Is the Springfield Echelon For Real? Reliability Testing at Thunder Ranch

James Reeves puts the Springfield Echelon pistol to the test at Thunder Ranch. James subjects the Echelon to a 3 day Thunder Ranch advanced pistol course plus a battery of somewhat unrealistic dirt tests. James, Ryan, and the staff and students have pushed about 3,000 rounds through this gun without cleaning it. Can the Echelon keep up?

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The Serb Dragunov: Zastava M91 Sniper Rifle

James Reeves reviews the Serbian M91 Sniper Rifle. This modernized version of Zastava’s designated marksman rifle (DMR) shares some similarities with the famous SVD Dragunov but is actually a very different gun, even if it uses the same barrel length and caliber as the SVD. Is this gun still effective? How accurate is it? What type of range does this gun have with the included POSP 4x optic? Is it reliable? We answer those questions and more in today’s episode of TFBTV.

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CZ's NEW Sleek Carry Gun: CZ Shadow 2 Compact

In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves is with CZ Pro Shooter Eric Grauffel at the CZ booth in IWA. James was lucky enough to get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at CZ’s new top-tier carry gun, the CZ Shadow 2 Compact. The CZ Shadow 2 Compact is totally different and totally the same at once. It uses a shorter barrel and smaller, lighter, aluminum frame to make a smaller and concealable package while retaining all of the benefits of the CZ Shadow 2 itself, like an excellent trigger, optics readiness, great sights, and the performance and reliability CZ Shadow owners are used to. What do you think of this new pistol?

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The Hi-Point Yeet Cannon 9mm is FINALLY HERE (Hi-Point YC9)

In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves is proud to announce the official arrival of the Hi-Point Yeet Cannon 9mm a.k.a. the YC-9. After unveiling the YC-9 to the world at SHOT Show 2019, Hi-Point has taken a painstaking length of time to bring the YC-9 to market. In this video, we go over the features and specs, and we send 1,000 rounds of 9mm downrange with the YC-9. Was it worth the wait? Watch today’s video to find out.

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Is the Ruger Mini-14 Obsolete?

James Reeves asks: Is the Mini-14 obsolete? The Ruger Mini-14 was introduced FIFTY years ago by Ruger. Developed by Bill Ruger and Jim Sullivan, two of the engineering greats, the Ruger Mini-14 was a so-so rifle when it was invented, and most people believe that it lagged behind as the AR-15 caught on with civilian shooters. But many of you don’t know that there have been multiple changes to the Mini-14 – BIG changes – that have increased its effectiveness. But in this day and age dominated by AR, is the Mini-14 still practical to own? We look at reliability, durability, accuracy, and more in today’s video.

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The Chicago Rapper EDC: Twista's Daily Carry

In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves visits Twista to talk about what a high-profile rapper carries every day in Chicago. Twista’s not your typical hip-hop artist, though: He’s a licensed concealed handgun instructor and competition shooter in addition to being one of the best to ever do it in the rap game. So what does the OG EDC? Check today’s video to find out.

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All Titanium, No Gimmicks: The NEW SilencerCo Scythe TI

The new Scythe Ti is SilencerCo’s first all-titanium suppressor. It’s a .30 caliber can that comes in at 7oz and 6 inches long, and is rated all the way up to .300 RUM with no barrel length restrictions. In this episode of TFBTV, Hop and Luke visit Utah to check out the new suppressor and play a few holes of rifle golf.

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Why I Was Wrong About the Springfield M1A Tanker

I, James Reeves, was skeptical about the Springfield M1A Tanker. I brought this nostalgia piece, this relic of the past that wouldn’t be able to compete with modern rifles, to Thunder Ranch for review. Of course, Clint Smith, a man who grew up on the M1A, couldn’t help but give his opinion on the rifle, too.

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FN Reflex Review: Top Competitor or Late to the Game?

In this video, James Reeves reviews the FN Reflex and compares it to the SIG P365, which is perhaps the most popular micro-compact pistol on the market. James discusses the features of this new micro-compact pistol from FN America. It is a slim, one-inch pistol that is easy to conceal and carry. The Reflex is chambered in 9mm and has a 3.3-inch barrel. It is striker fired and has a capacity of 11 or 15 rounds. The Reflex also has an optional factory-milled slide for mounting a micro red dot sight in the Holosun K-pattern. James also tests the reliability of the FN Reflex with 540 rounds of mixed ammunition, including personal defense hollow points.

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Why Q's AR-15 Will Disrupt the Market: The Sugar Weasel 16″

Not many people associate Q with the AR-15, but the Sugar Weasel might be the most significant “new” AR-15 to come around in years. While the Sugar Weasel started life as a more economical Honey Badger, it’s arguably going to be a more versatile and popular rifle than the Honey Badger itself.

