No Lowballers

Outdoors Online

No Lowballers is the official podcast from GunBroker.com, America's largest online marketplace for firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories. Hosted by industry experts with decades of combined experience, this weekly show delivers unmatched insights into the firearms world. Co-hosts Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com and historian Logan Metesh of High Caliber History reveal the truth behind the trigger as they explore fascinating stories of firearm history and collectibles. Each episode dives into intriguing topics such as mobster favorites, rare collector pieces, war-time weapons, hunting traditions, and competition firearms. What sets "No Lowballers" apart is its impressive roster of special guests, featuring industry legends and experts who share exclusive wisdom and stories. Listeners gain valuable knowledge about gun collecting, trading, and current market trends from the most influential figures in the firearms community.

  1. MAR 26

    50 Years of Primos: The Brand That Taught America How to Hunt

    This week on the No Lowballers Podcast, Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com sit down with Justin Breland of Primos Hunting to celebrate one of the most influential brands in the outdoor industry hitting a major milestone—50 years. From humble beginnings in the 1970s with homemade turkey calls built from unconventional materials to becoming a household name in hunting, Primos has helped shape how generations of hunters learn, practice and experience the outdoors. Justin shares his journey from videographer on the legendary Truth About Hunting series to his current role producing content across modern platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Along the way, the conversation dives deep into the evolution of hunting media, the legacy of Will and Jimmy Primos, and what it really takes to build products that work in the field—not just on paper. Whether you grew up watching Primos VHS tapes, learned to call using their mouth calls or just appreciate authentic hunting culture, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at a brand that has stood the test of time by staying true to its roots. In This Episode • The origin story of Primos and how turkey calls built the brand • The role of Will Primos in revolutionizing hunting calls and education • How audio tapes, VHS and the Truth series shaped generations of hunters • Behind-the-scenes of filming real hunts—the work no one sees • The personalities behind the brand, including the unforgettable Jimmy Primos • Why authenticity matters more than “on-camera persona” in hunting media • How Primos develops and tests new calls in real-world conditions • The evolution from DVDs to modern digital content and social media • Why Primos has remained successful through acquisition and industry change • The importance of mentorship and passing hunting traditions forward • “50 Years of Truth” documentary celebrates the brand from its origins to today Question of the Week What’s your Primos origin story? • The first Primos video you watched • The call you learned on • Or the hunt where Primos gear made the difference Drop your story in the comments—we want to hear how the brand impacted you. Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠.

    48 min
  2. MAR 19

    Gun Buying Mistakes: The Firearms We Shouldn’t Have Bought

    This week on the No Lowballers Podcast, it’s just Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com behind the microphones—and they’re pulling back the curtain on their own bad decisions. After more than two decades of buying guns, both hosts have plenty of stories about the purchases that seemed like a great idea at the time… but maybe weren’t. From emotional auction buys and hype-driven calibers to impulse gun shop purchases and questionable “innovations,” Logan and Allen share the guns they probably shouldn’t have bought, the trends they fell for and the lessons learned along the way. Along the way you’ll hear about overpaying for collectible military pistols, chasing magazine hype during the early days of the .40 S&W craze, falling victim to low-quality online photos and the occasional purchase that was just too ridiculous to pass up. It’s an honest, hilarious look at the mistakes every gun collector eventually makes—and proof that sometimes the stories are worth more than the gun itself. In This Episode • The collector trap of buying too early—or paying too much • When hype and emotion override good buying judgment • The early internet era and how bad photos fooled collectors • The rise and fall of the .40 S&W “future of handguns” era • When manufacturers release the version you actually wanted… right after you buy one • The weird impulse buys that seemed like a good idea at the time • Why some guns stay in the safe purely for the story behind them • The strange economics of collectible firearms and speculation Question of the Week What’s the dumbest gun purchase you’ve ever made? Maybe you overpaid at an auction. Maybe you bought into hype around a new caliber. Or maybe you impulse-bought something that looked cool but turned out to be totally useless. Drop your stories in the comments—we want to hear them. Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠.

