Eye on the Target - TARGETHING - Talking Guns cover art

Eye on the Target - TARGETHING - Talking Guns

Eye on the Target - TARGETHING - Talking Guns

By: Radio@targething.com (Rob Campbell & Amanda Suffecool)
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Live over the airwaves Salem Radio that is a Q&A related to personal protection, the 2nd amendment, guns, the shooting sports industry. Recorded live on SALEM at 5:00 pm est. Listen to the Podcasts, catch us live, or email in your questions to be covered on the next show. Radio@Targething.com. Our discussions include guns, pepper spray, defensive techniques, concealed carry, NRA, firearms, safety and a variety of others as the show is led by the originating topic and the questions asked by our listeners. Amanda Suffecool, Rob Campbell work to make the show lively and topical. Enjoy - Amanda2022
Episodes
  • 52426 hr2
    May 25 2026

    This segment of Eye on the Target Radio covered several major themes in the Second Amendment world, beginning with an interview featuring Holly Sullivan Scali, president of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League and board member of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Sullivan discussed the upcoming New England Firearms Advocacy Conference in Chicopee, describing it as the first major regional effort to unite Second Amendment organizations from across the six New England states. She explained that gun-rights groups often work independently despite facing similar legislative and legal battles, and that the conference is intended to build stronger communication and cooperation between organizations, attorneys, legislators, and activists throughout the region. The event would feature speakers including John Lott and Dick Heller, along with panel discussions involving lawmakers, attorneys, and state-level advocacy groups. Sullivan emphasized making activism more accessible by bringing conferences closer to local communities rather than requiring supporters to travel across the country for national events.

    The conversation also explored the realities of activism and online engagement in the firearms community. Amanda and Rob discussed internet trolling, hostile comment sections, and misinformation spread through social media and forums. Amanda shared examples of being mocked online and reflected on how both anti-gun activists and uncompromising gun-rights extremists often dominate online discussions, while more moderate or practical voices stay silent. The hosts stressed the dangers of bad advice circulating online, especially in areas like firearm reloading where misinformation could potentially cause injury or damage. They concluded that many reasonable gun owners avoid participating in online arguments altogether because of the toxic environment.

    The show then shifted into political discussion surrounding Brandon Herrera, widely known online as "The AK Guy." The hosts discussed his congressional campaign in Texas and highlighted his fundraising success compared to his Democratic opponent. They talked about the growing influence of online content creators in politics and the importance of grassroots fundraising, noting how small donations from many supporters can significantly impact campaigns. The hosts also reflected on the changing popularity of AK-style rifles versus AR-style rifles, attributing some of the shift to rising ammunition costs and differences in accuracy and practicality.

    Later in the program, Amanda and Rob examined current Second Amendment litigation and activity at the Supreme Court of the United States. They discussed why the Court has not yet taken up major cases involving AR-15s or magazine-capacity bans, explaining that the Court hears only a limited number of cases each year across all legal subjects, not just gun rights. They reviewed the continuing influence of the landmark District of Columbia v. Heller and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decisions, along with related cases concerning sensitive-place restrictions and marijuana users possessing firearms. The hosts also referenced commentary from Mark Smith of the Four Boxes Diner, who explained how courts are increasingly using historical dictionaries and original-language analysis to interpret constitutional meaning, not only in Second Amendment cases but in First Amendment disputes as well. Amanda and Rob concluded by noting how constitutional interpretation often depends heavily on understanding how words were used and understood at the time the Constitution and Bill of Rights were written.

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    54 mins
  • 52426 hr1
    May 25 2026

    In this episode of Eye on the Target Radio, hosts Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell discussed a wide range of Second Amendment and firearms-related legal developments, focusing heavily on the impact of the Supreme Court's New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision. They explained how the "history, text, and tradition" standard established in Bruen is reshaping firearms litigation nationwide, particularly challenges to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulations and the National Firearms Act. The hosts argued that many modern gun restrictions lack historical precedent and predicted continued legal challenges involving suppressors, machine guns, bump stocks, forced-reset triggers, and other regulated firearms accessories. They also discussed historical militia expectations from the 1700s and how those are now being revisited in modern constitutional arguments.

    The show also covered lawsuits involving firearm detection technology in schools. Amanda described the case surrounding Omni Alert after a shooting at Antioch High School, where the school's AI gun-detection system allegedly failed to prevent an attack despite being marketed as a safety solution. The hosts debated whether schools and technology companies can be held liable when these systems fail. They connected that discussion to broader debates about school safety policies and responsibility, referencing previous incidents where administrators allegedly ignored warning signs before school shootings.

