No Lowballers

50 Years of Primos: The Brand That Taught America How to Hunt

This week on the No Lowballers Podcast, Logan Metesh of High Caliber History [https://www.highcaliberhistory.com/] and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com [https://www.gunbroker.com/] sit down with Justin Breland of Primos Hunting to celebrate one of the most influential brands in the outdoor industry hitting a major milestone—50 years. From humble beginnings in the 1970s with homemade turkey calls built from unconventional materials to becoming a household name in hunting, Primos has helped shape how generations of hunters learn, practice and experience the outdoors. Justin shares his journey from videographer on the legendary Truth About Hunting series to his current role producing content across modern platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Along the way, the conversation dives deep into the evolution of hunting media, the legacy of Will and Jimmy Primos, and what it really takes to build products that work in the field—not just on paper. Whether you grew up watching Primos VHS tapes, learned to call using their mouth calls or just appreciate authentic hunting culture, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at a brand that has stood the test of time by staying true to its roots. In This Episode • The origin story of Primos and how turkey calls built the brand • The role of Will Primos in revolutionizing hunting calls and education • How audio tapes, VHS and the Truth series shaped generations of hunters • Behind-the-scenes of filming real hunts—the work no one sees • The personalities behind the brand, including the unforgettable Jimmy Primos • Why authenticity matters more than “on-camera persona” in hunting media • How Primos develops and tests new calls in real-world conditions • The evolution from DVDs to modern digital content and social media • Why Primos has remained successful through acquisition and industry change • The importance of mentorship and passing hunting traditions forward • “50 Years of Truth” [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6zUqje08Gg]documentary celebrates the brand from its origins to today Question of the Week What’s your Primos origin story? • The first Primos video you watched • The call you learned on • Or the hunt where Primos gear made the difference Drop your story in the comments—we want to hear how the brand impacted you. Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/nolowballerspodcast/] and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094384853061] for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ [%E2%81%A0High%20Caliber%20History%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%20]and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠ [https://www.gunbroker.com/c/article/].

Gun Buying Mistakes: The Firearms We Shouldn’t Have Bought

This week on the No Lowballers Podcast, it’s just Logan Metesh of High Caliber History [https://www.highcaliberhistory.com/] and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com [https://www.gunbroker.com] behind the microphones—and they’re pulling back the curtain on their own bad decisions. After more than two decades of buying guns, both hosts have plenty of stories about the purchases that seemed like a great idea at the time… but maybe weren’t. From emotional auction buys and hype-driven calibers to impulse gun shop purchases and questionable “innovations,” Logan and Allen share the guns they probably shouldn’t have bought, the trends they fell for and the lessons learned along the way. Along the way you’ll hear about overpaying for collectible military pistols, chasing magazine hype during the early days of the .40 S&W craze, falling victim to low-quality online photos and the occasional purchase that was just too ridiculous to pass up. It’s an honest, hilarious look at the mistakes every gun collector eventually makes—and proof that sometimes the stories are worth more than the gun itself. In This Episode • The collector trap of buying too early—or paying too much • When hype and emotion override good buying judgment • The early internet era and how bad photos fooled collectors • The rise and fall of the .40 S&W “future of handguns” era • When manufacturers release the version you actually wanted… right after you buy one • The weird impulse buys that seemed like a good idea at the time • Why some guns stay in the safe purely for the story behind them • The strange economics of collectible firearms and speculation Question of the Week What’s the dumbest gun purchase you’ve ever made? Maybe you overpaid at an auction. Maybe you bought into hype around a new caliber. Or maybe you impulse-bought something that looked cool but turned out to be totally useless. Drop your stories in the comments—we want to hear them. Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/nolowballerspodcast/] and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094384853061] for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ [https://www.highcaliberhistory.com/]and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠. [https://www.gunbroker.com/c/article/]

