TFB Behind the Gun #157: The Competitive Spectrum at The Proving Grounds
Release Date: 03/13/2025
TFB Behind the Gun #169: Conor with ACE Virtual Shooting
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
In this exciting episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun podcast, we sit down with Conor, CEO of ACE Virtual Shooting, to explore the groundbreaking Ace XR Virtual Shooting Simulator. We dive into the system’s ability to hone skills like trigger control and visual processing, while also going over some debates about its realism compared to live-fire training. The conversation gets lively as we discuss the “sticker shock” of Ace XR’s cost, its immersive VR handset, and how it stacks up against dry-fire tools like MantisX. From what systems and hardware ACE is using, to questions about its fit...
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TFB Behind the Gun #168: A Memorial Day Chat w/ The Carry Handle Boys
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
We're back in the studio with Bryce and Kevin from The Carry Handle Podcast for a fun and friendly conversation on Memorial Day (for us at least). Today the three of us go over a couple of recent events in the firearms world - most notably the very real chance that Suppressors might be removed from the NFA. Additionally, we talk about some new news for Kevin and Bryce when it comes to their own ventures including a brand new gun/gaming YouTube channel (). We also take time again to check up on one another's progress in the fun/and somewhat novel ACE Virtual Shooting simulator for the Quest...
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TFB Behind the Gun #167: Staker Precision & The SAM (Side ACOG Mount)
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
Today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast features Bo and Aaron of Staker Precision, the small company behind the new Side ACOG Mount or SAM. The SAM somewhat reverses the roles of the offset red dot and primary optic and instead puts the magnified ACOG at a 36-degree offset for a quick boost in magnification over that of your normal red dot. Today both Aaron and Bo will share their origin story from conception, to prototyping and eventually to production and give us some insight into how the optic is meant to be used as well as clear up some misconceptions about its utility for longer...
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TFB Behind the Gun #166: Mike Slack of Engaged Industriesb
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of firearm suppressors with Mike Slack, the innovative mind behind Engaged Industries. With years of experience as a seasoned suppressor designer, Mike shares his journey in the industry, offering insights into the challenges and breakthroughs that have shaped his career. We explore the cutting-edge technology behind Engaged Industries’ flagship suppressors, the Operator 5.56 and Recon .308, discussing their design philosophy, performance, and unique features like the VLB25 baffle system and Vacuum Expansion technology for reduced gas blowback and...
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TFB Behind the Gun #165: Tarrifs and Ammo Prices w/ Dan Wolgin (Ammunition Depot)
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
Join us this week on TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast for an engaging conversation with Dan Wolgin, CEO of Ammunition Depot, as we dive into the hot topic of ammunition prices and why gun owners don’t need to be “tariff-ied" of the recent tariffs being levied both by and against the United States. In this episode, Dan breaks down the strength of the U.S. ammo supply chain, explaining how domestic production keeps prices stable despite tariff rumors of ammo shortages and skyrocketing prices. We tackle the real threat of panic buying, a concern for every Second Amendment supporter, and get...
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TFB Behind the Gun #164: NRAAM 2025 Wrap-Up with the Gang
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
In this week's episode, we follow up from our pre-NRA Show pow-wow to a full-blown review and discussion of NRAAM 2025. Today I've brought along Paul B, Mags M, Eugene L, and Kirk F, to talk about what they saw at the show and what they think of all of it. In addition to talking about everything we saw at the show, we also talk a bit about some of the different views we have based on our position within the industry, as well as what we personally hope will happen despite some of the current trends going on in the industry. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the best of what we...
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TFB Behind the Gun #163: Pre NRAAM 2025 Huddle w/ Bryce
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
Today we're on the move on the way to NRAAM 2025 in Atlanta Georgia talking to Bryce from The Carry Handle Podcast about what we expect to see at the show this year. The NRA Show or NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits is an open to the public gun show that gives customers and manufacturers a chance to mingle with one another and showcase products, answer questions, and hopefully get questions answered. In stark contrast to other trade shows like SHOT Show, NRAAM also has a pretty hefty political component with prominent speakers such as President Donald Trump making frequent appearances as well...
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TFB Behind the Gun #162: What's In Your Range Bag?
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we're speaking with Kevin from The Carry Handle podcast about what's in our range bags. Anyone who shoots likely has a range bag or at least something to carry all of their gear to the range with them when they shoot away from home. Typically I bring at a minimum a set of ear protection, eye protection, and some medical gear. However, over the years, both Kevin and I have allowed our range equipment to somewhat balloon, and in today's discussion, we'll both try to defend and justify the equipment we choose to drag to the range with us. ...
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TFB Behind the Gun #161: ACE Virtual Shooting First Impressions w/ Bryce
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun podcast, we've brought Bryce from The Carry Handle podcast to talk about our recent fascination with the ACE Virtual Shooting Simulator (Ace XR). ACE XR describes itself as the "premier shooting and pistol training platform" for the Meta series of completely wireless virtual headsets. When you combine the Quest VR headset, one of the controllers, and an ACE handset, you've got everything you need to dive right into a virtual shooting range that can be changed in an instant. Bryce and I have both had a bit of experience with the system, and today we're...
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TFB Behind the Gun #160: Tom Kubiniec w/ SecurIt Tactical
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
On today’s episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast, we’re chatting with Tom Kubiniec from SecureIt Tactical about all things gun storage. SecureIt’s been around for over two decades, starting out by designing armories for the military and law enforcement before branching out to civilian and commercial sales. Tom and his crew aren’t just about locking guns away—they’re pros at keeping them organized, too. Tom walks us through his work with the U.S. military, sharing how SecureIt’s clever designs make life easier for military, law enforcement, and everyday gun owners by keeping...
info_outlineToday we're back in the studio with Dan, Matt, and Chris - all competitors in The Proving Grounds, a set of competitions that takes place in the Southeastern region of the united states and is open to all levels of shooters who want to get out there and test their skills with their weapons in a friendly and competitive environment. This time, Matt and Dan are back to talk with us about their TSS or Tactical Sniper Series competition. This competition takes the typical two-gun format and flips the focus to long-range shooting and team communication as the paramount skills needed to be a winner here along with your shooting partner for the day. To that end, Matt and Dan have also brought along special guest Chris with them who is a bonafide active Military Sniper instructor who is not only a competitor in the Proving Grounds, but also has helped shape some of the courses for the TSS match so that they have some real good training potential in them aside from just the competitive aspect. In addition to Chris sharing some of his professional insights with us, we'll also talk to the boys to hear about the competition, the mindset behind it, what to expect if you show up to a match, and, of course what they'll be running for this year's TSS match. Please give a warm welcome back to Dan, Matt, and now Chris from The Proving Grounds Competition!