Gun Shop Podcast

Marlin Is Back: Ruger’s Lever-Action Revival Explained

Marlin lever guns are back—and a lot of folks say they’re better than ever. In this episode, we walk through Marlin’s “renaissance” under Ruger, from the tactical 1895 Dark Series and compact 1895 Trapper to the nostalgia-soaked 1894 Classic in .44 Mag. We cover what Ruger actually fixed after the rough Remington years—fit, finish, accuracy, and machining—plus why the .45-70 Government still reigns as a hard-hitting, do-it-all hunting caliber. We’ll compare Marlin’s new rifles to Henry, talk classic vs tactical setups, and explain why so many shooters think Marlin has truly returned to legendary status.

Micro Draco AK Pistol: Tiny Fireball, Big Impact

The Micro Draco is loud, flashy, and a little ridiculous—and that’s exactly why people love it. In this episode, we break down what this ultra-short AK pistol really is: a compact 7.62x39 blaster that’s part novelty, part truck gun, and 100% fun to shoot. We’ll cover its key features, popular mods (braces, optics, brakes, handguards), how it actually performs at realistic distances, and why it’s better thought of as a close-range, up-close hammer than a precision tool. We also dig into vehicle penetration tests that show what 7.62x39 does to car doors and why hiding behind a car in a gunfight is a terrible idea. If you’ve ever wondered whether the Micro Draco is stupid, brilliant, or a little of both, this briefing is for you.

Springfield SA-35: The Hi-Power Reborn for Modern Shooters

Springfield Armory’s SA-35 takes the legendary Browning Hi-Power and updates it for the 21st century. In this episode, we walk through what’s changed and why it matters: forged steel construction, a 15-round magazine, improved trigger with no mag disconnect, better sights and safety, and modern feed geometry that actually likes hollow points. We’ll talk about how it shoots, what reviewers found in 1,000–2,000 round tests, and the early extraction and finish issues that showed up on some first-run guns. If you’ve ever wanted a Hi-Power that’s built to be a shooter instead of a safe queen, this briefing on the SA-35 will help you decide if it deserves a spot in your lineup.

Mossberg 590R & 590RM: When a Pump Shotgun Thinks It’s an AR

Mossberg’s new 590R and 590RM shotguns are what happens when a classic 590 meets AR-15 ergonomics. In this episode, we break down the AR-style rotating safety, collapsible stock, flat-face trigger, and redesigned action release that let you run a pump gun without breaking your master grip. We compare the tube-fed 590R to the mag-fed 590RM—7+1 vs up to 20 rounds of 12-gauge firepower, topping off as you go vs fast magazine swaps—and talk recoil, reliability, and real-world use as a tactical or homestead defender. If you’re an AR shooter who’s always hated traditional shotgun safeties, this is the evolution you’ve been waiting for.

Henry Model X & 360 Buckhammer: The Ultimate Straight-Wall Deer Rig

The Henry Model X and Remington 360 Buckhammer might be the most exciting combo to hit the deer woods in years—especially if you hunt in a straight-wall–only state. In this episode, we break down why the Model X is more than a classic lever gun with a new paint job. We talk synthetic stocks, M-LOK and rail mounting options, side loading gate plus tube load, threaded barrels for suppressors, optic-ready receivers, and that smooth Henry action everyone keeps raving about. Then we dive into the 360 Buckhammer itself: a .358 straight-wall cartridge with 30-30-like ballistics, Core-Lokt 180 and 200 grain options, flat trajectory to 200 yards, and more than enough energy for whitetail, mule deer, black bear, and other big game. We compare it to 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster, and discuss where this round really shines in real-world hunting distances. If you’re looking for a modern lever-action setup that’s legal in straight-wall states, suppressor-friendly, and hits well above its weight class, this briefing will tell you why the Henry Model X in 360 Buckhammer is on a lot of hunters’ short list.