We have all fallen victim to the belief that buying the newest, shiniest piece of equipment will instantly transform us into world-class competitive shooters. The reality is that the endorphin dump of purchasing a new firearm or optic rarely translates to better marksmanship on the range.

In GunsPodcast.US episode #334, Roy Huntington and I sit down to tackle the age-old gear trap and discuss exactly when equipment actually stops mattering. We break down the psychology of impulse buying, the manufacturer marketing strategies designed to upsell you, and how to find the sweet spot in mid-grade gear that truly enhances your capabilities without draining your wallet.

Key Takeaways

• Upgrading gear will not fix fundamental flaws in marksmanship.

• Follow the Wait a Month rule before making impulsive purchases.

• The mid-grade price point is usually the sweet spot for the vast majority of normal shooters.

• More gear often just equals less freedom in your life.

  Quote of the Show

  “”I mean, whoever has the most toys I think is an idiot and failed.” - Roy Huntington”

Audio Only: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music/Audible, Player FM or Boomplay

In the latest GunsPodcast.US episode #333, we cut through the mainstream media noise surrounding the recent security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Joined by my oldest friend and CEO of Gunsight Academy, Ken Campbell, we look at the reality of event security and why the system actually worked exactly as designed.

It is easy for commentators to claim a security failure from the comfort of a studio, but when you understand the mechanics of concentric rings of protection, the picture changes entirely. Ken and I break down how the inner, middle, and outer rings operate, and why the absence of fired shots by protective details was a calculated, professional decision to protect innocent bystanders.

Beyond the headlines, we also share some classic operational debriefs from our days as young cops guarding high-profile VIPs, ranging from former Presidents to Miss America. It is a candid, straight-talking episode that reminds us all why personal preparedness is paramount, because at the end of the day, you are your own first responder.

Key Takeaways

• Security worked as designed: The concept of outer, middle, and inner security rings successfully stopped the threat before it reached the VIPs.

• Tactical restraint: Agents withheld fire due to the risk of crossfire and lack of a safe backstop in a crowded ballroom.

• The importance of hot washes: After-action debriefs are critical to evaluating what went right and improving future responses.

• Personal preparedness: You are your own first responder, no matter how many federal agencies are in the building.

Listen on Libsyn: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/41082345

Welcome to the breakdown of the current GunsPodcast.US episode #332, where Roy Huntington and I tackle a topic that stirs up plenty of debate in the self-defense world: staging firearms in your home.

It is easy to stash a pistol in a desk drawer and feel like you have checked the preparedness box. But, as we have learned from decades of real-world law enforcement experience, simply having a gun nearby does not mean you will actually be able to access it when the front door gets kicked in. The reality is that under extreme stress, humans revert to ingrained muscle memory. If you have not physically practiced retrieving that hidden firearm, or if you keep moving it from the kitchen cabinet to the easy chair, you are setting yourself up for a fatal brain freeze.

We have seen seasoned cops fumble with new electronic shotgun locks because their bodies were not trained to hit the new button. If professionals struggle with split-second changes, imagine what happens when you are jolted awake at 3 AM.

In this episode, we break down the practicalities and the pitfalls of strategically placing defensive weapons. From under-desk magnets to the absolute worst places to hide a gun, we explore how to build a layered home defense strategy that relies on more than just hoping you remember a lockbox combination.

Key Takeaways

• Standardize your staging locations so muscle memory takes over under stress.

• Avoid storing firearms in couch cushions where they migrate and collect debris.

• Treat staged firearms as the final layer of a holistic home security plan.

• Consider carrying a pocket pistol at home as the ultimate immediate-access weapon.

Quote of the Show

“If you’re more than a second or two seconds away from your gun, you’re too far. - Roy Huntington”

Gear Featured in This Episode

Looking for the storage and safety solutions mentioned in the video? Check out the links below:

• Streamlight SpeedLocker – Secure, portable power-free storage.

https://Streamlight.com

• Skinner Garment Bag – The ultimate low-profile transport system.

https://SkinnersSights.com

• SOFhold Magnets – Magnetic mounting solutions for quick-access storage.

https://SOFhold.com

In episode #331 of the Guns Podcast US, Roy Huntington and I celebrate our recent first-place broadcast award from the Hoosier Outdoor Writers by doing what we do best: talking straight about practical firearms.

