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.

block here

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

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

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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:

There are topics in the shooting world that spark polite conversation — and then there are topics that make people shift in their chairs. Our latest episode of Guns Podcast U.S. falls squarely into the second category.

Roy Huntington and I sat down to discuss something many gun owners quietly assume they have figured out: “I’m safe at home.” That belief is comforting. It is also, in many cases, dangerously optimistic.

The conversation was prompted by the recent kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, a crime that shattered the long-held illusion that danger politely waits outside your front door. If anything, criminals often prefer the opposite — they count on the moment you relax.

Let me be clear about something upfront: this episode is not about paranoia. It’s about preparedness.

Too many people treat the home like a childhood game of King’s X — the base where nothing bad can happen. But a firearm locked away in another room is little more than an expensive paperweight when seconds matter. Crimes of opportunity unfold with startling speed, and the distance between you and your defensive tool suddenly becomes very important.

Roy brought a practical perspective to the discussion by walking through his own home-defense strategy. What stood out wasn’t a fixation on hardware — it was the emphasis on layers.

Good lighting. Cameras. Reinforced locks. Even thorny landscaping.

Security is rarely about one dramatic solution. It is about forcing a criminal to reconsider your house and move on to an easier target.

One part of our conversation that I suspect will resonate with listeners is the modern tactic of criminals posing as delivery drivers. We live in an era where packages arrive daily and doorbells ring without warning. That familiarity can breed dangerous reflexes.

Opening the door to a stranger is no longer a harmless social norm — it is a decision that deserves more thought than most of us give it.

We also spent time discussing the bedside gun — a staple of American self-defense culture — but with a dose of physiological reality. When you wake from deep sleep, you are not instantly alert, coordinated, or tactically brilliant. You are groggy. Disoriented. Potentially clumsy.

Any serious plan must account for that human factor.

One of the more practical ideas to emerge from the episode was the concept of a “tactical bedside pouch.” Nothing fancy — just intentional. A flashlight, a knife, perhaps a tourniquet. Tools that support decision-making instead of forcing you to improvise in the worst possible moment.

Add motion-sensor nightlights and suddenly you have an early-warning system that costs less than a dinner out.

Preparedness does not have to be expensive. It does, however, require thought.

If there is a single theme running through this episode, it is this: security is a mindset, not a purchase. Whether you live on acreage miles from town or in a tightly packed subdivision, the responsibility is the same.

Your home is worth defending — but more importantly, the people inside it are worth planning for.

Comfort is not a strategy.

Give the episode a listen, and as always, I’d like to hear where you land on this question:

Do you carry at home, or do you believe the threshold of your front door changes the rules?

The Training Myth: Why Your “Military Background” Might Not Be Enough

We’ve all heard it before: “I grew up hunting,” or “I was in the service twenty years ago.” While those experiences are valuable, Brent and Roy deliver a dose of “tough love” in this episode: Shooting is a perishable skill. If you aren’t training to a consistent tactical standard, your skills aren’t just stagnant—they’re fading. But how do you find the right training without falling into the “tacticool” ego trap?

1. Breaking Down the Three Tiers

Not all training is created equal. The hosts break the landscape into three distinct levels:

• The Local Instructor: Great for CCW basics and safety, but quality can vary wildly.

• The Itinerant Trainer: These are the “traveling roadshows”—experts who bring high-level curriculum to local ranges.

• The Academies: Prestigious institutions like Gunsite or Thunder Ranch. These are the “Ivy League” of shooting, offering immersive, multi-day experiences.

2. The “Seal Team” Fallacy

One of the most important takeaways from the episode is how to vet an instructor. A common mistake is assuming that a “Tier 1” operator (like a Navy SEAL or Delta operator) is automatically a great teacher for a civilian.

Brent and Roy argue that doing and teaching are different skills. You don’t need a combat veteran to teach you how to win a gunfight in a grocery store parking lot; you need a teacher who understands civilian legalities, human psychology under stress, and how to communicate complex mechanics simply.

3. Spotting the “Elite Club” Red Flags

How do you know if a trainer is more interested in your money (or their own ego) than your skills? Look for these warning signs:

• The Ego Trap: If the instructor spends more time talking about their “stats” than watching your grip, move on.

