TFB Behind the Gun Podcast

Latest Episodes:

TFB Behind the Gun #200: Recovering from Blackout w/ Emmanuel B Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

For TFB Behind the Gun #200, Emmanuel and I dive deep into what it means to "recover from blackout" — but in the sense that being so busy, sometimes you just don't have time to keep up with the industry you work in.

We talk about the philosophy behind American Steppe: why Emmanuel insists on U.S. manufacturing, how he designs gear that's both kid‑friendly and mission‑capable, and the importance of teaching kids real skills with real gear instead of just handing them toys.

From soft goods to some light politics, this is a high‑energy, wide‑ranging conversation about gear, parenting, preparedness, and what it really means to build resilience from the ground up. If you've ever wondered how to equip the next generation without compromising on quality or capability, this is the episode to listen to for Emmanuel's unique personality and his great backpacks and gear, which you should 100% check out at the links below.

American Steppe Website

American Steppe on Instagram

American Steppe on YouTube

TFB Behind the Gun #199: Raiders Arms & the Temple of the AK Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

The AK might be one of the most recognizable rifles on the planet, but that does not mean it has to stay stuck in the past. On this New Year's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we are talking about what a modern, lightweight, competition-ready AK can look like when you throw tradition out the window and start thinking in carbon fiber.

My guest is "Penny," the lone designer and driving force behind Raiders Arms. Drawing on years of hands-on experience with AKs in the United States and Eastern Europe, Penny has built a product line that reimagines the platform from the ground up. Raiders Arms offers ultra-light carbon fiber handguards, rigid yet featherweight dust covers, minimalist fixed and folding stocks, and slimline grip panels designed to cut ounces without sacrificing durability. The catalog also includes tuned gas tube assemblies and accessories that help manage heat, keep optics stable, and improve overall balance.

In this episode, Penny breaks down how he approaches the AK's biggest pain points—weight, heat, and ergonomics—and explains how strategic use of carbon fiber can make a 70-year-old design feel like a truly modern rifle. Whether you are running an AK in competition or just want a lighter, more responsive rifle for training, this conversation should give you some new ideas about what is possible with the platform.

Raiders Arms Website

Raiders Arms on Instagram

Raiders Arms YouTube Channel

TFB Behind the Gun #198: All We Want for Christmas Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

Merry Christmas from all of us here at TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast! In our fifth year, we're grateful to have you both as an audience and as our direct supporters. Today, I've brought on TFB Editor in Chief Josh Centers and long-time TFB writer Rusty S. for a fun but pointed discussion on a few important topics to close out 2025.

First and foremost is TFB's ongoing Christmas movie debate — which film will come out on top as the quintessential "Gun Guy Christmas Movie"? We also take some time to talk about the new Gun Rights Office being added to the Department of Justice and what that means. Of course, we share what we'd like to see happen in our own pursuits and across the wider gun industry for our Christmas wishes, then close out the year by previewing what we're looking forward to bringing you from SHOT Show 2026, just around the corner.

Thanks as always for listening, and Merry Christmas from all of us here at The Firearm Blog!

TFB Behind the Gun #197 Machine Guns & Meltdowns w/ GoldenWebb Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Today, I'm pleased to bring on a fellow content creator I met at a recent trip out to the nice new Smith & Wesson facility out in Tennessee. Ben Webb is the owner of the GoldenWebb YouTube channel, which specializes in exactly my kind of firearms tomfoolery (or redneck science). In addition to his rather fun-oriented YouTube channel, Ben is also an active duty law enforcement officer and weapons instructor/armorer based in London, Kentucky. He combines his professional law enforcement experience with his firearm channel, where he tests and reviews guns and gear. This professional background informs his content and expertise, making him a respected figure both in his law enforcement career and his role as a family-friendly firearms YouTuber. Today, we'll be talking all about his process and how he got into doing this right here on TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast.

GoldenWebb on YouTube

GoldenWebb on Instagram

GoldenWebb Reviews Website

TFB Behind the Gun #196: From Comps to Knives - Jason w/ Backup Tactical Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, I've brought on Jason B, the owner of Bakcup Tactical. While Backup Tactical started its life off as an aftermarket parts manufactuer for glocks and Sigs, Jason quickly expanded his product profile from simple magazine extensions and release to now having his own line of high quality aftermarket threaded barrels, compensators that follow the contours of the host gun, and even a new line of OTF pocket knives through a recent partnership with Andre De Villiers, of ADV Tactical knives. Today, Jason and I will talk shop, from his beginnings as a shooter and a New Yorker to his new adventures and life as a Florida Man and Purveyor of great, forward-thinking aftermarket pistol parts and knives. Check out a full listing of Jason's parts below, along with his new line of OTF knives, including the Stinger and Fat Butcher.

