The GUNS Magazine Podcast

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions in the firearms community: when does gear stop mattering? Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned competitor, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that a high-end holster, optic, or custom pistol will instantly transform you into a professional shooter. We break down the reality behind the gear hype and explain why your fundamentals and skills matter far more than the price tag on your equipment.
Through relatable analogies—from woodworking tools to scuba diving—Roy and Brent reveal the psychology behind manufacturers' "good, better, best" pricing models and why the middle-tier option is usually the sweet spot for the average, everyday shooter. We also share our personal rules for upgrading gear, including the vital piece of advice: always spend more than you want to, but never less than you should. Tune in to learn how to make smarter purchasing decisions and avoid a closet full of expensive, unused shooting accessories.
If you are ready to stop buying gear you don't need and start focusing on becoming a better marksman, this episode is a must-watch. Be sure to hit that subscribe button, leave a comment with your own gear-buying experiences, and check out the links below for more expert firearm tips and reviews!
Key Takeaways
·         Buying expensive, high-end gear will not automatically make a beginner a better shooter; fundamental skills are the true foundation.
·         Entry-level equipment is essential for learning the basics before upgrading to precision tools.
·         When deciding to upgrade your gear, implement a 'cooling off' period—do not buy it on the first day you see it.
·         Avoid purchasing the absolute cheapest options on the market, as they usually lack reliability and lead to buyer's remorse.
·         The 'sweet spot' for most normal shooters lies in mid-range gear, which provides the best balance of performance and value.
·         Manufacturers purposefully structure their products in a 'good, better, best' pricing tier to encourage upsells and comprehensive kits.
·         Having more gear does not equate to being a better shooter; focus on training with what you already own to gain real proficiency.
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In this episode of the Guns Podcast US brought to you by GUNSmagazine.com, host Brent Wheat sits down with long-time friend and Gunsight Academy CEO Ken Campbell to break down the recent security incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner. While mainstream media pundits quickly labeled the event a massive security failure, these two veteran law enforcement officers explain why the exact opposite is true. Dive deep into the tactical realities of 'rings of security' and discover how multiple alphabet soup agencies successfully managed the chaos to keep protectees safe.
Beyond the headline news, Brent and Ken share operational debriefs and 'war stories' from their own careers. From guarding former President Bill Clinton and Miss America to running high-ground sniper security for high-profile trials, they reveal the hidden mechanics of VIP protection. Learn the crucial importance of target isolation (Rule 4), and why everyday citizens must embrace the reality that they are their own first responders.
Whether you're a seasoned tactical professional or a new gun owner looking to better protect your family, this episode offers invaluable insights into situational awareness, threat assessment, and personal defense.
 
