In this episode of the Guns Podcast U.S., hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington celebrate a massive milestone—surpassing one million certified audio downloads! After a quick victory lap, Brent dives into his fresh report from the floor of SHOT Show. He debunks the wild rumors regarding a stabbing incident near the venue and gives a boots-on-the-ground assessment of the show's attendance and atmosphere, noting a distinct downturn in the industry's energy compared to previous years.

The conversation shifts to the major hardware trends observed at the show. Brent and Roy discuss the explosion of the suppressor market, which is seeing a "race to the bottom" in pricing, and the influx of direct-from-manufacturer Chinese optics filling the "dungeon" (the lower level of the expo). They explore the implications of these commodities on American innovation and intellectual property. Finally, they touch on the renaissance of revolvers, specifically the painful reality of shooting Smith & Wesson's new ultra-lightweight magnums, and the enduring value of face-to-face networking in the gun community.

Key Takeways

• The Guns Podcast U.S. has officially surpassed 1 million IAB-certified audio downloads.
• The rumored "stabbing at SHOT Show" was likely an unrelated altercation between gamblers near the venue entrance.
• The overall vibe of SHOT Show suggested the gun industry is currently in a down cycle, with fewer exhibitors and R&D budgets shifted to maintenance.
• Suppressors are becoming commoditized, with prices dropping significantly (some near $200), raising questions about the future of premium manufacturers.
• There is a noticeable increase in Chinese optic manufacturers selling directly at the show, moving beyond just stealing IP to competing with budget products.
• Smith & Wesson's new lightweight .357 Magnum revolvers are technically impressive but physically painful to shoot with full-house loads.
• Despite market fluctuations, the "family reunion" aspect of industry gatherings remains a vital part of the gun culture.

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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 Guns Podcast U.S., hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington tackle one of the most common questions in the shooting world: What is the best first .22 rifle for a new shooter?

Whether you are buying for a child, a spouse, or yourself, the impulse is often to grab a popular semi-automatic like a Ruger 10/22. However, Roy and Brent argue why that might be a mistake that hinders long-term skill development.

They discuss the philosophy of "Slow down, Speed Racer," explaining how single-shot and bolt-action rifles force new shooters to focus on the essentials like sight picture and trigger squeeze, rather than just turning money into empty brass.

The duo also dives into the practical benefits of bolt-action rifles, including superior out-of-the-box accuracy and safety. Drawing on personal anecdotes ranging from Tai Chi classes to fishing mishaps, they illustrate the psychology of learning a new skill and why better equipment doesn't always equal better performance for a novice.

Tune in for this insightful conversation on building a solid foundation for a lifetime of shooting fun.

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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 editor@gunspodcast.us

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

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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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 or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week!

Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us