Backup Tactical Website

Backup Tactical on Instagram

TFB Behind the Gun #195: Hi-Points of Authority w/ Dave Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode, we're welcoming back our good friend Dave from Hi-Point Firearms to talk about upcoming competitions, fun season-appropriate movies, and what Hi-Point has planned for the weeks leading up to and including SHOT Show 2026. Dave has been with the company for years and is deeply involved in marketing while staying closely connected to the rest of the team in Mansfield, Ohio, which makes him a great source for what's new behind the scenes.

Even though he works for a brand known for budget-friendly firearms, Dave's personal tastes could not be more different from his day job, so we'll also dig into what one of Hi-Point's finest is actually running at matches and on range days. By the end of the episode, you'll have a better look at both Hi-Point's upcoming offerings and the gear that keeps Dave excited when he steps up to the line.

http://livefire-media.com/ - Dave's Podcast

@livefirem @hipointfirearms @fullforgegear

TFB Behind the Gun #194: TFB Thanksgiving Special | Josh Centers Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Today on the TFB Behind the Gun Podcast, we've got Josh Centers, who leads The Firearm Blog, one of the most respected platforms in the firearms community if we do say so ourselves. Known for their apolitical, in-depth reviews, news, and industry insights, TFB has a high focus on the products themselves and their practical use, with objectivity being at the core of their mission.

Under his editorial leadership, the blog has built a reputation for honest, no-nonsense content, including hands-on product testing and expert interviews that keep enthusiasts informed and engaged. Josh's expertise and steady guidance ensure that these sites continue to serve and grow a diverse and passionate audience. In addition to his core role at TFB, Josh contributes to outdoor lifestyle content such as bowhunting and prepper resources, enhancing the connection between firearms and broader outdoor interests. In this Thanksgiving special, we get a chance to hear from the man himself, Mr. Josh Centers, Editor in Chief of The Firearm Blog.

TFB Behind the Gun #193: Print the Future | Hammy3DPrints Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

We've welcomed "Hammy" on the podcast before, and he's also made a guest appearance on TFBTV Show Time. Now that summer is winding down and people are settling indoors for cooler weather, hobbies naturally shift with them. Today, we're diving back into the world of 3D printing with none other than Hammy, a true innovator in this space. We'll explore the cutting-edge developments shaping the 3D printing industry, where this niche is expanding, and the hurdles it faces to keep pace in such a competitive market. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Hammy of Hammy3DPrints, and be sure to check out his impressive lineup of American-made, expertly crafted 3D printed mounts and accessories for firearms, magazines, and gear.

TFB Behind the Gun #192: Textile Thoughts from Kurt | Blue Alpha Belts Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

If you're familiar with this channel, you probably know Blue Alpha Belts—a brand closely connected to the TFBTV YouTube community. Founded by Kurt and Jessie in 2015, just a year after TFBTV launched, their partnership didn't start with a formal meeting but grew organically over time. Today, Kurt is here to share the fascinating origin story of Blue Alpha Belts and the nearly decade-long collaboration we've enjoyed with them. Please join me in welcoming Kurt back from Blue Alpha Belts, and a big thank you once again for their continued support.

Learn more about Blue Alpha Belts at their official website: Blue Alpha Belts
Check out their Instagram for the latest updates and new products: Blue Alpha on Instagram
Follow their YouTube channel for in-depth gear insights and demos: Blue Alpha YouTube
And keep connected with their community on Facebook: Blue Alpha Facebook

TFB Behind the Gun #191: Žiga Polajnar on Brutality Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Today, I'm excited to welcome a long-time friend of both the blog and the TFBTV YouTube Channel, Žiga Polajnar, CEO of Polenar Tactical. Despite the restrictive gun laws in much of the EU, Žiga has built a successful business that delivers tactical training, produces high-quality firearm media content, and sells premium tactical gear, including scopes, holsters, backpacks, and even custom t-shirts. Polenar Tactical also serves as a key hub for European shooters, offering top-tier training courses and running one of the continent's largest gun-related media channels.

Beyond the business, Žiga has organized the Slovenian-grown "Lynx Brutality," a physically demanding 2-gun tactical shooting competition that challenges competitors with intense physical and mental tests amid tactical stage designs. This brutal-style match combines marksmanship with endurance, sprinting, climbing, and carrying heavy loads, attracting shooters from across Europe and beyond. In this episode, Žiga and I will dive into what it takes to run Lynx Brutality, share memories from this year's Swedish "Viking Brutality" competition, and discuss how these events build and unify the tactical shooting community.

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