Shows
Built to Last with BrownellsThe Modern SuppressorWhat should you know before buying your first suppressor? How are new designs changing what you can expect from sound reduction, back pressure, and durability?In this episode of Built to Last, Tim and Steve sit down with Mike Pappas, partner and founder of Dead Air Silencers. Mike breaks down what suppressors can and cannot quiet, what matters when matching one to your firearm, and why chasing a single performance number can leave you missing the bigger picture.The conversation covers mounting compatibility, the tradeoffs between weight and hard use, and how metal 3D printing...
2026-10-2147 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsThe Shot You Don't TakeWhat makes a hunting story worth telling when the shot is never fired? How do you decide when to lower your rifle?In this episode of Built to Last, Tim and Jude sit down with Eric Poole, Editor-in-Chief of Guns and Ammo. They explore the judgment behind the shots hunters take and the ones they pass up, from knowing your limits to respecting the animal and the responsibility that comes with every decision in the field. It’s a conversation about experience, ethics, and why walking away can be a choice worth remembering.This po...
2026-09-2346 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsDialed Before Day One - Building Confidence Through PrepWhat separates a confident day in the field from one filled with preventable problems? How much of success is decided before the hunt even begins?In this episode of Built to Last, Tim and Jude sit down again with Kevin Estela, owner of Kevin Estela, LLC. Kevin breaks down the preparation that builds confidence before day one, from knowing your equipment and testing your systems to sharpening the skills you will rely on when conditions get difficult.The conversation explores why owning capable gear is not the same as being capable with it, how realistic...
2026-08-1236 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsPre-Season Checks: The Maintenance Most People SkipWhat overlooked maintenance issue could end your hunt before it begins? Is your firearm, gear, and ammunition truly ready for opening day, or are you trusting that everything still works like it did last season?In this episode of Built to Last, Tim and Jude sit down again with Caleb Savant, Senior Media Content Supervisor at Brownells. Caleb shares a practical approach to preseason preparation, from reviewing current hunting regulations and confirming zero to inspecting action screws, scope mounts, magazines, batteries, boots, clothing, knives, first-aid supplies, and other essential gear. The conversation covers why hunters should verify...
2026-07-2941 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsAccuracy Isn't an AccidentWhat separates a rifle that shoots tiny groups at the range from one that performs when the clock is running? How much of long-range success comes from gear, and how much comes from process?On this episode of Built to Last, we sit down with precision rifle competitor, instructor, and engineer Ted Hoeger to break down what actually matters when building a precision rifle and stepping onto the firing line. Ted is the 2025 Precision Rifle Series Midwest Region Champion, with seven Top-10 finishes at national matches, more than 25 Top-5 finishes at regional competitions, and experience competing across...
2026-07-1550 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsThe Evolution of Brownells Products Through the Gunsmith's LensHave you ever wondered why some gunsmithing tools become industry standards while others disappear? What does it take for a company known for supplying builders to begin designing and manufacturing its own firearms?In this episode of Built to Last, Tim and Jude sit down again with Pete Brownell, Chairman and CEO of Brownells. Pete shares the story behind Brownells' product philosophy and explains how solving real shop problems has driven the company since the very beginning. From the earliest days of creating practical solutions for frustrated gunsmiths to the development of iconic products like the Magna-Tip...
2026-07-0139 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsModern Ammo: Misconceptions, Challenges, & ExpertiseWhat separates a good handload from a great one? How do modern reloaders stay consistent when components, technology, and ammunition demands continue to evolve?In this episode of Built to Last, Tim and Steve sit down with Gavin Gear, founder Ultimate Reloader for a discussion into modern ammunition reloading and the tools to be successful.Gavin shares lessons learned from years of testing equipment, evaluating components, and helping shooters get the most from their ammunition. The conversation explores what it takes to build reliable, accurate handloads in today's environment, from selecting presses and dies to...
2026-06-1756 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsRunning Guns HardWhat happens when you stop treating an AR-15 like a safe queen and start running it hard? Which parts fail first, and how can you spot the warning signs before they take your rifle out of the fight?In this episode of Built to Last, Tim and Jude sit down with Chad Albrecht, founder of the School of the American Rifle (SOTAR) for a deep dive into running guns hard and the wear and tear to look out for.Known throughout the firearms industry for his meticulous inspections, technical expertise, and no-nonsense approach to the...
2026-06-031h 11Built to Last with BrownellsField Repairs and Real World FixesWhat actually breaks on an AR in the real world? What can you fix at the range, and what needs a bench, proper tools, and patience?In this episode of Built to Last, Tim sits down with Brownells Senior Media Content Supervisor Caleb Savant for a deep dive into field repairs, practical firearm problem solving, and his experience as a gunsmith.The conversation also dives into overlooked firearm issues like loose buttpads, stripped screws, crushed wood fibers, improper screwdriver use, and why seemingly small hardware problems can create major reliability and accuracy issues over time...
2026-05-2057 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsWhat the Pros CarryIn this episode, we sit down and talk to KP Robinson of Grey Group, LLC. KP is a 22-year Senior Police Officer with the Des Moines Police Department and a 19-year Sniper Team Leader for the Metro STAR (SWAT) Team.He also served as a Metro Transit Police Officer in Washington, D.C., during the DC Sniper era, bringing operational experience from high-threat, high-visibility environments.We talk about what the pros use for precision rifle setups and gear, what's just fad, and what is non-negotiable.This podcast is for informational purposes only...
2026-05-0651 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsOld Skills, New ToolsIn this episode, Tim and Jude sit down with Michael Ware, owner of Controlled Chaos Arms in Baxter, Iowa. Michael started as a diesel technician before going into gunsmithing full-time. He's a self-taught gunsmith with years of experience as a machinist and received instruction from Gordy Gritters. We pick Michael's brain on being a gunsmith and his philosophy on life and working on firearms.This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in...
2026-04-2258 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsFirearms for the Modern OutdoorsmanIn this episode, we sit down with Kevin Estela, owner of Kevin Estela, LLC. Kevin is a professional fieldcraft and survival instructor with nearly two decades of experience. He’s the best-selling author of 101 Skills You Need to Survive in the Woods and Beyond the Field, a former Director of Training at Fieldcraft Survival, and a prolific contributor to hundreds of articles.Kevin teaches what works because he lives it. Today, he breaks down the three firearms every prepared outdoorsman should keep on their homestead: the .22 rifle, a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun, and a .30-caliber rifle. We’ll also...
2026-04-081h 00Built to Last with BrownellsHornady - A Legacy Built to LastIn this episode Tim and Pete sit down with Jason and Steve Hornady, from Hornady Manufacturing to talk about their legacy, how they've had to adapt, and how they give back to the firearm community.This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years...
2026-03-2543 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsThe Gunsmith ProfessionIn this episode, we sit down with Matt Ostrander, U.S. Marine Corp veteran, founder of Ostrander Defense, and program director of Gunsmithing Technology at Iowa Valley Community College. We talk about tools and resources for the 1911, whether you're a collector, competitor, or utilizing for home defense.This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy...
2026-03-1152 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsOn Your BackIn this episode, Pete Brownell shares the legacy Brownells was built on. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.
2026-02-2552 minBuilt to Last with BrownellsIn the BeginningIn this episode, we sit down with Pete Brownell and discuss the importance of sharing knowledge in the firearms community.This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.
2026-02-1028 min