TFB Behind the Gun Podcast The Firearm Blog

Most of you are familiar with TFB's own Vladimir Onokoy - a Russian writer who's not just an expert on the AK platform, but a wide variety of firearms from across the globe. Vlad has not only served as a consultant for military outfits around the world, but as you'll learn today, he's also been a consultant, and actor, and also worked in the exciting world of firearm prop houses for Russian-based films. Today Vlad shares with us some of his history in this exciting world, how it connects to some of his modern-day writing, and some of the more unsavory experiences he had while working on sets like Kalashnikov (AK-47), and the 2021 film Sky (Russian: Небо; Nebo) also known as Mission «Sky». When it comes to exciting tales and interesting factoids about some of filmmaking most popular guns, few people other than Larry Zanoff have as much to tell as Vlad does and that's why we're glad to bring him back on the podcast today! 
Vladimir on Instagram
Vladimir's Articles on The Firearm Blog
 

This week, we’re joined once again by a familiar face to delve into a familiar topic: Paul B and Moons Out Goons Out 2024!
Moons Out Goons Out 2024 is a night vision carbine match hosted by Forgotten Weapons and supported by great companies like TNVC, Varusteleka, Refuge Medical, and many more. The match consists of several stages of carbine-only shooting at night, with only non-white light illumination sources being allowed during the entire course of the match. Our guest this week is a relatively new user of night vision devices, and Moons Out Goons Out 2024 is Paul’s first venture into the competition space while using night vision.
Paul B, an experienced writer affiliated with our sister sites OutdoorHub and AllOutdoor.com, had the opportunity this year to participate in the main match at Moons Out Goons Out 2024. Today, I’ve invited Paul to show us just how accessible attending the match can be – even for people who don’t have the most expensive or latest night vision equipment. Unlike other competitors like myself who used expensive sets of night vision binoculars, Paul relied mainly on a single night vision monocular, and a relatively inexpensive gun. Tune in as we discuss his match experience, highlights, and plans for next year’s Moons Out Goons Out night vision match.

We're back this week with another episode dedicated to the recent night vision carbine competition Moons Out Goons Out 2024 hosted by Forgotten Weapons. This week I had the opportunity to speak with the overall match director, a fellow competitor, and a good friend of mine - Les Winner of Polaris Logistics. This year Les had to put a lot of extra thought time and effort into each stage design to compensate for the reduced situational awareness, and drastically reduced visibility during the nighttime match. Since no white light was allowed at the match, everything from the movement of each squad, down to the terrain of the Echo Valley Training Center played a role in the creation of a safe match. Today Les and I talk about the gear he used for his own run during the match, some of the struggles with this year's stages, and how he and the Forgotten Weapons crew are planning on improving the event for next year's competitors. Please welcome Les Winner of Polaris Logistics back to the show!
Les' YouTube Channel - Pegasus Tests
Les on Instagram

For the next couple of weeks, we're going to be bringing on a couple of competitors from this year's "Moons Out Goons Out" night vision carbine match hosted by Forgotten Weapons. Our first pair of guests are Ian McCollum and Jordan Flayer, the two gentlemen from Forgotten Weapons responsible for putting the match together. Moons Out Goons Out is more than just about shooting under night vision. Today Ian, Jordan, and I talk about the tough safety challenges that they had to take into consideration for the match, their decisions behind the stage challenges and designs, as well as the effort they went through just to get the prize table stocked with great products for the competitors.
If you're interested in attending next year's match, you can keep track of the Forgotten Weapons YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on the match, as well as dates for next year's match and equipment that you'll need to start training with and have. Please once again welcome the guys from Forgotten Weapons to the show!
Forgotten Weapons on Instagram
Forgotten Weapons on YouTube
Forgotten Weapons on Facebook
Forgotten Weapons Website

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we've brought on a man who is not only an avid firearms competitor, but someone who has a passion for tackling difficult tasks no matter what. I had the pleasure of meeting Derek "Hooahberry" at Finnish Brutality 2023 and as is pretty typical at competitions like Finnish Brutality, we became instant friends. Today Derek will share with us not only his experiences at Finnish Brutality and how he got into the competition as a regular joe, as well as his passion for another type of difficult self-imposed task - GORUCK. GORUCK, founded in 2008 by former Green Beret Jason McCarthy, is a lifestyle brand that epitomizes the fusion of military-grade durability and civilian functionality. Drawing inspiration from Jason's Special Forces experiences and his wife Emily's CIA background, the brand has successfully carved a niche in creating rugged, versatile gear, most notably the GR1 backpack. GORUCK's ethos extends beyond product design to fostering a resilient community through the GORUCK Challenge—endurance events led by Special Forces veterans that emphasize teamwork, leadership, and endurance. These events reflect the brand's core values of resilience, community, and excellence, engaging participants from various backgrounds in physically and mentally demanding tasks. Under Jason and Emily's stewardship, GORUCK has grown into more than just a gear company; it's a platform that promotes personal growth, physical fitness, and a deep sense of camaraderie among its loyal following, making it a testament to their commitment to building a brand that transcends conventional boundaries and encourages individuals to push their limits. So please sit back, relax and enjoy as Derek recounts his time at Finnish Brutality and his ongoing goal to challenge himself and others through the GORUCK program.
Check out Derek's Instagram Finnish Brutality More Information about GORUCK events

In this week's episode, we dive once again into the topic of Suppressors, but with a broader scope beyond mere speculation on the elimination of the NFA and the importance of reasonable wait times with the increasing legal usage of suppressors - something that literally harms no one and in fact, makes firearms a lot safer to use. Returning as an annual guest is Brandon Maddox, the CEO of Silencer Central, a man who is well-versed in the intricacies of not only NFA regulations but the suppressor market as a whole. While sharing our desire to see the NFA abolished, Brandon brings insightful perspectives on the potential ramifications of such a move at the state level for firearm enthusiasts and hunters, and why other firearms laws are first on the chopping block for him personally. He also engages in a detailed discussion with Pete on the recent surge in suppressor interest and its potential impact on the overall quality of suppressors available in the market today to address the swirling rumors of a massive dip in the quality control of many poplular suppressor brands. Brandon Maddox, known for his expertise in the industry and commitment to advancing firearm rights, offers invaluable insights into these pressing issues so we're happy to have him back on the show once again! Please welcome back CEO Brandon Maddox of Silencer Central!