All posts by slamfireradio

Episode 668 – The Basics of Canadian Firearm Storage & Transport

Slam Fire Radio Episode 668 is here, and this week we get into a mix of new guns, shooting competitions, hunting, Canadian firearms news, and a surprisingly deep discussion about the basics of firearm storage and transportation.

Kyle gets some range time with the FRT AK, we troubleshoot the Genesis shotgun build, Tony talks about his latest shotgun match, and we discuss hunting with shotguns, slugs, red dots and optics. We also take a look at new firearms and ammunition, including the 7mm Backcountry, new tactical shotguns and some interesting upcoming products.

The biggest discussion of the episode is aimed at newer Canadian firearm owners: what do you actually need to do when transporting, storing and displaying firearms? We break down non-restricted versus restricted firearms, trigger locks, locked cases, ammunition storage, hunting in remote areas, and some of the common misconceptions about Canadian firearms laws.

We also get into listener questions covering suppressors in the United States, wildlife-defense shotguns, the Wildcat, .22 rifles and plenty more.

CHAPTERS

00:01:30 What We Did in Guns: PAL Testing, New Gear and Hunting Plans

00:05:24 Testing the FRT AK

00:09:19 The Genesis Shotgun Build and Troubleshooting

00:13:15 Shotgun Competition, Slugs and Hunting Setup

00:19:58 Nighthawk Custom and Tracking the History of Used Guns

00:25:02 Alberta Hunting News and the New License Plate

00:29:00 New Guns and Gear: 7mm Backcountry, Tactical Shotguns and More

00:38:49 Firearm Transport Basics: What Do You Actually Need to Do?

00:42:07 Firearms, Hunting and Storage in the Backcountry

00:53:08 Trigger Locks, Storage, Display and Canadian Firearm Rules

01:08:04 Listener Feedback: Suppressors, Wildlife Defense and More

01:17:39 Is the Mossberg Shockwave Actually a Good Choice?

01:23:08 New .22 Rifles and the Latest Gear

01:35:17 Pheasant Hunting, Shotgun Loads and Chokes

Slam Fire Radio is a Canadian firearms podcast covering guns, shooting sports, hunting, firearms training, legislation, gear, competition and the Canadian firearms community.

#SlamFireRadio #CanadianFirearms #FirearmsCanada #CanadianGunOwners #PAL #RPAL #ShootingSports #HuntingCanada #FirearmsTraining #GunStorage

Episode 667 – Cope Guns in 2026

Slam Fire Radio Episode 667 is here, and this week the crew gets into competition shooting, suppressors, FRTs, new guns, shotgun problems, hunting rifles, straight-pull rifles, and the eternal question: what actually makes a good coyote gun?

Kyle talks about a recent competition, including a classifier that had to be reshot after the targets were set incorrectly, a gun malfunction, and the ongoing debate over how competition classifications and scores should work.

We also get into the headaches of buying firearms and suppressors in the United States as a Canadian non-immigrant, including the state-level licensing issues that can come with a work visa.

Other topics include a new AK, FRTs, shotgun troubleshooting, .303 British handloading, Proof of Proficiency testing for Authorization to Carry, Mapleseed, ISSF pistol shooting, Hawk Optics, Savage rifles, upcoming matches, firearms transportation, straight-pull rifles, and the current Canadian firearms market.

And, naturally, we spend a considerable amount of time arguing about shotguns.

Chapters

00:00 Intro and What We Did in Guns
07:30 Suppressors and Non-Immigrant Firearms Ownership
20:30 PAL Courses, ATC Testing and Maple Seed
33:00 Hawk Optics and New Guns
53:00 Upcoming Matches and Shooting Events
01:05:00 New Firearms, Savage Rifles and Shotguns
01:28:00 Straight-Pull Rifles and Competition Guns
02:01:00 What’s the Best Coyote Gun?
02:13:00 Listener Feedback and Wrap-Up

Cope Guns discussed:

Amazing semis that are coming in/here in R form

  • Mikasi
  • Carmel
  • Valmet

Questionable Turkish/Canadian semis

  • Chimera
  • AD–something
  • Crusader Backlands hunter (no FRT)

Pumps/Manual

  • Taipan
  • Troy PAR
  • Henry Supreme 

Bolties & straight pulls

  • LPC
  • Maverick/Renegade
  • Ruger American Ranch / Patrol
  • BCL Bison/other thing
  • Mossberg MVP

Subscribe to Slam Fire Radio for Canadian firearms news, shooting sports, hunting, gun reviews, competition shooting, and plenty of arguments about guns.