This week, we are diving deep into the fascinating world of snub-nose revolvers. From their hidden history as the true everyday carry guns of the Old West to their modern resurgence among shooters tired of polymer semi-autos, the snubby holds a unique place in self-defense. We explore why this classic pocket gun is often the most reliable tool you can carry, proving that having a five-shot revolver in your pocket beats a custom 1911 sitting back at home on your nightstand.

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Listen on Libsyn: https://sites.libsyn.com/223715/331-snub-nose-revolvers-small-guns-serious-self-defense-power

If you’ve been around the shooting world long enough, you probably internalized a universal “truth”: if you want real accuracy out of a .22 LR, you buy a bolt-action. For decades, semi-autos like the classic 10/22 or the Marlin Model 60 were fun, affordable, and incredibly reliable, but they were fundamentally “minute-of-barn-door” rifles. In GunsPodcast.US Episode #330, my co-host Roy Huntington admits he was one of those guys—until a brand new factory rifle completely shattered his preconceived notions and proved that the old rules no longer apply. Roy has spent decades chasing precision, dropping thousands of dollars on custom barrels, match triggers, and aftermarket stocks just to squeeze bolt-gun accuracy out of a semi-automatic platform. But in this episode, we dive into his hands-on experience with the new Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber.

Weighing in at a feathery four pounds and sporting a $650 MSRP, this out-of-the-box rifle didn’t just meet his expectations; it delivered ragged one-hole groups at 50 yards, equaling many of his custom builds. More than just a review of a neat new gun, Episode #330 is a fascinating look at the “Golden Age” of firearms manufacturing.

We discuss how modern CNC and EDM machining have completely revolutionized the industry, replacing the charming but inconsistent file-and-fit methods of the past with unparalleled, reproducible precision. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in—this is a masterclass on why today’s factory guns are the best we’ve ever seen.

Key Takeaways

• The Semi-Auto Myth is Dead: The new Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber delivers out-of-the-box precision that rivals, and often beats, high-end vintage bolt-action rifles.

• Custom Precision at a Factory Price: Building a comparable custom 10/22 used to cost between $1,500 and $2,000; today, modern factory rifles offer the same turnkey performance for a fraction of the cost.

• The Golden Age of Manufacturing: The shift from conventional machining to advanced CNC technology means perfect, identical parts every single time, drastically improving quality control and lowering costs for the end consumer.

Listen on Libsyn: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/40796340

The floor of forest had been transformed into a flower garden of sublime beauty, complete with a miniature menagerie of critters scurrying around among the duff. I then realized that it had been a long time since I actually stopped and looked at the micro-scenery.

The day was a perfect example of type of weather that makes even grumpy old men kinder, with a brilliant electric blue sky occasionally punctuated by cotton-puff clouds. The temperature was also perfect—just cool enough to make sitting in a sunny spot on a hillside seem like a warm bath. After our dank Hoosier winter, the sun seemed to actually soak into my bones.

Strolling along the creek, I saw trout lilies poking their mottled leaves through the dried debris of the previous generation. A single overachieving plant had hoisted its inverted yellow flower above the masses of its brethren on a stalk resembling a shepherd crook. The tiny, succulent heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger stood nearby like a crowd of bystanders watching the flower show.

Farther along, bluebells were just getting started, lifting themselves from the ground like a slow-motion fireworks show. Spring beauties dotted the forest floor, scattered like stubborn remnants of snow that refused to acknowledge the change in season.

Next to a fallen tree, a lone Dutchman’s breeches plant displayed its strange little flowers—tiny pairs of pants hanging upside down on an invisible clothesline. The pale green, lacy leaves looked like they belonged in a carefully arranged flower display, not dropped casually along a trail.

Many younger trees had already leafed out, eager and optimistic. The older ones stood back, cautious, having learned a thing or two about late frosts and false starts. The wind had softened, losing its bite, though the creek remained indifferent, continuing its yearly work of carving new ground and back-filling its previous work.

On a whim, I decided to plop onto the ground and take stock of the smaller residents of the area.

At some point, I gave up walking altogether and sat down to see what was happening at ground level. Beetles and ants conducted small, serious wars over scraps of organic debris. A stink bug decided my forearm was a fine viewing platform. It was gently evicted. A tiny yellow spider, however, made a poor real estate decision and paid the price. Nature extends only so much grace.

Early spring might be the best deal going. Enough life to make things interesting, not enough to require chemical warfare in the form of bug spray. My biggest problem that day was finding the perfect spot to sit and absorb it all.

As I walked back to our host’s log cabin, their old dog was sprawled on the wooden porch swing waiting for a handout and a scratch behind the ears. Sometimes a dog’s life doesn’t seem too bad. I almost wondered if I had accidentally wandered into one of those idyllic backlit beer commercials.