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A Canadian-compliant rifle you can buy in the US

In this episode of TFBTV, Hop takes a look at the CRU Arms Temp, formerly known as the Crusader Arms Templar. This is a rifle designed for the Canadian firearms market, which has restrictions very different from those in the US. The guns we can buy are very different from the ones our syrup-chugging neighbors to the North can buy, and in some instances, they can even get stuff we don’t have here (but obviously those are harder to make a video about).

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What is the Ultimate Urban Rifle? Ep. 2: $5,000 Budget

This video is a continuation of a series we started at Thunder Ranch three years ago to answer the question: What is the ultimate urban rifle? We mean a rifle that is perfect for home defense, self-defense, or even competition. You need something reliable, lightweight, compact, and accurate that works when maneuvering in tight spaces. Today’s episode revolves around a whopping $5,000 budget and starts with the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 and some LPVO options. If you are looking for the ultimate urban rifle, then this video is for you.

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TFB Behind The Gun Podcast #78: Patrick O with TFBTV

The TFBTV crew is a small but mighty one that I’m proud to be a member of. One of our newest videographers and editors, Patrick O, is here today to tell us all about himself and how he ended up joining the TFBTV crew! Patrick actually has a pretty extensive background with filming and photographing around firearms as he worked closely as a military photographer with lots of special forces units during their exercises. Most of his work can be found on DVIDS (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service) but quite honestly his best work has been his editing, photo, and video work he’s done for TFBTV, TFB, and AllOutdoor.com (I might be a little biased with that statement). Either way, please give a warm welcome to someone who has been working with us for a better part of a year now, Patrick O of TFBTV.

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[VIDEO] SIG Sauer P226 vs P320: Which is Better?

The SIG P320 and SIG P226 are two of the most popular pistols on the market and for good reason. Both pistols are well-made, reliable, and accurate. However, there are some key differences between the two pistols that may make one a better choice for you than the other. Further, we compare and contrast the top end of each model: The SIG P320 AXG Legion versus the SIG P226 X-Five. We will discuss the features of each pistol, their performance, and their overall value. We will also provide our recommendations for which pistol is the best choice for different types of shooters. Ultimately, the best way to decide which pistol is right for you is to try both of them out and see which one you prefer, but let us know what you think in the comments: P226 or P320?

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Rifle Dynamics' 7.62x54R (!) Short Barrel AK Carbine

Earlier this summer, James Reeves got to handle and film an unusual and highly intriguing AK-47 rifle chambered in 7.62x54R from Rifle Dynamics. This rifle is not your typical AK-47: It was made from a PSL. As you may know, the PSL rifle is a Romanian military designated marksman rifle that fires the powerful 7.62x54R cartridge. But Rifle Dynamics took this rifle a step further by converting it into an AK-47 platform, resulting in a unique and somewhat functional firearm. The conversion process involved a complete teardown of the PSL rifle, followed by modifications to accommodate AK-47 parts. The end result is a bizarre firearm that is surprisingly shootable while delivering outstanding power.

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Everything you Need to Know About the The Zastava M87 Heavy Machine Gun

Join James Reeves on an exhilarating journey to the heart of Serbia’s legendary Zastava Oružje factory. In this captivating video, James engages in a conversation with a Zastava engineer, delving into the intricacies of the iconic Serbian M87 Machine Gun, an unparalleled masterpiece of firepower. The Heavy Machine Gun M87 is a licensed product based on the Soviet NSV, the best heavy machine gun ever made.

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Springfield Echelon Pistol Review [VIDEO]

In this exciting episode of TFBTV, James Reeves dives into the brand-new Springfield Echelon Pistol. Unlike traditional pistols, the Echelon employs a serialized chassis system similar to the SIG P320. This groundbreaking design allows users to easily purchase and interchange frames, unlocking a new level of customization and adaptability.

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The Favorite Guns of a Gun Master: Ernest Langdon's Top 5

Join us in this exciting video as renowned firearms expert, Ernest Langdon shares his top 5 favorite guns. With decades of experience in the firearms industry and a passion for exceptional craftsmanship, Langdon provides expert insights and recommendations that will captivate both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers.

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What are the 5 Most Valuable Guns in the Beretta Museum?

In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves visits the Beretta Museum in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, and asks the curator of the museum, Jarno, what the five most important Beretta firearms are in the entire museum. Jarno gives us a detailed look at some of the oldest, most valuable, and most historically significant

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LMT is Making Suppressors Now?! [GunCon 2023]

TFBTV and James Reeves are at Brownells covering GunCon 2023. In this episode, James speaks with his good friend, Joe Hajny of LMT, about LMT’s new suppressor line. Well known as a premium supplier of military and Law Enforcement M4s, AR-15s, AR-10s, and similar carbines, it only makes sense that LMT gets into the suppressor game, making their own line of reasonably priced suppressors designed to package with their carbines and rifles.

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The Tiniest RPK: The "Thumper" by Rifle Dynamics

In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves is at Rifle Dynamics to talk about the “Thumper” – a gun that started life as an RPK light machine gun and somehow ended up in the hands of Rifle Dynamics. The boys at Rifle Dynamics converted this former LMG into an AKM-type carbine and tweaked it to be supremely reliable and extremely shootable. Watch today’s video for the deets.

