Episode 653: The Tenant

In this episode of Slam Fire Radio, the crew sits down with Shawn “The Tenant” Branch, the Canadian firearms owner whose leaked conversation with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree sent shockwaves through the firearms community. Shawn shares how a routine discussion with his landlord turned into one of the most talked about political audio recordings in recent Canadian gun politics.

The conversation dives into the federal firearms confiscation program, insider comments about its effectiveness, concerns over property rights, and why Shawn ultimately decided to step out from behind anonymity and publicly identify himself as “The Tenant.” The hosts discuss the political fallout from the leaked recording, reactions from firearms owners across Canada, police agencies refusing to participate in confiscation efforts, and the growing legal battle surrounding the federal OIC and buyback program.

The crew also covers recent rallies, CCFR advocacy efforts, the Supreme Court challenge, and what firearms owners can still do if they have already submitted declarations. Alongside the serious discussion, the episode keeps the usual Slam Fire Radio mix of humor, range talk, reloading updates, match reports, shotgun hunting stories, and gear chatter.

Topics include:

  • The leaked Gary Anandasangaree audio recording
  • Federal firearms confiscation and compensation concerns
  • Property rights and Supreme Court challenges
  • CCFR rallies and grassroots activism
  • USPSA and ORA match updates
  • Reloading 6.5 Creedmoor and .45-70
  • Taipan X impressions
  • Women’s range day events
  • Pheasant and upland bird hunting stories

Subscribe for more Canadian firearms news, political discussion, competitive shooting, hunting stories, and weekly range talk from coast to coast.

Episode 652: Movie Guns, Bofors Cannons & CCFR Rally Recap

Episode 652 of Slam Fire Radio is completely off the rails—in the best way possible.

This week the crew dives into everything from behind-the-scenes movie gun work to real-world firearms politics in Canada. Tony gets hands-on with a legit Bofors cannon on a film set, Dave and Kelly break down the massive CCFR rally in Cambridge, and the team tackles the harsh reality of firearm ownership, transfers, and current laws in Canada.

Expect laughs, chaos, and some serious discussion about where things are headed.

In This Episode:

  • Playing with mounted guns and military hardware on film sets
  • A behind-the-scenes tour of a major movie armory supplier
  • Real talk: what happens to firearms when an owner passes away
  • CCFR rally recap – turnout, speakers, and political impact
  • Meeting “the tenant” and the moment that shook the narrative Canadian gun laws, transport concerns, and what might be coming next
  • Gear talk: muzzle brakes, recoil reduction, and range performance
  • Community stories, listener shoutouts, and more

Hosts: Dustin, Tony, Dave, Kelly, and a late Adriel

Episode 651 – Range Days, Reloads, and Rifleman Scores

This week on Slam Fire Radio, the crew is back with a packed episode covering everything from range time and competition shooting to behind-the-scenes work in the film industry.

Dustin shares stories from working with firearms on set, including handling machine guns, actor training challenges, and ongoing efforts to navigate Canada’s complex firearms regulations. The team dives into gear talk, from dummy rounds and quad loading practice to muzzleloading experiments and reloading setups.

Tony breaks down his latest purchases and projects, including black powder substitutes, muzzleloader gear, and a deep dive into different propellants. Meanwhile, Dave and Kelly recap their trip to the U.S. for an Appleseed event, where they trained, competed, and connected with fellow shooters plus Dave walks away with a distinguished rifle score.

Kyle rounds things out with competition updates, sharing insights from a recent match, gear fixes, and progress on his custom gun room build.

The episode also touches on Canadian firearms news, community events, and ongoing advocacy efforts.

If you’re into firearms, competition shooting, gear talk, and Canadian gun culture, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Topics Covered:

  • On-set firearm handling & actor training
  • Range days and competition prep
  • Reloading gear and muzzleloading setups
  • Appleseed event recap & marksmanship training
  • Match performance and equipment tuning
  • Canadian firearms news and advocacy

Episode 650 – Texas 3-Gun, USPSA Nationals & That Antler Grind Smell

In this episode of Slam Fire Radio, the crew is back with a mix of competition talk, range stories, and the kind of behind-the-scenes chaos you’d expect—starting with the unmistakable smell of freshly ground antler.

