#320 - 2026 SHOT Show: A Stabbing, Budget Suppressors and the Chinese Invasion
Guns Podcast US
In this episode of the Guns Podcast U.S., hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington celebrate a massive milestone—surpassing one million certified audio downloads! After a quick victory lap, Brent dives into his fresh report from the floor of SHOT Show. He debunks the wild rumors regarding a stabbing incident near the venue and gives a boots-on-the-ground assessment of the show's attendance and atmosphere, noting a distinct downturn in the industry's energy compared to previous years. The conversation shifts to the major hardware trends observed at the show. Brent and Roy discuss the explosion of...
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#319 The Best First .22 Rifle: Semi-Auto vs. Bolt-Action
Guns Podcast US
In this episode of Guns Podcast U.S., hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington tackle one of the most common questions in the shooting world: What is the best first .22 rifle for a new shooter? Whether you are buying for a child, a spouse, or yourself, the impulse is often to grab a popular semi-automatic like a Ruger 10/22. However, Roy and Brent argue why that might be a mistake that hinders long-term skill development. They discuss the philosophy of "Slow down, Speed Racer," explaining how single-shot and bolt-action rifles force new shooters to focus on the essentials like sight...
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#318 - Inside the 2026 SHOT Show Chaos: What You Don’t See
Guns Podcast US
It is the week that the firearms industry loves to hate: SHOT Show week. As Brent Wheat prepares to pack his bags for Las Vegas and Roy Huntington happily stays home, the duo dives deep into the reality of the world's largest shooting, hunting, and outdoor trade show. Far from just a display of new products, SHOT Show is a massive logistical beast where the actual business of buying and selling takes place behind closed doors, strictly off-limits to direct consumer sales. In this episode, Brent and Roy explore the evolution of the show, specifically focusing on the shifting landscape of media...
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#317- Inflation vs. Gunpowder: The Truth About Reloading Costs
Guns Podcast US
In this episode of the Guns Podcast, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington tackle the age-old question: Is reloading ammunition still a good idea in today's economy? The conversation kicks off with a relic from the past — a can of Unique powder with a price tag from the 1970s — sparking a deep dive into inflation, purchasing power, and the comparative costs of components over the last 50 years. You might be surprised to learn how many labor hours are required to buy supplies today compared to decades ago. Beyond the dollars and cents, Roy and Brent explore the intangible benefits of...
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#316 - Why Gun Forums Push New Shooters Away
Guns Podcast US
In this episode of the Guns Podcast, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington take a sharp left turn from their planned topic to address a growing frustration in the shooting community: the toxicity of internet gun forums. With Roy now officially on board as co-host, the duo dissects the "keyboard warrior" mentality that plagues online discussions, where anonymity often emboldens users to tear down new shooters rather than offer helpful advice. Roy shares personal anecdotes ranging from helpful car mechanics to the disastrous reception of the Thunder Ranch Special on a Smith & Wesson forum....
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#315 - Are Shooters Better Today Than Ever Before?
Guns Podcast US
Join host Brent Wheat and the newly appointed "official" co-host Roy Huntington for a thought-provoking post-Christmas discussion on this episode of the Guns Magazine Podcast. The duo tackles a controversial question: Are today's shooters actually more skilled than the marksmen of the past? They explore how technology, from high-tech optics to the internet, has revolutionized the learning curve for modern gun owners. While acknowledging the "Golden Age" of gear and information availability, Brent and Roy also examine the downsides of modern shooting culture. They discuss the high cost...
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#314 - Christmas Movies: The Worst Gun Myths on Screen
Guns Podcast US
In this special holiday episode of The Guns Podcast, host Brent Wheat flies solo while Roy is on the road to break down the firearms, myths, and movie magic found in our favorite Christmas films. Whether you fall on the side that "Die Hard" is the ultimate Christmas movie or prefer the nostalgia of "A Christmas Story," Brent dives deep into the specific models, props, and glaring errors that appear on screen. From the chopped HK94s standing in for MP5s at Nakatomi Plaza to the impossible physics of a hockey-puck flashbang, this episode covers the technical details gun nerds love to spot. Brent...
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#313 - Best Christmas Guns: Should You Go Big or Small?
Guns Podcast US
In this episode of the Guns Podcast U.S., hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington tackle the age-old question facing new shooters and gift-givers: What is the best first gun to buy? They challenge the common misconception that smaller, lightweight firearms are easier for beginners to handle, explaining why a larger frame often leads to a better learning experience and less recoil intimidation. The duo also dives into the "Call of Duty" effect, discussing how video games give a false sense of competency regarding firearms handling, mechanics, and physics. Through personal anecdotes involving...
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#312- Slingshots to Blowguns: The Worst Self-Defense Ideas Debunked
Guns Podcast US
In this episode of the Guns Podcast, host Brent Wheat and co-host Roy Huntington tackle the absurd and often dangerous world of gimmick self-defense weapons. Sparked by a ridiculous advertisement for a "tactical" laser-sighted slingshot, the duo dives into a laundry list of bad ideas, ranging from bows and arrows to flare guns and blowguns. With decades of law enforcement experience between them, they explain exactly why these items should remain toys rather than life-saving tools. However, it’s not all about what doesn't work. Brent and Roy pivot to discussing "Plan B" options that actually...
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#311- When to Hold 'Em, When to Fold 'Em: The Art of Disengagement
Guns Podcast US
In this episode of the Guns Podcast U.S., host Brent Wheat and special guest Roy Huntington dive deep into the critical decision-making process of self-defense. Taking a cue from the classic Kenny Rogers song, they discuss knowing "when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em" regarding lethal force. The conversation challenges the "keyboard commando" mentality, emphasizing that carrying a firearm does not obligate you to be a hero in every situation. Drawing from decades of combined law enforcement experience, Brent and Roy explore the "Scared Bunny Defense" and why evading a threat is often the...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Guns Podcast U.S., hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington tackle the age-old question facing new shooters and gift-givers: What is the best first gun to buy? They challenge the common misconception that smaller, lightweight firearms are easier for beginners to handle, explaining why a larger frame often leads to a better learning experience and less recoil intimidation.
The duo also dives into the "Call of Duty" effect, discussing how video games give a false sense of competency regarding firearms handling, mechanics, and physics. Through personal anecdotes involving family members and friends, Roy and Brent illustrate the stark contrast between virtual shooting and the real-world skills required to operate a firearm safely.
Finally, with the holiday season in mind, the hosts discuss the ethics and logistics of gifting firearms. They offer practical advice on why surprising someone with a gun might not be the best idea and suggest alternative gifts like training or accessories that empower the new shooter to make their own informed decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Small, lightweight guns often have sharper recoil and are harder for beginners to control than medium or large-frame firearms.
- Avoid buying a firearm as a surprise gift unless you know exactly what the recipient wants; consider gift cards or training instead.
- Video game experience does not translate to real-world shooting skills or safety knowledge.
- A 4-inch K-frame revolver is often cited as an ideal learning tool due to its simplicity and manageable recoil.
- Complex semi-autos with external safeties can be overwhelming for a novice compared to the simplicity of a revolver.
- Gifting a gun to a child or novice implies a long-term commitment to mentoring them in safety and maintenance.
- Start beginners with basic tools and simple firearms before moving on to expensive, complex 'tactical' gear.
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