If this all sounds like aimless rambling, I’ll plead guilty. However, I’ve finally learned such aimless minutes—wandering, lingering, refusing to be productive—aren’t wasted. They add up to make your life longer. In fact, I’m counting on it.

At this rate, I figure I’ve got a real shot at reaching 150.

Photos by author

With the world feeling increasingly chaotic and federal threat alerts bombarding us daily, it is easy to become desensitized or fall into paranoia. In GunsPodcast.US episode #329, Roy Huntington and I cut through the noise to discuss what geopolitical tensions actually mean for everyday citizens. We draw on our decades of law enforcement experience to explain why, when seconds count, police are minutes away, making you your own first responder. Instead of living in fear, we share practical, real-world strategies to stay aware. By introducing a simple mental rehearsal tool called the ‘What If’ game, we break down how to overcome the deadly ‘freeze’ response, ensuring you and your loved ones are prepared to take action when it matters most.

Key Takeaways

• Federal threat alerts often lead to fearmongering and desensitization; focus on actionable preparedness instead.

• In the face of unexpected violence, most people don’t fight or flee, they freeze. Mental rehearsal is the key to breaking that freeze.

• Playing the ‘What If’ game during your daily routine helps pre-program your brain with an escape or defense plan.

• Do not let social politeness stop you from acting on your situational awareness or leaving a suspicious area.

• If you carry a firearm, ensure it is a functional tool you train with regularly, not a forgotten ‘dust buffalo’ sitting in a drawer.

Quote of the Show

“If you see a guy fiddling with wires and batteries and something that looks like a road flare under his jacket. Don’t wait to see what happens. That’s time to leave.”

If you have been around the shooting sports for any length of time, you already know the painful truth: we all make the exact same mistakes when we first get started. Whether it is buying a mountain of gear we do not need, over-cleaning our firearms until they literally break, or thinking a fancy new pistol will magically fix our terrible trigger pull, the journey of a shooter is paved with empty wallets and misplaced confidence.

In this episode, Roy Huntington and I sit down to unpack the five (or more) things we wish we knew before we ever pulled a trigger. We dive deep into the beginner mindset, laughing at our own past blunders while offering real-world, practical advice for the newest generation of gun owners. From the myth of ‘just one more accessory’ to the reality that ammunition disappears faster than snacks at a party, this is a must-listen for both rookies looking for a roadmap and veterans wanting a good chuckle at our shared history. Episode Link in the Comments.

Key Takeaways

• The Gear Trap: You will never be just one accessory away from perfection. Focus on basic fundamentals instead of buying another range bag.

• Technology Cannot Fix Technique: A cool-looking, CNC-machined pistol will not make you a better marksman. Start with a standard .22 and learn the ropes.

• The Over-Cleaning Myth: You do not need to detail-strip your firearm to the last pin after every trip. Keep it well-lubricated, wipe it down, and go shoot.

• Beware the Social Media Expert: Going to the range three times does not make you a tactical guru. Stay humble and keep learning.

• You Are Now an Ambassador: Buying a gun means you will inevitably have to explain your choice to non-gun friends. Be prepared to represent the community well.

Listen here: Podcast #328

There’s a new kind of censorship happening—and most people won’t notice it until it’s already done its job. I stumbled into it by accident.

The Guns Podcast US Facebook page was flagged as “Not being recommended.” At first glance, that doesn’t sound like much. No violations. No strikes. No threats of removal. In fact, according to Facebook, the page fully complies with “community standards.”

So what’s the problem? Turns out it doesn’t meet their “recommendation guidelines.”

Let me translate this into plain English: You’re allowed to exist—but you’re not allowed to grow.

For a new page, that’s a death sentence. If Facebook won’t recommend your content, it won’t reach new people. And if it doesn’t reach new people, the page is effectively buried before it ever has a chance.

At first, I assumed it was a fluke. Maybe something triggered the algorithm. Maybe it would resolve itself. It didn’t, so I started digging—and what I found should concern anyone in the firearms community.

This is happening more and more. Firearms-related pages aren’t being banned outright or publicly punished. They’re simply being…sidelined. Disappeared. All of it quietly. Systematically. Without explanation. No warning. No transparency. No appeal that actually leads anywhere.

Just like the stories I heard from Czech citizens about what happened under communist rule when somebody upset the local Politburo chief. White vans pulled up at midnight and suddenly that person, and their family, didn’t exist anymore.