    45 min
  3. MAR 12

    Indiana Jones Was Wrong: What Actually Makes a Gun Museum-Worthy

    Everyone likes to think their collection is special. After all, every firearm has a story, a memory or a family connection attached to it. But when does a gun actually rise to the level of being museum-worthy? In this episode of the No Lowballers Podcast, Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker dig into a question that collectors, historians and gun owners have debated for years: what truly belongs in a museum? Inspired by a famous line from Indiana Jones — “It belongs in a museum!” — the conversation explores the reality behind what museums want, what they collect and why most guns (even old ones) rarely make the cut. The discussion breaks down the difference between rarity and historical importance, why provenance matters more than people realize and how museums really operate behind the scenes. Logan also shares insights from his time working at the National Firearms Museum and what it was like fielding constant donation offers from collectors convinced their guns deserved a display case. Along the way, the guys explain why most “collectible” firearms aren’t collectible, why museums only display a tiny percentage of their holdings and why the stories behind guns often matter more than the guns themselves. The episode also dives into common misconceptions about museum collections, including why donating a gun doesn’t guarantee it will ever go on display and how collectors can help preserve history the right way. Most importantly, Logan and Allen remind listeners that the real purpose of collecting isn’t impressing museums — it’s preserving stories, family history and the enjoyment of the hobby itself. Because sometimes the most important museum… is the one in your own home. In This Episode • The difference between rarity and historical significance in firearms collecting • Why a single gun can be historic while the model itself isn’t • How museums actually decide what to acquire • Why museums only display a small fraction of their collections • The role of provenance and documentation in historical firearms • Why many “limited edition” or commemorative guns never gain real collector value • How collectors can help preserve history through documentation and storytelling • Why family heirlooms often matter more than museum pieces Key Takeaway Just because something is old — or even rare — doesn’t mean it belongs in a museum. Historical significance usually comes from the story behind a specific firearm, not simply the model itself. As Logan puts it, nobody will ever love your collection the way you do, and that’s exactly how it should be. Join the Conversation What firearms in your collection would never leave your family museum? Do you own anything that you think truly belongs in a public museum? Let us know in the comments. Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠.

    49 min
  4. MAR 5 ·  BONUS

    Best of NLB: CSI Concord - New Research Into ‘The Shot Heard ‘Round the World’

    With Logan down with the sickness, we’re cracking open the NLB vaults for another one of your favorite episodes. On this episode of the No Lowballers podcast, host Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker are joined by Joey Bohy, author of the new book Bullet Strikes From the First Day of the American Revolution. This new look at the “Shot Heard Round The World” applies modern ballistics, crime scene recreation and live-fire testing of period firearms to paint a fresh picture of the battles at Concord, Lexington and other sites from April 19, 1775. We learn how the British army left a trail of devastation as it was chased back to Boston by the revolutionary militias and the chaos that ensued. Show Topics: Joey’s New Book, “Bullet Strikes”: Overview of “Bullet Strikes,” which examines the first day of the American Revolution through archaeological findings and ballistics studies. Insights into the archeology project at Minuteman National Park and the live fire studies of flintlock firearms. Archaeological Insights: Explanation of how modern shooting incident reconstruction techniques were adapted for historical contexts. Detailed descriptions of discoveries from bullet-struck buildings and objects, like a historically significant powder horn. Ballistic Studies and Their Revelations: Joel discusses how the ballistic studies provided new insights into the engagements of April 19, 1775. The blend of historical data with live-fire results offered a unique perspective on the revolutionary battles. Human Stories Behind the Battle: Joel shares poignant stories about individuals affected by the events of the revolution, emphasizing the human element in historical studies. Closing Thoughts: Logan and Allen reflect on the discussion, highlighting the importance of revisiting historical narratives with fresh methodologies. Links: Order Bullet Strikes here: https://gunandswordcollector.com/product/bullet-strikes-american-revolution/ Read the American Society of Arms Collectors articles Joel references https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/I-Roundball-Shooting-Phase-1-Report-Revised-3-20-24.pdf https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/II-Phase-II-Report-Revised-3-20-24-1.pdf https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/III-Shooting-Validation-Study-Scott-Bohy-final-3-18-24-1.pdf Has this given you a new perspective on the start of the American Revolution? Have you ever visited the North Bridge or any other Revolutionary War sites? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a rating and review!! Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠.

