TalkingLead

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast: Lefty has Klay Owens (aka @klayco47), organizer of the largest AK-47 themed shooting range event Kalashbash TX 2024, to fill us in on this years festivities. Joining Lefty and Klay to give all the behind-the-scenes and after-rangeday-shenanigans are a few of the attendees: KBTX multiple attendee, Tracy Lee (@TracyGuns); First time attendees, Ashley Smith (@officerashleysmith) and Evan Floodman (@floodmunitions). Also joining in is everyone's favorite tattooed culinary whiz-kid and famous Auction Hunter, Ton Jones (@tonjonesofficial)

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast: Lefty travels to Texas, south of Fort Worth to visit Ton Jones and the gang at Firebird Targets. A few episodes back Lefty challenged Ton to a Firebird Targets' "Kabloowey Club Challenge" by shooting a string of 10 or more FB targets back to back (not stacked) with one shot. We talk about the set up for the challenge, the shot and future challenges. Lefty also brought a cooler full of Whiskey River Beef steaks for Ton to cook only the way Ton can cook so of course we talk about that. We also talk about a couple of .22lr firearms Ton built, some may say "over-built". Plus we talk about the helicopter flight, Jacwagons and Heroes. And we announce the winner of the LEO Takedown giveaway, all in this episode.

In the April edition of the Talking Lead AK KORNER presented by Pioneer Arms Corp USA – A brief history and evolution of the Russian AK-47/74 magazine. Slab-sided, spine-stamped, side-stamped, aluminum, waffle, flat-back, AG4 (Bakelite) we talk about them all. Joining the conversation is Marco Vorobiev (Author, Historian and former Spetsnaz Soldier) and CJ Johnson (Author, US Tank Commander and President Pioneer Arms Corp USA). We start with the first AK 47 and 74 magazines and work our way to the modern day polymer versions. Plus we answer your questions and giveaway a Pioneer Arms Corp USA one-of-a-kind AKM GROM under-folder in .22lr…

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast presented by Mission First Tactical: Lefty and Ton Jones (Firebird Targets) talk PCCs (pistol caliber carbines) and side charging AR-15s. Whether or not you love them or hate them they both have their uses and followings. Listen in to hear the guys' opinions on each and some different models that are available. Plus info on upcoming giveaways, NRA in Dallas, more discount codes and of course Jackwagons and Heroes!

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast we talk about the U.S. Border, specifically the southern border's of Arizona and Texas. Staff Sergeant Nick Dooley (The AR-15 Podcast) and Sergeant Austin Waylan tell us about their first-hand-accounts during their service at the U.S. Southern Border. We discuss the difference between Title 10 Orders (Federal) and Title 32 Orders (State). Staff Sergeant Nick Dooley has been in the South Dakota ARMY National Guard for 23 years. He was deployed to Iraq for 18 months during the Iraq Invasion 2003 -2004. Nick's was assigned to an attachment with the Customs & Border Protection at the Arizona Border (2021-2022) under Title 10 Orders Sergeant Austin Waylan has 4 years under his belt with the Texas ARMY National Guard. Starting with the (12C) 12th Charlie Bridge Crew Member as an Engineer, Austin was assigned to Operation Lone Star (2021-2022) in the Uvalde, TX border area and then assigned to the Texas Tactical Border Force boat teams (2022-present) under Title 32 Orders Welcome MISSION FIRST TACTICAL as the Official Tactical Accessories Provider to the Talking Lead Podcast and the Lead Head Brigade! use code "leadhead" for 20% Off all orders!! www.missionfirsttactical.com

In March's edition of the Talking Lead AK KORNER (presented by Pioneer Arms Corp USA): Arguably the best submachine gun of World War Two (WWII) was the PPS-43 7.62x25. We discuss the history, design, usage during the Siege of Leningrad, it's predecessor the PPSh41 and today's PPS-43 being manufactured by Pioneer Arms Corp in Radom Poland at the old Circle 11 Factory and available for sale here in the United States. Plus we announce the next winner of a Pioneer Arms Corp USA firearms: a one-of-a-kind 556 AKM rifle. Designed by Alexey Ivanovich Sudayev in 1942 as an answer to the PPSh-41, the PPS-43 was more cost effective to produce by cutting time, materials and labor by more than half over the PPSh-41.

