In this episode, we break down the most critical insights from the Tikka T3x user manual — one of the most thorough and safety-focused guides in the bolt-action rifle market. Designed and manufactured by Sako Ltd. in Finland, the Tikka T3x is built for precision, reliability, and longevity. But what sets it apart is the company’s unwavering emphasis on safe handling and user responsibility.

We cover:

• Why Tikka insists on reading the full manual before ever using the rifle

• The detailed safety measures that go beyond mechanical safeties, relying on the user as the ultimate safeguard

• How the rifle is designed for sub-MOA accuracy out of the box, and the factory guarantee behind it

• Step-by-step guidance on loading, firing, and engaging the mechanical safety properly

• Warnings against the use of reloaded or non-standard ammunition, and why doing so voids your warranty

• Tips on cleaning, copper fouling removal, and the importance of keeping your suppressor threads aligned correctly

• How to adjust the trigger pull, sight elevation, stock length, and zero a scope

• Why even storing the rifle correctly — including avoiding leather cases and removing suppressors after use — plays a role in its long-term reliability

• Real talk on malfunctions: what to do if your round doesn’t fire or if the rifle shows signs of damage during shooting

This isn’t just a gun you take to the range and figure out as you go — it’s a precision-built platform that demands respect and rewards shooters who follow best practices.

Whether you’re a Tikka owner, thinking about buying one, or just want to understand how to run a bolt gun the right way, this episode offers a full breakdown of everything you need to know about owning and operating a Tikka T3x.

In this episode, we take aim at one of the most niche, beastly, and surprisingly shootable rifles in the ultra-long-range world — the Noreen Firearms ULR, a bolt-action brute built to tame .50 BMG and beyond.

Designed in-house by Noreen Firearms in Montana, the ULR (Ultra Long Range) system is a single-shot bolt-action rifle built for pure precision and power. With caliber options like .338 Lapua, .408 CheyTac, .416 Barrett, and .50 BMG, the ULR isn’t for plinking soda cans — it’s for stretching your reach to the horizon.

We cover:

• The no-nonsense, single-shot shell holder bolt design — simple, reliable, and surprisingly fast

• Why this rifle has no mechanical safety — and how Noreen puts full responsibility in the shooter’s hands

• How it manages brutal recoil with three layers of mitigation: a proprietary muzzle brake, a spring-loaded suspension stock, and 32+ pounds of weight

• Details on the collapsible stock, folding bipod, and the flat 0 MOA scope rail — plus why you might want to upgrade the rail for true ELR work

• Noreen’s commitment to in-house manufacturing and rapid innovation — including a story of developing a semi-auto .408 CheyTac in just two weeks for an international defense demo

• The Timney adjustable trigger, A2 pistol grip, and what you can expect in terms of user upgrades and long-range accuracy

• Real-world customer feedback on shootability, build quality, and value — with some small gripes about the stock mechanism and retention pins

We also dig into Noreen’s history of working with SOCOM on remote-firing perimeter defense rifles, their innovations in gas piston systems for large-caliber semi-autos, and what makes them one of the most interesting names in American long-range manufacturing.

Whether you’re into extreme range, massive calibers, or just want to know what it takes to responsibly shoot a .50 BMG bolt gun that folds into a double rifle case, this episode covers everything you need to know about the Noreen ULR.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about names in the entry-level AR game — Radical Firearms.

Based in Texas, Radical is making big waves by offering feature-rich, budget-friendly AR-15s that are often the first rifle for new gun owners. But unlike some budget brands, Radical is a true manufacturer, producing 80% of their rifle in-house — from receivers and handguards to barrels and gas blocks.

We cover:

• Why Radical Firearms has rebounded from early quality control issues

• What’s included in their core rifles — forged receivers, mid-length gas systems, B5 Systems furniture, and more

• How their "Radical Defense" line steps things up with duty-ready upgrades

• The accuracy and reliability reviewers are seeing in current production rifles

• How the mid-length gas system + H1 buffer combo helps deliver a softer, smoother shooting experience

• Why the 4140 barrel steel may be “good enough” for most shooters — and where it falls short

• Radical’s lifetime warranty, in-house customer service, and dedication to making the AR platform accessible

We also talk about the law enforcement-focused RF-16, which passed full-auto testing without a hitch, and the small criticisms — like mil-spec triggers, handguard feel, and certain rail features — that might matter to more advanced users.