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New 3D Printed Titanium Suppressor: The HUXWRX Flow762 [GunCon 2023]

In this episode of GunCon 2023 coverage, James stops by HUXWRX (formerly OSS) to speak with them about their newest flowthrough silencers, the FLOW762 series. On the heels of the highly successful and FBI-adopted FLOW556k suppressor, this 3D-printed flowthrough can offers impressive features and performance, and will be available in steel and titanium. Check today’s video for the full details.

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Creative Arms .300 BLK "ISR" (Integrally Suppressed Rifle) [GunCon 2023]

In this episode of TFBTV’s GunCon 2023 coverage, James speaks with Creative Arms, an Iowan boutique AR-15 manufacturer, about their integrally suppressed .300 Blackout AR-15. This carbine is different than many other integrally suppressed AR-15 options out there in that the Creative Arms uses a removable baffle core that can be swapped, but perhaps more importantly, it can be removed while the purchaser waits for their suppressor paperwork to clear or if the gun is being brought to a place where a suppressor is not permitted. How…creative?

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One Second Quick Detach AR-15 Stock: The Stern Defense RAB-AD

James Reeves is at GunCon 2023. In this episode, James speaks with Stern Defense about their innovative new quick-detach AR-15 stock: The RAB-AD (Rapid Attach Buttstock Adapter). This stock comes off your AR-15 and goes back on in one second, allowing your rifle to be stowed in much smaller and flatter spaces than a regular AR-15 or even a folding-stock model AR-15, all while using your same buffer tube hardware. And, the kit costs a little over $100.

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New Optic Plate & Shield for the Glock MOS or Walther PDP: Radian Guardian

James is at GunCon 2023 with Radian, perhaps one of the most innovative quality accessory manufacturers (and creator of the popular Raptor charging handle) to see their new optic plate system for the Glock MOS and Walther PDP series of pistols. The Guardian plate is unique in that it isn’t JUST a plate: It features a squared-off guard for your Trijicon RMR or Holosun EPS to protect the lens from drops, strikes, and damage. Additionally, Radian will offer a combo that will feature front and rear iron sights set up to work as backup options should your dot go down.

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Is This Face-Recognizing Smart Gun Legit? The Biofire Pistol [GunCon 2023]

TFBTV and James Reeves are at Brownells covering GunCon2023. In this episode, James speaks with Biofire, makers of the newest and very highly-hyped smart gun, which uses fingerprint and facial recognition technology to unlock for use. James is skeptical, but the gentlemen from Biofire do their best to allay James’ concerns with this controversial technology.

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AAC's $450 Lightweight 5.7mm Suppressor: The Element 3 [GunCon 2023]

TFBTV and James Reeves are covering GunCon 2023. In this episode, James is visiting with AAC (Advanced Armament Corporation) to see their new dedicated 5.7mm can, the Element 3. AAC designed this user-serviceable suppressor to work specifically for the FN P90, however, it should work with the many popular 5.7 pistols as well as rimfire and .22 Magnum. This suppressor is ultralightweight (at just 5.6 ounces), easy to maintain, and cheap at just $450.

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Kevin Brittingham's Top 6 Guns of All Time

In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves interviews the founder of Q, Kevin Brittingham, to find out what 6 guns the father of the Honey Badger finds to be the most important and influential to him. We look at the Heckler & Koch MP5SD, the Q Fix, the Stoner 63 LMG, the humble M16A1, and the not-so-humble Q Honey Badger. Have a watch and let us know what you think.

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Has Timney Made the Best AK Trigger Ever? [GunCon 2023]

In this episode, James visits Timney Triggers at GunCon 2023 to see Timney’s new AK trigger, which *may* be the best AK trigger ever made? It isn’t just because Timney’s new AK trigger is light and crisp at 3.5 pounds of pull with a super-short 2mm tactile reset, but because Timney claims to have vigorously tested this trigger with many different brands and types of AK to ensure compatibility and reliable function. This even includes Zastava’s M70 – Zastava recommends against changing the trigger in their all-Serbian-internal guns because of the impact in can have on the firing control group and operating system, but Timney sounds confident in its ability to make their new trigger work in every well-known platform.

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Look at These Inexpensive and Revolting AK Bullpup Kits [GunCon 2023]

TFBTV and James Reeves are at Brownells covering GunCon 2023. In this episode, James is disgusted. Upstart company, Stuff and Things, is making a well-made and well-thought out AK bullpup conversion kit that starts at just $300. This kit will work with Zastava AK-type 5.56mm and 7.62x39mm pistols like the M85 and M92, and they even make a 9mm version that will work with CZ Scorpion magazine-compatible AK-9 pistols. Are you ready to get grossed out? Click this vid and stay tuned for more GunCon.

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