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In 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
https://theprovinggroundscompetition.com/
The Proving Grounds Facebook
The Proving Grounds On Instagram
The Proving Grounds On YouTube
Sponsors of The Proving Grounds:
ZRODelta
US Optics
Lynx Defense
Hunters HD Gold
KCI
Krate Tactical
C&H Precision
Herrington Arms
Rx Plates
Ammo Inc
Brave Castle
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In today's episode, I've brought on fellow podcaster Bryce from The Carry Handle Podcast to talk about his show and some hot topics currently being discussed and debated in the firearms world. Bryce has been producing firearms-related content for a long time with his roots on YouTube spanning back to his days reviewing airsoft guns. Fast forward to today and he and his buddy Kevin (the Co-Host of The Carry Handle Podcast) have started a new podcast that discusses everything from the firearms industry to more practical applications and use cases for firearms, gear, and components often found in video games. Today Bryce and I will discuss not only his podcast but also the upcoming Gundie Awards (the firearm industry's version of the Oscars), as well as some shop talk about the firearm that was recently used in the assassination of a United Health Care CEO. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode featuring Bryce of The Carry Handle Podcast.
The Carry Handle Podcast on Spotify
The Carry Handle Podcast on YouTube
The Carry Handle Podcast on Instagram
The Carry Handle Podcast on Facebook
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In this episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast, I’m happy to bring back TFB Writer Sam S and TFBTV’s Hop to talk all about Silver Screen Wheel Guns. The revolver holds a special place in American culture, thanks in no small part to its starring role in the Western genre. These stories, with their dusty landscapes and iconic heroes or anti-heroes, helped cement the wheel gun as more than just a firearm—it became a symbol of resilience and self-reliance. Even today, revolvers continue to bring in both seasoned shooters and new enthusiasts alike, not just for their simplicity and reliability but for the way they embody a bygone era where survival was an art and justice was often self-served at the hands of regular everyday citizens. From their unmistakable silhouette to their storied presence on the silver screen and in real-life American history, revolvers remain a timeless reminder of the independence that shaped the American West. It’s a legacy that still sparks lively debates and shared admiration among revolver fans, whether at the range, in a conversation about classic films, or in their sometimes less-than-accurate representations in said films. Today we hope you’ll join us in celebrating this specific genre of guns, and the films we often get to know them by.
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Welcome to today’s episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast! I’m thrilled to have Rob Gearing on the show—a lifelong shooter, hardcore hunter, and the founder of Spartan Precision Equipment. Rob has a fascinating background, and today, he’s here to share not only his personal journey but also the story of Spartan and how it’s shaking up the world of shooting gear.
Spartan Precision started with just one product: the Javelin Bipod. It was designed with hunters in mind—lightweight, practical, and built to last. But Rob and his team didn’t stop there. Over the years, Spartan has grown into a powerhouse, making not only bipods for backcountry hunters but also adaptable tripods and bipods that fit perfectly into tactical and competition roles. They’ve stayed true to their hunting roots while keeping an eye on what shooters need now and in the future.
In this episode, Rob and I dig into what makes Spartan tick, why their gear is becoming more popular here in the U.S., and—get this—he even gives us a little teaser about what they’re unveiling at SHOT Show 2025. If you’re a gear junkie or just curious about bipods, you’ll definitely want to check out Spartan’s free resources on their website and their new educational videos on YouTube.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s get into it. Please join me in welcoming Rob Gearing of Spartan Precision Equipment to the podcast!
Website: https://javelinbipod.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spartanprecision/
Rob Gearing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spartan_mrg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spartanprecisionequipment/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpartanPrecisionEquipment
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/spartanprecision
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The Proving Grounds isn’t just another 2-gun competition; it’s a proving ground in every sense of the word. Hosted at The Sawmill Training Complex in South Carolina, this event pushes competitors to their limits, combining technical shooting stages with physical challenges that make you earn every single shot on target. Think of it as part tactical trial, part personal crucible, and all-around gritty fun with a healthy and encouraging competition environment to boot. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a new shooter with something to prove, The Proving Grounds is where skills get sharpened and legends get made and our guests Matt and Dan want you to be there with them.
What’s cool about this competition is how it embraces virtually any type of pistol-rifle combo you can think of. For instance, Matt and Dan thought future competitions could lean into Cold War vibes. If you’re a fan of iconic films like Red Dawn or GoldenEye, you already know that these firearms aren’t just cool movie props; they’re cultural artifacts from a time when geopolitical tension oozed into pop culture and transformed everyday gear into legendary symbols.
