TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
by The Firearm Blog
The Behind The Gun podcast from The Firearm Blog is a recurring series of conversations with influential individuals within the firearms community. TFB Editor In Chief Pete Interviews industry leaders about their successes, failures and glimpses into the future of firearms and equipment development. The Behind The Gun podcast series is politically non-partisan and is a free-flow of information regarding a wide range of topics including self defense, sport shooting, firearms technology and more. Visit www.TheFirearmBlog.com and www.TFB.TV for additional quality content updated daily.
Episodes
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TFB Behind the Gun #242: HUSH Holsters at F.A.S.T. Idaho 2026
On this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Spencer of HUSH Holsters returns to talk about his trip to FAST Idaho at Parma Rod and Gun Club. Since I shot the match as well, we compare notes on the stages, the event, and what Spencer took away from competing there. We also get his updated...
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TFB Behind the Gun #241: FAST Idaho After Action w/ SinistralRifleman
Russell Phagan, founder and match director of Firearms Action Shooting Trials (FAST), returns to the show following FAST Idaho, held October 9-11 at the Parma Rod and Gun Club and presented by XTech Tactical. A veteran competitive shooter and one of the minds behind InRangeTV's Brutality match...
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TFB Behind the Gun #240: Inside PSA with Cameron Tapler
Cameron Tapler, Director of Branding and Product Management at Palmetto State Armory, joins TFB Behind the Gun for a look inside one of the busiest companies in the firearms industry. Cameron began his PSA career as a manufacturing compliance manager, moved into a corporate role overseeing...
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TFB Behind the Gun #239: Gemtech to Gutting the NFA w/ Owen Miller
In this episode of TFB Behind the Gun, Owen Miller, Vice President of the American Suppressor Association, joins the show to break down the August 2026 ruling in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF. After the One Big Beautiful Bill Act dropped the NFA tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and...
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TFB Behind the Gun #238: Jacob & Mike of Tenet Suppressors
Jacob Albaugh and Mike Herne of TENET join Luke to talk about building hunting suppressors that cut recoil without the weight and length penalty of a traditional brake-and-can setup. Jacob explains how a former ATV racer trying to tame a punishing rifle ended up producing 3D printed Grade 5...
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TFB Behind the Gun #237: Tom Willingham of Range USA
Tom Willingham, founder and CEO of Range USA, joins TFB's Behind the Gun to talk about how a career in commercial real estate turned into building the largest indoor gun range and firearms retail chain in the country. Tom opened the first location in Blue Ash, Ohio in 2012 at age 51, after a bad...
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TFB Behind the Gun #236: Dan Wolgin of Ammunition Depot
Dan Wolgin of Ammunition Depot returns to TFB's Behind the Gun to talk about AmmoVault, the company's new reserve-and-storage service that lets shooters buy ammunition over time, have it held in a climate-controlled facility, and ship it whenever they're ready. We also dig into Ammunition Depot's...
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TFB Behind the Gun #235: Slovakian Gunleather w/ Martin of FALCO
Martin from FALCO Holsters joins TFB's Behind the Gun to talk about the company's 1989 founding in a small Slovakian garage, where it got its start making falconry gloves before growing into one of the most recognized custom holster makers in the world. We trace that history back to founder Ivan...
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TFB Behind the Gun #234: Sports Commentary Meets Shooting w/ Mocka
Aryan, known online as Mocka or @mockashoots, joins me on this week's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun for a conversation about competitive shooting, content creation, and what it's like owning and shooting firearms as a civilian in the UK. We talk through his background across his competitive...
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TFB Behind the Gun #233: Keeping Britain's Guns Alive in America
In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I'm happy to welcome Evan Murdoch, founder of Murdoch & Co, the first company producing a fully stamped, one-to-one semi-auto version of Britain's L85/SA80 in the United States. Evan grew up in England wanting to own an SA80 of his own, and when he...
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TFB Behind the Gun #232: FAST Auto Rifle Division ft. Russell Phagan
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Russell Phagan — founder of FAST and a longtime fixture of the Brutality match series — joins us again to talk about FAST's newest addition: the Auto-Rifle Division. It's the first division of its kind in a mainstream two-gun series, built...
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TFB Behind the Gun #231: Derrick Ratliff of Horizon Firearms
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we sit down with Derrick Ratliff, founder of Horizon Firearms and VP of Kaspar Outdoors — the same conversation that started on the range at this year's Relentless Rifleman. Derrick's name is tied to the .22 Creedmoor and a reputation for custom...