The Worm Turns

This week, things escalated. The GUNS Magazine Facebook page—an established brand with thousands of followers and strong engagement—was hit with the exact same label: “Not being recommended.”

It’s becoming apparently this isn’t just about new creators or small pages anymore. It is happening to legacy brands with built-in audiences. Pages that have followed the rules. Pages that are the shooting community online. Just like that, their reach is cut off. No announcement. No policy update. No public statement. Just a quiet flip of a switch.

This Isn’t Moderation—It’s Suppression

If Facebook came out tomorrow and said, “We’re banning all gun-related content,” there would be backlash. Headlines. Political pressure. Public debate, so they’re not doing that.

They’re doing something far more effective: they’re letting gun content stay visible—just not discoverable.

This distinction is important because it allows Facebook to say, “We’re not censoring anyone,” while ensuring that new users never organically encounter pro-firearm content in the first place. No recommendations. No algorithmic lift. No growth.

Over time, that doesn’t just limit voices, it erases them.

Facing Reality

Here’s the hard truth: there is no real workaround.

If you run a firearms page, you can’t just “adjust your content” to comply. The content is the point. Removing firearms from a firearms brand isn’t adaptation—it’s surrender. And, while there are alternative platforms, none of them come close to the reach of YouTube or Facebook. Therein lies the trap: Big Tech doesn’t have to ban you when they control discovery. They just have to make sure no one new ever finds you.

Call It What It Is

This isn’t an accident, it’s not a glitch and it’s certainly not “Content neutral.”

It’s a quiet, calculated shift that disproportionately affects one community—without ever having to say so out loud, which is exactly why it works.

Because by the time most people realize what’s happening, it’s already too late to stop it.

If you know the name Ruger, you probably think of William B. Ruger—the engineer, the innovator, the driving force behind one of America’s most recognizable firearms companies.

But Ruger didn’t do it alone.

My latest piece for Guns Magazine takes a closer look at the man most people overlook: Alexander McCormick Sturm.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://gunsmagazine.com/our-experts/guns-insider/other-guy-at-ruger-alexander-sturm/

More Than Just “The Money Guy”

It’s easy to reduce Sturm to a footnote—the wealthy backer who made Ruger’s vision possible. And yes, he did put up the original capital that launched the company in 1949.

But that’s not the whole story.

Sturm wasn’t an engineer. He was something rarer in the gun world: an artist, writer, and brand builder. He designed the iconic eagle logo that still defines Ruger today and helped shape the company’s identity from day one.

That matters more than people think.

Because companies don’t just succeed on engineering—they succeed on vision, presentation, and belief.

A Short Life, A Lasting Impact

Sturm’s story is also a reminder of how fragile success can be.

He died in 1951 at just 28 years old, just as the company was beginning to take off.

And yet, his fingerprints are still all over Ruger—from the branding to the early messaging to the partnership that made it all possible.

Even the company name itself ensures he’s never completely forgotten.

Why I Wrote This

I wrote this article because too many stories in the firearms world get simplified down to a single “hero.”

Real history doesn’t work that way.

Behind almost every success story is a second figure—the one who believed in the idea early, funded it, shaped it, or made it real in ways that don’t show up in product specs.

Sturm is one of those figures.

Takeaway

If you’re building something—whether it’s a company, a podcast, or a personal brand—this story should hit home:

• You don’t have to be the technical expert

• You don’t have to be the loudest voice

• But you do have to bring something essential to the table

Sturm did exactly that.

And Ruger wouldn’t exist without him.

If you give it a read, I’d appreciate your thoughts.

Welcome to a wild week in the shooting industry. In GunsPodcast.US episode #327, Roy Huntington and I tackle something we rarely see: a full-blown domestic disturbance between two legacy firearms manufacturers.

Beretta, the 500-year-old Italian titan, has quietly amassed a majority share in Ruger and launched a proxy war to force a hostile takeover. This isn’t your standard boardroom acquisition; it’s a very public mudslinging match that has the entire American gun market reeling.

What makes this so compelling isn’t just the financial maneuvering, but the massive clash of corporate cultures. We break down the European ‘take it or leave it’ design philosophy versus the American model of deeply understanding the Second Amendment consumer. Bill Ruger built his company by listening to shooters, and as Roy points out, if Beretta tries to force their European mindset onto the Ruger brand, they are going to lose the American market entirely.