Indiana Jones Was Wrong: What Actually Makes a Gun Museum-Worthy

Everyone likes to think their collection is special. After all, every firearm has a story, a memory or a family connection attached to it. But when does a gun actually rise to the level of being museum-worthy? In this episode of the No Lowballers Podcast, Logan Metesh of High Caliber History [https://www.highcaliberhistory.com/] and Allen Forkner of GunBroker [https://www.gunbroker.com] dig into a question that collectors, historians and gun owners have debated for years: what truly belongs in a museum? Inspired by a famous line from Indiana Jones — “It belongs in a museum!” — the conversation explores the reality behind what museums want, what they collect and why most guns (even old ones) rarely make the cut. The discussion breaks down the difference between rarity and historical importance, why provenance matters more than people realize and how museums really operate behind the scenes. Logan also shares insights from his time working at the National Firearms Museum and what it was like fielding constant donation offers from collectors convinced their guns deserved a display case. Along the way, the guys explain why most “collectible” firearms aren’t collectible, why museums only display a tiny percentage of their holdings and why the stories behind guns often matter more than the guns themselves. The episode also dives into common misconceptions about museum collections, including why donating a gun doesn’t guarantee it will ever go on display and how collectors can help preserve history the right way. Most importantly, Logan and Allen remind listeners that the real purpose of collecting isn’t impressing museums — it’s preserving stories, family history and the enjoyment of the hobby itself. Because sometimes the most important museum… is the one in your own home. In This Episode • The difference between rarity and historical significance in firearms collecting • Why a single gun can be historic while the model itself isn’t • How museums actually decide what to acquire • Why museums only display a small fraction of their collections • The role of provenance and documentation in historical firearms • Why many “limited edition” or commemorative guns never gain real collector value • How collectors can help preserve history through documentation and storytelling • Why family heirlooms often matter more than museum pieces Key Takeaway Just because something is old — or even rare — doesn’t mean it belongs in a museum. Historical significance usually comes from the story behind a specific firearm, not simply the model itself. As Logan puts it, nobody will ever love your collection the way you do, and that’s exactly how it should be. Join the Conversation What firearms in your collection would never leave your family museum? Do you own anything that you think truly belongs in a public museum? Let us know in the comments. Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/nolowballerspodcast/] and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094384853061] for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ [https://www.highcalihttps://www.highcaliberhistory.com/berhistory.com/] and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠. [https://www.gunbroker.com/c/article/]

Best of NLB: CSI Concord - New Research Into ‘The Shot Heard ‘Round the World’

With Logan down with the sickness, we’re cracking open the NLB vaults for another one of your favorite episodes. On this episode of the No Lowballers podcast, host Logan Metesh of High Caliber History [https://www.highcaliberhistory.com/] and Allen Forkner of GunBroker [https://www.gunbroker.com] are joined by Joey Bohy, author of the new book Bullet Strikes From the First Day of the American Revolution. This new look at the “Shot Heard Round The World” applies modern ballistics, crime scene recreation and live-fire testing of period firearms to paint a fresh picture of the battles at Concord, Lexington and other sites from April 19, 1775. We learn how the British army left a trail of devastation as it was chased back to Boston by the revolutionary militias and the chaos that ensued. Show Topics: * Joey’s New Book, “Bullet Strikes”: * Overview of “Bullet Strikes,” which examines the first day of the American Revolution through archaeological findings and ballistics studies. * Insights into the archeology project at Minuteman National Park and the live fire studies of flintlock firearms. Archaeological Insights: * Explanation of how modern shooting incident reconstruction techniques were adapted for historical contexts. * Detailed descriptions of discoveries from bullet-struck buildings and objects, like a historically significant powder horn. Ballistic Studies and Their Revelations: * Joel discusses how the ballistic studies provided new insights into the engagements of April 19, 1775. * The blend of historical data with live-fire results offered a unique perspective on the revolutionary battles. Human Stories Behind the Battle: * Joel shares poignant stories about individuals affected by the events of the revolution, emphasizing the human element in historical studies. Closing Thoughts: Logan and Allen reflect on the discussion, highlighting the importance of revisiting historical narratives with fresh methodologies. Links: Order Bullet Strikes here: https://gunandswordcollector.com/product/bullet-strikes-american-revolution/ [https://gunandswordcollector.com/product/bullet-strikes-american-revolution/] Read the American Society of Arms Collectors articles Joel references https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/I-Roundball-Shooting-Phase-1-Report-Revised-3-20-24.pdf [https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/I-Roundball-Shooting-Phase-1-Report-Revised-3-20-24.pdf] https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/II-Phase-II-Report-Revised-3-20-24-1.pdf [https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/II-Phase-II-Report-Revised-3-20-24-1.pdf] https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/III-Shooting-Validation-Study-Scott-Bohy-final-3-18-24-1.pdf [https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/III-Shooting-Validation-Study-Scott-Bohy-final-3-18-24-1.pdf] Has this given you a new perspective on the start of the American Revolution? Have you ever visited the North Bridge or any other Revolutionary War sites? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a rating and review!! Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/nolowballerspodcast/] and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094384853061] for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠ [https://www.highcaliberhistory.com/]⁠ and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠ [https://www.gunbroker.com/c/article/].

