This episode of Eye on the Target Radio featured two very different but compelling conversations. The first half focused on the NRA Whittington Center and its role as one of the premier shooting and outdoor recreation facilities in the country. Host Amanda Suffecool interviewed Nate Brown about his journey from Wyoming and the oil and gas industry into nonprofit conservation work and eventually into the NRA. Brown explained that his passion for preserving Second Amendment freedoms and America's outdoor heritage led him into fundraising and nonprofit work before relocating to New Mexico to work at the Whittington Center.

Brown described the immense scale of the Whittington Center, which spans roughly 33,000 acres, with only a small portion developed into shooting ranges and facilities. The center includes pistol bays, silhouette ranges, law enforcement training areas, long-range shooting facilities, cabins, camping areas, and extensive wilderness. He emphasized that the property blends shooting sports with wildlife conservation, noting the abundance of mule deer, bears, mountain lions, and other wildlife that coexist around the ranges. Amanda discussed her own experiences attending the Women's Wilderness Escape at the center and highlighted how overwhelming—but exciting—the facility can feel for first-time visitors.

The conversation also focused heavily on accessibility and encouraging newcomers. Brown explained that visitors can attend structured classes and events or simply purchase a day pass or annual membership to use the ranges independently. He acknowledged that the size of the facility can be intimidating and encouraged new visitors to stop at the visitor center, ask questions, and request tours or guidance. The discussion covered lodging options ranging from cabins to dispersed camping and emphasized the center's desire to become more user-friendly through improved online booking and visitor resources. Throughout the segment, both hosts stressed the importance of introducing more people to shooting sports and responsible firearms culture in a welcoming environment.

The second half of the program shifted to an interview with author Liz Lazarus, discussing her upcoming thriller novel Dawn Before Darkness. Lazarus explained that the novel combines elements of stalking, guardianship abuse, and psychological suspense. Inspired partly by real stories from women who experienced stalking and by her own difficult legal battle involving guardianship of her mother, Lazarus crafted a story that blends entertainment with cautionary legal and personal safety lessons.

Lazarus described how she interviewed numerous women about their stalking experiences and incorporated those accounts into the novel's antagonist. She also detailed her own experience fighting through probate and guardianship court after family disputes over her mother's care led to a third-party guardian being appointed. The discussion explored how vulnerable families can become when legal paperwork, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives are not properly prepared or accessible. Amanda shared a personal story about the importance of having medical power-of-attorney documents readily available during emergencies, reinforcing one of the book's central messages about preparedness.

The interview also explored Lazarus's writing process and publishing journey. She discussed her earlier novels, including Free of Malice, which was inspired by her own experience surviving an attack in college. Lazarus explained the distinctions between suspense novels, thrillers, and psychological thrillers, noting that her books often blend all three genres while incorporating themes of firearms safety, self-protection, and legal realities. She spoke about the challenges of researching difficult topics, including interviewing people about stalking and even researching what it feels like to be shot in order to realistically portray scenes in the book.

Toward the end of the segment, Lazarus described the realities of modern publishing, explaining that writing the book itself is often easier than marketing it. She talked about working with public relations teams, using social media influencers, attending conferences, and building connections with readers to gain visibility in a crowded publishing world. The hosts closed by encouraging listeners to preorder Dawn Before Darkness and explore Lazarus's earlier standalone novels.

In this episode of Eye on the Target Radio, the hosts Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell broadcast from the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits and focus on both internal changes within the National Rifle Association and the broader culture surrounding it. A major portion of the discussion centers on Ron Andring, a retired member who launched the Facebook group "Members Take Back Our NRA." After reviewing court records tied to the NRA's legal troubles in New York, Andring became frustrated with what he saw as long-standing mismanagement and lack of accountability. His page grew quickly into a hub where members could openly share concerns, exchange information, and organize around reform efforts. The hosts and Andring argue that this kind of grassroots communication has helped energize members, influence board elections, and contribute to a wave of resignations among long-time leadership figures, signaling a shift away from what they describe as an entrenched "old guard."

The conversation also highlights how the organization is attempting to rebuild. Following the resignation of former CEO Wayne LaPierre and findings from legal proceedings, the NRA has introduced more oversight measures, including compliance roles and stronger audit practices. The hosts describe recent member meetings as unusually transparent, with leadership inviting direct questions and feedback—something they say had not happened in decades. While acknowledging past misconduct, they emphasize that many members still see the NRA as essential and are focused on reform rather than abandonment. There is also discussion about structural challenges, such as the difficulty of attracting younger board members due to the unpaid, time-intensive nature of the role, which tends to favor retirees or those with flexible finances.

The second half of the episode shifts to the convention floor itself, where the hosts explore collector exhibits that showcase firearms history. They interview collectors from the Ruger Collectors Association who created an elaborate display featuring early Sturm, Ruger & Co. firearms and catalogs from 1949 to 1963. The exhibit includes dozens of rare pieces, from well-worn "working guns" to extremely scarce prototypes that never entered full production. A particularly interesting topic is the concept of "bucket of parts" guns—firearms assembled from leftover components during manufacturing transitions—which are often overlooked by casual owners but prized by knowledgeable collectors. These pieces highlight how manufacturing practices and historical quirks can create unexpected rarity and value.

Beyond the firearms themselves, the segment explores the craftsmanship and effort required to build such displays. The collectors describe the process as a partnership—one focusing on acquiring historically significant items, the other on designing and constructing a visually compelling exhibit that can safely showcase them in a temporary convention space. The hosts emphasize that these displays are often one-time opportunities; many collections are shown once and then never publicly assembled again. The discussion also touches on early company history, including co-founder Alexander Sturm, whose artistic background and financial backing helped launch Ruger but is less widely recognized than his partner.

