Épisodes

  • 011826 hr2
    Jan 19 2026

    Hour Two of Eye on the Target Radio finds hosts Amanda Suffolk and Rob Campbell broadcasting from Las Vegas during SHOT Show week, diving into new firearms, gear, and industry trends ahead of Range Day. A major early discussion centers on KelTec, a company known for unconventional designs and clever marketing. The hosts talk through KelTec's history of innovation—integral magazines, high-capacity .22 pistols, folding firearms, and designs that often seem odd at first but later influence the entire industry. While KelTec's fit and finish may not be "premium," they're praised for creativity, affordability, solid warranties, and pushing the market forward.

    The conversation then shifts to optics and everyday carry, with a spotlight on Holosun red dots, especially features like side-loading batteries, solar assist, auto-sleep, and durability. The hosts debate red dots on concealed-carry pistols, discussing bulk, concealment, comfort, and how carry gear naturally becomes "invisible" to the wearer over time. This leads into a practical discussion on holsters, emphasizing that comfort issues are usually holster-related, not firearm-related.

    In the middle of the show, the hosts dive deep into caliber history and cartridge safety, comparing modern rounds like .300 Blackout to historical cartridges such as the .32-20 Winchester. They explain hunting legality differences by state, why certain cartridges exist, and how new rounds like .350 Legend and .400 Legend were designed to meet straight-wall hunting laws. A strong emphasis is placed on ammo compatibility and safety, with warnings about dangerous cartridge mix-ups, historical examples of over-pressure rounds, and why careful reloading practices matter.

    The latter portion focuses on Second Amendment legal battles, particularly an upcoming Supreme Court case involving Hawaii's "vampire rule" (sensitive places laws that prohibit carry unless explicitly allowed). The hosts explain oral arguments, timelines, the influence of the Bruen decision, and why recent years have seen an acceleration of major gun-rights cases. They reflect on how long landmark cases like Heller took and how the current legal pace represents a significant shift.

    The show closes with broader commentary on gun regulation, serial numbers, manufacturer mandates, and crime, arguing that enforcement should focus on criminals rather than lawful gun owners or tools. Throughout the episode, the tone blends industry insight, firearms history, legal analysis, practical carry advice, and advocacy, reinforcing the show's core message of responsible gun ownership and constitutional education.

    Voir plus Voir moins
    54 min
  • 11926 hr1
    Jan 19 2026

    This episode of Eye on the Target Radio features hosts Amanda Suffolk and Rob Campbell broadcasting from Las Vegas during SHOT Show week, where they discuss the show's role as the industry's biggest showcase for firearms, gear, and innovation. They describe Industry Day at the range, where attendees can test everything from machine guns to high-powered rifles, and highlight how SHOT Show gives small, creative companies a rare chance to be seen alongside major manufacturers.

    The conversation dives into unusual and innovative firearms designs, including ultra-compact and disguised carry guns, and reflects on historical ingenuity in gunmaking through stories about Bill Ruger's early days and other inventive designs that were initially overlooked but later became valuable collectibles. A major theme is how creativity, marketing, and timing can make or break a product.

    Later segments shift to firearms training and education, especially teaching new and young shooters. The hosts emphasize fundamentals: stability, proper support, repetition, calm instruction, and starting with iron sights before moving to optics. They stress that good teaching—especially for kids—requires patience, safety, and building skills correctly from the beginning.

    The show also touches on gun safety messaging, advocacy groups, and industry sponsors, before closing with discussion of firearms history, collector value, and how unconventional or "ugly" designs often gain appreciation over time. Overall, the episode blends SHOT Show coverage, firearms history, training philosophy, and Second Amendment advocacy.

