TFB Behind the Gun #145: The Proving Grounds 2024 Championship Post-Match Recap
Release Date: 12/19/2024
TFB Behind the Gun #199: Raiders Arms & the Temple of the AK
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
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....
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TFB Behind the Gun #198: All We Want for Christmas
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #197 Machine Guns & Meltdowns w/ GoldenWebb
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #196: From Comps to Knives - Jason w/ Backup Tactical
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
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 , 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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #195: Hi-Points of Authority w/ Dave
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
On today’s episode, we’re welcoming back our good friend Dave from 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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #194: TFB Thanksgiving Special | Josh Centers
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #193: Print the Future | Hammy3DPrints
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #192: Textile Thoughts from Kurt | Blue Alpha Belts
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
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...
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TFB Behind the Gun #191: Žiga Polajnar on Brutality
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
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,...
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TFB Behind the Gun #190: The Future of FRTs with Desk Pop
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we've brought back Joe from the YouTube Channel Desk Pop to talk a bit about one of the hottest topics currently circulating around in the firearm industry - Forced Reset Triggers and Super Safeties. These clever devices have been all the rage with virtually every type of shooter - at least if you can get them to run properly. Today, Joe will share some of his learned wisdom with us, some of what he's been up to, and, of course, his thoughts on what FRTs and the like have done for the gun industry so far, and what he thinks it means going...
info_outlineIn 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
Sponsors of The Proving Grounds:
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Brave Castle