The GUNS Magazine Podcast

In this episode of Guns Podcast US, hosts Brent T. Wheat and Roy Huntington dive deep into the often-debated .380 ACP cartridge. Frequently dismissed as merely a '9mm short' or an underpowered round, the .380 is gaining significant traction among shooters, especially those dealing with arthritis or difficulty managing heavy recoil. Brent and Roy explore why this caliber is proving to be a highly effective, practical choice for concealed carry when paired with modern, high-performance ammunition.
Drawing on real-world data and professional expertise, the hosts challenge common internet myths about 'stopping power' and emphasize the importance of shot placement and reliable gun handling over raw ballistic energy. Whether you are a seasoned shooter or looking for a more comfortable carry solution, this candid discussion provides a fresh perspective on balancing personal needs with effective self-defense.
Link to the Greg Ellifritz study mentioned in this episode: https://www.activeresponsetraining.net/an-alternate-look-at-handgun-stopping-power
Key Takeaways
·         The .380 ACP is a highly capable defensive caliber when paired with modern, high-performance ammunition.
·         Caliber choice is secondary to shot placement and the ability to effectively manipulate your firearm.
·         The .380 ACP is an excellent option for shooters with hand strength issues or those sensitive to high recoil.
·         Data from real-world shootings shows that caliber often plays a smaller role in stopping a threat than popular myths suggest.
·         It is essential to test your defensive ammunition in your specific firearm to ensure reliability.
·         Don't let 'internet experts' discourage you from carrying a firearm you can shoot accurately and confidently.
--
Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email editor@gunspodcast.us
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @gunspodcastus or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

Are you afraid to carry an affordable revolver because you think you're compromising on quality? In this episode of the Guns Podcast, Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington break down the myths surrounding budget snub-nosed revolvers. They explore whether you really need to spend $1,000+ for a reliable everyday CCW carry piece and explain why many modern, lower-cost revolvers are actually well-made, dependable tools.
From the rise of CNC manufacturing to the best ways to break in your new firearm, the hosts share practical, expert-level advice on how to test, clean, and maintain your revolver to ensure it performs when you need it most. If you've been wanting a pocket revolver but have been held back by budget concerns or the fear of being judged at the range, this honest, no-nonsense conversation is for you.
Key Takeaways
·         Modern, affordable revolvers are not 'cheap' or 'sub-premium'; they are standard-price tools that get the job done.
·         Advances in CNC machining have significantly narrowed the quality gap between budget and high-end firearms.
·         Dry-firing a new revolver hundreds of times is the most effective way to smooth out a crunchy action and uncover hidden mechanical hitches.
·         Never carry a new gun without range-testing it extensively; even premium guns can have quality control issues out of the box.
·         Don't worry about being 'judged' for carrying an entry-level brand; focus on your own competence and reliability with the platform.
·         If you want to customize your revolver, break it in thoroughly first before installing aftermarket springs.
--
Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email editor@gunspodcast.us
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @gunspodcastus or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

Is the classic .30-06 Springfield still the ultimate do-everything king of cartridges, or have modern calibers left it in the dust? In this episode of the Guns Podcast US, Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington tackle the great caliber debates, technical shooting myths, and real-world defensive gear.
We kick things off with a deep dive into the versatile .30-06—exploring its incredible range of bullet weights, its history in the field, and whether it deserves a spot at the top of your rack. Then, we shift gears to handgun ballistics to answer a tough question: Are high-powered cartridges like the 10mm and .357 SIG actually "too much gun" for self-defense, or do they give you a legitimate tactical edge?
Plus, Brent shares an inconvenient truth about who actually pays for wildlife conservation in America (and why bird watchers are getting a free ride), Roy busts a major myth about resting your handgun barrel on a ransom rest, and we share a powerful, real-world defensive shooting perspective from a retired LE trainer in a wheelchair.
Grab a mug, pull up a chair, and join the club!
--
Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email editor@gunspodcast.us
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @gunspodcastus or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

What is the single most iconic American firearm ever made? In this episode, Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington celebrate the lead-up to America's 250th anniversary by debating the ultimate American gun. From the Colt Single Action Army and the Winchester 94 to the M1 Garand and the Pennsylvania long rifle, we look at the designs that shaped our history and discuss why American gun culture is so fundamentally different from the rest of the world.
Key Takeaways:
●   American gun culture prioritizes emotional connection and individual ownership over modular utility.
●   The Colt SAA and the Tommy Gun are the most globally recognized symbols of American history.
●   Authenticity in gun writing is irreplaceable; machine-learning copy cannot replicate decades of actual field experience.
 ---
Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email editor@gunspodcast.us
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @gunspodcastus or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

Gun writers and manufacturers have been trying to kill off the .30-30 Winchester for over fifty years. From the magnum craze to the 6.5 Creedmoor, new calibers are constantly hyped as the ultimate replacement. Yet, the humble .30-30 lever gun remains one of the most popular deer hunting setups in America.
In this episode, Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington discuss why this 130-year-old classic is still the 'adjustable wrench' of the firearms world, debunk the myths about lever-action accuracy and explain why basic hunting skills matter far more than ballistic spreadsheets.
Key Takeaways:
●        The .30-30 Winchester remains commercially viable and highly popular because it perfectly fits the real-world parameters of most deer hunters.
●        Modern manufacturing (like Ruger-built Marlins) and polymer-tipped ammunition have disproven the old myth that lever guns are inherently inaccurate.
●        Basic woodcraft and getting close to game are more effective than relying on hyper-velocity cartridges designed for extreme distances.
 ---
Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email editor@gunspodcast.us
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @gunspodcastus or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us