Overall, the episode blends two themes: institutional reform and historical appreciation. On one hand, it presents a picture of an organization undergoing internal change driven by member activism and increased transparency. On the other, it highlights the deep enthusiasm within the firearms community for preserving history, craftsmanship, and unique artifacts. Together, these threads paint a broader picture of a community that is both looking inward to fix its institutions and outward to celebrate its heritage.

This episode of Eye on the Target Radio is broadcast from the NRA convention floor, capturing the energy and activity of the event. The hosts Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell discuss the Gun Collectors Committee, explaining how collector groups display rare and historical firearms and memorabilia, and how judges evaluate exhibits for awards. Highlights include unique collector pieces like antique Colt firearms, historically preserved items, and a D-Day paratrooper display, emphasizing both the guns and their historical context.

The show also features interviews and discussions on broader Second Amendment topics. A criminal defense attorney from Attorneys on Retainer explains the importance of immediate legal support after self-defense incidents and stresses that people should avoid speaking to police without counsel, as statements can harm their case.

Another major segment focuses on Walk the Talk America, an organization working to bridge the gap between the firearms community and mental health professionals. The discussion highlights efforts to reduce stigma, promote mental health resources for gun owners, and encourage proactive solutions to prevent tragedies, while maintaining support for Second Amendment rights.

Throughout the episode, recurring themes include responsible gun ownership, education, safety, legal awareness, and the importance of open dialogue—both within the firearms community and with those who hold different perspectives.

The hosts Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell discuss several recent gun policy developments across the United States, focusing on states and jurisdictions they view as increasingly restrictive. They begin with New York's proposed Senate Bill 9215, which would classify BB guns and air rifles as "imitation weapons," raise the legal age to 18, and require bright coloring and barrel plugs—rules that critics argue would make such devices unusable and blur distinctions between low-powered BB guns and high-powered air rifles. They frame this as part of a broader trend of tightening regulations and limiting access.

The conversation then shifts to Washington, D.C., and the case Benson v. United States, which challenges magazine capacity limits and firearm licensing requirements. A lower court panel initially ruled parts of D.C.'s law unconstitutional, but the case is now being reheard by the full appellate court. The hosts explain that conflicting rulings between courts are often necessary to get a case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, so a loss at this stage could actually increase the chances of a final nationwide ruling.

They also highlight a split between federal circuits on whether machine guns are protected under the Second Amendment, noting that differing rulings (such as one from the Eighth Circuit versus a Kansas case) could also push the issue toward Supreme Court review. In Virginia, they describe ongoing legislative battles over proposed restrictions on semi-automatic firearms and magazine capacities, suggesting political maneuvering is delaying final decisions and limiting the ability of advocacy groups to challenge the laws in court before they take effect.

At the federal level, the hosts discuss efforts by members of Congress to influence the selection of an Attorney General who would roll back Biden-era gun regulations, including rules on pistol braces, "ghost guns," and what qualifies as being "engaged in the business" of selling firearms. They explain that the ambiguity around private gun sales creates legal uncertainty for individuals.

Another major topic is marijuana policy. With cannabis being reclassified from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug, the hosts note potential implications for firearm ownership rules—specifically the federal background check form (ATF Form 4473), which currently bars users of illegal drugs from purchasing firearms. They connect this to a pending Supreme Court case (U.S. v. Rahimi/Hemani as referenced in the show), suggesting the Court may revisit how drug use affects Second Amendment rights.

Finally, they touch on economic impacts within the firearms industry, particularly a labor strike at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Because it produces a large share of .223/5.56 ammunition, the hosts warn that supply disruptions could drive prices higher in the near future.

Overall, the segment combines legal updates, political developments, and industry news, emphasizing how court decisions, legislation, and federal policy changes could shape gun rights and access going forward.

This episode of Eye on the Target Radio features hosts Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell recapping their recent trip to the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston and discussing current developments in the firearms world.

They begin by sharing highlights from the event. Rob was particularly interested in a new, more affordable reproduction of the classic Luger pistol, which could make historically significant firearms accessible to everyday shooters. Amanda's standout moment was receiving the NRA's Sybil Ludington Award, recognizing her contributions to Second Amendment advocacy. They also discuss the growth of the "Voices of the Second Amendment" media row, which brought together dozens of content creators and significantly expanded outreach, with millions of combined followers.

The conversation then shifts to broader industry and political topics. They note increasing collaboration among major Second Amendment organizations like the NRA, Gun Owners of America, and the Firearms Policy Coalition, especially in legal efforts following recent Supreme Court decisions. The hosts emphasize that while these groups have long been active, they are now doing a better job of communicating their work.

A large portion of the discussion focuses on state-level legislation. Vermont is criticized for attempting to expand gun restrictions, including controversial measures that could penalize individuals for seeking mental health support and impose liability on gun dealers. In contrast, Indiana is praised for passing laws that protect gun businesses and shooting ranges from restrictive zoning and regulatory burdens.

They also cover ongoing legal and political battles over firearms, including efforts in states like Maryland and Connecticut to target Glock handguns due to illegal modifications that can convert them to fully automatic. The hosts argue that such bans are ineffective since criminals can modify firearms regardless, and they stress that enforcement of existing laws is more important than adding new ones.

Overall, the episode blends event recap, industry insights, and political commentary, with a focus on Second Amendment advocacy, legal developments, and the challenges facing gun owners and businesses.