Whether you're buying your first AR, building a backup rifle, or just want to understand where Radical fits in the crowded black rifle market, this episode breaks it all down — with real-world feedback, user experience, and what to look for if you’re buying one.

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about tactical releases of the year: the Mossberg 990 AfterShock — a semi-auto 12 gauge firearm that’s not a shotgun, not a pistol, not a rifle… but something else entirely.

This compact, powerful firearm lives in that ATF-defined “other” category, thanks to its 14.75" or 18.5" barrel, lack of shoulder stock, and proprietary bird's head grip. But what looks intimidating on the shelf turns out to be surprisingly manageable on the range — and potentially one of the most versatile close-quarters defensive tools on the market.

We cover:

• The legal magic of the "other firearm" classification and why this isn’t an NFA item

• Mossberg’s new gas system, built from the 940 platform and entirely relocated to the forend for better balance and cleaner cycling

• The new AfterShock grip, featuring a rubberized palm pad that actually tames recoil better than expected

• Why the strapped forend might save your hand — literally

• How this gun performs with buckshot, slugs, and birdshot — and what kind of break-in period to expect

• Optics options, M-LOK compatibility, and the optional Crimson Trace Lasersaddle for serious low-light capability

• Real talk on recoil, control, and the lack of a rear sight — and what it takes to shoot this thing effectively

• MSRP ($1120–$1302) vs. street pricing, and whether it delivers the value it promises

Whether you're in law enforcement, looking for a home defense solution, or just love weird tactical stuff that actually works — the Mossberg 990 AfterShock might just be the most functional “WTF” gun of 2025.

In this episode, we break down one of the most anticipated rifle platforms to come out of Q: the BoomBox — a compact, gas-operated powerhouse chambered in 8.6 Blackout. Built as the spiritual and ballistic successor to the Honey Badger, the BoomBox is a bigger, badder evolution designed to bring serious terminal performance in a lightweight, sub-300-meter package.

We cover:

• How the BoomBox expands on the Honey Badger platform with more power, better modularity, and next-gen design choices

• Why the 1:3 twist barrel makes a huge difference for subsonic expansion and close-range devastation

• The role of the 8.6 Blackout cartridge, and how it's shaping up to be what .300 Blackout was to 5.56—only for .308-sized platforms

• Key design innovations: Q-Sert handguard, simplified bolt and buffer system, proprietary charging handle, and yes — “Literally The Best Trigger Ever Made”

• Reliability with both subsonic and supersonic ammo, and what that means for shooters who demand flexibility

• Serious terminal effects in gel testing — but also the over-penetration concerns that come with a round this potent

We also look at the practical side:

• The weight and size advantages despite being an AR-10 platform

• Barrel interchangeability with no need for a vise

• Modularity that includes planned variants like integrally suppressed models and shorter barrels

• The steep price tag (over $3,000), and whether Q’s rumored cost-effective version could open the door to a broader audience

This isn’t just another AR. The BoomBox is Q’s attempt to kill the Honey Badger — with science, and it might just succeed.

Whether you're a Q fan, a caliber nerd, or just curious what happens when 8.6 Blackout meets modern rifle engineering, this is a must-listen.

In this episode, we dive deep into what some are calling “the most significant handgun of 2025” — the Staccato HD P4. More than just a new model, the HD P4 represents a radical shift for Staccato and possibly the 2011 platform itself.

We explore why this pistol is being labeled a “wild departure” from the brand’s norm — from Glock magazine compatibility to its Series 80 trigger system and grip safety delete. Built specifically for duty use, the HD P4 isn’t targeting the typical 2011 enthusiast. Instead, it’s a purpose-built tool aimed at law enforcement, military, and contract-level users, with features designed to meet agency requirements for drop safety, ambidextrous controls, and long-term durability.

You’ll hear us unpack:

• Why Glock mag compatibility could change the game for 2011s

• The pros and cons of the Series 80 trigger and firing pin block

• Ergonomic changes, including grip texture and ledge cuts

• Real-world performance, reliability, and malfunctions

• Design quirks, thumb safety criticisms, and future upgrades

• How the HD P4 stacks up against the Staccato C2, Platypus, Springfield Prodigy, and traditional Glocks

Whether you're a Staccato fan, Glock guy, or just curious about the evolution of duty pistols, this episode covers everything you need to know about the HD P4 — including whether it lives up to the hype or feels like a Gen 1 beta release.