#SlamFireRadio #CanadianFirearms #Firearms #ShootingSports #CompetitiveShooting #Hunting #CanadianGunCulture #Rifles #Shotguns #FRT #PAL #ATC

Episode 666: The Devil’s Shotgun | What’s the Best Shotgun?

Slam Fire Radio reaches Episode 666, and apparently the Devil brought shotguns.

Dustin and Cowtown Tony are on their own for this episode, talking shooting competitions, new and interesting firearms, Canadian gun laws, upcoming matches, ammunition, and the eternal question: what is the best shotgun?

The second half of the show turns into a full-on shotgun debate. We look at short-barrel shotguns, pump actions, semi-autos, box-magazine-fed shotguns, capacity, reliability, functionality, competition use, and, of course, which shotguns are simply the most fun to shoot.

We also discuss the Mossberg 590, Turkish short-barrel shotguns, semi-auto shotguns, the Remington Versa Max, the infamous Striker-12, full-auto 12 gauges, and some of our personal favourite shotguns.

Plus, there’s listener feedback, upcoming shooting matches, firearms industry news, and a few things Canadian gun owners should know.

If you like Canadian firearms news, gun reviews, shooting competitions, shotguns, hunting, firearms legislation and general gun nerd nonsense, you’re in the right place.

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Episode 666
01:20 Shooting the Olympic-style 25m rapid fire stage
04:00 Shooting the GSG 1911 and range observations
06:00 Sherwood Park and shooting facilities
08:00 Firearms, shooting and listener mail
12:00 Reloading, brass and ammunition
17:00 Cool guns and the temptation to buy them
18:00 The Thompson 1928 and dream guns
22:00 Estate firearms and newly prohibited firearms
26:00 Behind the scenes and working on film projects
30:00 Sorting brass and finding forgotten ammunition
34:00 1911s, .45 ACP and ammunition
36:00 Upcoming matches and shooting events
38:00 Combat Shotgun Match at SPFGA
42:00 Firearms industry news
46:00 Canadian gun business support and government programs
50:00 Ammunition sales and firearms retailers
54:00 What is the best shotgun?
58:00 How do you actually judge a shotgun?
01:00:00 Short-barrel shotguns and defensive use
01:04:00 The Turkish short-barrel shotgun
01:08:00 Rating shotgun fun, functionality and capacity
01:12:00 The Mossberg 590 enters the debate
01:15:00 Smoothbores, chokes and shotgun capacity
01:18:00 Pump-action shotguns and the classic shotgun experience
01:20:00 Semi-auto shotguns and aftermarket upgrades
01:22:00 Semi-auto shotgun capacity in Canada
01:25:00 Why semi-auto shotguns are so versatile
01:28:00 The learning curve of semi-auto shotguns
01:30:00 Remington Versa Max and the most fun shotguns
01:31:00 The Striker-12 and other unusual shotguns
01:35:00 Full-auto 12 gauge shotguns
01:38:00 Picking the best shotgun
01:41:00 Listener feedback
01:44:00 Listener homework and favourite shotguns
01:45:00 Sponsors, Patreon and show shout-outs

What is your pick for the best shotgun? Let us know in the comments. Pump action, semi-auto, over-under, short barrel, competition gun or something completely ridiculous?

Subscribe to Slam Fire Radio for more Canadian firearms discussion, shooting sports, gun reviews, firearms news and general firearms nonsense.

#SlamFireRadio #CanadianGunPodcast #Shotguns #Firearms #GunPodcast #CanadianFirearms #ShootingSports #GunReviews #Shotgun #Episode666

Episode 665: Team Match Madness, Gun News & The Garmin Xero C2

Slam Fire Radio Episode 665 is all about competitive shooting, new gear, match results, and the latest news from the firearms world.

Dave kicks things off with his first full service rifle match, followed by a precision rifle match, a few plinking days, and an unfortunate reminder about why eye and ear protection matter. The crew also talks about the Garmin Xero chronograph, a new Slam Fire Radio light box, and some upcoming shooting events.

The main topic is the Sherwood Park team match. Adriel and Tony break down what makes team matches different from regular three-gun competitions, including stage planning, communication, dividing up targets, choosing equipment and dealing with the inevitable equipment problems. There is also plenty of discussion about rimfire rifles, pump-action rifles, magazine reliability and what makes a good competition gun.

Kyle joins the show to talk about his experience at Nationals, including a challenging multi-gun match, what went wrong, what went right, and the lessons he’s taking away for future competitions. He also talks about working the Rocky Mountain 3-Gun match and what it’s like being on the other side of the timer as a range officer.

In the news, the crew discusses the latest developments surrounding suppressors and the National Firearms Act in the United States, Staccato’s changing dealer relationships, and a surprisingly cheap Savage hunting rifle package. They also take a look at the new Garmin Xero C2 chronograph and whether it’s worth upgrading from the previous model.