    Voir plus Voir moins
    54 min
  • 011126 hr2
    Jan 12 2026

    This episode (hour 2) of Eye on the Target Radio focuses on major Second Amendment legal, political, and organizational developments heading into 2026. Amanda reports from the NRA's winter board meeting, highlighting renewed momentum and cooperation among gun-rights groups like the NRA, Second Amendment Foundation, and Firearms Policy Coalition. Key legal battles include upcoming Supreme Court cases (including Wolford and interstate carry issues), California's ammo background check lawsuit (Rhodey v. Bonta), and broader fallout from Bruen as states attempt new workarounds to restrict gun rights.

    A major discussion centers on the NRA's decision to consolidate and partially digitize its magazines. The hosts debate whether moving away from regular print issues risks alienating long-time members, reducing visibility, and weakening advertiser support, versus the benefits of searchable digital content and cost savings. They stress the magazine's role as a critical touchpoint between the NRA and its membership.

    The show also covers international and domestic policy contrasts, including Canada's failed gun "buyback" program and resistance from provinces, drawing parallels to U.S. state-level enforcement realities. Attention then turns to aggressive gun-control proposals in Virginia following recent elections, including bans on certain semi-autos, suppressor taxes, restrictions on homemade firearms, reciprocity rollbacks, and expanded prohibited-person rules.

    Later segments examine a potential Wisconsin pro-gun constitutional amendment, the political consequences of state elections, and how lawmakers often push new gun laws for visibility rather than effectiveness. Throughout, the hosts emphasize vigilance, coordinated legal strategy, and the long-term erosion risk to gun rights if incremental restrictions go unchallenged.

    Voir plus Voir moins
    54 min
  • 011126 hr1
    Jan 12 2026

    This episode of Eye on the Target Radio opens with Rob and Amanda discussing anticipation for SHOT Show, industry trends, and how recent regulatory changes are reshaping firearms innovation. They predict 2026 will be "the year of the suppressor," citing a massive spike in NFA e-form submissions after January 1 and increased creativity around short-barreled rifles, pistols, and accessories now that certain tax and regulatory barriers have shifted. The hosts highlight new product concepts, including compact carbines, folding stocks, suppressor deals, and evolving shotgun designs, comparing gas-operated versus recoil-operated systems and sharing hands-on impressions of models like the Mossberg 990 Aftershock.

    A major portion of the show focuses on firearms collecting and auctions. Rob recounts attending a large estate auction featuring high-end and historic guns, including early Colt AR-15s, rare Colt National Match pistols, and World War II Winchester Model 12 trench guns. The discussion dives into why rough, "crusty" wartime firearms can command higher prices than pristine examples, emphasizing historical context, scarcity, and authenticity. This leads into a broader reflection on wartime manufacturing, patriotism, and how visible wear tells the story of industrial urgency and sacrifice.

    Throughout the episode, the hosts contrast shooters, trainers, accumulators, and pure collectors, debating use versus preservation and refinishing versus originality. They also stress the importance of proper valuation, auctions, and informed estate planning for firearms collections. Interspersed are sponsor messages and promotions for firearms education, safety initiatives, training organizations, and industry media, reinforcing the show's focus on Second Amendment advocacy, responsible ownership, and firearms culture.

    Voir plus Voir moins
    54 min
  • 010426 hr2
    Jan 5 2026

    This hour of Eye on the Target Radio opens with Amanda Suffolk and Rob Campbell welcoming listeners and diving into an extended discussion on firearms auctions, collecting, and smart buying strategies. Rob explains that auctions—estate sales, private collections, and auction houses—can be excellent places to find rare or older firearms, but only if buyers do their homework. The hosts emphasize that auction descriptions are often vague, making the buyer responsible for understanding exactly what they are bidding on, including historical details, distinguishing features, and true market value.

    Using examples like Thompson submachine gun magazines, Rob explains how collector value can vastly exceed functional value, especially when markings, provenance, or rarity are involved. He stresses the importance of setting firm spending limits ahead of time to avoid getting swept up in bidding wars or emotional decisions driven by competition or irritation with other bidders. Auctions, they note, can result in either incredible bargains or wildly inflated prices depending on the crowd and demand.