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TFB Behind the Gun #230: Ian & Will of Stuff & Things Inc. (STIncUSA)
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we sit down with Ian and Will of Stuff & Things Inc. (STIncUSA) — familiar faces from TFBTV's GunCon coverage, now getting the full interview treatment. This one's a behind-the-scenes look at how a small outfit like STIncUSA came together and…
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TFB Behind the Gun #229: Going Supersonic w/ Johnny of Wild Arms R&D
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we welcome back Jonathan Wild, founder of Wild Arms Research and Development, to talk about his newest venture: Wild Arms Solutions. Johnny built his name on meticulously researched DIY launcher builds and the companion books that came with them…
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TFB Behind the Gun #228: Harrison w/ Double Tap Coalition
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I'm happy to welcome back Harrison Benson, founder of Double Tap Coalition, a USCCA-certified firearms training organization based in Stockbridge, Georgia. Harrison and Double Tap's mission is straightforward: educate, train, and empower...
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TFB Behind the Gun #227: Earle Pope w/ Chestnut Mountain Manufacturing
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I'm happy to welcome Earle Pope, founder and owner of Chestnut Mountain Manufacturing, a new company out of Brevard, North Carolina. Earle founded Chestnut Mountain in 2024 with a goal of bringing well-vetted, quality-controlled versions of...
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TFB Behind the Gun #226: Jeremy & Drew of One Horse
In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I'm happy to welcome Jeremy Hammons and Drew Markel, the founder and co-owner of One Horse Firearms, a 100% American-made AR-15 manufacturer out of Brownstown, Indiana. Jeremy is a U.S. Army veteran with over a decade of experience in engineering,...
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TFB Behind the Gun #225: Safariland IncogXS w/ Dave Higginbotham
This week, Dave and I dig into how the Safariland and Haley Strategic partnership actually works behind the scenes, and he shares some stories from a recent media event held at the Haley Strategic facility where the recently released IncogXS got its first real public outing. We also get a few…
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TFB Behind the Gun #224: Scott Ergas of Petersen's Hunting
Scott Ergas of Petersen's Hunting joins the show this week to recap the NRL Hunter Leupold Relentless Rifleman match in Madras, Oregon, break down North American hunting, and discuss how precision rifle sports create better hunters while inspiring the next generation. He also takes some time to...
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TFB Behind the Gun #223: Learning NRL Hunter w/ Founder Travis Ishida
Born from a drive to build upon the success and fun of the original NRL Series, the NRL Hunter is a national series focused on real hunting skills, time management, and gear familiarity that is not only fun but also actively helps you become a better hunter and marksman. Today, Travis shares the...
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TFB Behind the Gun #222: From Balkans to Babylon w/ TFB's Vladimir O.
Vladimir Onokoy returns to Behind the Gun to discuss his new book From Balkans to Babylon: Zastava AKs of Yugoslavia, Serbia, and Iraq — and more importantly, the personal story behind writing it. From his extensive field experience to the inspirations that drove him to document this rich...
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TFB Behind the Gun #221: The Fellowship of the Kalash
Emmanuel Barron of American Steppe, Kyle (@molasses_marmot), and Kalen of Rotating Bolt Industries (Colorado FFL and boutique AK builder) sit down for an enthusiastic, no-holds-barred conversation on the AK platform—its global variations, real-world performance, and how the Kalash compares to...
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TFB Behind the Gun #220: FM-9D Belt-Fed w/ Adam | Freedom Ordnance
Adam from Freedom Ordnance joins us this week to discuss the company's background and the rise of their FM-9D. The FM-9D, a recent addition to the Freedom Ordnance lineup, is a closed-bolt, disintegrating-link 9mm belt-fed upper built for standard AR-15 lowers. Today we talk about the product's...
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TFB Behind the Gun #219: Jarrod "Box" Grove w/ Caldwell Shooting
Jarrod "Box" Grove from Caldwell Shooting Supplies joins us after Plinka Palooza at Range Ready Studios, where he put on a clinic with the new Claycopter Surface-to-Air Launcher. We talk about Box's serious shotgun skills and where he got them, the engineering and inspiration behind the…
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TFB Behind the Gun #217: A Chat With Caleb Giddings
Caleb Giddings joins us on this episode of TFB Behind the Gun for a wide-ranging conversation about competition shooting, training, gear, and what it takes to keep improving in the firearms industry, no matter what you're doing. We, of course, also take some time to talk about Taurus' new product...
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TFB Behind the Gun #216: Hush-Points, Hot Dogs & Hand Grenades
We're excited to bring back Dave K. from Hi-Point Firearms for some genuine shop talk on their innovative DMLS 3D-printed suppressors, plus whatever else is on the table. Just four months after introducing the Hush-Point suppressor lineup, Hi-Point has launched their first direct metal laser...