The talk of a possible Cold War theme down the road got us all waxing poetic about the guns that hooked us on the hobby in the first place. If you’re the kind of person who dreams about running an East German MPi-KM or a classic FAL while pretending you’re in some secret desert firefight from the 1980s, The Proving Grounds is your playground, and Matt and Dan are here to guide you through it with some of their favorite Cold War era firearms.
https://theprovinggroundscompetition.com/
The Proving Grounds Facebook
The Proving Grounds On Instagram
The Proving Grounds On YouTube
Sponsors of The Proving Grounds:
ZRODelta
US Optics
Lynx Defense
Hunters HD Gold
KCI
Krate Tactical
C&H Precision
Herrington Arms
Rx Plates
Ammo Inc
Brave Castle
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In episode 140 of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we've brought back competitive shooter Wade Reed to discuss the expanding firearms community specifically in the realm of competitive shooting. In addition to that, we'll also go over Wade's more recent contributions to the firearms industry including some new rimfire ammo, as well as some new variants of his extremely cool Mark IV Carbine - a lightweight upper that converts any Mark IV lower into a quick and nimble carbine for steel challenge shooting. We'll also talk a bit about topics such as the increasing popularity of competitive shooting, the benefits of more involvement from inexperienced shooters, and the role of social media, the youth, and public perception in connecting enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Reed shares insights into how newcomers can engage with the community and the positive impact of such participation based on experiences in his own life being a competitive shooter, as well as a father to young children. This episode is a doozy so buckle up and please give a warm welcome to Competitive Shooter Wade Reed.
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
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In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're bringing on Matt and Dan of The Proving Grounds to discuss what makes their competition special. The Proving Grounds is an athletically focused two-gun match that incorporates elements of 3-gun style target engagement and movement, along with some more athletic firearms competitions like The Tactical Games. Set to take place in two weeks, The Proving Grounds typically is held in the South Carolina Region, specifically at The Sawmill Complex and the Clinton House where competitors are allowed to shoot virtually any caliber of firearm they're comfortable with, and get a chance to engage targets beyond the confines of a pistol bay for that extra added challenge. Today Dan and Matt will share what they love about shooting how they got involved with The Proving Grounds, and why they think you should participate. Please give a warm welcome to Dan & Matt of The Proving Grounds.
https://theprovinggroundscompetition.com/ The Proving Grounds Facebook The Proving Grounds On Instagram The Proving Grounds On YouTubeSponsors of The Proving Grounds:
ZRODelta US Optics Lynx Defense Hunters HD Gold KCI Krate Tactical C&H Precision Herrington Arms Rx Plates Ammo Inc Brave Castle -
Today on the podcast I've brought on fellow gun enthusiast and YouTube Joe from the channel Desk Pop to talk shop about some recent struggles we've both noticed in the YouTube gun creator space, as well as some of our most recent projects and favorite firearms. Joe is in the midst of somewhat of a rebranding right now as he, like other people who produce firearms content on YouTube, has seen a significant decline in the revenue generated by each video, as well as a general lack of support from companies who typically benefit from the creator/manufactuer relationship. While YouTube may be pretty harsh when it comes to their demonization and throttling of YouTube videos related to firearms, Joe is determined to press on anyway he can which is why he's happy to announce his new YouTube venture "UpShots" which aims to not only provide a new creative outlet for Joe, but also help fund his primary focus on Desk Pop.
"We are so back baby, REAL hardcore testing, making content entertaining and not taking ourselves too serious while seriously treating serious operator gear (seriously). Hit the subscribe button and strap in."
Desk Pop On Instagram
Desk Pop On YouTube
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Hello and welcome back to another episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast! This week I'm back in the studio again with TFB Writer and film aficionado Darwin to talk about some of our favorite Modern Military Movie Guns. Most gun guys enjoy debating, nerding out, and arguing with one another about all sorts of firearms found in movies ranging from Sci-Fi, Westerns, Dramas, Thrillers, and of course military movies. Today Darwin and I thought it might be fun to blindly discuss some of our favorite modern military movie guns and sometimes how they might have turned out to be cooler in the movies than they are in real life or vice versa. We also take some time to talk about some of these firearms and how they've helped influence some of our own shooting habits, and sometimes even the whole firearms industry as a whole. Please let us know what your favorite modern military movie guns are and give Darwin a warm welcome back to the show!
