No Lowballers

Scandal, Innovation, and Rifles: The True Story Behind the Krag-Jørgensen

In this deep-dive episode of the No Lowballers Podcast, hosts Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com welcome researcher Justin Baird for a fascinating look at one of the most underrated rifles in U.S. history—the Krag-Jørgensen—and the two men who made it possible. More than just another bolt-action military rifle, the Krag-Jørgensen carries a story rooted in international innovation, unexpected design breakthroughs, and a friendship forged in engineering. From Ole Krag’s privileged upbringing and passion for machinery to Erik Jørgensen’s humble beginnings on a Norwegian farm, we explore how two very different men came together to revolutionize magazine-fed firearms in the late 19th century. Justin walks us through their backgrounds, their collaboration, and how their rifle went on to be adopted not just by Denmark and Norway, but also by the United States—becoming America’s first smokeless powder service rifle. The episode also unpacks how myths around Krag "stealing" credit from Jørgensen persist to this day, despite their genuine partnership. Key Topics Discussed: The Origins of Ole Krag and Erik Jørgensen: Learn how one was the son of a prominent clergyman and the other the child of a rural blacksmith—and how their paths converged at Kongsberg’s state arsenal in Norway. Innovation Through Cooperation: Justin explains how Krag’s early designs and Jørgensen’s mechanical skill merged to create a modular magazine system that would reshape military arms trials across Europe and the U.S. The Capsule Magazine That Changed Everything: Why Krag’s “half capsule” design appealed to the Danish military, how it evolved, and how its quirks shaped the future of combat shooting strategies. Adoption in America: How U.S. Army trials led to the adoption of the Krag-Jørgensen, the tailored changes that made it uniquely American, and why it was eventually phased out in favor of the 1903 Springfield. The Krag-Jørgensen Company’s Rise—and Fall: The lucrative U.S. contract that kept the company alive, the Sultan of Turkey’s surprise offer, and how it all came crashing down when both money and momentum ran out. Tragedy and Legacy: The untimely death of Erik Jørgensen and the public speculation that followed. Justin shares how Krag spent the rest of his life defending Jørgensen’s role in their joint success. Guest: Justin Baird – Researcher and Krag-Jørgensen historian Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and bonus history facts. New episodes drop every Thursday.

Timney Triggers, Lever Guns, and the Rise of DIY Accuracy

In this on-the-road episode of the No Lowballers Podcast, hosts Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com travel to Louisiana for LeverFest and set up shop at the Gun Talk Studios. They’re joined by Chris Ellis, Vice President of Marketing at Timney Triggers, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of aftermarket triggers, the legacy of Timney, and why accuracy matters more than ever. Chris takes us back to the founding of Timney Triggers in 1946 and explains how the company helped transform old surplus service rifles into capable hunting firearms through affordable, drop-in trigger upgrades. From humble beginnings improving Mausers and Springfields to becoming the go-to name in precision triggers for ARs, shotguns, lever guns, and more, Timney’s journey mirrors the rise of America’s DIY gun culture. With LeverFest as the backdrop, the group also discusses the growing popularity of tactical lever guns, how user feedback drives Timney’s product development, and what it means to bring consistency and customization to every platform—from Glocks to Mosins. Key Topics Discussed: The Origin of Timney Triggers:Chris walks through the early post-WWII days when returning GIs wanted to make their surplus rifles accurate enough for deer season—and how Timney delivered with the first mass-market drop-in trigger. Drop-In Triggers and Accessibility:No gunsmith? No problem. Learn how Timney’s plug-and-play approach opened up custom triggers to the average shooter and laid the groundwork for today’s home-built precision rifles. The Rise of the AR and the Modern Era:Chris explains how the early 2000s AR boom pushed Timney to innovate again with cassette-style drop-in AR triggers, expanding their reach beyond bolt guns and into every major firearm platform. Tactical Lever Guns and the Modern Market:From Marlin’s Dark Series to Smith & Wesson’s new stealth builds, lever guns are getting the modern treatment—and Timney is right in the middle of the movement with upgraded triggers designed for fast-paced precision. Listening to the Shooter Community:Whether it’s 10/22s, Glocks, shotguns, or even Mosin-Nagants, Timney’s catalog of triggers has been shaped by shooter feedback. If it’s got a trigger, they’re looking at it. On-the-Range Comparisons:At LeverFest, Logan and Allen shoot both factory and Timney-equipped lever guns side-by-side, revealing how much of a difference a great trigger can make in real time. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Rumble. New episodes release every Thursday.