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast we discuss the benefits of the quick barrel change system by LEO TAKEDOWN. Joe Weir with LEO TAKEDOWN joins Lefty as the guys talk about how to configure the perfect "Truck Gun" using LEO'S coupling system that easily adapts to any mil-spec AR-15 upper and barrel. LEO's new offering of their TAKEDOWN kits come with a complete assembled mil-spec upper receiver (minus the BCG and CH) with a built-in LEO upper receiver coupler reducing your installation time and eliminating clocking errors when manually installing, you get a barrel coupling, a wedge and a spacer. Joe gives the history of how LEO TAKEDOWN was created by a retired Cobra Helicopter pilot. Plus! Joe and Lefty announce a new discount code from LEO TAKEDOWN (TL10 10% OFF) and a BIG GIVEAWAY CONTEST where you could win a new LEO TAKEDOWN Kit with Backpack!!! Listen for details. Link to video of Lefty installing the original LEO TAKEDOWN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIQm3P-DiT4

For February’s edition of the TALKING LEAD AK KORNER, presented by Pioneer Arms Corp USA, we get in to a very detailed discussion on the camouflages used during WWII to present day (we touch on some pre WWII camos as well). Designs, philosophies of use, effectiveness and history. Joining Lefty is Historian, decorated Soviet Solder and Author, Marco Vorobiev; Military Historian, Fireforce Ventures consultant and Rhodesian camo expert “Hank”; and highly decorated USA Soldier and VP of Pioneer Arms Corp USA, CJ Johnson. Listener questions are fielded and a very special limited edition giveaway for this episode is announced by CJ. Also, we give the instructions for how to enter next month’s firearm giveaway which will be a special edition PAC AKM chambered in 5.56 NATO This episode is also powered by: Mission First Tactical (code “leadhead” 20% Off) SEAL 1 (code “leadhead” for 25% Off) & Fireforce Ventures (code: “LEADHEAD” 15% Off)

ohn Gilstrap is a New York Times and USA Today best selling Author. He is a returning guest to the Talking Lead Podcast. John has two new Novels out since his last appearance on the show. Harm’s Way is his 15th book in the Jonathan Grave action thriller series and is as intense as you would expect. White Smoke is his third book with John’s post apocalyptic heroine, Victoria Emerson. John’s first novel, Nathan’s Run (1996), had the movie rights purchased by Warner Bros. We discuss his latest books, his upcoming release of Zero Sum (due out in August 2024 pre-order now), his SHOT Show experience, his take on today’s social/political environment and more.

In this WILD Episode of Talking Lead: Stories from this year’s largest gun show in the world SHOT SHOW aka The SH*T Show. Joining Lefty to tell us their first-hand tales: Stunt Professional/Operator Tracy Lee (@TracyGuns), Fitness Guru/Police Sergeant Ashley Smith (@OfficerAshleySmith), Competition Shooter/Non-binary Explosives Expert Ton Jones (@TonJonesOfficial), Professional Firearms Trainer/Political Commentator Paul Markel (@StudentOfTheGun) and Lefty’s right-hand-man Evan Floodman (@Floodmunitions). Hear about everyone’s range day experiences, show-floor travels, night time escapades and behind the scenes tales of the big Circle Bar brawl, Las Vegas traffic stops, and Trump JR. encounters!

Warning this episode may cause extreme hunger! In this episode Lefty has Whiskey River Beef’s very own Prentiss Holt and every one’s favorite griller-extraordinaire Ton Jones (Firebird Targets) on to give some pro cooking tips, recipes and equipment suggestions that just might make you the talk of the neighborhood at your next BBQ or the hero-of-the-household when it’s your night to cook dinner. Specifically we focus on beef and wild game. So, grab a snack and a beverage because this episode will get your belly growling! Plus…Ton drops a Firebird Target exclusive release on their new “Quieter” explosive targets, the M50, only 65dbs at 25 feet.

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In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast: Kris Hammer with KELTEC joins Lefty and Ton Jones (Firebird Targets) to talk about the new Generation 3 straight blowback Sub2000 9mm carbine. KELTEC has improved the Sub2K by adding new quick “twist-fold-lock” action to it’s legendary folding carbine. The trigger has been improved with a metal trigger and the front and “folding” rear sights have been eliminated to make room for you to add your favorite iron sights and/or red dot. Listen in for all of the upgrades. Also joining this episode is Prentiss Holt owner of Whiskey River Beef to announce the winner of the WRB $100 Gift Card! Do us a solid and subscribe to the show at your favorite podcast app and follow us on social media! @talkinglead

Happy New Year Lead Head Brigade! In this New Year Kick-Off episode Lefty is joined by Expert Trick Shot Professional, Ton Jones. Ton is the brand manager for Firebird Targets. As the guys recap some of the show’s brightest highlights from the past year, some trick-shot-talk works it’s way into the conversation. Lefty makes a “KABLOOWEY” challenge to Ton for a never before attempted extremely difficult shot using the exploding Firebird Targets. Also, Lefty makes a big announcement for the Season 6 AK KORNER‘s Presenting Sponsor! You don’t want to miss it.