Today, we’re talking about one of the coolest collaborations — and one of the craziest challenges — in the gun world recently: the launch of the Demolitia 1911 with Matt Carriker and Watchtower Firearms, and a DIY body armor challenge that went... about how you’d expect.

Main Themes:
The Demolitia 1911 — Built for the Demolitia Nation.
Matt Carriker, of Demolition Ranch fame, partnered with Watchtower Firearms to release a limited-edition, double-stack 1911:

• Ported, optics-ready, hand-fit — all made in Texas 🇺🇸

• Only 500 Elite Packages made

• Sold out in 48 hours

“Those sold out in 48 hours... crazy!”
The buzz was real — and if you didn’t move fast, you missed out.

Elite Package — What You Got.
The Elite package wasn’t just the gun:

• Hard case

• Soft pistol range bag

• Four magazines (two 20-rounders and two 17-rounders)

• Ammo can

• Demolitia patch

• Collector's hat

• Challenge coin

• Signed Certificate of Authenticity from Matt

It was a full collector’s setup, aimed squarely at the Demolitia community.

Navigating YouTube’s Rules.
Matt made it very clear:

• No videos selling firearms

• No videos teaching how to build firearms

• No showing off high-capacity mags directly

Instead, he stuck to factory tours and behind-the-scenes peeks — playing it safe while still hyping the collab.

“This video is not intended to sell firearms... just to see guns being made.”

Watchtower’s Manufacturing Process — From Steel to Showtime.
The Watchtower factory showed the full process:

• CNC machining from raw steel blocks

• Hand fitting and live-fire testing

• Final coating and serializing

DIY Body Armor Challenge — Total Mayhem.
Meanwhile, on a completely different note — Matt, David, Jenna, and Mikey took on a homemade body armor challenge:

• Under 10 pounds

• Less than 3 inches thick

• Only found materials (no real armor allowed)

• Must stop 3 rounds of 9mm from 10 yards

How It Went:

• Matt’s plate: Failed — 2 out of 3 rounds punched through.

• David’s plate: Same story — partial failure.

• Jenna and Mikey’s plates: Full success — all rounds stopped!

Then things escalated (because, of course they did):

• Bonus rounds with an MP7 ✅

• A final hail-mary shot with a .30-06 black tip out of an M1 Garand ✅

Final Result:
Combining everyone's plates (with Matt’s plate last), they actually stopped the .30-06 round — leading Matt to (somehow) claim victory.
“We did it — I guess I stopped it, so I won. That’s how it is.” 🤣

Key Quotes:

• “Only 500 Demolitia Elite packages exist.”

• “We’re just here to see guns being made, not sell anything.”

• “Mikey and Jenna stopped all of them!”

• “If we can stop .30-06 black tip, we’ve hit Level IV.”

Bottom Line:
The Demolitia 1911 launch was a huge success — combining Texas-built quality, Matt Carriker’s fanbase, and scarcity marketing into a real win.
And the body armor challenge? Well... let’s just say it brought classic Demolition Ranch chaos and comedy to the mix.

Whether you’re in it for the guns, the gear, or the goofiness, Demolitia delivered.

Today we’re breaking down the Glock 19X — a pistol that’s equal parts beloved and debated within the firearms world.

Main Themes:
Origins — Born From Military Trials.
The Glock 19X started as Glock’s submission for the U.S. Modular Handgun System (MHS) trials.

• Compact 19 slide paired with a full-size 17 frame.

• Coyote brown finish — the first Glock to ship with a factory-colored slide.

Sig Sauer won the MHS contract, but Glock released the 19X to civilians — and it quickly became a hit with a certain crowd.

Design — Short Slide, Long Grip.
You get:

• 4-inch barrel (Glock 19 size)

• Full-size 17 grip for a full hand purchase

• 17+1 capacity (plus 19+1 with extended mags included)

That big grip is super comfortable — but it’s also the main reason some concealed carriers hesitate.

Performance — It Shoots Like a Dream.

• Excellent balance thanks to the short slide and full-size grip.

• Low recoil impulse, super stable.

• Good factory Marksman barrel for tight groups — reviewers saw 2–3.5 inch groups at 25 yards.

• Factory metal night sights — a huge step up over Glock’s usual plastic.