    The conversation expands into evaluating collectible firearms, focusing on provenance, original boxes, paperwork, serial numbers, and factory documentation. Rob discusses National Match 1911 pistols, explaining how early Army-built models differ from later commercial Colts and how original packaging and documentation can dramatically increase value. They also touch on vintage revolvers, early Marlin rifles, and rare Colt variants like the nickel-plated Banker's Special, highlighting how historical context and originality matter to collectors.

    The hosts then turn to vintage shotguns, addressing safety concerns such as Damascus barrels, chamber length differences, and the necessity of professional gunsmith inspections before firing older firearms. Rob explains exhibition-grade firearms like Winchester "Black Diamond" models, describing their upgraded wood, craftsmanship, and rarity, and how those features contribute to significant collector value.

    Later in the hour, Amanda and Rob discuss an unusual incident at a gun show involving loose ammunition discharging after being dropped, reinforcing general safety awareness and careful handling practices, even in situations that seem extremely unlikely.

    The program then transitions to an in-depth interview with Charlie Hiltunen, NRA Board of Directors member and reelection candidate. Charlie shares his personal background in shooting sports, law, association management, and decades of lobbying experience, explaining how those skills positioned him to serve during a critical period of organizational turmoil within the NRA. He describes the reform movement within the board, the challenges posed by legal attacks and political pressure, and how a coalition of reform-minded directors helped stabilize the organization financially and operationally.

    Charlie and Amanda discuss the impact of reduced firearm sales during periods of political calm, warning that complacency among gun owners can weaken both industry and advocacy organizations. They emphasize the importance of continued engagement, NRA membership, voting in board elections, and supporting multiple Second Amendment organizations to maintain a strong national defense of gun rights.

    The hour concludes with Charlie encouraging listeners to research reform candidates through ElectANewNRA.com, visit his personal site CharlieForNRA.com, and actively participate in NRA board elections, stressing that member involvement is essential to preserving the Second Amendment and the long-term strength of the organization.

    Voir plus Voir moins
    54 min
  • 010426 hr1
    Jan 5 2026

    This episode of Eye on the Target Radio opens with Rob and Amanda welcoming listeners and introducing a training-focused show centered on the value of firearms education. The hosts emphasize why they seek instruction from multiple trainers each year, explaining that varied perspectives reveal weaknesses, improve consistency under stress, and expose shooters to different equipment, techniques, and problem-solving approaches.

    The discussion highlights how stress affects performance, particularly grip consistency, decision-making, and time management. Real-world training scenarios, timers, and friendly competition are shown to expose flaws that static range practice often hides. The hosts stress that running out of time with rounds remaining is better than rushing shots and missing, and that pressure-testing skills is essential for concealed carriers and serious shooters alike.

    The conversation transitions into an extended interview with Tim Herron of Tim Herron Shooting, who—along with AJ Zito and Riley Bowman—co-created a three-day Practical Pistol Craft Workshop in New Mexico. Herron explains that the class was intentionally designed to offer material outside each instructor's standard curriculum, giving experienced students new challenges rather than repeat content. The location and structure allowed multiple instructors to teach simultaneously while keeping costs reasonable.

    Herron describes his background as a competitive shooter without military or law-enforcement experience and explains how that perspective shaped his teaching philosophy. His courses focus on performance-based shooting, blending speed and accuracy rather than treating them as separate skills. While competition shooting influences the curriculum, the classes are not competition-only; instead, they teach transferable skills applicable to defensive shooting and real-world scenarios.

    The episode also explores the differences between USPSA and IDPA, explaining scoring systems, use of cover, and how competition acts as a safe way to pressure-test skills. Herron emphasizes that competition reveals both strengths and deficiencies, helping shooters focus their practice and training more effectively.

    Throughout the segment, the hosts reinforce the idea that firearms training is a lifelong process. Familiarity with equipment, dry fire, maintenance, and recognizing subtle changes in firearm performance are framed as essential habits—much like noticing warning signs in a vehicle before failure occurs.

