In this episode of the Whiskey & Windage Podcast, we’re joined by Justin McMillion, founder of JMAC Customs, to talk about the products, the company, and the evolution of modern rifle accessories. If you’ve spent any time in the AK or rifle customization world, you’ve seen JMAC Customs leading the charge with innovative muzzle devices, suppressor mounting solutions, stocks, mounts, and modular upgrades. Justin takes us behind the scenes on how JMAC Customs started, how the company grew from a small operation into a major name in the firearms accessory industry, and what it takes to design products that shooters actually want. We dive deep into the modernization of the AK platform, the crossover between AK and AR accessories, and how suppressor compatibility and mounting systems have changed the way people build rifles.

We also talk about manufacturing, product development, and the future of rifle accessories and customization. If you’re into AKs, ARs, suppressors, muzzle devices, or just love hearing how companies grow inside the firearms industry, this episode is packed with insight.

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In this episode of Whiskey & Windage, we’re joined by Dustin Wallace from Faxon Firearms for a deep dive into the people, products, and innovation behind one of the most recognizable names in modern firearm manufacturing.

Faxon has built a reputation for producing high-performance AR barrels, bolt carrier groups, rifle and pistol components, and upgrades trusted by shooters, builders, competitors, and enthusiasts across the country. Dustin takes us behind the curtain to talk about how Faxon approaches engineering, materials, testing, and quality control — and what it really takes to bring new products from concept to market.

We discuss the evolution of the AR platform, what today’s shooters are demanding, and how Faxon continues to innovate in a rapidly growing industry. From product development and manufacturing processes to trends shaping the future of firearms and shooting sports, this episode covers it all.

If you’re into building rifles, upgrading pistols, learning how firearm components are made, or just enjoy hearing the stories behind the brands shaping the industry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode of Whiskey & Windage, we’re joined by Kevin Brittingham, founder of Q, for a wide-ranging conversation that covers products, business, and life beyond the shop floor. Kevin breaks down several key platforms from Q, including the BoomBox, Mega Fix, Southpaw, Speakeasy, and Blind Tiger, along with the new Black Titanium versions of select offerings and what pushed those designs forward. From there, the conversation opens up into the current state of the business, how the industry has changed, what it takes to stay relevant, and why having the right people around you matters just as much as the products themselves. Kevin shares honest insight into leadership, team building, and the realities of running a modern firearms company in a constantly shifting market. We wrap things up outside the office and into the field, talking about hunting in South Africa, why it keeps calling him back, and how those experiences influence both perspective and product philosophy. It’s a candid, no-filter discussion that blends innovation, business sense, and real-world experience.

This week on Whiskey and Windage, we sit down with the team from Troy Industries for an in-depth conversation covering where the company is today and where it’s headed next. Known for their long history of rugged, duty-driven equipment, Troy walks us through their current rifle lineup and how their design philosophy prioritizes reliability, durability, and real-world performance. We also dig into Troy’s approach to suppressors, discussing how sound, backpressure, and mounting considerations factor into their development process. The conversation expands into new product territory with a look at Troy’s latest modular scope mount, breaking down why adaptability and repeatability are becoming increasingly important for modern shooters. We also cover one of Troy’s more distinctive offerings—the Squid Grips—and the thinking behind ergonomics, materials, and user customization. Rather than focusing solely on end use, this episode centers on product development, engineering tradeoffs, and how Troy balances innovation with the expectations of a demanding user base.

In this episode of Whiskey & Windage, we sit down with Cameron Tapler from Palmetto State Armory for an exclusive conversation about what’s ahead for PSA in 2026. Recorded prior to the company’s public announcements at SHOT Show 2026, this episode offers a rare early look at the direction Palmetto State Armory is taking across its expanding product lineup. Cameron walks us through twelve new platforms currently in development, discussing the goals behind each program and how they fit into PSA’s broader strategy. We explore how PSA approaches product planning, manufacturing scale, and maintaining consistency while introducing a wide range of new offerings. The conversation focuses on design philosophy, development timelines, and the considerations that go into launching products at this level. We also talk about how customer feedback, testing, and market demand influence PSA’s decision-making, as well as how the company balances innovation with accessibility. Cameron shares insight into the challenges and opportunities that come with building for a diverse audience and a fast-moving industry. Whether you follow PSA closely or are interested in how large manufacturers plan future releases, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at PSA’s 2026 roadmap.

