What 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 is reshaping suppressor design. Mike shares the thinking behind Dead Air’s approach and practical insights to help you ask better questions before choosing your next can.

Listen for a clearer understanding of your gear, a look at where suppressor technology is headed, and the story behind Mike’s decision to buy an armored vehicle.

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.

What 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 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.

What 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 practice exposes weaknesses, and why small details deserve attention before the stakes are high. Kevin also shares a practical mindset for building dependable routines, making thoughtful adjustments, and reducing uncertainty through experience.

Whether you are preparing for a hunt, a training course, or your next outdoor challenge, this episode offers a clear reminder: confidence is not something you pack at the last minute. It is earned through preparation.

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.