Leverfest and the Resurgence of Lever Action Rifles

In this exciting episode of the No Lowballers podcast, Logan Metesh from High Caliber History is joined by Allen Forkner of GunBroker and special guests Ryan Gresham from Gun Talk and legendary gun writer Ron Spomer at Leverfest. Tune in as the team dives deep into the revival of lever action rifles and the rising popularity of these iconic guns, particularly among younger enthusiasts. From historical insights to firsthand experiences at the event, this episode is packed with exciting gun talk and expert opinions. Key Topics Covered: * Leverfest Highlights: * Leverfest is a celebration of all things lever action, and the event did not disappoint. Logan, Allen, Ryan, and Ron give a full recap of their time in Louisiana at the event, including some unforgettable moments testing the latest in lever action rifles. * The Resurgence of Lever Guns: * Ryan Gresham and Ron Spomer share their perspectives on the renewed interest in lever guns, a shift that has seen everything from old classics to modern tactical models gaining popularity. This resurgence isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about bringing these guns into the 21st century with improved technology and exciting new features. * Lever Gun Innovations: * From suppressed .45-70 to compact .22 lever actions, the event showcased the impressive versatility of lever guns. The podcast highlights some standout models from brands like Marlin, Savage, and Smith & Wesson, which are breathing new life into the lever action rifle market. * Shooting Challenges at Leverfest: * The team took part in some thrilling challenges, including shooting plate racks at 100 yards and splitting cards with bullets. The excitement and skill required to master these challenges are discussed in detail, showing why lever guns are not just for collectors—they’re fun to shoot and offer a real challenge for enthusiasts. * The Tacticool Lever Guns: * A look at how brands are adding modern touches to classic lever guns. From the Marlin Dark series to the Henry PMAG-fed models, we explore the trend of making lever guns more functional for modern users without losing their vintage charm. * A Big Family of Gun Manufacturers: * The podcast captures the camaraderie at Leverfest, where industry leaders like Ruger, Marlin, and Smith & Wesson came together, sharing ideas, discussing future innovations, and celebrating the shared passion for firearms. Listener Takeaways: * Why Lever Guns Are More Than Just for Collectors: * The panel discusses how lever guns offer something for everyone—from casual plinkers to serious hunters and tactical enthusiasts. Whether you're using it for home defense or bear protection, the lever action rifle can be adapted for any need. * Future of the Lever Action Rifle: * What’s next for the lever action rifle? We explore the potential future innovations in this category, from new calibers to enhanced optics and accessories that could transform these guns even further. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. New episodes drop every Thursday. #NoLowBallersPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/nolowballerspodcast] #leveraction #leveractionrfiles #leverfest ‍

Exploring the Guns of Lexington and Concord: 250 Years of Insights from Historian Joel Bohy

