The GUNS Magazine Podcast

In this special holiday episode of The Guns Podcast, host Brent Wheat flies solo while Roy is on the road to break down the firearms, myths, and movie magic found in our favorite Christmas films. Whether you fall on the side that "Die Hard" is the ultimate Christmas movie or prefer the nostalgia of "A Christmas Story," Brent dives deep into the specific models, props, and glaring errors that appear on screen. From the chopped HK94s standing in for MP5s at Nakatomi Plaza to the impossible physics of a hockey-puck flashbang, this episode covers the technical details gun nerds love to spot. Brent also discusses the modified prop guns in "Home Alone," the unspoken anti-gun messaging in "A Christmas Story," and how a minigun from "Predator" made its way into a Bill Murray holiday classic. Join us for a fun, festive look at Hollywood's portrayal of firearms. While these movies provide endless entertainment, Brent reminds us why the silver screen makes for a terrible firearms instructor and how we can use these moments to teach real-world safety to the next generation of shooters. Key Takeaways - The MP5s used by terrorists in Die Hard were actually chopped HK94s because real MP5s were scarce in Hollywood at the time. - Many background guns in movies like Die Hard are actually Japanese MGC model gun replicas, identifiable by allen screw in the forward assist. - The "hockey puck" flashbang used in Die Hard does not exist in reality; it was a Hollywood invention for dramatic effect. - The Daisy Red Ryder in A Christmas Story featured a compass in the stock, a feature that did not exist on the production air rifle of that era. - In Home Alone, the sound of a handheld tape recorder playing a movie clip would be far too tinny to realistically simulate a Thompson submachine gun. - The minigun used by Lee Majors in "Scrooged" is the exact same prop gun used in the movie "Predator." - Hollywood movies often reinforce bad habits; never use entertainment as a substitute for actual firearms training. -- 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. Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

In this episode of the Guns Podcast U.S., hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington tackle the age-old question facing new shooters and gift-givers: What is the best first gun to buy? They challenge the common misconception that smaller, lightweight firearms are easier for beginners to handle, explaining why a larger frame often leads to a better learning experience and less recoil intimidation. The duo also dives into the "Call of Duty" effect, discussing how video games give a false sense of competency regarding firearms handling, mechanics, and physics. Through personal anecdotes involving family members and friends, Roy and Brent illustrate the stark contrast between virtual shooting and the real-world skills required to operate a firearm safely. Finally, with the holiday season in mind, the hosts discuss the ethics and logistics of gifting firearms. They offer practical advice on why surprising someone with a gun might not be the best idea and suggest alternative gifts like training or accessories that empower the new shooter to make their own informed decisions. Key Takeaways - Small, lightweight guns often have sharper recoil and are harder for beginners to control than medium or large-frame firearms. - Avoid buying a firearm as a surprise gift unless you know exactly what the recipient wants; consider gift cards or training instead. - Video game experience does not translate to real-world shooting skills or safety knowledge. - A 4-inch K-frame revolver is often cited as an ideal learning tool due to its simplicity and manageable recoil. - Complex semi-autos with external safeties can be overwhelming for a novice compared to the simplicity of a revolver. - Gifting a gun to a child or novice implies a long-term commitment to mentoring them in safety and maintenance. - Start beginners with basic tools and simple firearms before moving on to expensive, complex 'tactical' gear.  - 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. Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

