TFB Behind the Gun Podcast

The Proving Grounds isn’t just another 2-gun competition; it’s a proving ground in every sense of the word. Hosted at The Sawmill Training Complex in South Carolina, this event pushes competitors to their limits, combining technical shooting stages with physical challenges that make you earn every single shot on target. Think of it as part tactical trial, part personal crucible, and all-around gritty fun with a healthy and encouraging competition environment to boot. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a new shooter with something to prove, The Proving Grounds is where skills get sharpened and legends get made and our guests Matt and Dan want you to be there with them.

What’s cool about this competition is how it embraces virtually any type of pistol-rifle combo you can think of. For instance, Matt and Dan thought future competitions could lean into Cold War vibes. If you’re a fan of iconic films like Red Dawn or GoldenEye, you already know that these firearms aren’t just cool movie props; they’re cultural artifacts from a time when geopolitical tension oozed into pop culture and transformed everyday gear into legendary symbols.

The talk of a possible Cold War theme down the road got us all waxing poetic about the guns that hooked us on the hobby in the first place. If you’re the kind of person who dreams about running an East German MPi-KM or a classic FAL while pretending you’re in some secret desert firefight from the 1980s, The Proving Grounds is your playground, and Matt and Dan are here to guide you through it with some of their favorite Cold War era firearms.

• https://theprovinggroundscompetition.com/

• The Proving Grounds Facebook

• The Proving Grounds On Instagram

• The Proving Grounds On YouTube

Sponsors of The Proving Grounds:

• ZRODelta

• US Optics

• Lynx Defense

• Hunters HD Gold

• KCI

• Krate Tactical

• C&H Precision

• Herrington Arms

• Rx Plates

• Ammo Inc

• Brave Castle

In episode 140 of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we've brought back competitive shooter Wade Reed to discuss the expanding firearms community specifically in the realm of competitive shooting. In addition to that, we'll also go over Wade's more recent contributions to the firearms industry including some new rimfire ammo, as well as some new variants of his extremely cool Mark IV Carbine - a lightweight upper that converts any Mark IV lower into a quick and nimble carbine for steel challenge shooting. We'll also talk a bit about topics such as the increasing popularity of competitive shooting, the benefits of more involvement from inexperienced shooters, and the role of social media, the youth, and public perception in connecting enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Reed shares insights into how newcomers can engage with the community and the positive impact of such participation based on experiences in his own life being a competitive shooter, as well as a father to young children. This episode is a doozy so buckle up and please give a warm welcome to Competitive Shooter Wade Reed. 

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• LinkedIn

In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're bringing on Matt and Dan of The Proving Grounds to discuss what makes their competition special. The Proving Grounds is an athletically focused two-gun match that incorporates elements of 3-gun style target engagement and movement, along with some more athletic firearms competitions like The Tactical Games. Set to take place in two weeks, The Proving Grounds typically is held in the South Carolina Region, specifically at The Sawmill Complex and the Clinton House where competitors are allowed to shoot virtually any caliber of firearm they're comfortable with, and get a chance to engage targets beyond the confines of a pistol bay for that extra added challenge. Today Dan and Matt will share what they love about shooting how they got involved with The Proving Grounds, and why they think you should participate. Please give a warm welcome to Dan & Matt of The Proving Grounds.

• https://theprovinggroundscompetition.com/
• The Proving Grounds Facebook
• The Proving Grounds On Instagram
• The Proving Grounds On YouTube

Sponsors of The Proving Grounds:

• ZRODelta
• US Optics
• Lynx Defense
• Hunters HD Gold
• KCI
• Krate Tactical
• C&H Precision
• Herrington Arms
• Rx Plates
• Ammo Inc
• Brave Castle

Today on the podcast I've brought on fellow gun enthusiast and YouTube Joe from the channel Desk Pop to talk shop about some recent struggles we've both noticed in the YouTube gun creator space, as well as some of our most recent projects and favorite firearms. Joe is in the midst of somewhat of a rebranding right now as he, like other people who produce firearms content on YouTube, has seen a significant decline in the revenue generated by each video, as well as a general lack of support from companies who typically benefit from the creator/manufactuer relationship. While YouTube may be pretty harsh when it comes to their demonization and throttling of YouTube videos related to firearms, Joe is determined to press on anyway he can which is why he's happy to announce his new YouTube venture "UpShots" which aims to not only provide a new creative outlet for Joe, but also help fund his primary focus on Desk Pop. 

"We are so back baby, REAL hardcore testing, making content entertaining and not taking ourselves too serious while seriously treating serious operator gear (seriously). Hit the subscribe button and strap in."

