The GUNS Magazine Podcast

It is the week that the firearms industry loves to hate: SHOT Show week. As Brent Wheat prepares to pack his bags for Las Vegas and Roy Huntington happily stays home, the duo dives deep into the reality of the world's largest shooting, hunting, and outdoor trade show. Far from just a display of new products, SHOT Show is a massive logistical beast where the actual business of buying and selling takes place behind closed doors, strictly off-limits to direct consumer sales.
In this episode, Brent and Roy explore the evolution of the show, specifically focusing on the shifting landscape of media coverage. They discuss the "cleanup" of credentials that reduced the flood of non-serious bloggers, the rise and fall of "trash-talking" influencers, and why manufacturers are returning to long-term relationships with trusted storytellers over frantic viral moments. Whether you are an industry insider or a shooting enthusiast curious about how the sausage is made, this episode pulls back the curtain on the chaotic 14-mile walks and 15-hour days that define SHOT Show.
Key Takeaways
• The SHOT Show is the 8th largest trade show in the U.S., designed strictly for manufacturers to sell to distributors and dealers, not consumers.
• The industry has cracked down on media credentials to reduce the number of hobbyist bloggers and influencers clogging up the show floor.
• Manufacturers are shifting marketing strategies away from creators who rely on negativity and algorithms, favoring long-term professional relationships.
• The 'frantic' style of covering every single new product release is diluting audiences, leading content creators to focus more on storytelling.
• The physical toll of the show is immense, often requiring attendees to walk over 14 miles a day while navigating thousands of exhibitors.
• Professionalism matters: Dressing and acting like a business professional significantly impacts access and success at industry events.
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The Guns Podcast is presented by TangoDown. TangoDown® has been a leader in firearms parts and accessories for over two decades. From upgrades for everyday carry firearms to rifle accessories, TangoDown® has something for each firearm enthusiast.  To learn more and shop the diverse product line, visit https://tangodown.com
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In this episode of the Guns Podcast, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington tackle the age-old question: Is reloading ammunition still a good idea in today's economy? The conversation kicks off with a relic from the past — a can of Unique powder with a price tag from the 1970s — sparking a deep dive into inflation, purchasing power, and the comparative costs of components over the last 50 years. You might be surprised to learn how many labor hours are required to buy supplies today compared to decades ago.
Beyond the dollars and cents, Roy and Brent explore the intangible benefits of reloading. From chasing sub-MOA accuracy and tailoring loads for specific firearms to the simple therapeutic joy of crafting something with your hands, they discuss why "saving money" shouldn't be the only motivation. 
Whether you are a seasoned handloader or considering buying your first single-stage press, this episode offers a balanced perspective on the value of rolling your own. Tune in for a candid discussion on the math, myths, and mechanics of reloading.
Key Takeaways
• When adjusted for inflation and wages, the cost of reloading components is relatively comparable to the 1970s.
• Reloading equipment like presses pays for itself over time due to extreme longevity.
• The primary value of reloading often shifts from saving money to achieving better accuracy and customization.
• Beginners should start with affordable kits like the Lee Loader to test the waters before heavy investment.
• Reloading allows for creating niche loads, such as low-recoil rounds for vintage lever-action rifles.
• If you treat reloading purely as a mercenary money-saving venture, you might miss the enjoyment of the hobby.
• Overall, reloading is often a financial 'wash' when factoring in time, but offers independence from supply chain shortages.
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The Guns Podcast is presented by TangoDown. TangoDown® has been a leader in firearms parts and accessories for over two decades. From upgrades for everyday carry firearms to rifle accessories, TangoDown® has something for each firearm enthusiast.  To learn more and shop the diverse product line, visit https://tangodown.com
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Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected]
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week!
Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

