The GUNS Magazine Podcast

Is the firearms industry really in trouble, or are we just witnessing a normal market correction? In this episode of the Guns Podcast, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington break down last week's controversial analysis by Trent Marsh surrounding gun sales, NICS background check data and the state of the shooting industry. Despite some industry pushback, the hosts explore why fluctuation is natural and how current economic pressures are reshaping the market.
We cut through the noise to discuss panic buying, the reality of smaller manufacturers and why changes at the SHOT Show is actually a sign of a healthy, evolving industry. Whether you are a dealer, a collector, or just a concerned shooter, this episode provides a balanced, expert look at the trends impacting your favorite brands and the future of the shooting world.
*Key Takeaways*
• NICS background check data is a useful, albeit imperfect, metric for tracking market health.
• The firearms industry is currently experiencing a 'great correction' as it returns to normal post-2020.
• Economic factors like inflation are impacting discretionary spending on firearms and ammunition for younger shooters.
• Market fluctuations are natural, and business turnover is a standard part of a competitive, capitalist industry.
• Panic buying has largely stalled as consumers focus on essential expenses and current inventories.
• Stirring the pot is necessary to keep the industry healthy and to avoid stagnation.
*EPISODE SPONSOR*
The Guns Podcast is presented by Ruger Firearms. Ruger has been trusted for generations to deliver rugged, reliable firearms built in America. From hunting rifles to everyday carry handguns, Ruger sets the standard for durability and performance. Explore the full lineup and discover what makes Ruger a name shooters trust at Ruger.com.
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Is the shooting industry in trouble? In this episode of the Guns Podcast US, host Brent Wheat welcomes special guest Trent Marsh to break down the cold, hard numbers behind the current state of the industry. Moving past anecdotes and vibes, Trent shares insights from his deep-dive analysis on why the gun market has been in a downward trend since 2020.
We explore the "New Old Guard" perspective, why the era of panic buying has effectively ended, and how the political landscape has created a shift in consumer demand. From the saturation of the AR market to the unexpected lack of market reaction to major political events, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the shooting sports.
*Key Takeaways*
• The gun industry has experienced five consecutive years of negative growth since the 2020 spike- and is likely to continue.
• Unsatisfied consumer demand for firearms and ammo has largely been exhausted.
• Panic buying is no longer a reliable driver for the market, even in the face of major national tragedies.
• The market has become politically polarized, with states solidifying their own Second Amendment environments.
• We are currently in a 'buyer's market' due to overstocking, but this may lead to higher prices once the industry corrects.
• Small-scale 'mom-and-pop' AR builders and commodity-focused brands are at the highest risk of failing.
Link to the story by Trent Marsh: https://www.huntingretailer.com/business/the-new-old-guard-in-the-firearms-industry
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The GunsPodcastUS is presented by Holosun. Holosun designs and manufactures performance-driven optics and accessories for the shooting sports, law enforcement, and defense markets. For more information, visit www.holosun.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 (https://gunsmagazine.com/newsletters) to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week
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The GunsPodcastUS is presented by Holosun. Holosun designs and manufactures performance-driven optics and accessories for the shooting sports, law enforcement, and defense markets. For more information, visit www.holosun.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 @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

In this episode of the Guns Podcast US, your hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington dive into a critical, often ignored reality of the shooting world: the difference between buying gear and developing actual skill. We explore why new shooters—and even experienced ones—frequently fall into the trap of thinking they can buy their way to proficiency.
From the common mistake of buying a gun before defining your mission, to the obsession with excessive accessories over fundamental techniques, we break down how to stop overcomplicating your training. Whether you're a beginner or a veteran, this conversation will help you refocus on what truly makes you a better shooter and how to cut through the industry noise to focus on what matters most.
Key Takeaways
·         Don't confuse buying expensive equipment with developing core shooting skills.
·         Define your mission before purchasing a firearm to ensure it fits your actual needs.
·         Professional instruction drastically accelerates your learning curve compared to self-teaching.
·         Prioritize fundamental techniques over collecting excessive accessories or 'cool guy' gear.
·         Constant gear changes can be dangerous and detrimental to building muscle memory.
·         Avoid the trap of 'mag dumping' for fun; intentional practice leads to real improvement.
·         Acknowledge the difference between what you need and what you simply want.
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The GunsPodcastUS is presented by Holosun. Holosun designs and manufactures performance-driven optics and accessories for the shooting sports, law enforcement, and defense markets. For more information, visit www.holosun.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 @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 your handgun training falling short? In this episode, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington break down the massive benefits of pushing your target back to 100 yards. While some popular online voices claim that shooting beyond 3-5 yards is a waste of time, Brent and Roy explain why distance is the ultimate truth-teller for your marksmanship.
Listen as they discuss how long-range handgun practice forces you to slow down, refine your trigger control, and master your sight picture. Whether you are an enthusiast or a professional, discover why adding distance to your routine will make you a significantly more capable shooter up close. Stop falling for the hype and start training for reality.
Key Takeaways
·         Shooting at longer distances (25-100 yards) forces you to slow down and focus on fundamental marksmanship.
·         Long-range practice exposes flaws in trigger control, sight alignment, and breathing that go unnoticed at close range.
·         Developing proficiency at distance builds the confidence and skill needed to perform under pressure at any distance.
·         Don't fall for the '3-yard only' trend; professional operators train with duty pistols at much greater distances for a reason.
·         If you want to be a well-rounded shooter, you must combine close-in speed drills with precision distance shooting.
·         Always verify information—even from us—by testing it for yourself on the range!
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The GunsPodcastUS is presented by Holosun. Holosun designs and manufactures performance-driven optics and accessories for the shooting sports, law enforcement, and defense markets. For more information, visit www.holosun.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 @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

In this episode of the Guns Podcast, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington break down the essential, often-overlooked skills that make a great shooter. They argue that while modern gun culture is hyper-focused on gear and high-speed tactics, the real foundation of defensive and competitive shooting lies in patience, understanding the fundamentals and cultivating true situational awareness.
Listen in as they discuss why the "glamour" of tactical YouTube videos can lead to dangerous habits, the critical importance of being honest with yourself about your own limitations, and why mastering the basics is the only way to perform under pressure. Whether you're a new gun owner or a seasoned pro, this episode provides a necessary reality check on what it truly means to carry and use a firearm responsibly.
Key Takeaways
·         The most important part of shooting is often not the physical act of pressing the trigger.
·         Patience is a critical, undervalued skill that is essential for both accuracy and safety.
·         Fundamentals are the foundation for all advanced skills; without them, advanced techniques are dangerous.
·         The prevalence of 'tactical' social media content often misleads people into practicing unrealistic, high-speed techniques.
·         Effective defensive shooting requires deep mental preparation, including understanding your own limitations and maintaining constant situational awareness.
·         Being prepared is a holistic process that includes your gear, your mindset, your physical fitness and your understanding of the law.
·         Reverting to basics under pressure is the reality of any high-stress situation, not performing complex Hollywood-style maneuvers.
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The GunsPodcastUS is presented by Holosun. Holosun designs and manufactures performance-driven optics and accessories for the shooting sports, law enforcement, and defense markets. For more information, visit www.holosun.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 @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