In this episode, Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington bust one of the biggest myths about law enforcement: that every police officer is a firearms expert.

Drawing from decades of service as cops, trainers, and gun writers, they pull back the curtain on the reality of police firearms proficiency — or the lack thereof. From shocking stories of rusted-in revolvers and mismatched ammo to the harsh truth about agency qualification standards, they reveal why most officers fall far short of public expectations. And more importantly, they explain what this means for concealed carriers, why complacency is so dangerous, and how regular, disciplined training — not a badge — defines true firearms expertise.

Key Takeaways

• The Big Myth: The public assumes cops are gun experts, but most only meet the bare minimum standards.
• 10-80-10 Rule: About 10% of officers are experts, 80% do the minimum, and 10% should not carry at all.
• Agency Reality: With 15,000+ mostly small agencies nationwide, qualifications are often just 25 rounds once or twice a year.
• Horror Stories: Real cases include a revolver rusted into its holster, a “one-shot” SWAT 1911, and a detective’s revolver loaded with random desk-drawer ammo.
• Complacency Kills: Shooting is a perishable skill—both officers and armed citizens must avoid complacency and train consistently.
• Dry Fire Works: Tools like Mantis X10 make home practice effective for maintaining fundamentals.
• Personal Responsibility: Unlike officers, private citizens can’t fall back on minimum standards—your life depends on your training.

EPISODE SPONSOR

The Guns Podcast is presented by Ruger Firearms. Ruger has been trusted for generations to deliver rugged, reliable firearms built in America. From hunting rifles to everyday carry handguns, Ruger sets the standard for durability and performance. Explore the full lineup and discover what makes Ruger a name shooters trust at Ruger.com.

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In this episode of the Guns Podcast, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington dive into the enduring world of classic firearms that continue to shape modern shooting. From legendary handguns like the 1911 and Glock to iconic revolvers by Smith & Wesson and Colt, they explore why these designs have stood the test of time. The discussion also covers battle-proven military rifles such as the AR-15 and AK-47, as well as historic models like the Mauser 98 and Winchester 94.

Listeners will learn how these firearms blend tradition, reliability, and innovation—making them just as relevant today as when they were first introduced.

Key Takeaways

• Why timeless firearms remain popular for reliability, simplicity, and performance.
• The 1911 as the ultimate example of a classic handgun still trusted worldwide.
• How Glock pistols became a dominant force in the concealed carry and duty markets.
• The enduring appeal of Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers.
• Why the AR-15 and AK-47 remain cultural and functional cornerstones.
• The Mauser 98’s influence on modern bolt-action rifles.
• How the Winchester 94 preserves the heritage of lever-action rifles.

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Have a topic idea or a guest you’d like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email Editor@gunspodcast.us

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Make sure you check out GUNSmagazine.com and AmericanHandgunner.com for all your favorite writers and stories, and visit the podcast website at https://gunspodcast.us for links to all our shows, news and merch!

In this special 300th episode, GUNS Magazine host Brent Wheat and guest Roy Huntington make a historic announcement: the print editions of GUNS Magazine and American Handgunner magazine are ending after 70 years.

Join them as they explain the business realities behind this bittersweet decision and reveal how the brand will continue in a new, digital-first era. The podcast itself also gets a new name — welcome to the Guns Podcast US.

Key Takeaways & Highlights:

• 70 Years of History: The end of the print editions of GUNS Magazine and American Handgunner magazine.
• Challenges of Print: A deep dive into the business of publishing, including the low profit margins of subscriptions and the financial realities that led to this decision.
• The Power of Digital: How the brand is focusing on its website, YouTube channel, and podcast to deliver content every day.
• The Soul of the Brand: An emotional discussion on how the team's passion, integrity, and respect for their readers will continue in the digital space.
• Podcast Rebrand: The Guns Magazine Podcast is now the Guns Podcast US.

Join us for this momentous episode as we reflect on the past, embrace the future, and look forward to continuing to provide the best firearms content in the industry. Like, subscribe, and share to support the new digital journey of these iconic brands!

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Have a topic idea or a guest you’d like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email Editor@gunspodcast.us

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel or sign up for our newsletter (https://gunsmagazine.com/newsletters) to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week.

Visit our website at https://gunspodcast.us