    The episode closes by underscoring the value of camaraderie in the shooting community, encouraging listeners to seek training, try competition, and continuously refine their skills through structured pressure and professional instruction.

    Voir plus Voir moins
    54 min
  • 122825 hr2
    Dec 29 2025
    Hour 2 begins with host Amanda Suffolk welcoming Todd Vandermeer, a newly elected NRA Board of Directors member from Illinois and a longtime Second Amendment advocate. Todd explains his background as an "accidental lobbyist," describing how his involvement began with the Illinois State Rifle Association and eventually led to more than two decades working as an NRA contract lobbyist. He later represented Illinois firearms dealers and manufacturers, helped establish lobbying presence at the state capitol, and now serves as president of the Aurora Sportsman's Club, one of the largest gun clubs in the state. He is also involved with nonprofit legal foundations focused on funding Second Amendment litigation. The discussion quickly turns to Illinois gun laws, with Todd describing the state as one of the most hostile environments for gun owners due to Democrat supermajorities in the legislature. He explains that while Chicago itself is somewhat constrained by state preemption, the real issue is the state legislature, which continues to pass sweeping gun control laws. Todd outlines Illinois' expansive semi-automatic firearm ban, which not only prohibited many rifles, pistols, shotguns, and magazines, but also required registration of existing firearms. He emphasizes that unregistered firearms became contraband and that even registered firearms were effectively rendered obsolete because replacement parts were banned, making routine maintenance illegal. Amanda and Todd then reflect on how women have played a significant role in Illinois Second Amendment activism. Todd recounts the history behind Illinois' concealed carry victory, including the landmark Moore v. Madigan case. He tells the story of Mary Shepard, an elderly woman brutally assaulted after the state released a repeat offender, who became a key plaintiff in the NRA-backed lawsuit. The state ultimately chose not to appeal the appellate court loss to the Supreme Court, likely to avoid a nationwide precedent, forcing Illinois to adopt concealed carry in 2013. From there, the conversation moves into current and pending court battles, particularly Illinois' semi-auto ban and broader national Second Amendment litigation. Todd explains that multiple challenges to Illinois' ban are now at the federal appellate level, with oral arguments already completed. He notes that dozens of gun-related cases are currently sitting before the Supreme Court, many involving "prohibited persons" laws such as marijuana users or nonviolent felons, and predicts that one major ruling could result in many cases being sent back to lower courts for reconsideration. After the break, Amanda and Todd dive deep into "sensitive places" litigation, including a Supreme Court case scheduled to be heard in January. Todd expresses cautious optimism but warns that lower courts are inventing new legal tests to restrict carry rights, particularly in Illinois. He strongly criticizes a ruling that classified mass transit as a "sensitive place" based on whether it is confined, crowded, or involves children. Todd explains that this framework has no basis in Supreme Court precedent like Heller or Bruen and could effectively disarm large segments of the population who rely on public transportation. He warns that if this reasoning stands, it would make it nearly impossible to challenge sensitive place designations in the future. Todd explains that the Supreme Court has shown interest in reviewing these flawed rulings and may either take the cases directly or issue rulings that force lower courts to redo their decisions using proper constitutional analysis. Amanda shares her enthusiasm for following Supreme Court cases closely, likening them to a spectator sport for constitutional thinkers. Later in the hour, Amanda welcomes Jason Wilson, founder of Lucid Optics and another newly elected NRA board member. Jason discusses how Lucid Optics began in 2009, born from his frustration as a competitive shooter with existing red dot sights. He explains how the company positioned itself between cheap novelty optics and prohibitively expensive military-grade gear, focusing on high quality at an accessible price. Over time, Lucid expanded into riflescopes, prism optics, binoculars, and spotting scopes. The conversation shifts to industry trends, with Jason explaining that pistol optics are becoming more common but still aren't ideal for every defensive shooter. He notes a growing trend toward LPVOs (low-power variable optics) and prism sights, especially on modernized lever guns. Both hosts discuss how lever guns are experiencing a renaissance, becoming suppressed, optics-ready, and surprisingly versatile platforms. Amanda and Jason also talk about personal firearm preferences, joking about caliber power and platform loyalty, before transitioning into NRA board service and reform. Jason describes what it's like to be a new board member and emphasizes that the NRA needs active, engaged leadership rather than passive...
    Voir plus Voir moins
    54 min
  • 122825 hr1
    Dec 29 2025