Kyle just got back from the Texas 3-Gun Championship near Austin and breaks down the match, weather conditions, stage design, and overall experience shooting in hill country. He also talks about locking in his registration for USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals and what he’s expecting heading into the season.

The hosts dive into what they’ve been up to in shooting sports, including gear, travel, and the realities of balancing competition with real life (and maybe a donut stop or two). As always, it’s a mix of practical shooting insights, laid-back banter, and a few laughs along the way.

If you’re into 3-gun, USPSA, or just enjoy hearing about real-world match experiences, this one’s for you.

Topics Covered:

  • Texas 3-Gun Championship recap
  • USPSA Nationals registration
  • Match conditions and weather challenges
  • Travel and competition logistics
  • What we’ve been doing in guns

Episode 649: Are We F***ed?

In this episode, the crew covers competition shooting, gear updates, industry news, and a deep discussion on the current direction of Canadian firearms policy. It is a mix of practical shooting talk and serious concerns about what may be coming next.

What We Did in Guns

  • Sherwood Park 3-Gun match recap
  • Texas 3-Gun preparation with backup rifle decisions and gear issues
  • Reloading updates, including a Hornady ammo plant win and .45-70 considerations
  • Gun room builds and workspace upgrades
  • Rimfire setups, optics adjustments, and shotgun gear experimentation
  • Trapdoor Springfield purchase and discussion on safe loading practices

Canadian Gun Politics

  • Floor crossing by a Conservative MP and implications for gun owners
  • Discussion on potential future bans, including the SKS
  • Supreme Court developments and the possibility of an injunction
  • Media narratives around confiscation and public perception
  • Predictions on where policy may go over the next few years

Industry and Gear News

  • Black Creek Labs reportedly acquired by Next Dynamics
  • Shadow Systems entering the AR market
  • Sierra bullet line rebranding and naming changes
  • Review of MDT Oryx bipod and mounting system
  • New revolving carbine platforms in .45 Colt and .410
  • Lee Precision expanding Load-All presses to include .410 and 28 gauge

Episode 648 – Media Spin, Gun Confiscation Fallout & Gear Talk from the Range

In this April 1st episode of Slam Fire Radio, Tony, Dustin, and Kyle dive into a packed week of shooting, gear testing, and the fallout from Canada’s firearm confiscation program deadline.

Tony breaks down his recent appearance on CBC, including how media editing can shape narratives and how community pushback actually forced corrections.

The team also digs into the final declaration numbers, what they really mean, and why the government’s messaging doesn’t quite line up with reality.

On the range side, Tony tests different ammo through his M1 Garand, while Dustin experiments with optics, chronographs, and a restored Eaton’s Ranger rifle. There’s also plenty of discussion on reloading challenges, shotgun upgrades, and budget vs modern optics.

Plus:

  • The truth behind “136,000 guns” and other government claims
  • Why media framing matters and how listeners can push back
  • New rifle procurement for the Canadian military (and the eye-watering price tag)
  • Upcoming matches, events, and training across Canada
  • Listener questions on lever guns for hunting
  • Gear talk: optics, stocks, ammo, and more

Whether you’re into competitive shooting, hunting, or just keeping up with Canadian firearms news, this episode covers it all with the usual mix of insight and chaos.

What We Talked About

  • CBC interview experience and media editing realities
  • Firearm confiscation program results and analysis
  • Government and media narratives vs actual data
  • Reloading fixes and chronograph testing
  • Optics discussion: budget vs modern features
  • Shotgun upgrades and competition gear
  • Canadian military rifle replacement program
  • Upcoming matches (3-Gun, Steel Challenge, Maple Seed)
  • Listener Q&A: best lever-action for whitetail

Episode 647 – Mystery Mountain 3-Gun & The Last Week of the Confiscation Declaration

Episode Summary

This week, the crew covers the trip to Arizona for the massive Mystery Mountain 3-Gun match, including travel logistics, gear setups, and how Canadian shooters stack up against top U.S. competitors. Back home, the team discusses reloading projects, range time, and the latest developments in Canada’s ongoing firearm confiscation efforts—plus a major update as the Supreme Court agrees to hear the challenge.