    Another major topic involved ongoing political and legal fights over firearms laws in states like Virginia and Florida. The hosts discussed new Virginia gun-control measures and the resulting lawsuits filed by groups including the National Rifle Association, Second Amendment Foundation, Gun Owners of America, and National Shooting Sports Foundation. They also highlighted actions by Florida's pro-Second Amendment attorney general against a homeowners association that attempted to ban firearms in shared community spaces. Throughout the program, Amanda and Rob framed these cases as examples of expanding legal resistance to firearm restrictions across the country.

    The episode concluded with discussion of proposed federal legislation, including efforts by Lauren Boebert to remove remaining tax provisions tied to the National Firearms Act and a proposal from Jimmy Patronis to repeal the Hughes Amendment restrictions on newly manufactured machine guns. The hosts debated how these changes could affect collectors, firearms values, and future gun ownership rights. Alongside the political discussion, the show featured advertisements and promotional spots for firearms training organizations, gun safety programs, books, and shooting-related products.

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    54 mins
  • 51726 hr2
    May 18 2026
    In this segment of Eye on the Target Radio, host Amanda Suffecool interviews bestselling author Jack Carr at SHOT Show, discussing his background, writing process, and upcoming projects. Carr talks about returning to SHOT Show for the first time since 2020 and describes the event as a reunion filled with energy, creativity, and support from fans. Amanda shares how excited listeners were when they learned she would be interviewing him, with many sending questions and praising his books. Carr explains that he knew from the age of seven that he wanted to become a Navy SEAL. Growing up with a librarian mother, he developed a deep love for reading and storytelling. Influenced by thriller authors such as Tom Clancy, Nelson DeMille, and David Morrell, he unknowingly built a foundation in storytelling while also studying nonfiction books on terrorism, insurgencies, and military leadership. Carr explains that his combat experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan allow him to write fiction that feels emotionally authentic because the emotions and reactions in his stories are drawn from real-life experiences. Amanda describes reading Carr's novel Cry Havoc as an intense and emotional experience, saying she frequently had to stop reading and walk around because of the suspense. Carr reveals that much of the novel was inspired by interviews with MACV-SOG veterans from the Vietnam War. He explains the extensive historical research required to accurately portray 1968-era weapons, gear, and mindsets without accidentally introducing modern perspectives or technology. To immerse himself in the era, he surrounded himself with authentic Vietnam-era equipment, including watches, knives, and firearms while writing. The discussion then shifts to Carr's larger fictional universe and the multigenerational storylines woven throughout his books. Fans had asked whether he planned to continue exploring earlier generations of his characters, possibly even further back in history. Carr says he enjoys building family legacies into his stories, inspired in part by author Stephen Hunter and his Swagger series. While he does not currently plan to go as far back as ancient history, he hints that additional historical stories are possible. Carr also discusses his writing pace, explaining that he aims to publish at least one book per year and recently added nonfiction to his portfolio. He mentions his nonfiction work Targeted Beirut, focused on the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, which earned recognition on the Marine Corps Commandant's reading list. Amanda asks whether Carr's publishers ever challenge the detailed firearm and tactical realism in his books. Carr says he has been fortunate to maintain complete creative control and that his editors and agent encourage him to continue emphasizing authenticity because readers deeply value accuracy, especially gun owners and military enthusiasts who immediately notice mistakes in other novels. Finally, Carr introduces his upcoming novel The Fourth Option, releasing in May. Unlike his previous books, this novel launches an entirely new series with new characters and a new universe. He describes it as a modern interpretation of the classic western-style "stranger comes to town" story inspired by the television series Have Gun – Will Travel. Carr explains that he begins every novel by outlining the ending and overall direction before allowing the story to evolve naturally as he writes. In this continuation of Eye on the Target Radio, host Amanda Suffecool continues her conversation with bestselling author Jack Carr before transitioning into an in-depth interview with firearms trainer and entrepreneur Kevin Dixie of "No Other Choice" firearms training. Carr discusses his creative process in greater detail, explaining that before committing to a book, he writes what amounts to a back-cover summary for himself. He then evaluates whether the idea is compelling enough to devote a year or more of his life to writing. If it passes that test, he develops an outline while always keeping the ending in mind. Carr says the villains are often the most interesting part of the process because each new book requires entirely new antagonists after the previous ones have been eliminated by protagonist James Reece. Amanda and Carr also discuss the importance of authenticity and reader engagement. Carr shares stories about secretly signing copies of his books in airport bookstores and posting clues for fans on social media. He says one of the most meaningful aspects of his career is hearing from readers who connect deeply with his work or rediscover reading because of his novels. Carr emphasizes that readers are trusting him with their limited time, which motivates him to approach every page with care and purpose. The conversation turns philosophical as Carr explains how fiction helps build empathy by allowing readers to experience the world through someone else's perspective. He argues that reading books develops emotional...
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    54 mins
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