Emmanuel Barron of American Steppe, Kyle (@molasses_marmot), and Kalen of Rotating Bolt Industries (Colorado FFL and boutique AK builder) sit down for an enthusiastic, no-holds-barred conversation on the AK platform—its global variations, real-world performance, and how the Kalash compares to everything else out there. From classic ComBloc guns to modern custom builds and all of the AK offshooots, the trio dives into reliability stories, design insights, gunsmithing perspectives, and why this rifle continues to earn such dedicated fans. American Steppe Gear: https://americansteppegear.com/ Kyle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molasses_marmot/ Rotating Bolt Industries: https://rotatingbolt.com/

Adam from Freedom Ordnance joins us this week to discuss the company's background and the rise of their FM-9D. The FM-9D, a recent addition to the Freedom Ordnance lineup, is a closed-bolt, disintegrating-link 9mm belt-fed upper built for standard AR-15 lowers. Today we talk about the product's pre-FRT roots and discuss the increased popularity and legal status of forced-reset triggers, which helped transform it from a niche novelty into a genuinely fun (but still kind of expensive) practical shooter for regular citizens who don't want to jump through all of the NFA hoops.  Freedom Ordnance official site: https://freedomordnance.com/ FM-9D product page: https://freedomordnance.com/product/fm-9d/ Freedom Ordnance on Instagram: @freedom_ordnance

Jarrod "Box" Grove from Caldwell Shooting Supplies joins us after Plinka Palooza at Range Ready Studios, where he put on a clinic with the new Claycopter Surface-to-Air Launcher. We talk about Box's serious shotgun skills and where he got them, the engineering and inspiration behind the claycopter design, and how Caldwell grew from humble shooting rests and bags into a more innovative player in the rapidly growing shotgun subculture within the greater firearms industry. Please give Box a warm welcome to the show!  Caldwell Shooting official site: https://www.caldwellshooting.com/ Follow Caldwell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellshooting/ GunTalk Media / Range Ready Studios: https://www.guntalk.com/

Caleb Giddings joins us on this episode of TFB Behind the Gun for a wide-ranging conversation about competition shooting, training, gear, and what it takes to keep improving in the firearms industry, no matter what you're doing. We, of course, also take some time to talk about Taurus' new product lineup, how Caleb's time at the company has deepened his appreciation for firearms, and some of his opinions on a few of the trends shaping the firearms world right now. X / Twitter: https://x.com/radicaleb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radicaleb/ YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@MrRevolver/videos Substack: https://radicaleb.substack.com Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.giddings.14/ Personal bio / mentions page: https://firearmsnation.com/caleb-giddings/

We're excited to bring back Dave K. from Hi-Point Firearms for some genuine shop talk on their innovative DMLS 3D-printed suppressors, plus whatever else is on the table. Just four months after introducing the Hush-Point suppressor lineup, Hi-Point has launched their first direct metal laser sintered (DMLS) models in titanium and Inconel, raising the bar for lightweight, rugged sound suppression. Dave breaks it down today, from how Hi-Point entered the suppressor market well before the 2026 hype, to the advanced tech driving these new, fairly affordable 3D-printed units. We also share thoughts on our current firearm passions and touch on Moons Out 2026, and our future competition plans. Be sure to check out Dave's Live Fire Media Podcast, where he covers guns, gaming, and more. Great option if you're looking for fresh listening material.   Hi-Point Website Hi-Point on Instagram Dave on Instagram Dave's Podcast - Live Fire Media The NEW Hush-Point Family of Suppressors from Hi-Point

In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we have brought on Les Winner of Pegasus Tests to talk about a Night Vision Carbine match I recently attended, Moons Out 2026, hosted by Forgotten Weapons and sponsored by Nocturn Industries. As Polaris Logistics owner specializing in firearms shipping and international gun transport for competitors, Les covers his event performance, role as Range Master and Match Director, yearly match improvements, and some of his best and worst moments from the epic night vision carbine match which is often the highlight of my shooting experiences every year. Got Gear? Sign up for a Match in 2027! Forgotten Weapons Nocturn Industries Varusteleka Lima Six Pegasus Tests (Polaris Logistics) Magpul Atrius Development CTF Photonics T.REX ARMS Virginia Citizens Armory Expeditionary Training

On this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Rafael Del Valle from Bersa Firearms breaks down their evolving lineup. For decades, Bersa Firearms has produced very popular and reliable firearms for Militaries, Law Enforcement, and civilians, offering everything from compact Thunder 380 pistols for concealed carry, to newer high-capacity TPR9 duty guns with threaded barrels, striker-fired BP series micros and full-sizers like the new BP9FS and BP13, double-stack B1911 and M2XI 1911s with bull barrels and 20+ round mags, plus new American Kennesaw-built BAR15 AR rifles and BAR9 pistols—all priced from $300 micros to sub-$800 rifles for everyday shooters and budget AR buyers. Bersa Firearms Website  – Official site for their full catalog, dealer locator, and product details.​ Bersa Firearms Facebook Page  – Updates on new releases, events, and user photos. Bersa Firearms Instagram Page  – Visuals of guns, SHOT Show coverage, and behind-the-scenes.​ Bersa Firearms YouTube Page  – Product demos, reviews, and Rafael Del Valle interviews like the recent BAR15 discussion.  

In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we get to hear the origin story of Gideon Optics, what actually goes into designing and testing a pistol red dot, and how Jordan thinks about trust, warranty, and long‑term support for customers who rely on their gear. Whether you're optics‑curious, brand‑loyal, or still skeptical of newer or foreign-manufactured names in the space, this episode will give you a clearer picture of who Jordan is, what Gideon stands for, and why more shooters are starting to give them a serious look over legacy optics brands when it comes to every day firearms optics. Gideon Optics Gideon Optics Instagram Gideon Optics YouTube Gideon Optics X Gideon Optics Facebook Jordan Vinroe Instagram JSD Supply

In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast I've brought on Riley Hart, a previous guest on TFBTV Show Time, current design Engineer at Heckler & Koch USA and founder of Romeo Hotel Engineering, about bringing the Thicc-Boi-12 double barrel shotgun suppressor to life for the Standard DP-12, as well as his recent release of the  unique Gyro Brake and other "unconventional" firearms concepts. Riley walks us through the real world engineering trade offs of suppressing a 12 gauge pump action, the challenges of adding gyroscopic stabilization as a recoil and muzzle climb reduction system, and how working inside a major OEM shapes the way he thinks about reliability, user feedback, and the future of small bore and niche firearms design. Romeo Hotel Engineering – Unconventional Firearms Design Romeo Hotel Engineering on Instagram Romeo Hotel Engineering YouTube Riley Hart on LinkedIn

On this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Matt and Dan from The Proving Grounds return for an in-depth discussion. The Proving Grounds hosts a lineup of 2-gun competitions blending 70% marksmanship—rifle targets from 1 to 700 yards, rapid carbine transitions, and pistol stages—with 30% fitness elements like rugged obstacles, heavy plate carrier carries, and ruck marches constrained by 90-120 second par times. The diverse formats include Tactical Sniper series events, "Moons Out, Goons Out" nocturnal matches, Ruck divisions, regional showdowns, and specialty courses testing gear reliability under stress. Contact Email: [email protected] Website Facebook Instagram YouTube