What We Did in Guns

  • Reloading projects and experimenting with .303 and alternative bullet options
  • Precision rifle builds and gear upgrades
  • Studio and filming setup improvements for YouTube content
  • Range days, club involvement, and new shooter outreach
  • Toronto Sportsman Show recap and community engagement

Mystery Mountain 3-Gun Match Recap

  • First-time experience traveling to the U.S. with firearms
  • Border crossing tips (Form 6, ATT, documentation)
  • Match scale: ~360+ competitors
  • Stage design: technical, movement-heavy, execution-focused
  • Extreme heat (40°C) and its impact on performance
  • Gear breakdown:
    • Handgun, shotgun, and rifle setups
    • Magazine capacity differences vs Canada
    • Lessons learned on belt setup and equipment
  • Match performance:
    • Adriel places 3rd in Limited Division
    • Close margins and key mistakes that made the difference
  • Total trip cost breakdown (~$2700 CAD all-in)
  • What to improve for next year

Gear & Builds

  • Savage Model 12 FV precision rifle pickup
  • Rimfire accessories and loaders (Speed Beez vs others)
  • AR builds and tuning challenges (gas systems, reliability issues)
  • Shotgun upgrades and high-capacity magazine discussion
  • The never-ending pursuit of “perfect” competition gear

Lessons Learned

  • Importance of stage planning vs “gaming”
  • Why reliability beats optimization
  • Heat, hydration, and gear prep matter more than you think
  • Don’t cheap out on prep—or overcomplicate your setup

Canadian Firearms News

  • Final phase of the firearm confiscation declaration approaching
  • Community concerns and uncertainty
  • Supreme Court agrees to hear the challenge
    • Potential implications for OIC use
    • Possible timelines (18–24 months)
    • What it could mean for gun owners

Episode 645 – Noah Schwartz: The Truth About Canadian Gun Politics

In this episode of Slam Fire Radio, the hosts sit down with political scientist Dr. Noah Schwartz, author of Targeted, to talk about the realities of gun ownership and gun policy in Canada.

  • 00:00 Intro
  • 00:39 What we did in guns
  • 26:42 Upcoming Events
  • 38:28 New Gun stuff
  • 46:04 Main Topic- Noah Schwartz
  • 1:23:21 Listener Feedback

Schwartz, a professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, joins the show to discuss his new research into Canada’s gun community and the political forces that shape firearm legislation. Drawing from nearly 100 interviews with gun owners across the country, he explains why Canadian gun culture is fundamentally different from that of the United States, and why those differences are often misunderstood by the media, policymakers, and the public.

The conversation explores:

  • Why Canadians own firearms—and how those reasons differ from Americans
  • The role of hunting, sport shooting, and community in Canadian gun culture
  • Misconceptions about gun ownership and licensing in Canada
  • The evidence (or lack of it) behind recent firearm policies
  • Why storytelling—not statistics—is often the most powerful way to change minds

Schwartz also shares insights from his academic research into recent government gun control measures, what the data actually says about their effectiveness, and why the debate around firearms in Canada is often driven more by politics than evidence.

Whether you’re a firearms owner, policy watcher, or just curious about how gun politics really work in Canada, this episode offers a thoughtful and data-driven look at a topic that’s often misunderstood.

Episode 644 Quebec Stands Up: Inside the Gun Confiscation Protest with Tracey Wilson & Sophie Belen

In this episode, we’re joined by Tracey Wilson and Sophie Belen from the CCFR to break down the massive Quebec City protest against the federal gun confiscation program.

With thousands of Canadians rallying in freezing rain outside the National Assembly, we discuss how the protest came together, why Quebec became the focal point of resistance, and what impact the rally is already having on municipalities and provincial leaders. Sophie shares her firsthand experience organizing the event and confronting hostile media coverage, while Tracey explains why political pressure from everyday Canadians is forcing officials to walk back their positions.

We also dive into:

  • How the Quebec government is distancing itself from federal confiscation efforts
  • Why municipalities are refusing to participate in the buyback
  • The role of public pressure in changing political narratives
  • Media bias, misinformation, and standing your ground
  • What’s next for the movement across Canada

This is an inside look at one of the largest firearm rights protests in Canadian history—and why organizers believe Quebec could be where this policy finally collapses.

A Canadian Firearms Podcast