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101826 hr2

101826 hr2

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In this episode of Eye on the Target Radio, Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell discuss Ruger's reported production changes, Michigan's firearm-storage law, and digital advertising challenges facing the firearms industry. Their guest, Brian Akin of Topple, also shares his personal experience with New Jersey firearms laws and explains how that experience led him to become an active Second Amendment supporter. The first major topic is Ruger's decision to suspend production of certain firearm models. Amanda and Rob explain that gun owners have been reacting to reports that Ruger may discontinue popular products, including the Blackhawk, Redhawk, LCR revolver, and No. 1 single-shot rifle. However, they emphasize Ruger's clarification that suspending production or completing final production runs does not necessarily mean entire product lines are permanently discontinued. The hosts suggest that the changes could reflect slower sales, excess inventory, production priorities, or plans for redesigned and improved models. They also discuss how firearm sales can fluctuate with the political climate, arguing that consumers sometimes purchase guns out of concern that future restrictions will limit their options. With Beretta Holdings reportedly owning a significant share of Ruger stock, they wonder whether that relationship could influence the company's future direction. Both hosts express interest in examining Ruger's announcements and new products at the upcoming SHOT Show rather than assuming the company is abandoning its traditional firearms. Amanda and Rob then examine Michigan's "Safe Homes, Safe Schools" law, which requires public and private schools to distribute firearm-storage information to parents and guardians. Amanda says the educational goal sounds reasonable, but argues that additional provisions make the law problematic. As the hosts describe it, the law generally requires unattended firearms to be unloaded and locked away when someone is likely to be present on the property. They question how a teenager could access a firearm for lawful home defense if it must remain locked and unloaded, and they highlight what they see as a conflict between secure-storage requirements and the possibility of defending oneself during an emergency. The hosts also report that approximately 58% of Michigan school districts were not complying with the requirement to distribute the information, despite the law having been in place for two years. They use this figure to question the effectiveness of passing legislation without ensuring compliance. These are the hosts' descriptions and criticisms of the law, rather than an independent legal analysis. The hosts briefly discuss the importance of civic participation before moving to the main interview. They encourage listeners to vote in local and national elections, research candidates and party platforms, and consider voting records and policy positions instead of judging candidates by yard signs, appearances, or personal annoyances. They suggest that local elections matter because elected officials influence decisions within communities. The discussion of the National Firearms Act and its laws is postponed until the following week because the guest interview takes priority. The featured guest is Brian Akin, founder of WeAreTopple.com, a digital advertising platform designed to connect firearms and outdoor-industry businesses with publishers willing to carry their advertisements. Akin explains that his background includes managing digital advertising campaigns for major brands on Madison Avenue. He noticed that firearms companies often faced restrictions from major advertising networks and platforms, while firearms-related publishers struggled to earn advertising revenue. Topple was created to address both problems by allowing businesses to advertise through firearms-friendly websites and other relevant outlets, including publications focused on hunting, farming, ranching, and conservative or libertarian news. Akin says the platform serves companies such as Magpul, Beretta, CZ USA, Federal, and Hornady, as well as local firearms dealers, ranges, training facilities, and instructors. Akin argues that restrictions on firearms-related advertising have made it difficult for businesses to reach potential customers and for publishers to monetize their work. He describes how complaints about advertisements appearing on particular websites can pressure major companies to withdraw advertising, reducing revenue for those publishers. He also alleges that organized advocacy groups, supported by wealthy donors, contributed to these efforts. These claims are presented as Akin's account of the industry and its history. He says Topple has had to build much of its advertising infrastructure from the ground up and is developing a substantially rebuilt version of the platform, called Topple 4.0, to provide firearms and outdoor businesses with more sophisticated advertising tools. The hosts ...
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