TFB Behind the Gun Podcast

Latest Episodes:

TFB Behind the Gun #150: Meprolight's SHOT 2025 Lineup w/ Jordan S. Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Jordan S. from Meprolight USA returns to discuss some of their new optics for 2025. Meprolight has made a big impact on the U.S. firearms market recently by offering a variety of easy-to-use duty-grade optics like self-illuminated tritium night sights, red dot optics, and reflex sights. Their products show up on plenty of American-made guns right out of the box, and you can also pick them up from almost any reputable gun shop to upgrade your existing firearms. From casual enthusiasts and competitive shooters to law enforcement officers, folks appreciate Meprolight's rugged build quality, consistent performance in low-light conditions, and user-friendly designs that make hitting your target a breeze. Today Jordan is on the show to tell us about some new territory that Meprolight is stepping into, including their first ever civilian version of the STING laser aiming module, as well as a brand new line of variable magnification optics - a first-ever for Meprolight as a company.

TFB Behind the Gun #149: Navigating Tricky IL Gun Laws w/ Dave S Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast. Today I'd like to introduce all of you to Dave S who not only has a ton of experience in today's topic but also has a lifetime of experience working with small arms and even crew-served weapons as part of the U.S Army. In addition to his skillsets, Dave has also been an avid supporter of both TFB and TFBTV so when the topic of Illinois gun law came up, I could think of no one better to talk to than him. Today Dave is going to take us through the considerably confusing world of firearms ownership in the State of Illinois. While it is indeed possible to own guns in IL, the current laws on the books combined with the culture that's put out by the media mean that a lot of people just don't know what the rules are when it comes to buying, owning, and using firearms in their home state. Dave has spent a lifetime collecting, building, and shooting guns in IL and is here today to help guide us through the processes we'd need to go through if we lived in the state too. So please give your attention and a warm welcome to David S!

David posts about firearms topics and thoughts every Monday on Facebook. If you're interested in speaking with him about any firearms-related topics, you can check out his posts here.

TFB Behind the Gun #148: Small Arms Airworthiness w/ Boondock Ballistician Jan 09, 2025

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Today on TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we've brought on Jessie also known as Boondock Ballistician. Jessie's full-time job lies within small arms testing and development. Jessie recently brought up a pretty interesting topic that piqued my interest as a pilot, which is how small arms are treated and tested to different standards when they're intended to be used and or primarily transported by military aircraft. As opposed to most ground-based operations, aircraft including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft have to take into account many different flight-related factors that actually have a direct effect on the way projectiles, propellants, and even the firearms themselves operate and Jessie's day job is to find out where that breaking point is and help the military develop arms and ammunition that can be used in these intense aerial combat environments. While she's not a liberty to reveal the mysterious organization for which she does this work for, you can definitely check out her other work which includes some nitty gritty details she's learned from her day job over on her YouTube Channel BoondockBallistician.

TFB Behind the Gun #147: New Year's DMR and Shotgun Talk w/ Bryce and Kevin Jan 02, 2025

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Happy New Year everyone and welcome back to another episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast. Throughout the year I've had the opportunity to experience firearms in many new ways through training classes and various media events. DMRs and Shotguns are still by far the firearms that I touch the least, and today the guys from The Carry Handle podcast are coming on the show to discuss how each of these very different platforms might be more similar than you'd initially assume. Our guests today, Kevin and Bryce, will share their thoughts with us on this subject as well as what they're anticipating most from this year's SHOT Show 2025 taking place in just a couple of weeks. Be sure to check out The Carry Handle Podcast on Spotify for the latest episodes from Kevin and Bryce!

The Carry Handle Podcast on Spotify

The Carry Handle Podcast on Instagram

TFB Behind The Gun #146: Col. Julian T. Urquidez of Texas Triggers Dec 26, 2024

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On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're joined by a special guest from the U.S. Army: Colonel Julian T. Urquidez. As the Director of Operations for the United States Army Futures Command—a department dedicated to modernizing the Army's tools— as a result, Colonel Urquidez is also actively interested in weapons development, implementation, and modernization which also fuels his passion for his projects in the civilian world. We first crossed paths at TriggrCon 2024, where he and the other owners of the now-defunct Trigger Empire introduced me to their "Kono Trigger." In the wake of Trigger Empire's closure, Colonel Urquidez intends to offer its former customers a new product: the Texas Triggers "Diablo" AK Forced Reset Trigger. Today, he takes us through the entire story—from how this journey started to his vision for the future of this exciting new venture.

Col. Julian T. Urquidez - LinkedIn

Col. Julian T. Urquidez - Instagram

TFB Behind the Gun #145: The Proving Grounds 2024 Championship Post-Match Recap Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're going to have both old and new guests on the show. Today we're talking about The Proving Grounds Competition now that our guests have had a chance to put themselves through it. Held annually at The Sawmill Training Complex in Laurens, South Carolina—a sprawling 240-acre training facility known for its top-tier tactical courses—The Proving Grounds thrusts competitors into an intense two-day gauntlet. Built around rifle, and pistol shooting, the match doesn't just test your marksmanship; it tests grit, stamina, and mental fortitude by weaving in climbing, running, weighted carries, and other physically punishing obstacles in addition to many odd shooting positions.