The Lost Watch of D-Day: How One Paratrooper Inspired an Entire Brand

This week on the No Lowballers Podcast, we step slightly outside the gun safe — but not far. Because if you know anything about collectors, you know the Venn diagram between gun guys and watch guys has a lot of overlap. Logan Metesh of High Caliber History [https://www.highcaliberhistory.com/]and Allen Forkner from GunBroker [https://www.gunbroker.com]sit down with Oscar Chabrat of Praesidus Watch Company, a brand built around honoring American veterans through historically inspired timepieces that incorporate real battlefield materials. And yes — we’re talking actual sand from Normandy and Iwo Jima, aircraft aluminum and more. 🔹 The Lost Watch of D-Day Praesidus began with a story. World War II veteran Tom Rice — who famously re-jumped into Normandy at 97 years old — had lost his A-11 service watch during his original D-Day jump. Praesidus recreated that watch, launching the brand with a faithful homage to the U.S. military’s A-11 specification timepiece. From that first collaboration grew a company dedicated to honoring veterans through meaningful design. 🔹 Watches with Real History Embedded Praesidus doesn’t just replicate history — they integrate it. Some of the standout pieces discussed in this episode include: • Utah Beach 80th Anniversary Watch o Dial split between a Normandy invasion map and real sand from Utah Beach o One of the brand’s most iconic designs • Iwo Jima & Pacific Front Collection o Volcanic black sand from Iwo Jima embedded into the dial o New “Pacific Front” version features a mapped progression of the entire Pacific campaign, from Pearl Harbor to Okinawa • C-47 Skytrain Edition o Dials punched directly from authentic C-47 aircraft aluminum o Offered in varying levels of patina • Neptune 44 o Watch cases submerged in the tides off Utah Beach for 60 days o Naturally aged by salt, sand and surf • Veteran Tribute Pieces o Bud Anderson (P-51 “Old Crow”) o Diz Laird (Ace of Two Oceans) o Vince Speranza (101st Airborne, Bastogne) Each piece balances commemoration with responsibility — something Oscar emphasizes repeatedly throughout the conversation. 🔹 Why Watches Matter in Military History We talk about rifles, machine guns and sidearms all the time. But battlefield coordination depended on accurate timekeeping. The A-11 specification watch was critical to synchronizing attacks, artillery and navigation across land, sea and air. Praesidus is shining a spotlight on that often overlooked but essential tool of war. 🔹 What’s Coming Next? Oscar shares some exciting developments: • Hand-painted Utah Beach dial scenes • A Willys Jeep hood project in development • Potential B-17 and B-25 aircraft collaborations • Official U.S. Army licensed watches • Modern field watch concepts designed with active duty use in mind The challenge now? How do you top D-Day sand and Iwo Jima volcanic ash? Praesidus is trying. If you appreciate military history, collectible firearms, aviation lore or meaningful craftsmanship, this episode is right in your wheelhouse. 👉 Check out the latest Pacific Front collection at Praesidius 👉 Drop a comment and tell us: Which design is your favorite? 👉 What historical material should they work with next? Listen, Watch and Subscribe If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about firearms history, hunting culture and the stories behind iconic guns, be sure to subscribe to the No Lowballers Podcast. New episodes feature collectors, historians, writers and industry insiders who care about more than just specs and trends. And as always: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Leave a comment 🔁 Share it with a fellow firearms enthusiast 📲 Subscribe and follow ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen Every rating, review, and share helps us bring more firearms history and industry insight each week. Follow No Lowballers on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/nolowballerspodcast/] and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094384853061] for behind-the-scenes content, historical deep dives and weekly drops every Thursday. Find Logan at ⁠⁠High Caliber History⁠⁠ [https://www.highcaliberhistory.com/]and Allen at ⁠⁠GunBroker⁠⁠ [https://www.gunbroker.com/c/article/].