    40 min
  5. FEB 26

    The Lost Watch of D-Day: How One Paratrooper Inspired an Entire Brand

    This week on the No Lowballers Podcast, we step slightly outside the gun safe — but not far. Because if you know anything about collectors, you know the Venn diagram between gun guys and watch guys has a lot of overlap. Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner from GunBroker sit down with Oscar Chabrat of Praesidus Watch Company, a brand built around honoring American veterans through historically inspired timepieces that incorporate real battlefield materials. And yes — we’re talking actual sand from Normandy and Iwo Jima, aircraft aluminum and more. 🔹 The Lost Watch of D-Day Praesidus began with a story. World War II veteran Tom Rice — who famously re-jumped into Normandy at 97 years old — had lost his A-11 service watch during his original D-Day jump. Praesidus recreated that watch, launching the brand with a faithful homage to the U.S. military’s A-11 specification timepiece. From that first collaboration grew a company dedicated to honoring veterans through meaningful design. 🔹 Watches with Real History Embedded Praesidus doesn’t just replicate history — they integrate it. Some of the standout pieces discussed in this episode include: • Utah Beach 80th Anniversary Watch o Dial split between a Normandy invasion map and real sand from Utah Beach o One of the brand’s most iconic designs • Iwo Jima & Pacific Front Collection o Volcanic black sand from Iwo Jima embedded into the dial o New “Pacific Front” version features a mapped progression of the entire Pacific campaign, from Pearl Harbor to Okinawa • C-47 Skytrain Edition o Dials punched directly from authentic C-47 aircraft aluminum o Offered in varying levels of patina • Neptune 44 o Watch cases submerged in the tides off Utah Beach for 60 days o Naturally aged by salt, sand and surf • Veteran Tribute Pieces o Bud Anderson (P-51 “Old Crow”) o Diz Laird (Ace of Two Oceans) o Vince Speranza (101st Airborne, Bastogne) Each piece balances commemoration with responsibility — something Oscar emphasizes repeatedly throughout the conversation. 🔹 Why Watches Matter in Military History We talk about rifles, machine guns and sidearms all the time. But battlefield coordination depended on accurate timekeeping. The A-11 specification watch was critical to synchronizing attacks, artillery and navigation across land, sea and air. Praesidus is shining a spotlight on that often overlooked but essential tool of war. 🔹 What’s Coming Next? Oscar shares some exciting developments: • Hand-painted Utah Beach dial scenes • A Willys Jeep hood project in development • Potential B-17 and B-25 aircraft collaborations • Official U.S. Army licensed watches • Modern field watch concepts designed with active duty use in mind The challenge now? How do you top D-Day sand and Iwo Jima volcanic ash? Praesidus is trying. If you appreciate military history, collectible firearms, aviation lore or meaningful craftsmanship, this episode is right in your wheelhouse. 👉 Check out the latest Pacific Front collection at Praesidius 👉 Drop a comment and tell us: Which design is your favorite? 👉 What historical material should they work with next? Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠.

    59 min
  6. FEB 19

    Surprising Suppressor Statistics: Breaking Records in 2026

    January 2026 changed everything for the NFA landscape. With the federal tax stamp dropping to zero dollars, suppressors and other NFA items moved from niche curiosity to mainstream reality almost overnight. In this episode, Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com break down the staggering numbers released by the ATF, explore what “common use” really looks like in practice, and put modern NFA growth into perspective with some eye-opening comparisons. This is a data-driven episode that proves statistics do not have to be boring when they rewrite decades of firearms history. Episode Highlights • ATF processed more than 240,000 suppressor forms in January alone • Total January approvals reached nearly 385,000 NFA items when including SBRs and SBSs • The suppressor registry now sits at approximately 5.7 million units, with nearly 900,000 added in just the last 18 months • January alone may represent nearly 5 percent of all NFA items registered since 1934 • Suppressor ownership is rapidly reinforcing the legal concept of “common use” following Heller, McDonald and Bruen • Price compression is accelerating adoption, with quality rimfire suppressors now available below the former tax stamp cost • Modern approval rates briefly hit one approved form every 11 seconds, 24 hours a day • The ATF backlog still grew despite record approvals, highlighting sustained demand • Comparisons put NFA growth into perspective against: o City populations o Iconic firearms production runs o Military force sizes o Automotive, aviation and consumer-goods manufacturing • Transferable machine guns remain capped at approximately 234,000 units, a number that can only decline under current law • Discussion of Form 1 suppressors, home manufacturing and the possibility of “disposable” suppressor concepts • How suppressors are becoming normalized for hunting, sport shooting and everyday firearms ownership Key Takeaway The modern NFA market no longer resembles its past. January 2026 marked a fundamental shift, not just in volume but in perception. Suppressors are no longer fringe accessories. By every measurable standard, they are firmly entering common use. If someone sent you this episode, they probably want you to buy a suppressor. Or at least buy one for yourself. Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠.