Open to both novices and diehard multi-gun veterans, The Proving Grounds has become infamous for pushing shooters to their limits. Successful participants don't just demonstrate accuracy; they also learn to adapt quickly and maintain focus under stress. Beyond the adrenaline rush, it's a camaraderie-driven event, with seasoned pros mentoring newcomers in everything from proper gear selection to advanced shooting techniques and even providing gear for those who really want to try, but just might not think they have the proper set of tools yet.

Now that this year's match has wrapped up, we've invited a few familiar faces to share their thoughts. Joining us for a post-game debrief are returning Stage ROs Matt and Dan, second-place finisher Austin, and Timmy—a fresh face to the competition scene, who served as Stage 1 RO. Together, they'll shed light on the behind-the-scenes prep work, the most challenging courses, and what it takes to thrive in an environment designed to push your skills to the brink.

Check Out Austin's Match Coverage Here

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TFB Behind the Gun #144 - Getting to Know Bryce w/ The Carry Handle Podcast Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode, I've brought on fellow podcaster Bryce from The Carry Handle Podcast to talk about his show and some hot topics currently being discussed and debated in the firearms world. Bryce has been producing firearms-related content for a long time with his roots on YouTube spanning back to his days reviewing airsoft guns. Fast forward to today and he and his buddy Kevin (the Co-Host of The Carry Handle Podcast) have started a new podcast that discusses everything from the firearms industry to more practical applications and use cases for firearms, gear, and components often found in video games. Today Bryce and I will discuss not only his podcast but also the upcoming Gundie Awards (the firearm industry's version of the Oscars), as well as some shop talk about the firearm that was recently used in the assassination of a United Health Care CEO. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode featuring Bryce of The Carry Handle Podcast.

The Carry Handle Podcast on Spotify

The Carry Handle Podcast on YouTube

The Carry Handle Podcast on Instagram

The Carry Handle Podcast on Facebook

TFB Behind the Gun #143 Silver Screen Wheel Guns w/ Sam & Hop Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I'm happy to bring back TFB Writer Sam S and TFBTV's Hop to talk all about Silver Screen Wheel Guns. The revolver holds a special place in American culture, thanks in no small part to its starring role in the Western genre. These stories, with their dusty landscapes and iconic heroes or anti-heroes, helped cement the wheel gun as more than just a firearm—it became a symbol of resilience and self-reliance. Even today, revolvers continue to bring in both seasoned shooters and new enthusiasts alike, not just for their simplicity and reliability but for the way they embody a bygone era where survival was an art and justice was often self-served at the hands of regular everyday citizens. From their unmistakable silhouette to their storied presence on the silver screen and in real-life American history, revolvers remain a timeless reminder of the independence that shaped the American West. It's a legacy that still sparks lively debates and shared admiration among revolver fans, whether at the range, in a conversation about classic films, or in their sometimes less-than-accurate representations in said films. Today we hope you'll join us in celebrating this specific genre of guns, and the films we often get to know them by.

TFB Behind the Gun #142: Rob Gearing w/ Spartan Precision Equipment Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast! I'm thrilled to have Rob Gearing on the show—a lifelong shooter, hardcore hunter, and the founder of Spartan Precision Equipment. Rob has a fascinating background, and today, he's here to share not only his personal journey but also the story of Spartan and how it's shaking up the world of shooting gear.

Spartan Precision started with just one product: the Javelin Bipod. It was designed with hunters in mind—lightweight, practical, and built to last. But Rob and his team didn't stop there. Over the years, Spartan has grown into a powerhouse, making not only bipods for backcountry hunters but also adaptable tripods and bipods that fit perfectly into tactical and competition roles. They've stayed true to their hunting roots while keeping an eye on what shooters need now and in the future.

In this episode, Rob and I dig into what makes Spartan tick, why their gear is becoming more popular here in the U.S., and—get this—he even gives us a little teaser about what they're unveiling at SHOT Show 2025. If you're a gear junkie or just curious about bipods, you'll definitely want to check out Spartan's free resources on their website and their new educational videos on YouTube.

So, sit back, relax, and let's get into it. Please join me in welcoming Rob Gearing of Spartan Precision Equipment to the podcast!

TFB Behind the Gun #141: Cold War Guns & Competition w/ Matt & Dan Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

The Proving Grounds isn't just another 2-gun competition; it's a proving ground in every sense of the word. Hosted at The Sawmill Training Complex in South Carolina, this event pushes competitors to their limits, combining technical shooting stages with physical challenges that make you earn every single shot on target. Think of it as part tactical trial, part personal crucible, and all-around gritty fun with a healthy and encouraging competition environment to boot. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a new shooter with something to prove, The Proving Grounds is where skills get sharpened and legends get made and our guests Matt and Dan want you to be there with them.

What's cool about this competition is how it embraces virtually any type of pistol-rifle combo you can think of. For instance, Matt and Dan thought future competitions could lean into Cold War vibes. If you're a fan of iconic films like Red Dawn or GoldenEye, you already know that these firearms aren't just cool movie props; they're cultural artifacts from a time when geopolitical tension oozed into pop culture and transformed everyday gear into legendary symbols.

The talk of a possible Cold War theme down the road got us all waxing poetic about the guns that hooked us on the hobby in the first place. If you're the kind of person who dreams about running an East German MPi-KM or a classic FAL while pretending you're in some secret desert firefight from the 1980s, The Proving Grounds is your playground, and Matt and Dan are here to guide you through it with some of their favorite Cold War era firearms.

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