• Gear Shaming: Training should be about software (your brain and body), not just hardware. If a class requires $5,000 in custom gear just to participate, it’s a club, not a classroom.

• Unsafe “Cool” Factors: If they prioritize “high-speed” drills over fundamental safety, they aren’t professionals—they’re performers.

The Bottom Line

Your 10-year-old CCW qualification doesn’t count today. Whether you’re a brand-new owner or a seasoned carrier, the goal is to find a reputable, safe, and humble teacher who helps you build a “roadmap” for self-defense. Training isn’t a status symbol; it’s a responsibility.

Are you ready to level up? Listen to the full discussion on the GUNS Magazine Podcast here.

In the latest GUNS Magazine Podcast (#320), Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington trade their typical deep-dives for a rapid-fire debrief of SHOT Show 2026. If you weren’t in Las Vegas, here is the “no-nonsense” summary of what actually happened.

SHOT Show 2026: Stabbings, Budget Cans, and the “Chinese Invasion”

The dust has settled on SHOT Show 2026, and while the marketing teams want you to focus on shiny new finishes, Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington are looking at the seismic shifts beneath the surface.

From security scares to market-disrupting technology, here are the three stories that defined the week.

1. Debunking the “Stabbing” Rumors

The biggest headline coming out of the show wasn’t a gun—it was a security incident. Rumors of a stabbing on the show floor flew through social media like wildfire. Brent clears the air: while there was an incident involving a knife, it wasn’t a targeted attack or a failure of the show’s culture. It was an isolated, bizarre moment that served as a reminder of just how high tensions (and crowds) can get when 50,000 people are packed into one convention center.

2. The Era of the Budget Suppressor

For years, suppressors were high-end, “buy-once-cry-once” investments. In 2026, that wall has crumbled. The show floor was dominated by a surge of high-quality, budget-friendly “cans.”

As wait times for NFA paperwork continue to drop, manufacturers are pivotng toward the mass market. We are officially entering an era where a suppressor is no longer a luxury accessory, but a standard piece of equipment for the average shooter.

3. The “Chinese Invasion” of Optics

The most controversial trend of the year? The overwhelming presence of high-end Chinese optics. While “Made in China” used to mean “cheap glass,” the 2026 show proved that the quality gap is closing at a terrifying pace.

Brent and Roy discuss the industry’s struggle: how do American manufacturers compete with glass that offers 90% of the performance at 40% of the price? It’s a tension that is forcing domestic brands to innovate faster than ever—or risk being priced out of the mid-tier market.

The Verdict

SHOT Show 2026 felt different. It was less about “revolutionary” new firearm platforms and more about the accessories—optics and suppressors—that are changing how we shoot. The industry is getting leaner, more competitive, and a lot more accessible for the everyday enthusiast.

Get the full story: Listen to episode #320 of the GUNS Magazine Podcast here.

Slow Down, Speed Racer: Why Your First .22 Shouldn’t Be a Semi-Auto

There is a universal “Rite of Passage” in the firearms world: buying that first .22 rifle. Whether it’s for a child, a spouse, or yourself as a new hobbyist, the impulse is almost always the same—go out and buy a Ruger 10/22.

It’s an American icon. It’s reliable. It’s fun. But according to Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington in the latest GUNS Magazine Podcast (#319), it might actually be the worst choice for a beginner.

Here is why the “old school” approach of starting with a bolt-action or single-shot rifle is making a comeback among serious instructors.

The Problem with “Turning Money into Noise”

The primary pitfall of a semi-automatic rifle for a novice is the “magazine dump.” When you have 10 or 25 rounds available as fast as you can twitch your finger, the focus shifts from marksmanship to mechanics.

As Brent and Roy discuss, new shooters often get caught up in the excitement of the cycle, leading to “Speed Racer” syndrome. They aren’t learning the “Zen” of the trigger squeeze or the discipline of a proper sight picture because the next round is already waiting.

Why the Bolt-Action is a Better Teacher

The hosts argue for the “Slow Down” philosophy. When you use a bolt-action or a single-shot rifle, you are forced into a deliberate cycle:

1. Fire the shot.

2. Observe the result.

3. Manually work the action.

4. Reset your physical stance and mental focus.

This pause between shots is where the actual learning happens. It forces the shooter to value every single round. In an era where ammunition costs are higher and attention spans are shorter, the bolt-action is a “physical speed bump” that builds better habits.