Grab your popcorn, because this fight is just getting started, and the ripple effects will be felt by every shooter in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Beretta has initiated a hostile takeover of Ruger by quietly becoming the largest single shareholder to force a proxy war.

• The aggressive, public mudslinging via press releases is completely unprecedented in the highly collaborative American firearms industry.

• There is a fundamental disconnect between European gun manufacturing culture, which historically dictates features to consumers, and the American market, which demands innovation based on real-world shooting needs.

• If Beretta succeeds and alters Ruger’s core design philosophy, competing American companies are poised to immediately fill the void and capture Ruger’s displaced customer base.

Every now and then, something happens in the firearms industry that makes you stop and say, “Wait… we don’t do that here.”

That’s exactly what’s unfolding right now between Beretta and Ruger.

I recently wrote a deeper dive into this unfolding situation for Guns Magazine, breaking down what’s happening between Beretta and Ruger—and why it matters beyond the headlines.

If you haven’t been following it closely, here’s the short version: Beretta quietly built a significant stake in Ruger—enough to get attention—and then started pushing for influence. Ruger didn’t take it lightly. What might have stayed behind closed doors in most industries has instead spilled out into public view, complete with accusations, press releases, and the early signs of a proxy fight.

That alone is unusual. The gun industry has long operated more like a fraternity than a battlefield—competitive, sure, but rarely openly hostile. Disagreements tend to stay private. Companies don’t typically air grievances in public, and they definitely don’t posture like this.

So why now?

Because the ground is shifting.

Ruger, like much of the industry, is coming off the high of pandemic-era demand and facing a much tougher market. Sales have cooled. Growth isn’t guaranteed. And when that happens, investors—and competitors—start asking harder questions.

Beretta sees opportunity in that. Whether you view their move as strategic, opportunistic, or outright aggressive probably depends on where you sit. But one thing is clear: this isn’t a passive investment. It’s an attempt to shape the future of a competitor.

And that’s the bigger story.

This isn’t just about Beretta vs. Ruger. It’s about what happens when an industry that’s traditionally insular starts behaving like every other modern corporate sector—where shareholder activism, consolidation, and power plays are part of the landscape.

If this continues—and I think it will—you can expect more of it:

• More scrutiny of leadership and performance

• More outside pressure from investors

• And fewer of the old, unwritten rules about keeping things “in the family”

That’s a fundamental shift.

The firearms industry has always been a little different. Slower to change. More relationship-driven. Less willing to air internal conflict.

This situation suggests those days may be ending.

And if that’s true, what we’re watching right now isn’t just a dispute.

It’s a preview.

If you want the full breakdown of what’s happening—and why it matters beyond the headlines—you can read my original piece here:
https://gunsmagazine.com/our-experts/guns-insider/beretta-battles-ruger/

Welcome back to the Fudd Kingdom, folks. In GunsPodcast.US episode #326, Roy Huntington and I are taking a hard look at the timeless firearms that simply refuse to fade into obscurity. We constantly see new gun designs hit the market with massive hype, only to quietly disappear a few years later. Yet, somehow, century-old designs like the 1911, the Mauser 98, and the classic lever-action rifle remain staples in safes and holsters across the country.

Why do these older guns stick around? It comes down to a mix of undeniable reliability, raw simplicity, and the sheer heritage behind them. A brand new polymer wonder-nine might run like a sewing machine, but it rarely gives you the same continuous loop of memories and feelings that a genuine World War II veteran 1911 does. In this episode, we break down our list of the greatest timeless guns, debate the merits of tools versus heirlooms, and share a few classic patrol car stories from our days in uniform. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in. Episode Link below.

Key Takeaways

• The Tool vs. Heirloom Debate: Why GLOCKS are like Harbor Freight wrenches, while 1911s evoke deep historical confidence.

• The Lever-Gun Resurgence: Why the Winchester 94 remains an incredibly viable and unassuming option for self-defense and truck use.

• The Shotgun’s Staying Power: How the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 continue to hold the line as the ultimate close-range problem solvers.

• America’s Best Next Gun: Why the Ruger 10/22 remains the undisputed champion of rimfire training and adult tinkering.

Quote of the Show

“Personally, I look at a Glock as I look at a 10mm Harbor Freight wrench. There’s nothing really special about it, but it certainly does the job.”

Suddenly, one stopped me cold: it was for “electromagnetic blocking hunting clothes.”

Naturally, I clicked.

Dubious Concept

I’m not going to name the company because—spoiler alert—I think the whole concept is pure snake oil and I’d rather not spend the rest of my life answering emails from lawyers. But if the ad showed up in my feed, there’s a decent chance you’ve seen it too.