As one fan said: “This is by far my favorite Glock ever created — no questions asked.”

Trigger — Best Factory Glock Yet?
Most agree the Gen 5-style trigger in the 19X is:

• Smoother

• Crisper

• Better reset
  …but it’s still not a match trigger — and some users still call it “mushy” compared to competitors.

Concealed Carry — Mixed Reviews.
The full-size grip makes the 19X harder to conceal than a typical Glock 19.

• For IWB or appendix carry, the shorter slide can actually make it more comfortable when seated.

• But for true deep concealment, the big grip prints more.

Criticisms and Competition.
The Glock 19X catches flak for a few reasons:

• Some say the design feels backward — they’d rather have a longer slide and shorter grip.

• It’s still “just a Glock” — and newer pistols (like the Springfield Echelon or Sig P320 XCarry) offer better triggers, better stippling, optics-ready setups, and modularity — sometimes at the same or lower price.

Updates — Newer Models Now Offer More.

• MOS versions now available (optics-ready).

• Threaded barrel options too.

• These address some original criticisms around feature limitations.

Quick Specs Recap:

• Caliber: 9mm

• Barrel: 4.02 inches

• Capacity: 17+1 (with included 19+1 extended mags)

• Weight: ~24 ounces unloaded

• Sights: Factory metal night sights

• Finish: Coyote brown (PVD coated)

• Frame: Full-size polymer, lanyard loop included

• MOS Version: Now available for optics mounting

Potential Drawbacks:

• Grip size can make concealed carry harder.

• Price can feel steep compared to newer feature-packed competitors.

• Trigger still "okay" by modern standards, not stellar.

• Not Gen 5 mag compatible in some cases due to lip on front of grip.

Bottom Line:
The Glock 19X is a fantastic shooter with legendary Glock reliability, great balance, and a unique place in Glock’s lineup.
If you want maximum shootability, great capacity, and Glock simplicity, it’s hard to beat.
But if you're all about deep concealment or modern modularity, you might find newer guns more attractive for the price.

As one reviewer put it:
"It’s an awesome gun... as long as you understand what you’re getting into."

Today, we’re diving deep into the Sig Sauer P365 AXG Legion — a high-end evolution of one of the most successful concealed carry pistols ever made.

Main Themes:
Premium Build — The Best of the Best.
The AXG Legion is what happens when you take the compact P365 platform and load it up with top-tier features:

• Aluminum alloy frame (AXG = Alloy X Grip)

• G10 grips with Legion chevron texture

• Integrated compensator built into the slide

• Optics-ready for micro red dots

• Magwell and extended slide stop

As one reviewer put it: "This might be the best concealed carry pistol ever made... depending on what you value."

Shootability — Small Gun, Big Performance.
The added weight from the aluminum frame, plus the integrated compensator, means the AXG Legion shoots flatter and recovers faster than standard polymer-framed P365s.
It’s remarkably accurate — often rivaling or outperforming full-sized handguns in real-world tests.

Ergonomics — Mostly Excellent.

• Deep undercut trigger guard for a better grip.

• Grippy G10 panels that don’t tear up your hands.

• Weight helps manage recoil, though shooters with larger hands may still feel the grip is a little short.

“If you have smaller hands, this will feel perfect. If you have big paws like mine? It’s a little cramped.”

Concealed Carry — Compact, But Not Tiny.
This isn’t the same micro-sized carry gun as the original P365:

• It’s longer, taller, and heavier than the base P365.

• About the same overall footprint as a Glock 19 — but slimmer.

• The magwell makes reloads smoother but can print more under clothing.
  (Some shooters recommend removing the magwell for better concealment.)

Price — The Elephant in the Room.

• MSRP around $1299 — easily $400–$500 more than a P365 Macro.

• Some argue you could buy a Macro, add a comped slide and aftermarket grips, and come out cheaper and nearly as capable.

Still, if you want top-shelf everything out of the box, the AXG Legion makes a strong case.

Quick Specs Recap:

• Caliber: 9mm

• Capacity: 17+1 (three 17-round mags included)

• Frame: Aluminum Alloy (AXG)

• Slide: Stainless Steel, Integrated Compensator

• Barrel Length: 3.1 inches

• Overall Length: 6.6 inches

• Weight: ~26 oz (unloaded)

• Optics Ready: RMSc footprint

• Trigger: Flat XSeries Trigger (~4-5 lb pull)

• MSRP: ~$1299

• Comes with: Legion gun bag and challenge coin

Potential Drawbacks:

• High price compared to other P365 options.