Listener feedback covers shotgun parts, magazine issues, ammunition disposal, .300 Winchester Magnum, Olympic-style shooting and plenty of other firearms-related questions.

Plus, upcoming matches and training opportunities, listener shoutouts, Patreon updates and the usual assortment of firearms nerdery.

Email the show: slamfireradio@gmail.com

#SlamFireRadio #CompetitiveShooting #ThreeGun #ServiceRifle #PrecisionRifle #Firearms #ShootingSports #CanadianGunOwners #GunNews #Rimfire #GarminXero

Episode 664: Team Match Prep, New Gear, and Big Firearms News

The Slam Fire Radio crew is getting ready for the Sherwood Park Team 3-Gun Match, and that means checking gear, testing rifles, packing way too much equipment, and debating the “right” way to prepare for competition.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Final preparations for the Sherwood Park Team Match
  • Testing rifles, optics, and ammo before match day
  • Tony’s new shotgun setup and gear modifications
  • Dustin’s recent machine gun, movie firearm, and range adventures
  • Upcoming 3-Gun, Mapleseed, and Steel Challenge events
  • Changes in Alberta PAL/RPAL course administration
  • The passing of firearms YouTuber Duelist1954
  • Major U.S. NFA legal developments affecting suppressors
  • CMP surplus M14 rifles coming to American shooters
  • New firearms, ammunition, and gear hitting Canadian retailers
  • Tips for preparing your firearms and equipment before a major competition

Whether you’re getting ready for your next match or just want to hear the latest firearms news from Canada and beyond, Episode 664 has plenty to cover.

Have your own match preparation routine? Let us know in the comments!

Links
• Support Slam Fire Radio on Patreon
• Join our Discord community
• Follow Slam Fire Radio on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch

#SlamFireRadio #3Gun #CompetitiveShooting #MapleSeed #FirearmsCanada #CanadianFirearms #PAL #ShootingSports #GunPodcast #SherwoodPark

Episode 663 – Olympic Handgun Exemption

In this episode of Slam Fire Radio, the crew catches up after a busy few weeks of camping, Mapleseed events, PAL courses, and preparing for the upcoming Sherwood Park Team Match.

Adriel shares his experiences teaching PAL courses, motorbike camping around Drumheller, testing the TM22 with disappointing accuracy, and planning for another packed shooting season. Tony and Adriel dive into new gear, including upgrades for competition shotguns, Vortex warranty replacements, trigger modifications, and getting ready for IPSC-style steel matches.

The hosts also discuss:

  • How the Olympic handgun exemption process works in Canada (click here for in-depth guide)
  • Upcoming three-gun, IPSC, Mapleseed, and HGG Firearm Training events
  • Budget-friendly firearm deals, including Savage Axis rifles, Canuck lever-actions, Ruger Precision Rimfires, and more
  • Team match planning and what competitors can expect
  • Listener feedback, Discord discussions, and KelTec’s tiny new SUB2000

Whether you’re into competition shooting, hunting, firearms training, or keeping up with Canadian firearms news, there’s plenty to enjoy in Episode 663.

Topics Covered:

  • Motorbike camping and range trips
  • Mapleseed and PAL course updates
  • Sherwood Park Team Match preparations
  • TM22 accuracy testing
  • Competition shotgun upgrades
  • Vortex warranty experience
  • Olympic handgun exemption explained
  • Canadian firearms events
  • New firearms and gear
  • Listener feedback

If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment. Your support helps us continue producing weekly Canadian firearms content.

#SlamFireRadio #CanadianFirearms #Mapleseed #ThreeGun #IPSC #PAL #RPAL #CompetitionShooting #FirearmsCanada #GunPodcast

Episode 662 – Finding Nowhere: Changing Minds Through Hunting

This week on Slam Fire Radio, Kelly and Tony sit down with Joel and Ryan Primus, the creators of the hit Prime Video series Finding Nowhere.

More than just another hunting show, Finding Nowhere follows Joel’s journey from vegan and anti-hunter to someone discovering firsthand the conservation, community, and responsibility behind modern hunting. Ryan, an experienced hunter and outdoorsman, guides Joel through the realities of harvesting wild game, wildlife management, firearms, and life in the backcountry.

The conversation covers:

  • How Finding Nowhere was created and the story behind its unique name
  • Joel’s dramatic change in perspective on hunting and firearms
  • The importance of conservation, sustainability, and respecting wildlife
  • The role family, mentorship, and community play in hunting
  • Behind-the-scenes stories from filming Seasons 1 and 2
  • Bear hunts, mountain goats, gear selection, rifles, optics, and mountain preparation
  • Why the show focuses on reaching non-hunters rather than preaching to hunters
  • The emotional moments that have resonated with viewers across Canada
  • What’s coming in Season 3

If you’ve ever wondered why people hunt—or if you’ve never understood the hunting community—this is an episode worth watching. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or completely new to the outdoors, Finding Nowhere offers a thoughtful look at the people, places, and values behind the hunt.