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This episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast is going to be focused on firearms you might want to have handy in case of a natural disaster. While the answer for this is going to be different for virtually everyone depending on where they live, the type of disaster is also what matters. Hurricaine Helene has put much of the southeastern United States in a state of emergency and while it seems that local communities are being quite altruistic and helpful to their neighbors, we all know from previous natural disasters just how tragic things can get. Natural Disasters can quickly become even deadlier due to lack of power, food, medical supplies, or civil unrest spurred on by the disaster itself. Today I've brought on TFB writers Cameron and Sam to talk about the guns that they think of first as being handy for natural disasters in their area. We'd love to hear from you and what you typically prioritize for firearms when it comes to natural disasters or other state-wide emergencies in your area. Let us know what you think in the comments!
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We're back from TriggrCon 2024 and today we'll be hearing from one of the organizers of the event, Mr. Dave Timm. Dave has been in the firearms industry for a long time having worked, written, and produced content for a lot of companies in the past including Ranier Arms which hosts the TriggrCon even every year. Today Dave and I are going to go over 2024's TriggrCon expo and range day and also give you guys our thoughts on this year's Golden Trigger recipients. We'll also take some time to talk about Dave and what he's got planned for himself down the road in terms of videos and articles he'll be producing under his own brand - Learning Firearms. Dave is a retired Law Enforcement officer, competitive shooter, and all around gun nerd that I'm happy to have on the podcast. Please give Dave Tim of Learning Firearms a warm welcome to the show!
Where You Can Find Dave:
https://www.learningfirearms.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxxQY8NI2NImatPyW7xeouQ
https://www.facebook.com/learningfirearms/
https://www.instagram.com/learningfirearms/
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In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're bringing back TFB Writer Darwin to talk about the new SIG MCX-SPEAR otherwise known by its military designation - the XM7. The XM7 is the result of the NGSW program and I've recently had the opportunity to start digging into one of their Civilian versions of the rifle chambered in the new 6.8x51mm hybrid cased ammunition. Darwin is quite a fan of not only SIG's new rifle but also battle rifles in general. Today he and I will discuss some of the history of the XM7, and talk in depth about the new 6.8x51mm cartridge and some of the potential it might have even outside of combat. Please welcome back TFB Writer Darwin to the Show!
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Today I'm honored to have Kurt of Blue Alphaon the TFB Behind the Gun Podcast. Longtime TFB fans will no doubt know that we're sponsored by Blue Alpha Belts. Back in 2016 when TFBTV itself was just getting established, Kurt and his business partner Jesse, both aircraft mechanics, decided to start Blue Alpha belts to fund their range sessions. Fast forward just a couple of years and Blue Alpha Belts has expanded from just a garage operation to a business that supports many great American employees and provides range and tactical gear for all sorts of Americans - especially just us guys who want to have some fun on the range with our favorite guns. Today Kurt and I will discuss Blue Alpha's humble origins, their primary goal with starting the business, and of course, all of the intricacies that we don't often see from this side of the firearms industry to g ain a better appreciation for what Kurt and his team go through while having fun along the way. Please welcome Kurt of Blue Alpha belts to the show!
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In today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're bringing Marvin from AMMJ to discuss his new commercial-grade Laser Aiming Module. When it comes to laser aiming modules or LAMs, there are a lot of limitations placed on the output of civilian lasers due to FDA regulations. Today, subject matter experts Hop and BrassFacts will get to chat with Marvin about the Penumbra LAM, some of the inspiration behind it, the struggles that Marvin has had to go through hto get it to market, and of course what his plans for the future are with his latest product.
ABOUT PENUMBRA LASER AIMING MODULE
The aiming lasers are slaved and are calibrated together. The illuminator is on a separate bench and can be calibrated independently and spot size is adjusted with a throw lever at the rear of the device. The housing and components are machined aluminum and feature industry standard mounting surfaces. A micro red dot on the top of the penumbra. the bottom has a 3 position aimpoint mount compatible hole pattern allowing you unlimited configurations making it easy to mount at any height or clamping system that you prefer.
The controls for output of the laser and illuminator are also independent of each other with a high medium and low output each and defuser for the illuminator. The green laser will not fire if an Ir mode is also active. One button for activation; press and hold for momentary, and a double press for constant activation - this also applies to any crane style cable button.