Accuracy and Safety: The Practical Perks

Beyond the psychology of learning, there are two hard truths the podcast highlights:

• Out-of-the-Box Accuracy: Generally speaking, a budget-friendly bolt-action (like a Ruger American Rimfire or a CZ 457) will be more accurate out of the box than a comparably priced semi-auto.

• The Safety Factor: For a teacher or parent, a bolt-action is significantly easier to manage. You can see the state of the rifle from several feet away, and the deliberate act of opening the bolt makes the firing line much more controlled.

The Verdict

If you want to turn money into empty brass and have a “plinking” blast at the range, buy the semi-auto. But if you want to build a foundation for a lifetime of precision shooting—or if you’re teaching someone the ropes—start with a bolt.

As Roy puts it, better equipment doesn’t equal better performance for a novice. Sometimes, the “slower” gun is the one that gets you to the bullseye faster.

Listen to the full deep dive: You can catch the full conversation on the GUNS Magazine Podcast here.

In this world-exclusive video, Guns Podcast US host Brent Wheat sits down with Gunsite Academy CEO Ken Campbell to unveil a prestigious lineup of commemorative firearms marking the academy’s 50th anniversary in 2026.

Here is the condensed breakdown of the limited-edition releases designed to honor the legacy of Colonel Jeff Cooper.

Gunsite at 50: The “Practical” Collector’s Lineup

Gunsite Academy isn’t just turning 50; it’s celebrating a half-century of “The Modern Technique.” To mark the occasion, they’ve partnered with industry giants to release firearms that aren’t meant for glass cases—they’re built to be run hard on the range.

1. The Steyr Scout Mark II (50th Anniversary Edition)

The centerpiece of the collection is a tribute to Jeff Cooper’s “General Purpose Rifle” philosophy.

• The Specs: Chambered in .308, this rifle features the classic grey stock and “butter-knife” bolt handle.

• The Details: It includes special 50th-anniversary engravings, Cooper’s signature laser-engraved under the bipod, and comes paired with an Andy’s Leather Rhodesian Sling.

• Availability: Strictly limited to 100 units.

2. The Fink Custom 1911

Crafted by Gunsite’s resident gunsmith Dave Fink, this is a true “fighting pistol” with heirloom aesthetics.

• The Build: A single-stack .45 ACP featuring a color-case-hardened receiver

• .

• The Sights: Outfitted with a classic gold bead front sight for high-contrast tracking.

• Exclusivity: Only 50 of these custom pistols will be produced, each featuring a special serial number.

3. The Aero Precision “Fighting Carbine”

For those who prefer the modern platform, Aero Precision has developed a “no-nonsense” M4E1 carbine.

• The Package: A 16-inch mid-length 5.56 rifle that comes “duty-ready” straight from the box.

• Included Gear: It ships with an Aimpoint Duty RDS, a SureFire light, and a Vickers sling—essentially the “Gunsite student starter kit” in one package.

4. The Ruger/Davidson’s Collaboration

Revealed as part of a two-tone FDE and Olive Green series, these pistols (including a “Gunsite Glock” variant and Ruger models) feature 50th-anniversary backplates and logos. Some versions are “MOS” (optics-ready), while others come pre-equipped with Aimpoint optics.

The Bottom Line

Ken Campbell emphasizes that while these are limited editions, they embody the “Gunsite mindset.” They are tools first and collectibles second. If you want a piece of 2A history that you can actually take to a 250 Pistol class, this 2026 lineup is it.

Watch the full reveal: You can see these firearms in detail on the GUNS Magazine video page here.

Gunsite Academy 50th Anniversary Firearms Revealed

Every January, the firearms world turns its eyes toward Las Vegas. To the outsider, SHOT Show looks like a high-octane playground of new gear and range day heroics. But as Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington peel back the curtain in the latest GUNS Magazine Podcast, the 2026 reality is a lot more complicated—and a lot more corporate—than your Instagram feed suggests.

If you’re following the industry from a distance, here are the three biggest takeaways from the “chaos” you didn’t see on the floor this year.