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TFB Behind the Gun #215: Moons Out 2026 w/ Pegasus Tests | Les Winner
In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we have brought on Les Winner of Pegasus Tests to talk about a Night Vision Carbine match I recently attended, Moons Out 2026, hosted by Forgotten Weapons and sponsored by Nocturn Industries. As Polaris Logistics owner specializing in firearms...
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TFB Behind the Gun #214: Rafael Del Valle of Bersa Firearms
On this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Rafael Del Valle from Bersa Firearms breaks down their evolving lineup. For decades, Bersa Firearms has produced very popular and reliable firearms for Militaries, Law Enforcement, and civilians, offering everything from compact Thunder 380 pistols...
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TFB Behind the Gun #213: Jordan Vinroe - CEO of Gideon Optics
In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we get to hear the origin story of Gideon Optics, what actually goes into designing and testing a pistol red dot, and how Jordan thinks about trust, warranty, and long‑term support for customers who rely on their gear. Whether you're...
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TFB Behind the Gun #212: Riley Hart of Romeo Hotel Engineering
In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast I've brought on Riley Hart, a previous guest on TFBTV Show Time, current design Engineer at Heckler & Koch USA and founder of Romeo Hotel Engineering, about bringing the Thicc-Boi-12 double barrel shotgun suppressor to life for the Standard DP-12…
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TFB Behind the Gun #211: The Proving Grounds Returns
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%...
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TFB Behind the Gun #210: XTech's Expansion w CEO Jeremy Deadman
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #209: Ryan w/ Atrius Development Group
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…
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TFB Behind the Gun #207: Hot or Not w/ TFB's Doug E.
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #206: Ryan Van Aken w/ Frytech
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…
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TFB Behind the Gun #205: Fast Matches w/ Russell Phagan
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #204: A Fresh SHOT Show Perspective
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…
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TFB Behind the Gun #208: Razor Sharp Progression w/ Vortex Edge's Chris Urrutia
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,...
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TFB Behind the Gun #203: Drue of Re-Nine Safety
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…
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TFB Behind the Gun #202: The Vortex "Skunkworks" NPD Division
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…
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TFB Behind the Gun #201: James from Zer0 & Sons 3D Printed Suppressors
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #200: Recovering from Blackout w/ Emmanuel B
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....
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TFB Behind the Gun #199: Raiders Arms & the Temple of the AK
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #198: All We Want for Christmas
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #197 Machine Guns & Meltdowns w/ GoldenWebb
Today, I'm pleased to bring on a fellow content creator I met at a recent trip out to the nice new Smith & Wesson facility out in Tennessee. Ben Webb is the owner of the GoldenWebb YouTube channel, which specializes in exactly my kind of firearms tomfoolery (or redneck science). In addition to…
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TFB Behind the Gun #196: From Comps to Knives - Jason w/ Backup Tactical
In today's episode, I've brought on Jason B, the owner of Bakcup Tactical. While Backup Tactical started its life off as an aftermarket parts manufactuer for glocks and Sigs, Jason quickly expanded his product profile from simple magazine extensions and release to now having his own line of high...
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TFB Behind the Gun #195: Hi-Points of Authority w/ Dave
On today's episode, we're welcoming back our good friend Dave from Hi-Point Firearms to talk about upcoming competitions, fun season-appropriate movies, and what Hi-Point has planned for the weeks leading up to and including SHOT Show 2026. Dave has been with the company for years and is deeply...
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TFB Behind the Gun #194: TFB Thanksgiving Special | Josh Centers
Today on the TFB Behind the Gun Podcast, we've got Josh Centers, who leads The Firearm Blog, one of the most respected platforms in the firearms community if we do say so ourselves. Known for their apolitical, in-depth reviews, news, and industry insights, TFB has a high focus on the products...
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TFB Behind the Gun #193: Print the Future | Hammy3DPrints
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…
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TFB Behind the Gun #192: Textile Thoughts from Kurt | Blue Alpha Belts
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...
About this show
The Behind The Gun podcast from The Firearm Blog is a recurring series of conversations with influential individuals within the firearms community. TFB Editor In Chief Pete Interviews industry leaders about their successes, failures and glimpses into the future of firearms and equipment development. The Behind The Gun podcast series is politically non-partisan and is a free-flow of information regarding a wide range of topics including self defense, sport shooting, firearms technology and more. Visit www.TheFirearmBlog.com and www.TFB.TV for additional quality content updated daily.
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