FEATURES
✅ Light-weight & low-profile stance
✅ USE/STANDBY Weak LED indicator
✅ Adjustable NIR VCSEL illuminator
✅ Security tethered loop tie down
✅ Rail secured by 2 shock nuts
✅ Multi-function keypads
✅ Stability sensor
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We're back again in our ongoing series of top products according to the TFB crew. Previously we've talked about our top 5 and top 3 guns for a minimalist setup, but after seeing how almost everyone will default to the same types of guns almost every time, I thought we'd shake things up a bit this week. This week we're talking micro red dots. Just 20 years ago the first inklings of the concept were starting to take hold in the competitive shooting and military world. Today we're pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to red dot optics on pistols and that's why I'm joined today by TFB writers Nic L and Darwin N to talk about their current top 5 pistol dots (not all of them are red). Nic has been a frequent guest on our show and not only produces content for TFB but also hosts his own podcast and produces videos of his own about just about everything in the firearms space. Darwin is one of the newest recruits to the TFB squad and brings a lot of experience from both within the firearms industry, and outside of the firearms industry as a competitive shooter and life-long gun nerd. So what will their top 5 pistol red dot optics be? Tune in and find out in this week's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast. Also, be sure to let us know what your top 5 pistol red dots are!
Nic Lenze on Instagram
Darwin N on Instagram
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We're back in the studio again with some more of the TFB staff talking about their top picks for guns. Last week we kept things pretty restrictive, with only three guns. However, given that we also restricted people to "just those three guns for the rest of your life" it felt a little bit too predictable because most people in that type of situation would almost always default to "AR, Semi-Auto Pistol, Shotgun." With our two new guests TFB writers Doug E and Patrik O, this week, we're giving them two extra guns they can add to their forever collection, which should spice things up a bit. Today we'll hear the differing opinions on what 5 guns they'd buy if money wasn't an issue, and those 5 guns were the only ones they could have in their collection for the rest of their lives. It's a ridiculous question, yes, but also a fun one at that. So sit back, relax, and enjoy as Patrik O and Doug E discuss their "minimalist" 5 gun collection they'd own for the rest of their lives if money wasn't an issue.
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We've all probably thought about it at one time or another: "If money wasn't an issue but I could only pick three guns to use for the rest of my life, what would they be?" This is often a common thought experiment I've seen in various forms during my time as a firearms owner and today we're bringing all of you some direct answers straight from the knowledgeable yet eclectic TFB staff. For this first discussion, we're bringing on seasoned TFB writer and AllOutdoor.com Managing Editor Adam Scepaniak, as well as AOD and OHUB writer Paul B to talk about their own picks for their minimalist three gun setup, in addition to some extra talk about forgotten cartridges we miss or wish were more popular. Of course, we'd like to hear from our audience too! What would be your three picks for guns if you could only own three for the rest of your life? Thanks again for tuning in to TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're looking forward to hearing from you soon!
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On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we're bringing back on long-time friend of the channel Kirk from Aero precision to talk a bit about what he's been up to, and what he thinks of common "backpack guns." A backpack gun generally refers to a compact, portable firearm that is small enough to be carried in a backpack - typically a rimfire gun chambered in 22LR. These guns are often designed for ease of transport and quick access, making them popular for self-defense, hiking, or camping in remote areas. The term can describe various types of firearms, including folding rifles, short-barreled shotguns, or handguns that are equipped with braces or stocks. Takedown rifles like the Ruger 10/22 are often nodded to as the go-to weapons for the backpack gun task, but is that true in 2024? Today Kirk and I will discuss that, and a couple of other related topics in this week's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast.
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On this week's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast we're bringing on another of the newer TFB crew. This time we'll be speaking with our resident Canuck, Mr. Zac K. Zac has a long and interesting portfolio of work similar to what we do here at TFB, but in a few other semi-related industries. Today Zac and I talk a bit about how Canadian firearms laws work, and what steps Canadians are taking to ensure they can continue to enjoy firearms. In addition to some of Zac's worst encounters with the misrepresentation of firearms in current Canadian media, we'll also talk a bit about Canada's rich firearms culture and history. We'll also get a quick sneak peek at some of Zac's upcoming reviews and editorials coming to The Firearm Blog. Please give a warm welcome to TFB Staff Writer Zac K!
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A few months back, TFB received a new Editor-in-chief. Pete’s departure was also a handing-off of the reigns to our guest today, Mr. Josh Centers. Josh Centers comes from a background entirely based in the media world. From web and print publications, Search Engine optimization, social media integration and campaigns, and more, Josh is bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table here at TFB. However, just because Josh has a lot of experience, doesn’t mean he’s going to completely flip the script. As you’ll see today, Josh is a die-hard firearms enthusiast and it’s part of what brought him to TFB. Today we’ll hear how he came to be editor-in-chief of TFB, what some of his favorite firearms are, and what the path going forward for TFB looks like from his perspective.
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