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 changed in an instant. Bryce and I have both had a bit of experience with the system, and today we're going to give you some of our first impressions about the system, including the sticker shock, perceived training value, and who might actually benefit from this type of game or platform. Please give a warm welcome back to Bryce from the Carry Handle Podcast!

• The Carry Handle Podcast  

• The Carry Handle Podcast on YouTube

• ACE Virtual Shooting Simulator Website

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 make life easier for military, law enforcement, and everyday gun owners by keeping their gear tidy and secure. With years of experience under his belt, he’s spotted what’s outdated in the gun storage and safe world and come up with fresh ideas that fit today’s firearms, collections, and shooters’ needs.

So, what does SecureIt actually offer? They’ve got a lineup that’s pretty impressive—like the Agile™ Model 52, a lightweight gun safe with their CradleGrid™ system that lets you customize how you store your rifles and gear. There’s also the Fast Box™, perfect for quick-access hidden storage, and their gun wall kits that turn your space into a slick, organized display. Whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty cabinet or a retrofit kit to upgrade an old safe, they’ve got options that mix practicality with some serious innovation.

• https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZb3HLZuU80PVoAFxf_UDLQ
• https://www.instagram.com/secureit/
• https://www.facebook.com/gunstorage/

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 City, Utah, SIM-X focuses on lightweight, high-velocity rounds tailored for shooters who value function and reliability. We dig into Bill’s journey and explore how SIM-X goes beyond performance, contributing to healthier shooting habits with its lead-free ammunition in a no-nonsense chat about what’s next for the industry.

• https://www.simxammo.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/simxammo
• https://www.instagram.com/simxammunition/
• https://twitter.com/simxammo
• https://www.youtube.com/@simxammunition

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 undertones within our own circles. From dispelling myths to fostering a welcoming vibe, we’ll discuss ways to bring more folks into the fold and make gun ownership a regular thing for all. Tune in for a candid, no-filter chat!

Tune-in to Espo's podcast and gaming vlogs at The Agency Debrief

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 the focus to long-range shooting and team communication as the paramount skills needed to be a winner here along with your shooting partner for the day. To that end, Matt and Dan have also brought along special guest Chris with them who is a bonafide active Military Sniper instructor who is not only a competitor in the Proving Grounds, but also has helped shape some of the courses for the TSS match so that they have some real good training potential in them aside from just the competitive aspect. In addition to Chris sharing some of his professional insights with us, we'll also talk to the boys to hear about the competition, the mindset behind it, what to expect if you show up to a match, and, of course what they'll be running for this year's TSS match. Please give a warm welcome back to Dan, Matt, and now Chris from The Proving Grounds Competition! 

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 dedicated to exactly that - organization. Today, we'll talk about some of his designs, what initially got him into 3D printing, and how he has managed to turn that from a single printer into a new army of printers producing thousands of parts for everything from killflashes for your optics to displaying your favorite guns and rare pieces of ordnance. If this sounds like something you need in your life or at least in your garage or gun room, go ahead and check out his website where he's probably got something you'd probably find useful on your guns or where you store your guns. 

https://hammy3dprints.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hammy3dprints/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Hammy3DPrints/page/48764922-D976-4F8C-81C6-4AD9971218F2

https://www.facebook.com/people/hammy3dprints/100088235853951/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Hammy3DPrints

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 complete rifle. Today Bryce and Kevin will discuss whether or not they like to approach firearms this way and why. As you’ll see everything is not so black and white, but when it comes to tweaking and progressively updating firearms, you’ll find that not everyone is on the same page. Please give a warm welcome back to the guys from The Carry Handle Podcast - Bryce and Kevin! 

• The Carry Handle Podcast on YouTube

• https://www.instagram.com/thecarryhandlepodcast/

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 tinkering not only did he wind up starting his own custom parts business, but he also happened to become familiar with the parts of Karl Van Keuren and his Crazy Ivan Brand. Although the Crazy Ivan brand hasn't seen much activity in the years since Karl's passing today we've got some great news for fans of the brand and of shooting in general. Around the start of the new year Steve and his company Creekside Custom announced that they would be taking over the Crazy Ivan brand and continuing production of his most popular products like the OG Chassis for the 10/22, as well as giving customers new products as well that build off of Karl's original vision and drive. Much like Karl, Steve himself is driven not only by his desire to have the parts that he likes for his guns but to share his experience and enjoyment of firearms with others as you'll hear today in the pocast. Please give a warm welcome to Steve Foster in this week's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast!

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 of the few hunting-related subjects I’ve been fascinated with in more recent years. Rob, has spent decades traveling the world—venturing into the rugged mountains of New Zealand, the sweeping plains of Africa, and the remote wilderness of Scotland—all in pursuit of challenging hunts. He’s here to share the invaluable experience and insight he’s gained along the way, shedding light on the essential gear, physical preparation, and mindset needed to thrive in some of the most demanding environments on Earth and combine it with the skills to bring home the kill.

While Spartan Precision Equipment might be best known for their featherweight Javelin bipod—tipping the scales at just a few ounces—they also offer a broad lineup of versatile shooting supports, from the Sentinel tripod to the Davros head. Thanks to Rob’s constant drive for innovation, these products are designed to help hunters stay agile and adaptable in unpredictable terrain. During our conversation, we’ll touch on how his deep-rooted passion for hunting fuels the design process, and how he hopes these breakthroughs can encourage more people to take part in backcountry adventures.

So whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just curious about this exhilarating pursuit, join us for a deep dive into Rob Gearing’s world. You’ll hear captivating stories from his decades-long career, practical advice for getting started, and a wealth of tips on staying safe and successful in remote wilderness settings. Our hope is that this episode inspires more hunting enthusiasts—both novice and veteran—to discover the unique challenges and rewards of backcountry hunting.

https://www.instagram.com/spartanprecision/

https://www.facebook.com/spartanprecisionequipment

https://www.youtube.com/user/javelinbipod/

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 only companies in the US to produce hunting gear specifically designed for school-aged children. A U.S. Army veteran, Emmanuel has worked on everything from soft goods to firearms and is now shifting his sights to the night vision world with his new Helios solar-charging battery pack. We discussed his transition from military service to gun industry entrepreneur, along with the origins and development of Helios—designed to be a powerful, portable solution for on-the-go charging for night vision and thermal devices.

Ares Combat Systems Website

Ares Combat Systems Instagram

American Steppe Gear Website

American Steppe Gear Instagram