Key Takeaways
• Event security operates in multiple 'rings.' The fact that the attacker was stopped at the middle ring indicates the system worked exactly as intended.
• Security agents didn't immediately fire their weapons because of Rule 4 of gun safety (know your target and what is beyond it), preventing potential casualties among VIPs in the line of fire.
• Coordinating VIP protection at major events is incredibly complex due to overlapping jurisdictions of multiple agencies, including the Secret Service, Capitol Police, and DoD.
• During a crisis, people do not rise to the occasion; they default to their level of training. Consistent, realistic training is crucial for an effective response.
• Preparedness and self-defense are not political issues. A growing demographic of non-traditional gun owners are seeking tactical training to protect their families.
• No matter how much security is present, you are ultimately your own first responder and must maintain situational awareness at all times.
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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.
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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.
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In this episode of the Guns Podcast US, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington dive deep into the highly debated topic of staging firearms for home defense. Is it better to carry a concealed weapon on your person at all times, or should you strategically hide firearms throughout your house for quick access? The duo explores the practicalities, tactical considerations, and common pitfalls of keeping staged guns in living rooms, bedrooms, and even vehicles.
Drawing from their extensive law enforcement experience, Brent and Roy share real-world stories about the hidden dangers of complex lock boxes, the truth about keeping a gun in your car, and why building muscle memory through training is critical when seconds count. They also discuss clever staging methods, such as utilizing gun magnets and concealment furniture, while cautioning against unsafe practices like stashing firearms deep inside couch cushions.
Whether you rely on a bedside lock box, a concealed garage gun, or even a non-lethal impact weapon like a baseball bat, this episode is packed with essential insights to help you build a layered and effective home defense strategy. Tune in to learn how to prepare your home and your mindset for the unexpected.
Key Takeaways
·         If you are more than a second or two away from your firearm during a home invasion, it is likely too far away.
·         Carrying a firearm on your person while at home is often more effective and reliable than staging multiple guns around the house.
·         Always maintain standardization in how and where you stage your weapons to avoid mental freeze during a high-stress scenario.
·         Avoid stashing guns in couches or under pillows, as they tend to migrate out of position and collect function-inhibiting debris.
·         Mechanical lock boxes are generally more reliable than electronic ones, but both require extensive practice to open under extreme stress.
·         Storing guns in vehicles overnight or in plain view invites theft; always secure or remove firearms when parking your car outside.
·         Alternative defense tools, like baseball bats or heavy garage tools, can serve as excellent deterrents and secondary options when a firearm is not accessible.
Gear Featured in This Episode
Looking for the storage and safety solutions mentioned in the video? Check out the links below:
•    SOFhold Magnets – Magnetic mounting solutions for quick-access storage. https://SOFhold.com
•    Streamlight SpeedLocker – Secure, portable power-free storage. https://Streamlight.com
•    Skinner Garment Bag – The ultimate low-profile transport system. https://SkinnersSights.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.
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In this episode of the GUNS Magazine Podcast, Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington dive deep into the enduring appeal of the snub-nose revolver. Far from being a relic of the past, these compact powerhouses remain a favorite among both veteran law enforcement officers and a new generation of concealed carry enthusiasts. Roy and Brent discuss why snubbies are often the unsung heroes of self-defense, offering unparalleled reliability when you need a get-off-me gun.
The duo takes a fascinating look back at firearms history, revealing that despite Hollywood's obsession with the Colt Single Action Army, it was actually the pocket revolver that ruled the Old West. They also tackle the common myth that small-frame revolvers are inaccurate, proving that with the right ammo and practice, your snub-nose can be just as effective as a modern polymer pistol.
Whether you're carrying a classic Smith & Wesson J-frame, a Ruger LCP Max, or a Charter Arms Undercover, this episode is packed with practical advice on pocket carry, caliber selection, and keeping your everyday carry (EDC) firearm in fighting shape. Tune in to find out why the humble snub-nose might just be the most reliable tool in your self-defense arsenal.
Key Takeaways
·         Pocket revolvers, not large single-action six-shooters, were the true everyday carry guns of the Old West.
·         Snub-nose revolvers are incredibly reliable and require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal backup or primary pocket gun.
·         A small-frame revolver is often referred to as a get-off-me gun, perfect for close-range, sudden self-defense encounters.
·         The myth of the inaccurate snubbie is usually a result of shooter error; these guns are highly capable of tight groups with proper fundamentals.
·         Rather than buying expensive gun accessories, concealed carriers should invest in quality ammunition and dedicated practice.
·         Carrying a pocket gun requires understanding its limitations, such as the difficulty of drawing from a pants pocket while seated in a vehicle.
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The Guns Podcast is presented by EOTech. EOTECH is the leading manufacturer of electro-optics. Known for their world-famous holographic weapon sights, EOTECH also provides precision rifle scopes, ruggedized pistol optics, night-vision, thermal, and laser systems to professional and recreational users around the globe. Visit eotechinc.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

Are semi-auto .22s really that inaccurate? For years, shooters have believed that to get true tack-driving precision from a rimfire rifle, you had to use a bolt-action. In this episode of the Guns Podcast US, host Brent Wheat and co-host Roy Huntington sit down to shatter the long-standing myth about the inaccuracy of semi-automatic rimfires.
 Roy shares his recent hands-on experience with the incredibly lightweight and hyper-accurate Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber. Weighing in at under 4 pounds and boasting a crisp 2.25-pound match trigger, this rifle completely blew Roy away — delivering one-hole groups at 50 yards and even letting him shoot a wasp right in half! The days of spending thousands on aftermarket parts to make a 10/22 accurate might be officially over.
Listen in as they discuss the golden age of firearm manufacturing, how modern CNC machining has drastically improved factory rifles, and why this sub-$650 out-of-the-box rifle is an absolute game-changer for squirrel hunters, weekend competitors, and plinking enthusiasts alike.
Key Takeaways
·         The traditional myth that semi-auto .22 LR rifles cannot rival bolt-action accuracy has been shattered by modern factory designs.
·         Ruger's new 10/22 Carbon Fiber model weighs less than 4 pounds and comes factory-equipped with a match-grade stainless steel barrel and a custom 2.25-pound trigger.
·         During testing with CCI Subsonic ammunition, the Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber consistently shot ragged, one-hole groups at 50 yards.
·         At an MSRP of roughly $650, the Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber delivers performance that previously required $1,500 to $2,000 in custom aftermarket parts to achieve.
Modern CNC and EDM manufacturing processes have ushered in a golden age of firearms, making high-precision, sub-MOA guns readily available straight out of the box.
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The Guns Podcast is presented by EOTech. EOTECH is the leading manufacturer of electro-optics. Known for their world-famous holographic weapon sights, EOTECH also provides precision rifle scopes, ruggedized pistol optics, night-vision, thermal, and laser systems to professional and recreational users around the globe. Visit eotechinc.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