In this episode of the Guns Podcast, host Brent Wheat and co-host Roy Huntington tackle the absurd and often dangerous world of gimmick self-defense weapons. Sparked by a ridiculous advertisement for a "tactical" laser-sighted slingshot, the duo dives into a laundry list of bad ideas, ranging from bows and arrows to flare guns and blowguns. With decades of law enforcement experience between them, they explain exactly why these items should remain toys rather than life-saving tools. However, it's not all about what doesn't work. Brent and Roy pivot to discussing "Plan B" options that actually have merit when a firearm isn't available or appropriate. They explore the practical applications of black powder revolvers, the surprising effectiveness of a sturdy walking cane, and the realities of carrying a knife for defense. They also provide a nuanced look at pepper spray, discussing its tactical advantages and the inevitable reality of cross-contamination. Finally, the conversation covers the concept of the "Use of Force Continuum." The hosts discuss how intermediate tools like expandable batons or pepper spray can de-escalate situations before lethal force becomes necessary. Whether you are looking to validate your skepticism about mall-ninja gear or find a legitimate backup defensive tool, this episode offers a blend of humor and hard-earned street wisdom. Takeaways Slingshots and blowguns are recreational toys, not viable self-defense tools, regardless of laser sights or marketing claims. While bows and crossbows are lethal, they are impractical for self-defense due to size and reload speed compared to modern options. Flare guns are designed for signaling, not stopping threats, and often fail to penetrate or incapacitate effectively. A sturdy walking cane is an excellent "Plan B" defensive tool that is legal to carry almost anywhere, including airplanes. Knives should be considered a last resort; the primary rule of a knife fight is to avoid being in one, as getting cut is almost guaranteed. Pepper spray is a valid intermediate option, but users must be prepared for the reality that they will likely be affected by the spray as well. Understanding the "Use of Force Continuum" allows for options like de-escalation and less-lethal tools before resorting to a firearm. - 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. Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

In this episode of the Guns Podcast U.S., host Brent Wheat and special guest Roy Huntington dive deep into the critical decision-making process of self-defense. Taking a cue from the classic Kenny Rogers song, they discuss knowing "when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em" regarding lethal force. The conversation challenges the "keyboard commando" mentality, emphasizing that carrying a firearm does not obligate you to be a hero in every situation. Drawing from decades of combined law enforcement experience, Brent and Roy explore the "Scared Bunny Defense" and why evading a threat is often the superior tactical choice over engaging. They analyze real-world scenarios—from domestic disputes in parking lots to potential active shooter situations—to illustrate the legal and physical risks of inserting yourself into third-party conflicts. The episode also covers Jeff Cooper's Color Codes of Awareness and the stark difference between shooting paper targets and handling the adrenaline of a real-life confrontation. KEY TAKEAWAYS - The "Scared Bunny Defense"—retreating or avoiding conflict entirely—is often the most tactical and legally sound option for concealed carriers. - Carrying a gun requires leaving your ego at home; engaging in a conflict just to save face can lead to prison or death. - Possessing a firearm does not equal having the training to use it effectively; without stress inoculation, shooters often revert to zero skills. - Utilize Jeff Cooper's Color Codes (White, Yellow, Orange, Red) to maintain situational awareness and avoid being caught unprepared. - Intervening in third-party situations (like domestic disputes or robberies) exposes you to massive liability and physical danger often outweighing the benefits. - Distraction techniques, such as throwing a fake money clip or verbally de-escalating, can be effective alternatives to drawing a weapon. -- 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. Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us  

In this urgent episode of the Guns Podcast, host Brent Wheat addresses the ongoing and undeclared war against firearms content creators on a well-known major video platform. Brent details the recent community guideline strikes leveled against the podcast for older, previously compliant videos—a tactic he describes as "digital terrorism." He breaks down the timeline of events, including a strike for a historical review of a Single Action Army revolver, and explains how retroactive enforcement creates an impossible environment for creators to navigate. Beyond the immediate channel strikes, Brent analyzes the broader strategy at play: removing financial incentives to dry up content, which ultimately aims to starve the gun culture itself. He highlights the glaring double standards where mainstream media outlets can skirt rules that crush independent gun channels. Finally, Brent discusses the future of the show, the potential move to alternative platforms like Rumble and issues a call to action for listeners and politicians to protect free speech regarding the Second Amendment. Key Takeaway Brent's definition of "digital terrorism" and how retroactive enforcement of new rules on old videos traps content creators. The specific timeline of strikes received by the Guns Podcast US in 2025. The ultimate strategy of anti-gun groups: de-monetize content to kill the culture and weaken the Second Amendment. Examples of double standards where mainstream media outlets (like Wired) are allowed to show 3D printed guns while gun channels are penalized for historical reviews. The "death penalty" policy for channels receiving three strikes in 90 days. The necessity of political pressure from the administration and Congress to ensure fair treatment on the major platforms How to find the Guns Podcast if it is removed from the current video platform. -- 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. Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us