Watch Finding Nowhere on Prime Video, Roku, or Tubi, and visit findingnowhereshow.com to learn more.

As always, we also cover what the hosts have been up to in firearms, upcoming matches and training events, Mapleseed events, and the latest Canadian firearms news.

Episode 661 – Everything Black Powder with Jake

Jake from  @Everythingblackpowder  joins Slam Fire Radio to dive deep into the world of black powder firearms, homemade powder, flintlocks, cap-and-ball revolvers, and historical firearms. Jake explains how a shortage of black powder during the pandemic led him to start making his own—and how that eventually became the Everything Black Powder YouTube channel. We discuss the differences between homemade and commercial black powder, why Pyrodex and Triple Seven struggle in flintlocks, how powder density affects performance, and some of the surprising materials he’s tested for making charcoal, including toilet paper, bamboo, cotton, and even Wonder Bread.

The conversation also covers practical improvements to Colt and Remington cap-and-ball revolvers, common reliability issues, and simple modifications that can dramatically improve performance. If you’re interested in muzzleloaders, black powder history, historical firearms, or just enjoy seeing old technology pushed to its limits, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

After the interview, the crew catches up on what they’ve been doing, including:

* 3-Gun Nationals preparation

* Peace River and Mapleseed match reports

* New rifles, optics, and chassis upgrades

* Provincial firearms advocacy

* Upcoming competitions and firearms training

* Canadian firearms industry news Be sure to check out Everything Black Powder on YouTube for in-depth black powder testing, historical firearms content, and some of the most interesting experiments in the muzzleloading world.

#SlamFireRadio #BlackPowder #Muzzleloader #Flintlock #CapAndBall #EverythingBlackPowder #Firearms #ShootingSports #Reloading #CanadianFirearms #History #BlackPowderShooting

0:00:00 Intro

0:00:30 What we did in guns

0:28:00 Events & News

0:34:00 New stuff in guns

0:41:28 Main Topic (Jake)

1:22:07 Listener Feedback

Slam Fire Radio 660: Montreal Shooting Fallout, New Gear, and Tony’s First Year in 3-Gun

This week on Slam Fire Radio, the hosts catch up on new gear purchases, upcoming matches, and range projects before diving into a passionate discussion about the aftermath of the recent Montreal shooting and the renewed calls for additional firearms restrictions in Canada: specifically for the SKS.

The conversation covers media coverage, proposed policy responses, police training, and broader concerns about firearms legislation, along with a look at new rifles, optics, and other products hitting the Canadian market. Tony also reflects on what he’s learned during his first year competing in 3-Gun and the challenges of transitioning from PCC competition.

Topics include:

  • Reactions to the Montreal shooting and proposed gun control measures
  • Debate over current firearms laws and enforcement
  • Police training and preparedness
  • New optics, rifles, and shooting accessories
  • Upcoming 3-Gun and combat shotgun events
  • Tony’s first year in competitive 3-Gun
  • Reloading tips, gear talk, and match preparation

If you enjoy in-depth Canadian firearms discussion mixed with competition shooting, equipment reviews, and industry news, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts on this week’s topics.

Episode 659 – BOA Recap, Gun Ban Compliance Numbers, and Alberta IPSC in the Spotlight

This week on Slam Fire Radio, the crew catches up on matches, gear upgrades, and the latest firearms news from across Canada. Dustin shares a personal story following the passing of his father, including introducing family members to shooting and restoring an old .22 rifle. Tony breaks down his latest 3-Gun adventures, pistol modifications, and ongoing shotgun challenges, while Adriel reviews lessons learned from Battle of Alberta and preparations for upcoming matches. The panel also discusses:

• Battle of Alberta match experiences and gear performance

• New statistics showing continued growth in PAL and RPAL holders

• Firearm declaration and compliance numbers from the federal buyback program

• A CBC feature highlighting IPSC competition in Alberta

• Questions around crime gun tracing and media reporting

• Upcoming competitions, Maple Seed events, and training opportunities

• New firearms, accessories, and industry deals As always, the crew mixes serious firearms policy discussion with match stories, gear talk, and the occasional rabbit hole. Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

#SlamFireRadio #CanadianFirearms #IPSC #3Gun #BattleOfAlberta #SportShooting #FirearmsNews #MapleSeed #GunOwnersOfCanada #ShootingSports