Geat all the LEADUCATION on the world's most prolific firearm, the KALASHNIKOV’ AK-47 / AKM and its spawns!

This season of the Talking Lead AK KORNER is presented by Pioneer Arms Corp USA. Lefty and Marco Vorobiev ( Author, Historian, former Soviet Spetsnaz Soldier) are back for our 6th Season of AK-47 "leaducation". To kick it off the guys are joined by CJ Johnson (President of Pioneer Arms Corp USA) and Michael Michalczuk (Founder / President of Pioneer Arms Corp Poland). We cover a lot in this episode; The history of PAC, Michael's strong military family history, we address some common PAC manufacturing misconceptions, discuss details of their updated manufacturing processes (forged vs cast front trunnions) and quality control, we discuss the new 1:1 AKM in .22lr, the PMR63-c, PPS43-c plus we answer listener questions. And we announce four (4) PAC firearms will be given away to AK KORNER listeners this season plus SEAL 1 and Mission First Tactical are back to add to the prize packages each month! Radom, Poland was founded in 1340, the city is famous for its small arms production. In 1998 Michael purchased a portion of the old Circle 11 factory to produced high quality Greener-style double barrel side-by-side with exposed hammer shotguns for cowboy action competition. Pioneer Arms Corp. USA was established January 2, 2001.Pioneer Arms Corp. Poland was established November 18, 2002 by the owners of Pioneer Arms USA. In 2004 Pioneer Arms Poland moved to the facilities of the former Circle 11 factory. At present time Pioneer Arms owns two buildings located at former Circle 11 plant, with over 50,000 sqft. All manufacturing is completed in the Circle 11 Plant in Radom, Poland by many of the original employees from the previous Circle 11 operation.PAC acquired complete sets of the original technical specifications documents of Kalashnikov firearms produced by the Circle 11 Radom Factory, including AK-47, AKM-47, AKMS-47, Tantal (AKM variant in 5.45×39 caliber), Beryl 5.56×45, PPS-43, PM63 and others, with rights to produce these weapons. All 922r compliance and assembly is done by Pioneer Arms Corp USA.

Round 3 of our Annual AK vs AR Battle.....

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast our special guest is David Lucas with MEAN LLC: Blowback! When it comes to shooting pistol caliber carbines (PCC) the key to a smooth, comfortable, reliable shooting experience is managing the blowback from the gas. Over the years there have been many engineers and companies that have tried to tame the blowback lion with radial cuts, flywheels, toggles, vectors, rollers and more. Enter the Bearing Delay System by MEAN ARMS. MEAN Arms has developed a new innovative take on the 9mm delay blowback design using ball bearings. Lefty and David also talk about MEAN's Hybrid triggers, Hybrid handguards, ENDOMAGS and their new EXOMAGS The heart of MEAN Arms Bearing Delay Upper Receiver is the unique ball bearing bolt carrier group (BCG). The ball bearings interface with corresponding features in the barrel extension and provide the lockup in battery and the delay after firing. The system can be tuned by replacing a "Lifter" to change the angle of the surfaces that push the bearings from the inside of the BCG. The bolt face includes a unique center ejector to provide the most consistent ejection of any 9mm AR on the market. With 3 bearings allowing 50% more contact surface area than a traditional roller delay. This means that even with the higher pressures of modern ammunition, the Bearing Delay system has greater durability than any roller delay. MEAN LLCis a manufacturer that specializes in custom firearm development and product innovation. We develop in-house engineering solutions that range from complete firearms to custom-designed parts. The MEAN goal is to innovate: Do what hasn’t been done. Provide first-rate service and always deliverQUALITY, INNOVATION and RELIABILITY.