The premise goes something like this: the human body emits tiny electromagnetic signals. According to the ad copy, big game animals are sensitive to those emissions. Therefore, if you wear their proprietary garments—made with some sort of mysterious techno-fibers that supposedly block your electromagnetic “signature”—animals won’t detect you.

The implication is that deer, elk, and whatever else you’re chasing will stroll right up and practically feed out of your hand, or something like that.

Now let’s slow down for a moment and consider a few inconvenient facts.

First, yes—the human body does emit extremely small electrical signals. But they’re incredibly minute. In most cases they can only be measured with laboratory equipment that’s physically attached to your body.

We’re talking about signals so weak they require medical instruments.

Second, there are animals that can detect electrical fields. Sharks, for example, famously use specialized organs called the ampullae of Lorenzini to sense the tiny electrical impulses produced by prey animals.

But sharks live in saltwater, which is a fantastic conductor of electricity.

Whitetail deer do not.

Missing Evidence

I’ve searched around and found no credible scientific literature suggesting that mammals—particularly terrestrial ones—are detecting human bioelectric emissions while walking around in the woods.

Which brings us to the practical test: real life.

Because if deer could sense your electrical aura from across the woods, I can think of at least one morning where they should have vacated to the next county over.

Years ago I was sitting at the base of a tree in the dark waiting for turkeys to wake up. It was one of those quiet, still spring mornings where the woods haven’t quite decided whether they’re ready to start the day.

I wasn’t scent-controlled. Not even a little because turkey hunters generally aren’t nearly as obsessive about scent as deer hunters, and I had likely been drinking coffee, sweating on the hike in, and generally smelling like a human being.

Then I heard footsteps. Two does walked in and started feeding. They kept getting closer.

And closer.

Eventually they were within five feet of me.

Five feet.

I could hear them breathing.

At that point I’ll admit I became a little nervous—not because I thought they’d detect my electromagnetic signature, but because two sets of sharp deer hooves could absolutely rearrange my otherwise flawless profile if they spooked.

Fortunately, they fed around me for a bit and eventually wandered off. No panic. No alarm snorts. No reaction whatsoever.

If deer can detect human electrical emissions, those two clearly skipped that day in deer school.

Stand Still, Laddie

In forty years of big-game hunting, I’ve learned a few things about why animals spook. Number one, by a wide margin, is movement.

Humans are terrible at staying still. Modern humans might be even worse. Between fidgeting, checking phones, shifting positions, and generally being uncomfortable, we move far more than we realize.

Animals notice that.

The second big factor is scent. If the wind betrays you, the game is over long before you ever see the animal.

But if you remain completely stock-still and the wind is in your favor, an amazing thing happens.

Animals just do their thing.

They walk past you.

They feed nearby.

Sometimes they get uncomfortably close.

None of that requires special electromagnetic underwear, which brings me back to the Facebook ad.

Hunting companies have been inventing clever ways to separate hunters from their money for a long time. Some innovations are legitimate. Some are incremental improvements. Some are mostly marketing. And, occasionally, something comes along that makes you pause and think, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Electromagnetic-blocking hunting clothes fall squarely into that last category.

If you want to improve your odds in the woods, here’s a radical suggestion:

Sit still.
Watch the wind.
Pay attention.

Those three things will do far more for your hunting success than any space-age fabric ever will—and they’re still free.

In our latest GunsPodcast.US episode #325, nature forced a digital detox on Roy Huntington when a lightning strike took out his internet tower. This lead us into a deep dive on how the shooting world has shifted from analog patience to digital instant gratification. We explore a time when information came from the “old guy” at the gun counter, worn-out copies of GUNS Magazine, and dog-eared pages of a Brownells catalog. While we aren’t Luddites, we argue that the modern flood of information—where everything is labeled “game-changing”—has created a paralysis by analysis that actually hinders new shooters. Episode Link in the Comments

Key Takeaways

• The Value of Scarcity: We discuss how waiting 6 weeks for a mail-order part built character and appreciation, contrasting it with the hollow feeling of Amazon same-day delivery.

• Information Overload: With thousands of ads and opinions daily, shooters are overwhelmed. We look at why limiting your inputs might actually improve your experience.

• Savoring vs. Dumping: A look at the cultural shift from making every round count (savoring the shoot) to the modern trend of mag-dumping simply to burn cash.