• Heavier and larger than a true micro-compact.

• Holster compatibility can be tricky due to unique dimensions.

• Grip size may feel small for shooters with large hands.

• Slight velocity loss due to shorter barrel and compensator setup.

Reliability — Rock Solid.
Across the board, users report zero malfunctions with a variety of ammo, including hollow points.
Sig’s quality control is shining bright here.

Bottom Line:
The Sig Sauer P365 AXG Legion is a phenomenal, high-performance carry gun — if you're willing to pay for it.
It’s accurate, soft-shooting, optics-ready, and built to last.
But if price is a factor — or if you're trying to stay extremely concealed — you might want to consider the P365 Macro or even the standard P365 X first.

As one reviewer summed it up:
"Is it the best? Maybe. But it's only worth it if you're ready to pay for every ounce of greatness."

Today we’re diving into Rock Island Armory (RIA) 1911s — budget-friendly options for those who want a piece of 1911 history without spending a fortune.

Main Themes:
Value — The Big Story Here.
RIA 1911s consistently deliver a lot of gun for the money.

• Prices typically range between $450 to $650, depending on the model.

• "You’re saving five, six, seven hundred bucks compared to a Colt."

For folks who want to get into 1911s without dropping two grand, Rock Island is a serious contender.

Features That Punch Above Their Price.
At this price point, you still get:

• Beavertail grip safeties

• Commander-style hammers

• Fiber optic sights

• G10 grips

• Extended safeties and magwells

“It basically has most of the same features as a high-end 1911 — just without the hand-fitting and tool steel parts.”

Build Quality — Solid, but Not Polished.

• Functionality is praised, but fit and finish can be a little rough compared to top-tier brands.

• The Parkerized finish is rugged but can show scratches and abrasions easily.

• Some models have heavy recoil springs and stiff controls compared to smoother premium 1911s.

It’s a classic case of good bones with basic cosmetics — and most users don’t mind, given the price.

Reliability — Good for the Price, but Watch Your Ammo.
Most reviewers report good reliability, with a few exceptions:

• Some hollow-point rounds can cause feeding issues.

• Magazine quality can make a difference — swap mags if you experience problems.

Overall, for ball ammo and good-quality hollow points? RIA pistols run well.

Accuracy — Adequate for Most Needs.

• Accuracy is good enough for defensive shooting and range fun.

• Some shooters noted 4–5 inch groups at 25 yards — perfectly reasonable for the category.

• Sights are a weak point — plain, hard-to-see sights often limit practical accuracy.

“If I miss with this gun, it's my fault — not the gun's.”

Aftermarket Support — Huge.
The 1911 platform is endlessly customizable, and RIA pistols are no exception.
You can upgrade:

• Triggers

• Grips

• Sights

• Safeties

• Hammersto make the gun feel much more premium if you want to invest a little extra.

Other Important Notes:

• Grip safety concerns: Some models have shallower grip safeties that may not engage reliably for all users.

• No firing pin block: Like classic GI-style 1911s, there’s a tiny theoretical risk of slam firing if the gun is dropped or handled incorrectly. Know your gun, practice good handling.

• Slam fire risk is low, but worth being aware of when chambering rounds.

Quick Specs Recap:

• Action: Single-action, semi-auto

• Caliber: Mostly .45 ACP, but also 9mm and 10mm options

• Capacity: Standard 7+1 or 8+1 depending on the model

• Frame: Steel

• Finish: Parkerized or other basic protective coatings

• Sights: Basic GI-style or Novak-style, depending on model

• MSRP: ~$450–$650 range

Potential Drawbacks:

• Fit and finish is not high-end

• Sensitive to some hollow points

• Sights often need upgrading

• Grip safeties can be inconsistent on some models

• Not hand-fitted like expensive 1911s

Bottom Line:
If you want a solid, affordable 1911 that you can shoot, upgrade, and enjoy without feeling guilty, Rock Island delivers huge value.
You’re not getting Wilson Combat-level refinement — but you are getting a reliable, feature-rich pistol for a fraction of the price.

As one reviewer summed it up:
"Is it a Wilson Combat? No. But is it a good 1911 for under $600? Absolutely."