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.

What 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 their setup well before the season, especially when changing ammunition, using a firearm that has been stored for months, or preparing a muzzleloader. Caleb also explains how small details such as loose hardware, dead batteries, rust, damaged equipment, or an incomplete pack can become major problems in the field. Tim, Jude, and Caleb discuss lessons learned from experience and the value of practicing with the same firearm, optics, clothing, and support positions you will use during the hunt.

Listeners will walk away with a straightforward preseason checklist and a clear reminder that a successful hunt often starts long before opening morning.

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 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 the United States and Europe.

Ted began studying long-range shooting in 2007 and entered competition in 2019. Since then, he has built a reputation for simplifying a discipline that is often buried under endless gear recommendations and internet opinions. As a long-range instructor with Accuracy Dynamics and a licensed professional engineer, Ted approaches marksmanship with one guiding principle: understand what matters, when it matters, and why.

Tim, Jude, and Ted discuss the tools every builder should have on the bench, the components worth investing in, and the common mistakes shooters make when assembling a precision rifle. The conversation explores lot numbers, ammunition consistency, suppressors, muzzle devices, and the challenge of separating meaningful data from unnecessary noise.

Ted also shares lessons learned from years of competition, including the most challenging and rewarding matches he's shot, how night shooting exposes weaknesses that daylight can hide, and the mindset required to perform under pressure. Along the way, he offers practical advice for new competitors looking to shoot their first match and explains why competition remains one of the fastest ways to improve as a marksman.

Whether you're building your first bolt gun, chasing points in a PRS match, or simply trying to understand the science behind long-range shooting, this episode offers a practical roadmap from someone who has spent years testing assumptions and refining the process.

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.

Have 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 screwdriver system, this conversation explores why purpose-built tools continue to earn the trust of professionals across the firearms industry.

Pete also discusses the products that rarely get the spotlight but make all the difference on the workbench. Learn how shop chemicals, cleaning products, and other behind the scenes essentials have evolved to solve problems that generations of gunsmiths once accepted as unavoidable. The conversation highlights the difference between consumer-grade and professional-grade tools, how customer feedback has shaped product development for decades, and the philosophies established by Bob and Frank Brownell that continue to guide the company today.

The discussion closes with the evolution of the Brownells BRN family of firearms. Pete explains why Brownells expanded beyond supplying parts and tools into building firearms, the original vision behind the BRN platform, and how decades of serving builders influenced every design decision. He also shares how customer feedback continues to shape the BRN family and why listening to shooters remains one of Brownells' greatest competitive advantages.

Whether you're a lifelong gunsmith, an enthusiast who appreciates quality tools, or someone curious about how great products are built, this episode offers a fascinating look at the philosophy, innovation, and customer-first mindset that have defined Brownells for generations.

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 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 managing powder, primer, and brass availability. Gavin explains how technology has changed the reloading bench, where automation makes sense, and which fundamentals still matter most regardless of the equipment being used.

Tim, Steve, and Gavin also discuss the challenges facing today's reloaders, including component shortages, changing market conditions, and the growing interest in newer cartridges such as the 6.8x51mm (.277 SIG Fury). They examine how precision shooters pursue consistency, why quality control matters, and how reloaders can approach load development with confidence.

Whether you're just getting started at the loading bench or have years of experience chasing tighter groups and better performance, this episode delivers practical insights on equipment selection, component management, accuracy, and the future of ammunition reloading.

If you're interested in building better ammunition, understanding modern reloading technology, and learning from one of the industry's most trusted educators, this is an episode reloaders won't want to miss.

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 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 AR platform, Chad shares what he has learned from evaluating thousands of rifles. From common failure points and accelerated wear patterns to maintenance practices that actually matter, this conversation separates internet myths from real-world experience.

Tim, Jude, and Chad discuss what breaks first when rifles see high round counts, how parts quality impacts longevity, and the critical inspection points every AR owner should understand. They also explore gas system issues, bolt and carrier wear, preventative maintenance, and the differences between rifles that survive hard use and those that don't.

Whether you're a competitive shooter, professional user, dedicated enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to get the most life out of your rifle, this episode is packed with practical knowledge you can apply immediately.

If you've ever wondered how hard you can push an AR, what warning signs deserve attention, and how to keep your rifle running when it matters most, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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.