Quote of the Show

“I go out on my back patio here and I’ll shoot a couple of cylinder fulls... and I savor it. It’s like a good wine. You don’t gulp a good wine down.”

My wife and I were walking along a creek the other evening on an unseasonably warm day when we stumbled into a pile of opportunity.

Scattered along the bank were the holy grail of creekside treasure: round, palm-sized, thin, smooth rocks — the kind that practically beg to be thrown. I’ve been skipping rocks for nigh on 50 years and don’t remember who taught me. Maybe no one did. Maybe this is one of those ancient skills baked into boyhood DNA.

But there we were, married adults, and I learned a deep, dark secret from my wife: she had never been taught how to skip a rock.

It never occurred to me that people need rock-skipping lessons.

Apparently, they do.

And so began a formal, creekside seminar in the physics and art of stone.

Step One: Rock Selection (Half the Battle)

Not all rocks are created equal.

You’re looking for:

• Palm-sized or smaller

• Rounded edges

• Thin and flat

• Smooth

Beginners often think bigger is better. It’s not, but smaller and thinner present problems too—are actually harder to throw consistently. Start with something that fills your palm but doesn’t weigh like a brick.

Of course, any male who has participated in this activity under the age of 15 has tried to skip dinner-plate (and larger) sized rocks, with varying results.

The flatter the rock, the better. You’re trying to create lift off the water’s surface. If it’s lumpy, thick, or shaped like a potato, it’s going to nose-dive like a bad investment.

Choose wisely. The rock matters.

Step Two: The Throw

You’ve got two main delivery systems:

• Outside arm (traditional sidearm throw)

• Inside arm (more like throwing a frisbee across your body)

I use outside arm like the majority of folks. It’s more controllable in my book. The motion is smooth, low, and level, almost like you’re skimming something under a fence. My wife made attempts with inside arm technique but quickly realized why outside arm generally works better.

Regardless, the key is angle. The rock’s face must be nearly parallel to the water’s surface at impact. Not vertical. Not steep. Nearly flat. Fifteen to twenty degrees is your window.

If the rock dives:

• It wasn’t flat enough.

• Or your angle was too steep.

The water — which is non-compressible — resists the rock on impact. That resistance creates lift. The rock bounces. It climbs back into the air. Repeat the process fast enough, and you’ve got a string of skips.

But here’s what people miss:

You must throw it with conviction. A timid toss makes a polite splash while a firm, snapping throw makes contact hard enough to force the rock back into the air. You don’t throw with violence, but you need commitment!

Step Three: Practice (and Humility)

Seven skips is respectable. Ten or more? Now you’re doing something.

But here’s the truth after a five decade career:

Not every rock will work.
Not every throw will work.
Sometimes a perfect rock with a perfect throw just goes plunk.

And that’s part of it.

You don’t get to control everything. You just control your form, your angle, and your effort.

Why This Matters (It’s Not About the Rocks)

We must have thrown a couple dozen rocks that evening. Some went three skips. A few went five. I had one beauty go past ten. My wife had a breakthrough moment when one finally bounced twice instead of once.

You would have thought she’d won Wimbledon.

That’s the magic of it.

Rock skipping is one of those useless skills that turns out not to be useless at all.

It teaches:

• Attention to detail

• Physics in motion

• Patience

• Repetition without boredom

• Acceptance of failure

• Joy in small wins

And maybe most importantly, it’s addictive.

Once you feel that first clean skip — the sharp tick off the water, the brief lift, the second bounce — you want another. Then another. Then you start hunting better rocks. Then you start adjusting angle and wrist snap like you’re tuning a rifle.

Next thing you know, you’re 50 years into a hobby that costs nothing and never gets old.

That evening, standing by the creek with my wife, I realized something simple: Mastery doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just you, a flat rock, and a thin margin between plunk and perfection.

And when you finally send one dancing across the surface, it feels like you’ve bent physics just enough to make the world smile back at you.

If you’ve never tried it — or haven’t in decades — find a creek. Pick up a stone. Commit to the throw.

And don’t stop until you see that first clean skip. You’ll be hooked.

In the latest GunsPodcast.US episode #324, Roy Huntington and I take aim at one of the most pervasive and dangerous phrases on internet gun forums: ‘Just drill and tap it.’ It sounds so simple—grab a hand drill, buy a cheap tap set, and go to work on your slide or receiver. However, as Roy explains with the precision of a master machinist, the chasm between a garage hobbyist and a professional outcome is filled with broken taps, off-center holes, and ruined heirlooms.