Light Machine Guns is the topic for this month's edition of the Talking Lead AK KORNER. Historian, Author and former Spetsnaz Soldier Marco Vorobiev joins Lefty and Andrew from Century Arms to talk about the history, development, use and types of Light Machine Guns. We mainly focus on the development of the Soviet RPK , its predecessor and its derivatives. Marco explains how other LMGs and MGs lead to the RPKs development and implementation within the Soviet Military. Marco's book, AK-47 Survival And Evolution Of The World's Most Prolific Gun, is a great resource for obtaining detailed and insightful knowledge that you will get nowhere else on the AK-47.

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast: We talk about the rebirth of the old Buck Knives' Buckmaster model 184 and 185 to the new Buckmaster Combat Dive Knife Pro (CDP) model 084. Nearly 40 years have past since the first Buckmaster hit the market which was made insanely popular by the Rambo: First Blood movie. Joining Lefty to talk about the history of the Buckmaster and the development of the CDP are: CJ Buck, CEO and Chariman of Buck Knives; Richard Neyman, Historian, Author and Developer: Commander DT Coulter, "SEAL" United States Navy Retired and Developer. Commander Coulter's 55 year journey to finding the Ultimate Dive Knife has led to the development and production of the new Buckmaster 2.0 Combat Diver model 084.

Happy Thanksgiving Lead Heads! Get your big forks and knives ready!! To make your Turkey Holiday even more delightful Lefty is serving up a hearty helping of entertaining Leaducation with Tommy of TNOUTDOORS9 fame. Tommy is well respected in the industry as one of the top ballistics experts. Lefty and Tommy cut it up in this episode with discussions on the Smith and Wesson Micro 9mm, Best EDC Ammo, Ruger 9mm PC Carbine, Monkey suits, Mountain Lions, Hickok45, .224 Valkyrie, up coming projects and more! Plus we are joined by Mr. Holt with Whiskey River Beef for, not 1, but 2 special announcements (Exclusive Discount and Giveaway!). Bon Appetite Lead Heads! P.S. Here’s a quick link to our Epic 100th YT video we refer to in this episode

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast: Rafael Del Valle with BERSA USA joins Lefty to tell us about their new stainless steal 45acp 1911 line of pistols. Starting off with four models each offered in standard mil-spec five inch barreled configuration 1911s with enhanced features. Big serrations, AMERIGLO tritium night sights, ambidextrous safety and VZ grips. Two will be entry level versions starting around MSRP $699 available in flat dark earth and black. Next level up will be brushed stainless steal and the high-end 1911 will be offered in polished stainless steel. As time goes on they will offer their 1911s in 10mm and 9mm and future models will be polymer. In addition to the new 1911, BERSA earlier this year, released their new line of BERSA AR Rifles (BAR). To complement their rifle line BERSA will be offering AR parts such as drop-in Triggers, muzzle devices, charging handles, handguards, etc. Also on the BERSA menu are two new polymer striker fired pistols and the big news is a… BERSA line of Silencers!

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast: We recap the highlights of our visit to the IraqVeteran8888 (IV8888) annual range day event. Lefty, Evan (@floodmunitions) and Danny (Dip-Stick Branding) talk about all the cool guns, gear and peeps we ran into during this exclusive invite only Range Day in Georgia. Bersa’s new 1911, MEAN Arms’ new 9mm baring delay upper, loud-ass 50bmgs, cannons, amazing steaks and more. We also talk about elephants, alligators and Brawndo (It’s got what plants crave)! Plus we announce how to win one of the new Talking Lead Logo Tee-Shirts from Dip-Stick Branding.

In this special episode of the Talking Lead Podcast: The Greatest Big Game Hunter and Conservationist of all time, Jim Shockey joins Lefty for a very personal and intimate conversation about his new book CALL ME HUNTER, the recent passing of his loving wife, his Hand Of Man Museum in British Columbia, his life full of adventures and much more. Before we get into talking about his new book, CALL ME HUNTER, Jim shares some loving memories of his wife Louise Shockey including a funny story that involves a famous mustached 1980's actor that drove a red Ferrari. CALL ME HUNTER: 25 years in the making, Jim Shockey's debut into the fiction mystery/thriller novel world is a bullseye! Jim talks with Lefty about how a life full of adventure, international art collecting and world traveling lead to this mind boggling, interactive work of art. Next we get into some great hunting stories and strange encounters that Jim experienced during his extensive World travels. One story may or may not involve a Sasquatch. Plus we get a hint of what's to come from Jim's next book, his TV shows, his Hand Of Man Museum and much more!