    The show opens in a relaxed, conversational tone with hosts Amanda Suffolk and Rob Campbell talking about the holiday season and firearm-related gifts. Rob shares that he received a collection of vintage firearms magazines from the late 1960s, while Amanda talks about buying ammunition and a shotgun for her husband so he can go trap shooting. This leads into lighthearted banter about gun-related gifts, the "shotgun fairy," and Rob's well-known habit of collecting unusual and historic ammunition rather than guns themselves.

    From there, the discussion turns into an in-depth and educational conversation about antique ammunition. Rob explains that many old cartridges are rarer than the firearms that fired them, highlighting an extremely small 2.7mm Lilliput cartridge as a prized item. The hosts talk about how early bullets were often handmade, including hand-turned cases and tiny primers, and why preserving old ammunition is difficult due to corrosion, oxidation, and aging materials. They explain how lead bullets oxidize, how early priming compounds weakened brass over time, and why some historic bullets eventually crack, split, or disintegrate if not properly preserved.

    The conversation expands into firearms history, covering how bullet and cartridge design evolved through the 1800s. They discuss early rimfire cartridges, including surprisingly large calibers, and why rimfire designs eventually gave way to centerfire due to safety and pressure limitations. Rob explains how early firearms development was dangerous, often costing inventors fingers, eyes, or worse, because there were no simulations or modern testing methods. The segment blends technical history with humor and accessibility, making complex firearm evolution understandable to everyday listeners.

    After the first commercial break, the show shifts to current events, focusing on Florida's newly reinstated bear hunting season. Amanda explains that Florida issued a limited number of bear hunting permits through a lottery due to a growing bear population and increased human-bear encounters, including vehicle collisions and fatal attacks. The controversy arises from anti-gun and anti-hunting groups reportedly purchasing large numbers of lottery entries in hopes of winning permits and then not using them, effectively blocking hunters from harvesting bears.

    Amanda and Rob discuss whether this strategy will actually work long-term, noting that the state still benefits financially from the application fees and can simply issue more permits in future years if bear populations remain a problem. They talk about wildlife management realities, pointing out that issuing permits does not guarantee bears will be harvested, and that population control is often necessary for public safety. The discussion touches on the broader tension between conservation, public safety, and ideological opposition to hunting.

    Later in the hour, Amanda welcomes guest John Petrolino, a well-known Second Amendment writer and commentator, who has been named a top-five finalist for the Gundy Awards. John discusses the significance of the awards as a "people's choice" recognition within the Second Amendment community and explains the nomination and vetting process. He emphasizes that simply being nominated is an honor and highlights the competitive field of writers and advocates involved.

    The conversation then becomes more legal and analytical as John explains ongoing Second Amendment court cases, particularly in New Jersey and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. He outlines how New Jersey has become a major testing ground for gun control challenges, including carry laws, so-called "sensitive places," magazine limits, and assault weapon bans. John explains how en banc reviews and conflicting circuit court rulings could create the conditions necessary for the U.S. Supreme Court to step in and issue nationwide decisions.

    Amanda and John discuss how these legal battles, while frustrating for residents of restrictive states, are strategically important because they increase the chances of Supreme Court review. The segment closes with discussion of upcoming court timelines, the unpredictability of Supreme Court decisions, and anticipation of major Second Amendment rulings in the near future, before teasing the continuation of the Gundy Awards discussion after the next break.

    Voir plus Voir moins
    54 min