Eye on the Target - TARGETHING - Talking Guns cover art

Eye on the Target - TARGETHING - Talking Guns

Eye on the Target - TARGETHING - Talking Guns

By: Radio@targething.com (Rob Campbell & Amanda Suffecool)
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 Live over the airwaves Salem Radio that is a Q&A related to personal protection, the 2nd amendment, guns, the shooting sports industry. Recorded live on SALEM at 5:00 pm est. Listen to the Podcasts, catch us live, or email in your questions to be covered on the next show. Radio@Targething.com. Our discussions include guns, pepper spray, defensive techniques, concealed carry, NRA, firearms, safety and a variety of others as the show is led by the originating topic and the questions asked by our listeners. Amanda Suffecool, Rob Campbell work to make the show lively and topical. Enjoy - Amanda2022
Episodes
  • 030826 hr2

    030826 hr2
    Mar 9 2026
    In this episode of Eye on the Target Radio, hosts Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell broadcast from the floor of the SHOT Show, interviewing guests about new ideas, businesses, and experiences within the firearms and outdoor industries. The first segment features Brooke and Paul from The Range Network, a growing collaboration of gun ranges designed to help range owners share ideas, solve business challenges, and strengthen the shooting industry. Paul explains that the concept grew out of a program he previously developed with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, where industry leaders gathered in roundtable discussions to talk openly about issues affecting ranges, retailers, and manufacturers. When the program ended during the COVID pandemic, Paul and his partners decided to rebuild the idea independently, focusing specifically on gun ranges. The goal is to create a supportive network where operators can exchange "pre-competitive" information—practical advice about staffing, insurance, operations, and best practices—without giving away competitive business strategies. The Range Network organizes regular "huddles," which are virtual meetings where range owners can discuss problems, ask questions, and learn from one another's experiences. In some areas with many participating ranges, the meetings are held in person. The network emphasizes cooperation rather than competition, encouraging ranges to work together and refer customers to one another when appropriate. Brooke explains that the network already includes more than 120 ranges across 45 states and even some in Canada, and it continues to expand as more operators discover the benefits of collaboration. Importantly, membership in the network is free for ranges, and the meetings are closed to outside vendors so participants can focus solely on operational issues rather than sales pitches. Paul also discusses how different types of customers tend to gravitate toward different types of ranges. Some shooters prefer tactical environments centered on defensive firearms and modern sporting rifles, while others treat shooting as a social or recreational activity similar to golf. Recognizing these different customer groups helps ranges tailor their offerings and even partner with nearby facilities that specialize in different shooting disciplines, such as sporting clays or long-distance rifle shooting. By encouraging cooperation rather than rivalry, the network aims to strengthen the entire shooting sports ecosystem. Connected to this effort is another initiative called MyCalibreCard, a membership program that provides discounts at participating ranges and firearms-related businesses. For an annual fee, cardholders receive reduced prices on range visits and certain products while also gaining access to a broader shooting community. The program encourages shooters to visit different ranges—especially while traveling—and helps drive new customers to participating businesses. Some ranges even include the card as part of their own membership packages, creating a nationwide benefit for their members. Later in the broadcast, the hosts interview outdoor television personality Melissa Bachman, host of the hunting show Winchester Deadly Passion. Bachman shares her personal story of turning a lifelong love of hunting into a career. After graduating with degrees in television production and Spanish, she struggled to find work in the industry and initially volunteered at the North American Hunting Club to gain experience. After years working behind the camera filming other hunters, she eventually launched her own production company and television show, building a career through persistence and a willingness to take financial risks. Bachman explains that the show focuses on authentic hunting experiences rather than scripted stories. She films real hunts as they happen—the successes, the failures, and the unexpected moments—because she believes audiences appreciate authenticity. Over the years she has traveled extensively, sometimes hunting more than 300 days a year, pursuing game such as whitetail deer, elk, mule deer, and even alligators. She also describes the unique experiences of different types of hunts, including nighttime alligator hunts where hunters can call gators by mimicking the sound of baby alligators. A major theme of Bachman's work is encouraging families and newcomers—especially women—to participate in hunting. She emphasizes that hunting is about far more than harvesting animals; it's about spending time outdoors, building family traditions, and understanding where food comes from. With five children in her own family, she often involves them in the entire process, from scouting and hunting to processing meat at home. She also donates excess meat to people in need, demonstrating how hunting can support local communities. Throughout the conversation, Bachman encourages new hunters to find mentors, ask questions, and take the first steps ...
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    54 mins
  • 030826 hr1

