical take on ammo design for training, competition, and self-defense. Bill opens up about how his hobby of shooting in his basement drove him back to school and sparked the creation of SIM-X. He breaks down the ammo’s competition roots and how it’s engineered for performance in both training and matches. Operating out of northern Salt Lake...
Mar 27, 2025•37 min
On today’s episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast, we’re joined by YouTuber Agent Espo to tackle some serious—and not-so-serious—topics swirling around the gun industry and community. While many enthusiasts rightfully revel in the full enjoyment of their firearms, others argue that the culture could use a bit more gravity. Agent Espo and I dive into the diverse perspectives shaping American gun culture, exploring how we—as content creators, reviewers, and writers—can address the negative undert...
Mar 20, 2025•57 min
Today we're back in the studio with Dan, Matt, and Chris - all competitors in The Proving Grounds, a set of competitions that takes place in the Southeastern region of the united states and is open to all levels of shooters who want to get out there and test their skills with their weapons in a friendly and competitive environment. This time, Matt and Dan are back to talk with us about their TSS or Tactical Sniper Series competition. This competition takes the typical two-gun format and flips th...
Mar 13, 2025•56 min
Back during SHOT Show 2025 on TFBTV Show Time, we took some time to speak with Mr. Hammy3DPrints. Going mostly by "Hammy" online, Hammy has turned the hobby of 3D printing into a business that's mostly centered around the firearms industry. Gun storage is not just an important factor to consider when you have guns in the home, it's also one area where a lot of people tend to have trouble finding displays that are both functional and affordable. Hammy has made a large part of his business dedicat...
Mar 06, 2025•55 min
Firearms customization has been around for probably as long as firearms have. This week on TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast we’ve brought back the hosts from The Carry Handle Podcast - Kevin and Bryce - to talk about an often hotly debated topic: Do you or Don’t you modify your guns? As Americans, we have access to a litany of firearms and related accessories. In some cases and for a lot of us, our first AR-15 was probably made entirely out of individually purchased parts rather than sold as a compl...
Feb 27, 2025•57 min
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we've brought on competitive Grand Master shooter Steve Foster to talk a bit about not just himself, but about some of the great things he's been getting up to lately. Steve is a highly accomplished Steel Challenge shooter having gained GM in multiple disciplines as well as setting the world record 58.42 second time for any division of Steel Challenge . Being a competitive shooter, Steve naturally tinkered with his guns and through that tinkerin...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 7 min
This week on TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome back backcountry hunting veteran and founder of Spartan Precision Equipment, Mr. Rob Gearing. If you tuned in last time, you’ll recall that Rob and I explored Spartan Precision’s extensive range of bipods and tripods—renowned for their forward-thinking, modular design and dependable performance in tough conditions. But today, we’re focusing on another one of Rob’s driving passions: backcountry hunting. Backcountry hunting is one ...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Working in this industry full–time and hosting this podcast I get to talk to a lot of interesting characters, but I don’t often get to meet them in person very often. SHOT Show is one of the few times during the year that I finally get to meet people in person that I’ve only ever known online. This year, I caught up with Emmanuel—owner and operator of Ares Combat Systems as well as American Steppe Gear—who helped put one of the coolest 5.56 AKs I’ve ever tested into my hands and is one of the on...
Feb 06, 2025•41 min
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Wade Reed returns to join Luke for a deep dive into all things SHOT 2025. He also shares details about his latest projects, including a new rimfire ammunition lineup that’s poised to take the market by storm. Although details are still under wraps, this episode reveals as much as possible about the new ammo, along with the ways Wade aims to connect with and support others in the industry. By working together, Wade hopes to foster both the best ...
Jan 30, 2025•42 min
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Jordan S. from Meprolight USA returns to discuss some of their new optics for 2025. Meprolight has made a big impact on the U.S. firearms market recently by offering a variety of easy-to-use duty-grade optics like self-illuminated tritium night sights, red dot optics, and reflex sights. Their products show up on plenty of American-made guns right out of the box, and you can also pick them up from almost any reputable gun shop to upgrade your ex...
Jan 23, 2025•40 min
Welcome back to another episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast. Today I'd like to introduce all of you to Dave S who not only has a ton of experience in today's topic but also has a lifetime of experience working with small arms and even crew-served weapons as part of the U.S Army. In addition to his skillsets, Dave has also been an avid supporter of both TFB and TFBTV so when the topic of Illinois gun law came up, I could think of no one better to talk to than him. Today Dave is going to take ...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Today on TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we've brought on Jessie also known as Boondock Ballistician. Jessie's full-time job lies within small arms testing and development. Jessie recently brought up a pretty interesting topic that piqued my interest as a pilot, which is how small arms are treated and tested to different standards when they're intended to be used and or primarily transported by military aircraft. As opposed to most ground-based operations, aircraft including helicopters and fixed-w...
Jan 09, 2025•38 min
Happy New Year everyone and welcome back to another episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast. Throughout the year I've had the opportunity to experience firearms in many new ways through training classes and various media events. DMRs and Shotguns are still by far the firearms that I touch the least, and today the guys from The Carry Handle podcast are coming on the show to discuss how each of these very different platforms might be more similar than you'd initially assume. Our guests today, Kevi...
Jan 02, 2025•51 min
On today's episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast, we're joined by a special guest from the U.S. Army: Colonel Julian T. Urquidez. As the Director of Operations for the United States Army Futures Command—a department dedicated to modernizing the Army’s tools— as a result, Colonel Urquidez is also actively interested in weapons development, implementation, and modernization which also fuels his passion for his projects in the civilian world. We first crossed paths at TriggrCon 2024, where he and...
Dec 26, 2024•47 min
In this week’s episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast, we’re going to have both old and new guests on the show. Today we’re talking about The Proving Grounds Competition now that our guests have had a chance to put themselves through it. Held annually at The Sawmill Training Complex in Laurens, South Carolina—a sprawling 240-acre training facility known for its top-tier tactical courses—The Proving Grounds thrusts competitors into an intense two-day gauntlet. Built around rifle, and pistol shoo...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 18 min
In today's episode, I've brought on fellow podcaster Bryce from The Carry Handle Podcast to talk about his show and some hot topics currently being discussed and debated in the firearms world. Bryce has been producing firearms-related content for a long time with his roots on YouTube spanning back to his days reviewing airsoft guns. Fast forward to today and he and his buddy Kevin (the Co-Host of The Carry Handle Podcast) have started a new podcast that discusses everything from the firearms ind...
Dec 12, 2024•32 min
