This episode of Eye on the Target Radio features an in-depth interview with bestselling author and former Navy SEAL Jack Carr at SHOT Show. Carr discusses his background, his lifelong love of reading, and how his military experience shapes the realism and emotional depth of his fiction. He talks extensively about his Vietnam-era novel Cry Havoc, explaining the intense research required to authentically write from a 1968 perspective, and how real-world special operations history influenced the story. Carr also outlines his writing process, creative freedom with publishers, and his approach to building multi-generational characters across his series.

The conversation then shifts to Carr's expanding body of work, including his upcoming novel The Fourth Option, the launch of a new series, and his growing presence in nonfiction, audiobooks, and television adaptations such as The Terminal List. Carr emphasizes the importance of authenticity, reader trust, and promoting reading as a way to build empathy and understanding. The episode later transitions into sponsor messages and additional SHOT Show interviews, including a segment with firearms trainer Kevin Dixie, who discusses his "No Other Choice" philosophy—focused on restraint, responsibility, and community-centered firearms education.

This episode of Eye on the Target Radio is broadcast from the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, where hosts Amanda and Rob discuss the energy, scale, and evolution of the firearms industry. They reflect on how SHOT Show has grown over decades into a major gathering of Second Amendment advocates, manufacturers, media, and educators, noting increased diversity, improved treatment of women, and changing industry culture. Much of the conversation focuses on trends in firearms and ammunition, including shifts toward subsonic calibers, short-barreled platforms, suppressors, evolving bullet design, and the importance of choosing equipment based on realistic defensive use rather than theory. The hosts also talk candidly about sights, training, muscle memory, and the realities of stress in self-defense situations.

The show includes discussions of notable products and manufacturers seen on the floor, such as Diamondback and CZ, along with a broader reflection on the enduring dominance of the 9mm cartridge and how ergonomics and grip design affect shooter performance. Amanda and Rob describe the massive SHOT Show layout, Radio Row, and the challenges of live broadcasting in a loud, crowded environment. Interspersed throughout are sponsor messages and promotions for firearms education, safety, training organizations, and Second Amendment advocacy groups.

Later, the program features an in-depth interview with Detroit Gun Works, covering the AR market's saturation, their evolution as a manufacturer, and their focus on producing high-quality, mid-tier firearms through in-house machining, Midwest partnerships, and practical innovation. The discussion touches on COVID-era buying trends, changing consumer urgency, suppressor demand following regulatory changes, and ongoing legal efforts to remove NFA restrictions. The episode emphasizes education, responsible ownership, industry craftsmanship, and the continuing momentum of firearms culture amid political and market shifts.

Hour Two of Eye on the Target Radio finds hosts Amanda Suffolk and Rob Campbell broadcasting from Las Vegas during SHOT Show week, diving into new firearms, gear, and industry trends ahead of Range Day. A major early discussion centers on KelTec, a company known for unconventional designs and clever marketing. The hosts talk through KelTec's history of innovation—integral magazines, high-capacity .22 pistols, folding firearms, and designs that often seem odd at first but later influence the entire industry. While KelTec's fit and finish may not be "premium," they're praised for creativity, affordability, solid warranties, and pushing the market forward.

The conversation then shifts to optics and everyday carry, with a spotlight on Holosun red dots, especially features like side-loading batteries, solar assist, auto-sleep, and durability. The hosts debate red dots on concealed-carry pistols, discussing bulk, concealment, comfort, and how carry gear naturally becomes "invisible" to the wearer over time. This leads into a practical discussion on holsters, emphasizing that comfort issues are usually holster-related, not firearm-related.

In the middle of the show, the hosts dive deep into caliber history and cartridge safety, comparing modern rounds like .300 Blackout to historical cartridges such as the .32-20 Winchester. They explain hunting legality differences by state, why certain cartridges exist, and how new rounds like .350 Legend and .400 Legend were designed to meet straight-wall hunting laws. A strong emphasis is placed on ammo compatibility and safety, with warnings about dangerous cartridge mix-ups, historical examples of over-pressure rounds, and why careful reloading practices matter.

The latter portion focuses on Second Amendment legal battles, particularly an upcoming Supreme Court case involving Hawaii's "vampire rule" (sensitive places laws that prohibit carry unless explicitly allowed). The hosts explain oral arguments, timelines, the influence of the Bruen decision, and why recent years have seen an acceleration of major gun-rights cases. They reflect on how long landmark cases like Heller took and how the current legal pace represents a significant shift.

The show closes with broader commentary on gun regulation, serial numbers, manufacturer mandates, and crime, arguing that enforcement should focus on criminals rather than lawful gun owners or tools. Throughout the episode, the tone blends industry insight, firearms history, legal analysis, practical carry advice, and advocacy, reinforcing the show's core message of responsible gun ownership and constitutional education.