In this episode of Whiskey & Windage, we’re joined by JB from EOTECH for a detailed conversation about the company’s newest product releases and what’s ahead for 2026. Known for its strong presence in the optics and technology space, EOTECH continues to expand its lineup while staying focused on quality, consistency, and long-term performance. JB walks us through several key products, including the DCBL suppressor, the civilian version of the OGL, the EXPS3 HD holographic sight, the enclosed-emitter EFLX CE pistol optic, and the new Vudu 4×12 optic. We discuss what drove the development of each product, how they fit into EOTECH’s broader lineup, and what considerations go into bringing new designs to market. The conversation also touches on engineering philosophy, manufacturing decisions, and how customer feedback and real-world testing influence future releases. JB shares insight into how EOTECH balances innovation with maintaining the features and standards the brand is known for. Whether you’re an industry professional, optics enthusiast, or simply curious about how new products are developed, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at EOTECH’s approach to design and its vision moving into 2026.

In this episode of Whiskey & Windage, we’re joined by Mike O’Dell from CMMG for a deep dive into the products and innovation that have helped define CMMG’s place in the modern firearms industry. Known for their forward-thinking designs and modular platforms, CMMG continues to push boundaries while maintaining a strong focus on consistency and quality. Mike breaks down CMMG’s current product lineup, sharing insight into how their platforms are designed, how ideas move from concept to production, and what sets their approach apart in a competitive market. We talk about engineering decisions, manufacturing processes, and how user feedback plays a role in shaping new products. The conversation also explores how CMMG balances innovation with real-world practicality and long-term reliability. Beyond specific products, we discuss broader industry trends, how customer expectations are evolving, and what the future may hold for CMMG as technology and manufacturing continue to advance. Whether you’re an enthusiast, industry professional, or simply interested in how modern firearms are developed, this episode offers an inside look at the thinking behind the designs.

In this episode of Whiskey & Windage, we’re joined by Josh Hood from LayerX Suppression for a deep dive into modern suppressor design, real-world performance, and the manufacturing decisions that separate good products from great ones. As suppressor technology continues to evolve, LayerX has carved out a name by focusing on engineering, materials, and consistency at scale.

Josh breaks down the LayerX product lineup, with a detailed look at the Strake9, why it was designed the way it was, who it’s built for, and how it fits into today’s suppressor market. We also get into the weeds on manufacturing technology, machining processes, tolerances, and how advanced production methods directly impact performance, durability, and repeatability.

Beyond current products, the conversation turns toward the future of suppressor manufacturing. Josh shares his perspective on where the industry is headed, emerging trends in materials and design, and how consumer expectations are shaping the next generation of suppressors.

This episode is packed with insight for firearm enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone interested in suppressor technology, modern manufacturing, and the innovation driving the firearms industry forward.

In this episode of Whiskey & Windage, we’re joined by Steve Morgan from Primary Arms Optics for a deep dive into one of the most recognizable optics brands in the industry. We break down the full Primary Arms lineup, including the SLx, GLx, and PLx series, and discuss how each optic line is designed to meet the needs of different shooters, from entry-level enthusiasts to experienced professionals.

Steve explains what goes into optic design, including glass selection, reticle development, durability standards, and how Primary Arms approaches performance and value across red dots, prism optics, and magnified scopes. We also talk about how user feedback, real-world testing, and evolving shooting applications influence new product development.

To wrap things up, the conversation shifts toward the future of optics manufacturing, emerging technology, changing expectations from shooters, and where Steve believes modern rifle optics are headed next. Whether you’re researching your next optic or just want a behind-the-scenes look at how quality optics are made, this episode delivers insight, education, and industry perspective.

In this episode of Whiskey & Windage, we’re joined by Mark and Paul Foster of Fostech Inc. for a deep dive into firearms innovation, engineering, and what it takes to bring new ideas to market in today’s firearms industry.

Fostech has built a strong reputation for pushing boundaries through smart mechanical design and outside-the-box thinking. Mark and Paul share the story of how Fostech Inc. got its start, how their background in engineering and manufacturing shaped the company, and what it really takes to develop reliable firearms components from concept to production.

We talk about product development, testing, and the challenges of manufacturing in the United States, along with how Fostech approaches innovation in a crowded and competitive marketplace. The conversation also touches on industry trends, customer feedback, and how engineering-driven companies stay relevant as technology and consumer demands continue to evolve.

Whether you’re a firearms enthusiast, competitive shooter, industry professional, or someone interested in engineering and manufacturing, this episode offers an inside look at the people and processes behind Fostech Inc. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes discussion about innovation, problem solving, and building products that stand out in the firearms world.