In this special episode of the No Lowballers Podcast, hosts Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker are joined by historian Joel Bohy to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Lexington and Concord battles, the spark of the American Revolution. Joel, who previously discussed his book Bullet Strikes with us, returns to dive deeper into the firearms, tactics, and key moments that shaped the first battle of the Revolution. From the iconic "shot heard around the world" to the intricacies of 18th-century muskets, this conversation provides insight into the arms and accouterments of the colonial militias and the British forces that day. Key Topics Discussed: * The Arms of Lexington and Concord: * Joel explains the two types of muskets used by British forces, the Pattern 1769 Shortland and the Pattern 1756 Longland, and their effects on battlefield accuracy. He highlights the differences in musket bores, the variability in ammunition, and the role of civilian arms in the conflict. * The Misconception of Revolutionary War Firearms: * Many people assume all Revolutionary War guns were inaccurate and ineffective, but Joel sheds light on how various firearms, including the civilian hunting guns carried by militias, performed better than commonly thought. * Franken-Guns and Local Gunsmiths: * The importance of local gunsmiths in assembling makeshift "Franken-guns" is discussed, along with the role of these guns in the militia’s arsenal during the revolution. The fascinating mix of parts and craftsmanship that went into these firearms illustrates the resourcefulness of early Americans. * The British and Colonial Ammunition: * Discussion about the challenges of ammunition fitting, such as mismatched musket balls and bore sizes, reveals some of the real difficulties faced by soldiers trying to hit their targets accurately on the battlefield. * The 250th Anniversary of April 19, 1775: * Joel and the hosts reflect on the historical significance of this pivotal day, how it influenced the rest of the Revolutionary War, and why the events at Lexington and Concord remain important today. * Historic Firearms and Archaeological Insights: * Joel shares his findings from archaeological digs, including musket balls and artifacts found in local ponds, and discusses the ongoing research into the weapons of the time. * The Global Impact of April 19, 1775: * The episode ends on a philosophical note, reflecting on how the battle's legacy influenced not only America but the rest of the world’s pursuit of freedom. Guest: Joel Bohy, Historian and Author of Bullet Strikes: The First Day of the American Revolution. Where to Find Joel’s Book: Check out Joel’s new book Bullet Strikes for more in-depth research and analysis of the pivotal events of April 19, 1775. Previous Episodes with Joel Bohy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYHBDMRzfrM&t=5s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYHBDMRzfrM&t=5s] ‍

Precision Legacy: Nearly 120 Years of Optical Excellence with Leupold’s Tim Lesser

On this precise, crystal-clear episode of the No Lowballers podcast, host Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker are joined by Tim Lesser, Vice President of Product Development and Marketing at Leupold, a company with a storied history of innovation and excellence in optics. For nearly 120 years, Leupold has set the standard in precision optics, starting from humble beginnings in 1907 to becoming a leader in the field. Join us as Tim shares fascinating insights into Leupold's evolution, the impact of family ownership on their business practices, and the cutting-edge advancements that continue to define their legacy. Episode Highlights * Leupold's Origins and Evolution * Discussion on Leupold’s transition from a survey equipment company in 1907 to a renowned optics and scopes company. * Insights into the early challenges and innovations, including the pivotal hunting incident that led to the creation of fog-proof scopes using nitrogen purging. * Innovation in Optics * Tim discusses the importance of clear and precise optics, tracing back to their survey equipment roots. * Exploration of Leupold's commitment to quality and innovation, illustrated by their introduction of the waterproof "Plainsman" scope in 1949. * Impact of Family Ownership * Examination of how family ownership has influenced Leupold's business practices and commitment to long-term quality. * Stories of multi-generational employees and the company's culture that values doing the right thing for sustainable success. * Technological Advancements and Industry Standards * Introduction of the duplex reticle in 1962, its design benefits, and its lasting popularity. * Discussion on the rigorous testing procedures that ensure the reliability and durability of Leupold products in the most demanding conditions. * Military Contributions and Modern Innovations * Overview of Leupold's long-standing relationship with the military, providing optics that withstand extreme conditions. * Tim shares recent advancements, such as the VX6 HD Gen 2, which integrates competition-grade features into hunting optics. * Leupold's Commitment to Quality and Customer Service * The iconic gold ring on Leupold scopes as a symbol of quality and a lifetime guarantee. * Customer service stories that highlight Leupold's dedication to customer satisfaction and maintaining the integrity of their products through generations. . Are you a Leupold owner? If so, what are your favorite riflescopes? Have you ever had to use Leupold’s customer service? Share your thoughts in the comments! Be sure to tune in every Thursday when new shows are released on all your favorite podcast platforms.