Desk Pop On Instagram

Desk Pop On YouTube

Hello and welcome back to another episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast! This week I'm back in the studio again with TFB Writer and film aficionado Darwin to talk about some of our favorite Modern Military Movie Guns. Most gun guys enjoy debating, nerding out, and arguing with one another about all sorts of firearms found in movies ranging from Sci-Fi, Westerns, Dramas, Thrillers, and of course military movies. Today Darwin and I thought it might be fun to blindly discuss some of our favorite modern military movie guns and sometimes how they might have turned out to be cooler in the movies than they are in real life or vice versa. We also take some time to talk about some of these firearms and how they've helped influence some of our own shooting habits, and sometimes even the whole firearms industry as a whole. Please let us know what your favorite modern military movie guns are and give Darwin a warm welcome back to the show! 

This episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast is going to be focused on firearms you might want to have handy in case of a natural disaster. While the answer for this is going to be different for virtually everyone depending on where they live, the type of disaster is also what matters. Hurricaine Helene has put much of the southeastern United States in a state of emergency and while it seems that local communities are being quite altruistic and helpful to their neighbors, we all know from previous natural disasters just how tragic things can get. Natural Disasters can quickly become even deadlier due to lack of power, food, medical supplies, or civil unrest spurred on by the disaster itself. Today I've brought on TFB writers Cameron and Sam to talk about the guns that they think of first as being handy for natural disasters in their area. We'd love to hear from you and what you typically prioritize for firearms when it comes to natural disasters or other state-wide emergencies in your area. Let us know what you think in the comments! 

We're back from TriggrCon 2024 and today we'll be hearing from one of the organizers of the event, Mr. Dave Timm. Dave has been in the firearms industry for a long time having worked, written, and produced content for a lot of companies in the past including Ranier Arms which hosts the TriggrCon even every year. Today Dave and I are going to go over 2024's TriggrCon expo and range day and also give you guys our thoughts on this year's Golden Trigger recipients. We'll also take some time to talk about Dave and what he's got planned for himself down the road in terms of videos and articles he'll be producing under his own brand - Learning Firearms. Dave is a retired Law Enforcement officer, competitive shooter, and all around gun nerd that I'm happy to have on the podcast. Please give Dave Tim of Learning Firearms a warm welcome to the show! 

Where You Can Find Dave:

https://www.learningfirearms.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxxQY8NI2NImatPyW7xeouQ

https://www.facebook.com/learningfirearms/

https://www.instagram.com/learningfirearms/

In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're bringing back TFB Writer Darwin to talk about the new SIG MCX-SPEAR otherwise known by its military designation - the XM7. The XM7 is the result of the NGSW program and I've recently had the opportunity to start digging into one of their Civilian versions of the rifle chambered in the new 6.8x51mm hybrid cased ammunition. Darwin is quite a fan of not only SIG's new rifle but also battle rifles in general. Today he and I will discuss some of the history of the XM7, and talk in depth about the new 6.8x51mm cartridge and some of the potential it might have even outside of combat. Please welcome back TFB Writer Darwin to the Show!

Today I'm honored to have Kurt of Blue Alphaon the TFB Behind the Gun Podcast. Longtime TFB fans will no doubt know that we're sponsored by Blue Alpha Belts. Back in 2016 when TFBTV  itself was just getting established, Kurt and his business partner Jesse, both aircraft mechanics, decided to start Blue Alpha belts to fund their range sessions. Fast forward just a couple of years and Blue Alpha Belts has expanded from just a garage operation to a business that supports many great American employees and provides range and tactical gear for all sorts of Americans - especially just us guys who want to have some fun on the range with our favorite guns. Today Kurt and I will discuss Blue Alpha's humble origins, their primary goal with starting the business, and of course, all of the intricacies that we don't often see from this side of the firearms industry to g ain a better appreciation for what Kurt and his team go through while having fun along the way. Please welcome Kurt of Blue Alpha belts to the show! 

In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're bringing Marvin from AMMJ to discuss his new commercial-grade Laser Aiming Module. When it comes to laser aiming modules or LAMs, there are a lot of limitations placed on the output of civilian lasers due to FDA regulations. Today, subject matter experts Hop and BrassFacts will get to chat with Marvin about the Penumbra LAM, some of the inspiration behind it, the struggles that Marvin has had to go through hto get it to market, and of course what his plans for the future are with his latest product. 

ABOUT PENUMBRA LASER AIMING MODULE

The aiming lasers are slaved and are calibrated together. The illuminator is on a separate bench and can be calibrated independently and spot size is adjusted with a throw lever at the rear of the device. The housing and components are machined aluminum and feature industry standard mounting surfaces. A micro red dot on the top of the penumbra. the bottom has a 3 position aimpoint mount compatible hole pattern allowing you unlimited configurations making it easy to mount at any height or clamping system that you prefer.

The controls for output of the laser and illuminator are also independent of each other with a high medium and low output each and defuser for the illuminator. The green laser will not fire if an Ir mode is also active. One button for activation; press and hold for momentary, and a double press for constant activation - this also applies to any crane style cable button.

FEATURES

✅ Light-weight & low-profile stance

✅ USE/STANDBY Weak LED indicator

✅ Adjustable NIR VCSEL illuminator

✅ Security tethered loop tie down

✅ Rail secured by 2 shock nuts

✅ Multi-function keypads

✅ Stability sensor