On this week's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we have an opportunity to talk to one of the product developers from Leupold Optics. Based here in my home state of Oregon, Leupold Optics helped pioneer both weatherproof hunting scopes, as well as tactical military scopes and red dots. Our Guest today, Nic, shares some of that rich Leupold history with us, as well as helps me walk through some of Leupolds current and past products, with the aim of cluing us in on what's coming out next from Leupold - an entirely new generation of red dot optics. So if you've ever been curious about what Leupold as a company is all about, or you're already a fan and just love to hear about some of the lesser known history of the company, join me and Nic as we get a look behind the glass at Leupold Optics.

https://www.leupold.com/

https://www.instagram.com/leupoldoptics/

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

Today, long-time friend of the blog and podcast and current TFB contributor, Kirk, joins us to talk about one of his favorite subjects - Shotguns. Shotguns are an often underloved sector of the firearms industry these days, and today we're going to take some time to talk about what's new in the world of shotguns. I'll be discussing some recent experience I've had with some semi and pump-action shotguns at Thunder Ranch, and Kirk brings his decades of expertise with shotguns to shed some light on what some of the best (and worst) examples of shotguns are in the modern firearms era. Please give Kirk a warm welcome back to the show as he joins us on his ferry commute home!

Follow Kirk on Instagram here

Today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast features Harrison Benson of Double Tap Coalition. Double Tap is a full-service firearms training and advocacy organization aimed at bringing essential and foundational training to those living in the greater Atlanta area. Today, Harrison shares his origin story with us, from ammunition selling to now owning and operating an entire company that not only trains people how to use firearms but also equips them with the best firearms and accessories available to them. Harrison and I also talk a bit about some of his favorite guns to have at the range, what he typically recommends to people who are looking for a first gun, and also some of the craziest things he's seen during his time as a firearms instructor. Please give Harrison of Double Tap Coalition a warm welcome to the program!

Double Tap Website - Class Info and Dates

Double Tap on Facebook

Double Tap on X

Double Tap on Instagram

Double Tap on YouTube

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I have the unique opportunity to talk with someone who is not only a businessman and entrepreneur in the firearms industry but has also brought plenty of successful products to market in other industries as well. Jeremy Deadman is the CEO and founder of XTech Tactical, a company focused on bringing "legacy" products for pistols and rifles into the industry at a reasonable price to the consumer. Today, Jeremy and I will discuss his past business history, what XTech offers today, and how XTech is trying to pioneer a marketplace in which firearms companies are typically discouraged from participating. From everything from how Amazon accepts and adds new products to its marketplace, to how XTech is trying to expand that, get buckled in for a great podcast with a guest who's got a lot to say about how things are currently run, and can be run inside the gun industry.

XTech Tactical Website

XTech Tactical on Instagram

XTech Tactical on Facebook

XTech Tactical on YouTube

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 QLS environment. We'll dig into Safariland's legacy, swap stories about real-world gear use and use cases for Safariland's holsters, and even get Dave's take on what he wants to see come out next from Safariland's expanding product lineup.

The Safariland Gravity Holster

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! Today, Kevin, Bryce, and I will tell you all about our favorite drills, what skills they help you build, and how you can do more at the range for less!

The Carry Handle Podcast on YouTube

The Carry Handle Podcast on Spotify

The Carry Handle Podcast RSS

The Carry Handle Podcast on Instagram

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. Today Bryce and I will share our own interpreation of the changes made to the bill, and what we think it might mean for the the country in terms of opening up a lot of new doors for people when it comes to firearms ownership.

The Carry Handle Podcast on YouTube

The Carry Handle Podcast on Spotify

The Carry Handle Podcast RSS

The Carry Handle Podcast on Instagram

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 found in the United States. With what looks like a good move for gun laws when it comes to suppressors - the elimination of Suppressors from the NFA - Paul shares his thoughts on what might happen to the industry if things go our way for once. Please give a warm welcome to returning guest Mr. Paul Fletcher of Fletcher Rifle Works!

Fletcher Rifle Works

Fletcher Rifle Works on Instagram

Fletcher Rifle Works on Facebook

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 tools like MantisX. From what systems and hardware ACE is using, to questions about its fit for beginners versus pros, we cover it all. Conor shares his vision for future tech upgrades, like new firearm models, and how ACE aims to win over traditionalists. Packed with insights and lighthearted banter, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of virtual firearms training or who wants a convenient way to improve their skills with handguns.

ACE Virtual Shooting

ACE Virtual Shooting on Instagram

ACE Virtual Shooting on Facebook

Ace Virtual Shooting on TFBTV Show Time

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 time again to check up on one another's progress in the fun/and somewhat novel ACE Virtual Shooting simulator for the Quest series of VR headsets. Join us for a fun and laid-back discussion about anything and everything guns in this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast.

Listen to The Carry Handle Podcast hosted by Bryce & Kevin here