    58 min
  7. FEB 12

    What Makes a Gun Iconic: The Firearms that Shaped History, Hollywood and Culture

    What makes a firearm truly iconic? Is it performance, history, pop culture, military adoption, or simply a silhouette you recognize instantly? In this episode, Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker sit down for a two-host deep dive into the firearms that transcend their original purpose and become cultural symbols. From Hollywood legends to battlefield standards, the conversation explores how certain guns become embedded in our collective memory, even when they were not always the best tool for the job. The discussion spans centuries, platforms, and philosophies, highlighting why “iconic” means something different to everyone. Key Topics Discussed • What “iconic” really means when applied to firearms • Visual silhouettes and why instant recognition matters • Pop-culture icons like the SPAS-12 and Desert Eagle • Historic standards including the Browning Auto-5 and Colt Single Action Army • Military adoption and its role in shaping legends • The Beretta 92 and its rise through Hollywood and service use • Lever guns and why “Winchester” became shorthand for the category • Pump-action royalty: Mossberg 500 vs. Remington 870 • Bolt-action debates: Model 70 vs. Model 700 • AR vs. AK as global Cold War symbols • Why some great designs never reached true icon status • How marketing, movies, and availability influence legacy Why It Matters Icons are not always defined by technical superiority. Sometimes they are shaped by timing, culture, war, or cinema. This episode breaks down how firearms earn their place in history and why certain designs continue to dominate our imagination decades later. Join the Conversation What firearms do you consider iconic and why? Let us know which guns we missed and what makes them stand out in your eyes. Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠.

    50 min
  8. FEB 5

    20 Years of the Taurus Judge: From Big Dumb Fun to an Absolute Icon

    This week on the No Lowballers podcast, Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com mark a milestone that few expected back in 2006: the 20th anniversary of the Taurus Judge. Joining the show is returning guest Caleb Giddings to unpack how one of the most debated revolvers in modern firearms history went from punchline to perennial best seller. From big dumb fun to real-world utility, the Judge’s staying power tells a much bigger story about gun culture, innovation and why not every firearm needs to be taken so seriously. Key Topics Discussed: • Why the Taurus Judge shocked the industry when it debuted in 2006 • The real reasons the Judge has endured for two decades • Hybrid revolvers, garden guns and the Judge’s snake-slaying reputation • How fun factor drives long-term firearms success • The evolution of defensive .410 and .45 Colt ammunition • Why the Judge helped influence modern .410 loads and platforms • Expanding the Judge into a full product family • Big swings, missed swings and Taurus’ willingness to experiment • Why casual gun owners love the Judge more than gun nerds expect • Teasing what may be next for the Judge line at NRA Annual Meetings Why It Matters: The Taurus Judge proves that innovation does not always need universal approval to succeed. Sometimes, a firearm wins because it works, it’s accessible and it puts a grin on your face. Twenty years later, the Judge remains a reminder that the market, not the comment section, decides what lasts. Learn More from Taurus: • Taurus educational videos and how-to content: https://www.makeready.tv/en/ • Taurus USA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaurusUSA • Taurus USA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taurususa/ If you have ever owned a Taurus Judge, wanted one or made fun of one before secretly enjoying it, this episode is for you. Share it with a friend who needs to hear the gospel of big dumb fun, and stay tuned for what Taurus has planned next. Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠.

    49 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

No Lowballers is the official podcast from GunBroker.com, America's largest online marketplace for firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories. Hosted by industry experts with decades of combined experience, this weekly show delivers unmatched insights into the firearms world. Co-hosts Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com and historian Logan Metesh of High Caliber History reveal the truth behind the trigger as they explore fascinating stories of firearm history and collectibles. Each episode dives into intriguing topics such as mobster favorites, rare collector pieces, war-time weapons, hunting traditions, and competition firearms. What sets "No Lowballers" apart is its impressive roster of special guests, featuring industry legends and experts who share exclusive wisdom and stories. Listeners gain valuable knowledge about gun collecting, trading, and current market trends from the most influential figures in the firearms community.

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