This episode of Eye on the Target Radio features an in-depth interview with bestselling author and former Navy SEAL Jack Carr at SHOT Show. Carr discusses his background, his lifelong love of reading, and how his military experience shapes the realism and emotional depth of his fiction. He talks extensively about his Vietnam-era novel Cry Havoc, explaining the intense research required to authentically write from a 1968 perspective, and how real-world special operations history influenced the story. Carr also outlines his writing process, creative freedom with publishers, and his approach to building multi-generational characters across his series.

The conversation then shifts to Carr's expanding body of work, including his upcoming novel The Fourth Option, the launch of a new series, and his growing presence in nonfiction, audiobooks, and television adaptations such as The Terminal List. Carr emphasizes the importance of authenticity, reader trust, and promoting reading as a way to build empathy and understanding. The episode later transitions into sponsor messages and additional SHOT Show interviews, including a segment with firearms trainer Kevin Dixie, who discusses his "No Other Choice" philosophy—focused on restraint, responsibility, and community-centered firearms education.

This episode of Eye on the Target Radio is broadcast from the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, where hosts Amanda and Rob discuss the energy, scale, and evolution of the firearms industry. They reflect on how SHOT Show has grown over decades into a major gathering of Second Amendment advocates, manufacturers, media, and educators, noting increased diversity, improved treatment of women, and changing industry culture. Much of the conversation focuses on trends in firearms and ammunition, including shifts toward subsonic calibers, short-barreled platforms, suppressors, evolving bullet design, and the importance of choosing equipment based on realistic defensive use rather than theory. The hosts also talk candidly about sights, training, muscle memory, and the realities of stress in self-defense situations.

The show includes discussions of notable products and manufacturers seen on the floor, such as Diamondback and CZ, along with a broader reflection on the enduring dominance of the 9mm cartridge and how ergonomics and grip design affect shooter performance. Amanda and Rob describe the massive SHOT Show layout, Radio Row, and the challenges of live broadcasting in a loud, crowded environment. Interspersed throughout are sponsor messages and promotions for firearms education, safety, training organizations, and Second Amendment advocacy groups.

Later, the program features an in-depth interview with Detroit Gun Works, covering the AR market's saturation, their evolution as a manufacturer, and their focus on producing high-quality, mid-tier firearms through in-house machining, Midwest partnerships, and practical innovation. The discussion touches on COVID-era buying trends, changing consumer urgency, suppressor demand following regulatory changes, and ongoing legal efforts to remove NFA restrictions. The episode emphasizes education, responsible ownership, industry craftsmanship, and the continuing momentum of firearms culture amid political and market shifts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.