We also dive deep into the economics of the trade, asking why shooters will happily pay a mechanic $150 an hour to fix a car but balk at paying a skilled gunsmith $65 an hour to ensure a firearm is safe and reliable. We explore the reality of the ‘hundred-dollar action job’ and why true craftsmanship requires time, specialized jigs, and an understanding of geometry that you simply cannot get from a drop-in spring kit.

Finally, we share some horror stories, including a Python that was nearly turned into a hand grenade by an amateur with a file. If you have ever wondered why the waiting list for top-tier smiths is measured in years, or why ‘good enough’ isn’t actually good enough when it comes to trigger work, this episode is your reality check. Episode Link in the Comments

Key Takeaways

• Drilling and tapping requires precise tramming, leveling, and expensive carbide tooling, not just a hand drill.

• A spring kit is not an action job; true tuning requires polishing, timing, and checking bearing surfaces.

• Expect to pay professional rates for professional work—gunsmiths are often underpaid compared to auto mechanics.

• Safety checks during professional cleaning can save you from catastrophic failures caused by DIY tampering.

Quote of the Show

“It’s like if you own a Ferrari, do you try to adjust the valves? No, you would take it to a Ferrari dealer.”

The COAST RL35R starts there—but adds something unexpected. You can control it with your voice.

At first that sounds like a novelty. Then you try using a light while both hands are busy, you’re wearing gloves, or you’re wedged into a place where reaching a switch is the last thing you want to do. That’s when the feature starts making real sense.

Beyond the voice control, this is still a serious tool:

• Up to 1,100 lumens with spot, flood, and area lighting

• Multiple color LEDs for preserving night vision

• Rear battery pack for balanced, all-day wear

• Rechargeable with backup battery options for the field

• Built to handle work, not just camping trips

In other words, it’s a capable headlamp first—with a little extra functionality that can make life easier when things get complicated.

I put it through its paces and broke down where it shines (and who will actually benefit from the tech).

👉 Read the full review here:
https://gunsmagazine.com/gear/coast-rl35r-headlamp-review/

From the latest episode of the Guns Pocast.US- We spend a ridiculous amount of time and money obsessing over the peripherals of shooting. We buy the newest grips, we watch videos on the perfect tactical stance, and we agonize over sight pictures. But in a recent conversation with Roy Huntington, we stripped all that away to look at the harsh reality of marksmanship. If you can't manage the trigger, none of the rest matters. Roy, with his decades of experience as a police firearms instructor, didn't mince words. He argues that you can have a stance that looks like a train wreck and a sight picture that is barely acceptable, but if you have a 'marvelous trigger press,' you are still going to make the hit. It is the great equalizer in shooting mechanics. Conversely, you can look like the perfect operator on the range—feet planted, grip crushed, sights aligned—but a jerk of the trigger throws all that preparation into the dirt. In this episode, we discuss why trigger control isn't just a fundamental; it is the fundamental that defines success or failure.

Link to Episode:

If you can do a good trigger pull, you can shoot just about anything. If you can’t, you will always shoot awful. It sounds simple, but as Roy Huntington and I discussed in this episode, the trigger press is the singular point of failure for the vast majority of shooters. We’ve all seen it: the guy at the range with the expensive custom Glock and the $500 optic who is still hitting low and left.

We break down the hard truth that non-trained people think the trigger is insignificant compared to ‘tacticool’ movement, while professionals realize it is the entire game. Whether you are running a snub-nose revolver or a high-end rifle, the mechanics remain the same. Roy shares a story about teaching a young shooter that perfectly illustrates why your stance and sight picture don’t matter if you jerk the trigger at the last second.

In this episode, we strip away the marketing hype and the ‘mall ninja’ fantasies to get back to the absolute basics. We cover the physical mechanics of the press, mental discipline, and why slowing down is the only way to eventually get fast.

Key Takeaways

• The ‘Back to the Target’ Drill: Roy proves that perfect sight picture is secondary to a perfect trigger press by hitting a target while someone else aims the gun for him.

• The ‘Small Bird’ Grip: Hold the gun tight enough that the bird can’t fly away, but loose enough that you don’t crush it. Isolate the trigger finger from the gripping hand.

• The Laser Macarena: Use a cheap rail-mounted laser to diagnose your flinch. If the dot dances like it’s doing the Macarena when the sear breaks, you have work to do.

• Slow Down, Speed Racer: You cannot buy a piano and immediately play Tchaikovsky. Stop trying to mag-dump before you can shoot one accurate round.

Watch the episode: