Guns & Ammo Buzz Podcast

G&A editors and guests discuss new products and trends concerning firearms, ammunition, optics, and accessories. This is the official podcast of Guns & Ammo magazine.

Gun Room: Garry James 08/13/2025

Gun Room: Garry James Garry James answers readers’ letters concerning firearms and accoutrements in “Gun Room,” a long-standing column that you’ll find towards the front of each issue of Guns & Ammo magazine. In this episode of Guns & Ammo’s “The Buzz” podcast, Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole and Field Editor Keith Wood interview Mr. James to learn the influences on his life, including his Hollywood-actor parents and his service in the U.S. Army as an Ordnance officer stationed in England. Mr. James is the longest serving contributor to Guns & Ammo, first being published in 1972. He was also the 9th editor-in-chief of Guns & Ammo, a position he held from September 1997 to August 2001. In his 53rd year of contributing to the pages of G&A, James still replies to letters, researches and writes compelling features on pre-World War II arms and ammunition. To send a question and photos about a firearm-related subject for his consideration, email . /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/37807125

.32 H&R v .327 FEDERAL MAG. 08/06/2025

.32 H&R v .327 FEDERAL MAG. Guns & Ammo’s Eric Poole and Patrick Sweeney are joined by Federal Premium’s Christopher Laack to discuss the .32 Harrington & Richardson (H&R) Magnum and the .327 Federal Magnum. Sweeney tested and compared modern loads for these cartridges in Ruger and Smith & Wesson revolvers in “More Than Retro,” an exclusive feature in the October 2025 issue of Guns & Ammo. These .32s are enjoying a resurgence in the concealed carry revolver segment with introductions in 2025, including S&W's Model 642 “The Ultimate Carry Revolver.” Laack discusses the engineering that led to the .327 Federal introduction to advance bullet performance and increase capacity potential in small-frame revolvers, while Sweeney recounts his experience and test results. The .32s are based on a .312-diameter bullet. When compared to .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long, the .32 H&R was considered a “magnum” when introduced in 1984, but the .327 Federal was a leap forward when it was introduced with modern bullets in 2008 for the Ruger SP101 and LCR. A joint venture between Federal Premium and Sturm, Ruger, & Co., Guns & Ammo re-evaluated the .327 Federal with the original SP101 prototype in .32 H&R Mag., which was re-chambered and marked “.327” over the “.32 H&R" stamping. With the new Federal Hyra-Shok Deep, engineers have renewed the .32 H&R Magnum's credentials as a viable self-defense cartridge for the modern era. Learn more about the development, details, and ballistic potential of each cartridge in this episode of Guns & Ammo’s “The Buzz Podcast." /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/37690475

Green Beret Sniper’s PRS Rifle 07/30/2025

Green Beret Sniper’s PRS Rifle Guns & Ammo Rifle and Optics Editor and former Special Forces sniper Tom Beckstrand discusses the 25 Creedmoor rifle setup that he used to shoot the 2025 Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge match in Utah. Beckstrand highlights his military career as well as his history with the Precision Rifle Series. Beckstrand is joined by Guns & Ammo Field Editor Keith Wood. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/37607710

Most Affordable Imported Turkish Firearms 07/24/2025

Most Affordable Imported Turkish Firearms Mass-producing factories in Turkey manufacture, re-create and innovate firearms for the world market. The U.S. is Turkey’s largest customer. After visiting nine gun-making companies in Turkey during February 2025, Guns & Ammo Editor-in-Chief interviewed SDS Arms Engineer Gaines Davis with Handgun Editor James Tarr. Davis lives and works for several months annually in Turkey to train, engineer and inspect firearms produced for SDS Arms, including those for Military Armament Corp., Tokarev, Tisas, Spandau, and Inglis. He relates how Turkish culture, craftsmanship, and values combine to produce high-quality firearms and accessories to exceed expectations of the American gun enthusiast. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/37534725

Building The Bespoke 1911: Jason Burton 07/16/2025

Building The Bespoke 1911: Jason Burton Jason Burton is the owner of Heirloom Precision and one of the most sought-after pistolsmiths in the trade. His passion for shooting the 1911 led him to dedicating his career to elevating John Browning’s masterpiece to its functional and esthetic peak. He operates a one-man shop where he creates bespoke pistols one at a time until the job is complete. An active competitive shooter, Burton won the Arizona IDPA Championship in 2002. Burton is a professional member of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild and is the Co-Author of the Vicker’s Guide to the 1911 Volumes 1 & 2. The interview with Jason Burton was hosted by Guns & Ammo Field Editor Keith Wood. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/37428305

Best Affordable Rimfire Lever Action? 07/09/2025

Best Affordable Rimfire Lever Action? The Savage Revel revives the brand’s history in making lever-actions. It is available in either a Classic model with straight grip or a Deluxe model with a curved grip and enhanced stock. Both .22 rimfire lever-action rifles proved fun and reliable to shoot and are very affordable. Field Editor Craig Boddington tested and evaluated this pair for Guns & Ammo’s August 2025 issue. Boddington compares the inspiration for these lever guns, as well as the details, with Managing Editor Jack Oller and Editor-in-Chief Eric R. Poole. The August 2025 issue of Guns & Ammo appears on newsstands July 8, 2025. Pick up your copy today to read more about modern lever actions! Visit to see more. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/37346925

Introducing James Tarr 07/01/2025

Introducing James Tarr Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a USPSA Grand Master, successful science-fiction book author, and frequent contributor to the world’s most widely read firearm publications. Recognized for wearing Hawaiian shirts to conceal his everyday carry, his insights offer thoughtful considerations regarding firearms and the EDC lifestyle. This episode of “The Buzz” podcast is a one-on-one interview hosted by Guns & Ammo Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/37239940

Canik Mete MC9 Prime 9mm 06/25/2025

Canik Mete MC9 Prime 9mm Guns & Ammo interviews Century Arms’ Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Adam Ruonala and discusses the popular Canik line of handguns including the Mete MC9 Prime in 9mm, which appears in the July 2025 issue. Unlike most Canik models made in Turkey, the Mete MC9 Prime is made in the U.S. and represents a complete collection of current trends. The Mete MC9 Prime is an optic-ready pistol with an RMSc footprint and has a compensated barrel and slide that keeps muzzle rise to a minimum. The gold-anodized trigger safety calls attention to the flat face and incredibly smooth pull, while an excellent texture enhances every contact point and grip surface. Discussing the growth and changes to Century Arms’ Canik line is Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole and Handgun Editor James Tarr, who evaluated the Mete MC9 Prime for Guns & Ammo’s coverstory. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/37151435

FOX NEWS CONTRIBUTOR JOEY JONES ON GUNS 05/30/2025

FOX NEWS CONTRIBUTOR JOEY JONES ON GUNS From a young Georgia boy, to combat as a U.S. Marine EOD Tech, to becoming a Fox News contributor, Johnny Joey Jones discusses his career becoming a journalist and reflects on life in and out of uniform. This New York Times bestselling author of “Unbroken Bonds of Battle” also announces his next book, “Behind the Badge,” a profile of first responders, including firefighters and law enforcement who repeatedly brave peril through dramatic acts of courage to better our lives. On sale June 17, 2025. This episode of The Buzz podcast is hosted by Guns & Ammo Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole, a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the magazine’s editor since 2013. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/36781420

DAVID WESTERHOUT – OLYMPIAN 05/27/2025

DAVID WESTERHOUT – OLYMPIAN David Westerhout went from competing as a javelin thrower for the UK in 1954 and representing England as a 400-meter hurdler in 1958 to shooting in the World Combat Pistol Championships in 1977 for Rhodesia. Westerhout gained notoriety for his dryfire training that led to victory. As Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, he competed in the rapid-fire pistol event at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, Russia. Field Editor Keith Wood traveled to Zimbabwe to interview Westerhout, one of the most unlikely world champion shooters the sport has known. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/36728485

FIRST LOOK: SPRINGFIELD ARMORY KUNA 05/12/2025

FIRST LOOK: SPRINGFIELD ARMORY KUNA The Springfield Armory Kuna is a 9mm SMG-style pistol that can be configured with a folding brace. It features bilateral controls and a reversible, folding charging handle. The AR-pattern pistol grip and funneled magazine well wears Springfield Armory’s Adaptive Grip Texture, the same that appears on popular models such as the Hellcat and Echelon series. The Kuna’s reliability and ease of control is provided by a simply roller-delayed blowback system, including a lightweight bolt assembly that moves smoothly within a machined aluminum receiver. Magazines were design specifically for the Kuna and are transparent, which provides the user a visual status check on capacity levels. The muzzle brake/compensator is extremely effective. For Guns & Ammo’s evaluation, a short and lightweight Banish 9K and Aimpoint ACRO C-2 was used to further test the Kuna’s reliability with increased backpressure and its accuracy potential. Following the announcement of the Springfield Armory Kuna on April 15, 2025, Jim Tarr, author of Guns & Ammo’s review of the Kuna (“Wild Weasel,” July 2025), joined Mike Humphries, media relations manager for Springfield Armory, and Eric R. Poole, editor-in-chief, to discuss one of the hottest new firearms. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/36534680

June ’25 Issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine 05/06/2025

June ’25 Issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine Don’t miss the June 2025 issue of Guns & Ammo, which lands on newsstands on May 6th. It features James Tarr’s review of the Springfield Armory Kuna 9mm, a roller-locked semiautomatic pistol with an optional Strike Industries folding brace. Also inside, is Jack Oller’s report on the Savage Stance XR 9mm pistol with Crimson Trace CTS-1500 red-dot sight and Alfredo Rico’s tour of Sellier & Bellot’s ammunition factory in the Czech Republic to celebrate its 200 anniversaries. Patrick Sweeney rejoins Guns & Ammo to highlight the return of the Smith & Wesson “no-lock” Classic Series of revolvers, and Dave Emary concludes the 5-part series on World War II bolt-action sniper rifles. Also featured is a Proofhouse of the Benelli 828U in 20 gauge, Dead Air Suppressors’ Mohave 45, the Holosun DRS-TH thermal sight for rifles, and Caldwell’s amazingly fun, clay-throwing ClayCopter. Find these stories and more in the June 2025 issue of Guns & Ammo. This episode of The Buzz podcast is hosted by Guns & Ammo Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole, Managing Editor Jack Oller and Handgun Editor James Tarr. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/36453475

Colorado's Semiauto Ban 05/01/2025

Colorado's Semiauto Ban Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed legislation that will ban the manufacture and severely restrict the possession of many semiautomatic firearms, including most semiautomatic rifles and pistols that feature a detachable magazine. The law goes into full effect in August 2026. Field Editor Keith Wood went on assignment to the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, Georgia, where he interviewed Dr. David Kopel, attorney and gun rights advocate, and Jordan Egli and Phillip Harding, employees of Burris Optics and Steiner, which are based in Colorado. Burris has been in Colorado for more than 50 years and will be subject to the state’s changing landscape and forthcoming restrictions. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/36403890

May ’25 Issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine 04/22/2025

May ’25 Issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine Eric Poole, Jack Oller and Jim Tarr talk about the features and columns in the May ’25 issue, which hits newsstands on April 1st. You can read about Ed Brown’s 25th Anniversary and the Kobra Carry G4 Dual Caliber Kit, an upgrade that affords shooters the choice between shooting 9mm or .45 ACP. Also featured in the May issue are features on Smith & Wesson’s Model 1854 Stealth Hunter in .45 Colt, a round-up of new guns and ammo from the NSSF SHOT Show, and Part III of the World War II Sniper Rifle Series by Dave Emary featuring the Mosin Nagant 91-30 PU. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/36257570

Pulsar Thermal Technology - James Sellers, CEO of Sellmark Corp. 04/14/2025

Pulsar Thermal Technology - James Sellers, CEO of Sellmark Corp. Sellmark Corporation is a Texas-based manufacturer led by founder and CEO James Sellers. In this episode, Sellers discusses thermal technology and its commercial evolution from the battlefield with Guns & Ammo’s Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole and Rifle & Optics Editor Tom Beckstrand. The conversation includes highlights such as the latest Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF thermal imaging riflescopes and Dark30, a thermal camera that can be mounted to various motor vehicles and off-road UTVs. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/36127440

Building The Legend: Gunmaker D’Arcy Echols 03/19/2025

Building The Legend: Gunmaker D’Arcy Echols D’Arcy Echols has spent the last five decades building custom sporting rifles. His dedication to his craft and attention to detail has made him one of the most sought-after gunmakers in the trade. As a lifelong backcountry hunter and professional guide, Echols brings vast real world field experience to his building approach. We discuss Echols’ background, career progression, and the evolution of his rifle designs including deep-dive on his iconic Legend rifle and the process of creating the new LX-1. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/35775045

SILENCER CENTRAL - BANISH 9K 03/07/2025

SILENCER CENTRAL - BANISH 9K Silencer Central and Banish Suppressors Founder and CEO Brandon Maddox, as well as engineer Lukas VanLaecken, join Guns & Ammo to discuss the Banish 9K, a 2.7-ounce 3D-printed titanium suppressor developed for 9mm pistols, subguns and carbines. It’s lightweight and small. The suppressor measures just 4.1 inches, has a 1.3-inch diameter, and will direct-thread onto most 9mm pistols without the need for a booster or Neilsen Device. Even for being so small, users benefit from as much as 32 decibels (dB) in sound reduction. While discussing the Banish 9K, Maddox also provides listeners with an industry-insider perspective on the state of the suppressor industry. This episode of Guns & Ammo’s “The Buzz” podcast is hosted by Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole and contributor Mark Fingar, who evaluated the Banish 9K for the May 2025 issue. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/35565710

Guns & Ammo Buzz: The April '25 issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine 02/28/2025

Guns & Ammo Buzz: The April '25 issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine Eric Poole, Jack Oller and Antonio Acitelli talk about features and columns in the April '25 issue which will hit the newsstands on March 4th. You can read about the Taurus GX2, Hornady's .338 ARC and we continue our series about Vintage Sniper Rifles. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/35477250

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Hamilton Bowen - Revolver Master 02/13/2025

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Hamilton Bowen - Revolver Master The Buzz sits down with Hamilton Bowen, founder of Bowen Classic Arms. Bowen is one of the world’s most sought after revolver makers and is a member of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild as well as the American Pistolsmith's Guild. Bowen specializes in crafting exquisitely tuned double and single-action revolvers in a wide variety of chamberings. They discuss the progression of his career, a few notable guns that he has built over the years as well as his book, The Custom Revolver. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/35270620

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Handguns for those Under 21? 02/04/2025

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Handguns for those Under 21? On January 30, 2025, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the prohibition on 18- to 20-year-olds purchasing firearms violates the Second Amendment. What does this mean for the future of those in this age bracket exercising their rights to firearms? /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/35146850

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Introducing Keith Wood 01/30/2025

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Introducing Keith Wood “Spent Cases” columnist and author Keith Wood is an avid hunter, firearm collector, and Second Amendment advocate. Wood is an attorney and lobbyist with more than 20 years of experience, including service with the National Rifle Association. In 2018, Wood was selected to helm the backpage column of Guns & Ammo magazine in addition to authoring firearm reviews and popular culture topics such as the annual “Best States for Gun Owners” series. Wood also contributes to other Outdoor Sportsman Group publications such as Petersen’s Hunting and . In this episode of Guns & Ammo’s “The Buzz” podcast, Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole reflects on his long-time friendship with Keith Wood and discusses his Florida upbringing, career influences, including his father, Dick Wolff, Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, and former G&A contributor Ross Seyfried. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/35060350

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Best of the 2025 SHOT Show 01/28/2025

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Best of the 2025 SHOT Show Following the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Guns & Ammo’s editors reflect on reports from the Range Day, after-dark parties, and identify the most talked about new handguns, rifles, cartridges, and optics. Points of conversation focus on Budget Guns, Lever Action Rifles, and Thermal Optics. Don’t miss several innovations including the Silencer Central Banish 9K suppressor, Aimpoint COA and A-Cut optic-mounting footprint, the EOTech VUDU Compact 3-9X scope, Federal 7mm Backcountry, Hornady .338 ARC, Winchester .21 Sharp, Ruger RXM 9mm pistol, double-stack 2011-style pistols, KelTec PR57, and the Henry Supreme in .223 or .300 Blackout. The year 2024 was a tough year, financially, for the firearm industry. Do these new products reflect an optimistic outlook for 2025? This episode of Guns & Ammo’s “The Buzz” podcast features a conversation between Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole, Managing Editor Jack Oller, Rifles & Optics Editor Tom Beckstrand, and Handgun Editor James Tarr. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/35038350

Guns & Ammo Buzz: First look at the 7mm Backcountry with Peak Alloy technology. 01/10/2025

Guns & Ammo Buzz: First look at the 7mm Backcountry with Peak Alloy technology. Peak Alloy case technology from Federal Ammunition enables 80,000-psi chamber pressure, and 3,000 feet-per-second velocities with 170-grain-class bullets out of 20-inch barrels. Guns & Ammo tested the 7mm Backcountry on safari in Africa using a Gunwerks Clymer equipped with a Silencer Central Banish suppressor. Federal reveals development history and answers subscribers’ frequently asked questions. G&A Buzz Podcast featuring Editor-in-Chief Eric R. Poole, Rifles & Optics Editor Tom Beckstrand, and Federal Rifle Cartridge Product Manager Eric Miller. Learn more at https://www.federalpremium.com/backcountry.html and read our full report in the March 2025 issue of Guns & Ammo. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/34808875

Guns & Ammo Buzz: 2024 Rifles In Retrospect 01/03/2025

Guns & Ammo Buzz: 2024 Rifles In Retrospect Looking back on new rifles introduced in 2024 including the Guns & Ammo Rifle of the Year award winner, the Wilson Combat NULA Model 20/20S. Also discussed is Ruger’s and HK’s 75th anniversaries, lever-action trends, Hammerli’s Force B1 .22 rimfire, Gunwerks in Africa, Winchester’s XPR in .400 Legend, Taurus Expedition, Smith & Wesson Response and Springfield Armory Boundary. G&A Buzz Podcast featuring Editor-in-Chief Eric R. Poole, Rifles & Optics Editor Tom Beckstrand, and Photographer Mark Fingar. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/34711665

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Ruger RXM 9mm - An American Alliance 12/13/2024

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Ruger RXM 9mm - An American Alliance The Ruger RXM is an U.S.-made, optic-ready, striker-fire alliance between Ruger and Magpul. The RXM chambers 9mm in a 4-inch barrel and features a removeable serialized chassis system to support interchangeable grip modules, accepts affordable Magpul GL9 magazines and is ready to accommodate future enhancements. With Eric Poole, James Tarr and Doug Koenig. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/34440300

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Carry Ready - Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C 12/03/2024

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Carry Ready - Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C A compact version of G&A's Handgun of the Year Award winner features a 4-inch barrel, shorter grip and slide, and includes 15- and 18-round magazines. With the innovative VIS optic-mounting system and COG chassis, the Echelon 4.0C is just as versatile as the full-size gun — but smaller! G&A Buzz Podcast featuring Editor-in-Chief Eric R. Poole, Handgun Editor James Tarr and Springfield Armory Professional Champion Shooter Rob Leatham. /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/34396530

Guns & Ammo Buzz: The New Kimber 2K11 12/02/2024

Guns & Ammo Buzz: The New Kimber 2K11 Guns & Ammo's Eric Poole and Jim Tarr talk about the new Kimber 2k11 with Kimber's Everett Deger. Kimber have added the latest addition to their 2024 product lineup with the 2K11, a double-stack 1911 available in both 9mm and .45 ACP. This high capacity 1911 incorporates a number of features new to the platform. For more information, see /episode/index/show/df05b005-0b4b-4da5-8fe6-4269eec4770c/id/34396430

Guns & Ammo Buzz Podcast

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