1. The “Influencer Clean-Up” is Real

For years, the SHOT Show floor was clogged with “trash-talking” influencers and hobbyist bloggers looking for a free trip and a viral clip. That era is officially ending. The NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) has aggressively tightened credentialing, and manufacturers are following suit.

The big shift? Brands are tired of “frantic” viral moments. They are moving away from creators who rely on negativity or algorithmic outrage, favoring long-term, professional relationships with storytellers who actually understand the mechanics and history of the trade. If you aren’t bringing professional value, you’re no longer getting through the door.

2. It’s a Business Meeting, Not a Gun Show

One of the most common misconceptions is that SHOT Show is for consumers. It isn’t. It remains a strictly B2B (business-to-business) environment where the “real” show happens behind closed doors in private meeting rooms.

While the public sees the 13.9 miles of aisles and flashy booths, the actual “chaos” is logistical: 15-hour days, grueling 14-mile walks, and the high-stakes negotiation between manufacturers, distributors, and big-box dealers that determines what will actually be on your local gun store shelves six months from now.

3. The Professionalism Pivot

There’s a growing “vibe shift” on the floor. After years of “tactical-chic” dominance, there is a return to traditional professionalism. Brent and Roy noted that dressing and acting like a business professional—rather than a “keyboard warrior”—significantly impacts the level of access and respect you receive from the industry’s power players.

In a world where digital noise is at an all-time high, the industry is retreating back to its roots: face-to-face networking, handshake deals, and the “family reunion” atmosphere that keeps the community anchored.

The Bottom Line

SHOT Show 2026 isn’t just about the newest sub-compact or the latest glass; it’s a bellwether for an industry that is maturing. The “chaos” isn’t a lack of organization—it’s the friction of an industry trying to filter out the noise and get back to the serious business of the Second Amendment.

Want to hear the full breakdown? You can listen to the full episode of the GUNS Magazine Podcast here.

Is reloading still a good idea in 2025? It’s a question we hear constantly. With the fluctuating prices of components and the ready availability of bulk factory ammo, many shooters wonder if setting up a reloading bench is worth the time and investment. In this episode of the Guns Podcast, we start with a fascinating find: a can of gunpowder from the 1970s with an $8 price tag.

At first glance, the price difference between then and now seems staggering. However, when Roy Huntington breaks down the math based on hourly wages and inflation, the results are surprising. We discuss whether the “good old days” of cheap reloading were really that different from today’s market.

Beyond the economics, we dive into the real reasons to reload. Whether you are a precision shooter looking to tighten your groups with 6.5 Creedmoor, or a casual plinker wanting soft-shooting .30-30 loads for a vintage lever gun, the control reloading gives you is unmatched. We also cover the philosophy of the craft—moving away from a “mercenary” penny-pinching mindset to appreciating the satisfaction of creating your own ammunition.

If you’ve been on the fence about buying a press, or if you’re an old hand wondering if you’re still saving money, listen in for a breakdown of the math, the myths, and the joy of reloading.

Watch the episode here:

Are online forums strengthening the gun community — or quietly tearing it apart?

In this episode of The Guns Podcast, Brent Wheat is joined by newly official co-host Roy Huntington to confront a topic many shooters recognize but few openly discuss: the growing toxicity of internet message boards.

What should be a place for learning often becomes a gauntlet. Ask a straightforward question about holsters or ammunition and you may find yourself on the receiving end of sarcasm, condescension, or the familiar refrain: “If you don’t know that, you shouldn’t own a gun.” Brent and Roy examine how this kind of gatekeeping discourages newcomers, weakens the shooting sports, and allows anonymity to turn ordinary people into aggressive keyboard critics.

Roy recounts a revealing moment when persistent online hostility drove respected voices — including Clint Smith and John Taffin — away from a forum created to celebrate their expertise. It’s a cautionary example of what happens when communities forget their purpose.

But this conversation isn’t just about the problem. Brent and Roy also explore what defines a healthy firearms community and why the most credible experts are often the most approachable. Mentorship, professionalism, and simple decency still matter — perhaps now more than ever.

If you’re ready for less noise and more leadership in the gun world, this episode delivers a timely reminder for 2026: expertise should welcome people in, not push them out.