    030826 hr1
    Mar 9 2026
    In this episode of Eye on the Target Radio, hosts Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell return to the studio and begin with a lighthearted discussion about firearms and recent range experiences. They talk about the controversy surrounding the SIG Sauer P320 pistol, noting that negative publicity has caused some gun owners and shooting ranges to avoid the firearm even if individuals have never personally experienced problems with it. Rob also describes testing a new handgun at the range and comments on its weight and performance. The hosts compare firearm designs, highlighting the simplicity of Glock pistols versus the more complex internal components of Amanda's FN 509. Amanda explains that she was advised to clean and maintain the striker assembly carefully to improve the trigger performance, illustrating how modern firearms sometimes require more maintenance than older designs. Amanda also shares a humorous story about buying a shotgun for her husband and attempting to assemble it while traveling in Florida. The process turned into a frustrating experience due to overly tight factory assembly and a confusing instruction manual that seemed poorly translated. After struggling to figure out how the parts fit together, she ended up calling Rob for help and sending him photos so he could walk her through the process step by step. The conversation turns into a broader discussion about how modern firearms—and modern products in general—often contain more complex mechanisms than older equipment, which can make maintenance and assembly more complicated. Later in the program, Amanda talks about attending a presentation by author Ed Monk about his book The First 30 Seconds, which analyzes the early moments of mass shooting events. She explains that most people are initially shocked and confused when an attack begins, which delays their response. By the time someone calls 911, provides an address, and dispatch notifies police, several minutes may already have passed before officers arrive. The hosts note that in many cases the first 30 seconds of an attack determine the outcome, because people who respond quickly can dramatically reduce casualties. Research discussed by Amanda, including work from John Lott and the Crime Prevention Research Center, suggests that armed citizens sometimes stop attacks more quickly than law enforcement simply because they are already present when the incident begins. According to the data cited, intervention by armed citizens can significantly reduce the number of people injured or killed. The hosts also discuss the psychological realities of violent encounters. They note that even trained law-enforcement officers can experience confusion, adrenaline, and delayed reactions during their first real shooting incident. Rob recounts a story from a police officer who described the surreal experience of hearing his own gunshots and initially believing someone else was shooting at him. The discussion highlights how unpredictable real-world confrontations can be and why training and preparation are important. Another segment focuses on parental responsibility and recent criminal cases involving parents whose children committed violent acts. Amanda argues that parents should be held accountable when they knowingly give dangerous tools—such as firearms or vehicles—to children who clearly demonstrate warning signs of instability or irresponsibility. She compares it to cases where parents are prosecuted for allowing unlicensed teenagers to drive, emphasizing that society expects adults to exercise judgment and responsibility when supervising minors. The hosts acknowledge that holding parents accountable may be controversial but argue that responsible parenting is essential for preventing tragedies. The show then shifts to firearm legislation across the United States. The hosts discuss several proposed laws and political developments affecting gun owners. In Michigan, lawmakers are considering a constitutional carry bill that would allow adults to carry firearms without a permit, though the governor could veto the measure. In Wyoming, legislators are working on a Second Amendment Preservation Act that would limit cooperation between state authorities and federal agencies enforcing certain gun regulations. Meanwhile, a proposal in Florida to lower the age to purchase firearms from 21 to 18 has stalled in a Senate committee despite support from gun-rights advocates. On the other hand, the hosts highlight several states pursuing stricter gun control policies. In Minnesota, lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban certain semi-automatic firearms, require registration, impose storage requirements, and potentially allow inspections of firearm storage practices. In Rhode Island, officials are exploring expanded restrictions on "modern sporting rifles," possibly removing grandfather clauses and adding training requirements for firearm ownership. Similarly, legislators in Virginia are ...
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    54 mins
  • 030126 hr2

    030126 hr2
    Mar 2 2026

    Broadcasting from the floor of the SHOT Show, the hosts Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell welcome Brooke and Paul from The Range Network to discuss their mission of strengthening the gun range industry. Paul explains that the idea grew out of an earlier initiative he helped pilot with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) called Industry Roundtable, which brought together ranges, retailers, manufacturers, and vendors to openly discuss shared challenges. When COVID halted that effort just as it was preparing to expand nationwide, Paul regrouped with encouragement from Brooke and refocused specifically on supporting gun ranges. Their belief is simple: without healthy ranges, participation in shooting sports declines, and Second Amendment engagement weakens.

    The Range Network operates as a free, collaborative community for range owners. Through virtual "huddles"—structured Zoom-style meetings—and occasional in-person gatherings in regions like Houston, operators share best practices, compare notes on issues like staffing and insurance, and troubleshoot common business challenges. Paul emphasizes the concept of "pre-competitive information," borrowing from cooperative business models in other industries, where competitors share operational insights that don't undermine their unique branding or marketing strategies. The goal is to elevate the entire industry rather than guard minor advantages.

    Brooke notes that the network has grown to more than 120 ranges across 45 states and even includes participants in Canada. The huddles are intentionally vendor-free to avoid sales pitches, creating a trusted space for candid discussion. The conversation also explores regional differences in customer bases and how ranges often cater to distinct audiences—tactical shooters, casual recreational shooters, competitive shooters, or sporting clays enthusiasts. Rather than competing, The Range Network encourages local partnerships and cross-referrals so ranges can serve diverse interests and keep customers engaged in the sport long-term.

    Tied to the nonprofit-style networking effort is their for-profit venture, MyCaliberCard.com. For an annual membership fee, cardholders receive discounts at participating ranges and on select products. The program incentivizes shooters to visit new ranges—especially while traveling—and builds community among members. Participating ranges can offer exclusive discounts, and some even bundle the card into their own memberships. Revenue from the card program helps fund continued development of tools, software, and industry initiatives, including product launches like the debut of the Henry Supreme Rifle with Henry Repeating Arms. Together, the Range Network and My Caliber Card create a mutually supportive ecosystem designed to drive traffic, improve operations, and strengthen the shooting community nationwide.

    Later in the show, the hosts shift to an interview with Melissa Bachman, host of Winchester Deadly Passion on the Sportsman Channel. Melissa shares her journey from working unpaid production jobs—driving long distances daily to gain experience—to launching her own hunting television show. She recounts the risks she took, including financing her first year of airtime without sponsors, and stresses that relentless work ethic and persistence fueled her success more than luck.

    Bachman discusses her passion for authentic storytelling in the field, filming hunts exactly as they unfold without scripting outcomes. A lifelong hunter, she now focuses on encouraging families and women to get involved in hunting, highlighting the bonding experiences it creates. She describes processing and donating harvested meat, mentoring new hunters, and pursuing diverse game—from whitetails and elk to nighttime alligator hunts in southern states. Throughout the conversation, she underscores that hard work, resilience, and love for the outdoors turned her ambitious dream into a sustainable career.
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    54 mins
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