In this episode of the Guns Podcast, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington take a sharp left turn from their planned topic to address a growing frustration in the shooting community: the toxicity of internet gun forums. With Roy now officially on board as co-host, the duo dissects the "keyboard warrior" mentality that plagues online discussions, where anonymity often emboldens users to tear down new shooters rather than offer helpful advice.
Roy shares personal anecdotes ranging from helpful car mechanics to the disastrous reception of the Thunder Ranch Special on a Smith & Wesson forum. The conversation explores the psychology behind online aggression, contrasting the loud, opinionated "experts" who have never handled the firearms they critique with the quiet, modest professionals who actually know the trade. 
The episode serves as a call to action for decency and mentorship. Brant and Roy argue that the industry's future relies on welcoming new enthusiasts with patience and respect, rather than gatekeeping and elitism. Whether you are a veteran collector or a novice looking for advice, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how to navigate—and improve—the culture of online firearms communities.
*Key Takeaways*
• Anonymity often fuels aggression on internet forums, allowing people to behave in ways they never would face-to-face.
• New shooters are frequently discouraged by toxic responses to basic questions, which hurts the growth of the gun community.
• True experts and professionals are usually the most modest and helpful members of a community, while aggressive posters often mask a lack of real experience.
• The "Thunder Ranch Special" story illustrates how even industry legends can be driven away by forum trolls.
• Moderation is critical; forums that vet comments or enforce civility tend to be far more valuable resources.
• Mentorship is the antidote to toxicity; experienced shooters should strive to build others up rather than tear them down.
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The Guns Podcast is presented by TangoDown. TangoDown® has been a leader in firearms parts and accessories for over two decades. From upgrades for everyday carry firearms to rifle accessories, TangoDown® has something for each firearm enthusiast.  To learn more and shop the diverse product line, visit https://tangodown.com
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Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected]
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week!
Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

Join host Brent Wheat and the newly appointed "official" co-host Roy Huntington for a thought-provoking post-Christmas discussion on this episode of the Guns Magazine Podcast. The duo tackles a controversial question: Are today's shooters actually more skilled than the marksmen of the past? They explore how technology, from high-tech optics to the internet, has revolutionized the learning curve for modern gun owners.
 
While acknowledging the "Golden Age" of gear and information availability, Brent and Roy also examine the downsides of modern shooting culture. They discuss the high cost of entry, the "fanboy" mentality driven by social media algorithms, and the loss of the generalist outdoorsman. Whether you're a seasoned graybeard or a new shooter learning on YouTube, this episode offers a balanced perspective on the evolution of marksmanship and hunting culture.
Key Takeaways
•    Roy Huntington is finally named the "official" co-host following listener feedback.
•    The consensus is that modern shooters are generally more skilled due to better resources.
•    The internet has replaced magazines and mentors as the primary source of shooting knowledge, speeding up the learning curve.
•    Budget-friendly modern rifles and optics often outperform expensive custom gear from 40 years ago.
•    The "Fanboy" phenomenon is largely driven by internet algorithms that create echo chambers.
•    While skills and gear have improved, access to shooting land and hunting grounds has significantly decreased.
•    We are currently living in a "Golden Age" for firearms enthusiasts despite higher costs.
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Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected]
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

In this special holiday episode of The Guns Podcast, host Brent Wheat flies solo while Roy is on the road to break down the firearms, myths, and movie magic found in our favorite Christmas films. Whether you fall on the side that "Die Hard" is the ultimate Christmas movie or prefer the nostalgia of "A Christmas Story," Brent dives deep into the specific models, props, and glaring errors that appear on screen.
From the chopped HK94s standing in for MP5s at Nakatomi Plaza to the impossible physics of a hockey-puck flashbang, this episode covers the technical details gun nerds love to spot. Brent also discusses the modified prop guns in "Home Alone," the unspoken anti-gun messaging in "A Christmas Story," and how a minigun from "Predator" made its way into a Bill Murray holiday classic.
Join us for a fun, festive look at Hollywood's portrayal of firearms. While these movies provide endless entertainment, Brent reminds us why the silver screen makes for a terrible firearms instructor and how we can use these moments to teach real-world safety to the next generation of shooters.
Key Takeaways
- The MP5s used by terrorists in Die Hard were actually chopped HK94s because real MP5s were scarce in Hollywood at the time.
- Many background guns in movies like Die Hard are actually Japanese MGC model gun replicas, identifiable by allen screw in the forward assist.
- The "hockey puck" flashbang used in Die Hard does not exist in reality; it was a Hollywood invention for dramatic effect.
- The Daisy Red Ryder in A Christmas Story featured a compass in the stock, a feature that did not exist on the production air rifle of that era.
- In Home Alone, the sound of a handheld tape recorder playing a movie clip would be far too tinny to realistically simulate a Thompson submachine gun.
- The minigun used by Lee Majors in "Scrooged" is the exact same prop gun used in the movie "Predator."
- Hollywood movies often reinforce bad habits; never use entertainment as a substitute for actual firearms training.
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Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected]
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel or sign up for our newsletter (https://gunsmagazine.com/newsletters) to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us