TFB Behind the Gun #199: Raiders Arms & the Temple of the AK
Release Date: 01/01/2026
TFB Behind the Gun #216: Hush-Points, Hot Dogs & Hand Grenades
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
We're excited to bring back Dave K. from Hi-Point Firearms for some genuine shop talk on their innovative DMLS 3D-printed suppressors, plus whatever else is on the table. Just four months after introducing the Hush-Point suppressor lineup, Hi-Point has launched their first direct metal laser sintered (DMLS) models in titanium and Inconel, raising the bar for lightweight, rugged sound suppression. Dave breaks it down today, from how Hi-Point entered the suppressor market well before the 2026 hype, to the advanced tech driving these new, fairly affordable 3D-printed units. We also share thoughts...
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TFB Behind the Gun #215: Moons Out 2026 w/ Pegasus Tests | Les Winner
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we have brought on Les Winner of Pegasus Tests to talk about a Night Vision Carbine match I recently attended, Moons Out 2026, hosted by Forgotten Weapons and sponsored by Nocturn Industries. As Polaris Logistics owner specializing in firearms shipping and international gun transport for competitors, Les covers his event performance, role as Range Master and Match Director, yearly match improvements, and some of his best and worst moments from the epic night vision carbine match which is often the highlight of my shooting experiences every year. ...
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TFB Behind the Gun #214: Rafael Del Valle of Bersa Firearms
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
On this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Rafael Del Valle from Bersa Firearms breaks down their evolving lineup. For decades, Bersa Firearms has produced very popular and reliable firearms for Militaries, Law Enforcement, and civilians, offering everything from compact Thunder 380 pistols for concealed carry, to newer high-capacity TPR9 duty guns with threaded barrels, striker-fired BP series micros and full-sizers like the new BP9FS and BP13, double-stack B1911 and M2XI 1911s with bull barrels and 20+ round mags, plus new American Kennesaw-built BAR15 AR rifles and BAR9 pistols—all...
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TFB Behind the Gun #213: Jordan Vinroe - CEO of Gideon Optics
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we get to hear the origin story of Gideon Optics, what actually goes into designing and testing a pistol red dot, and how Jordan thinks about trust, warranty, and long‑term support for customers who rely on their gear. Whether you’re optics‑curious, brand‑loyal, or still skeptical of newer or foreign-manufactured names in the space, this episode will give you a clearer picture of who Jordan is, what Gideon stands for, and why more shooters are starting to give them a serious look over legacy optics brands when it comes to every day...
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TFB Behind the Gun #212: Riley Hart of Romeo Hotel Engineering
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
In this episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun podcast I’ve brought on Riley Hart, a previous guest on , current design Engineer at Heckler & Koch USA and founder of Romeo Hotel Engineering, about bringing the to life for the , as well as his recent release of the unique Gyro Brake and other “unconventional” firearms concepts. Riley walks us through the real world engineering trade offs of suppressing a 12 gauge pump action, the challenges of adding gyroscopic stabilization as a recoil and muzzle climb reduction system, and how working inside a major OEM shapes the way he thinks...
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TFB Behind the Gun #211: The Proving Grounds Returns
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
On this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, Matt and Dan from The Proving Grounds return for an in-depth discussion. The Proving Grounds hosts a lineup of 2-gun competitions blending 70% marksmanship—rifle targets from 1 to 700 yards, rapid carbine transitions, and pistol stages—with 30% fitness elements like rugged obstacles, heavy plate carrier carries, and ruck marches constrained by 90-120 second par times. The diverse formats include Tactical Sniper series events, "Moons Out, Goons Out" nocturnal matches, Ruck divisions, regional showdowns, and specialty courses testing gear...
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TFB Behind the Gun #210: XTech's Expansion w CEO Jeremy Deadman
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
Catch the full, unfiltered return of Jeremy Deadman, CEO of XTech Tactical. Today, we break down the SHOT Show 2026 official launch and giveaway of the LDR2000 loaders, 2,000 freebies that hada lot of people coming by the booth to try out the new product risk-free. We also take some time ot talk about the company’s first acquisition with Creature Grips, and the transition of the brand name to Thru-Flo Rail Covers. Jeremy also shares some fun facts behind what numbers and data drive his decisions, what he’d rather be doing if XTech didn’t exist, and, of course, how he’s become one of...
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TFB Behind the Gun #209: Ryan w/ Atrius Development Group
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
Join us this week on TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast for a fun, technical deep dive with the CEO of Atrius Development Group, Ryan Spadafore, as we unpack how their forced reset selector fire-control systems are changing the way shooters think about semi-auto performance. We cover how these selectors work with different rifle setups, what matters most for reliability and safety, and a simple checklist for diagnosing issues like poor reset or inconsistent cycling. If you’re building or tuning a rifle with enhanced selectors in mind, and want to stay clearly on the right side of federal...
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TFB Behind the Gun #207: Hot or Not w/ TFB's Doug E.
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
Doug E. joins us this week on TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast for a no-holds-barred "Industry Hot or Not" showdown straight off the high of SHOT Show 2026. We'll dive into the hottest market currents, like suppressor sales surging, and all of the latest gadgets that people are strapping onto their guns. We'll also hit a few rapid-fire verdicts on standout innovations, like Glock's newest breed of handguns, FN's New SCAR variant, and of course, all of the latest marketing and selling tactics we're seeing in this growing market. Raw takes on what's sizzling, fizzling, or poised to stick through...
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TFB Behind the Gun #206: Ryan Van Aken w/ Frytech
TFB Behind the Gun Podcast
Ryan shares the real-world story of Frytech's magnetic system, from customizable magnet strengths for newbies to pros, to the added stability that keeps your barrel glued downrange no matter the caliber. Whether you're tweaking your setup or just geeking out on next-level firearm tech, today you'll get to hear from a guy who has spent a lot of time and effort trying to advance the AR-15 further than Stoner ever intended. Tune in this week to get the inside scoop on Frytech from owner Ryan Vaan Aken! Website: Instagram: Twitter/X: Pamax Tactical...
info_outlineThe 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.