Built From Scratch

The world of holographic optics continues to evolve, and DOT USA is bringing a fresh perspective to an industry where performance, reliability, and innovation matter.In this episode of Whiskey & Windage, Mike and Matt sit down with the team from DOT USA to learn more about the company, the technology behind its holographic sights, and its vision for the future of firearm optics.We explore the challenges of bringing new products to market, what today's shooters expect from their equipment, and why building trust through quality and performance is essential for any emerging brand.From product development and engineering to the importance of real-world feedback, this conversation takes us behind the scenes of a company working to establish its identity in a competitive industry.What makes holographic technology unique? What does it take to earn the confidence of experienced shooters? And where does DOT USA see itself heading next?

The VZ58 looks like an AK. It isn't. And the Czechs made damn sure of that.During the Cold War, while the rest of the Warsaw Pact embraced Soviet firearms designs, Czechoslovakia went its own way. The result? Some of the most distinctive and misunderstood firearms ever produced.This week on Whiskey & Windage, Mike and Matt are joined by Vak, owner of VZ58 USA and VZ61 USA, to break down the history, engineering, and modern evolution of two legendary Czech platforms.But Vak's story is just as interesting as the guns themselves.From growing up under communist rule in Czechoslovakia to becoming a world-class freestyle jet ski athlete, immigrating to the United States, and eventually building a firearms business with his wife, Vak has taken one hell of an unconventional road.We get into the mechanical differences between the VZ58 and AK, the history of the iconic VZ61 Skorpion, military surplus, modern upgrades, suppressors, and the challenges of keeping these historic platforms relevant in today's market.Whether you're an AK enthusiast, a military history nerd, a collector, or someone who appreciates firearms that refuse to follow the crowd, this conversation is worth your time.Are the VZ58 and VZ61 underrated classics, or are they simply too niche to compete with modern platforms?Let us know what you think.Subscribe to Whiskey & Windage for weekly conversations with the manufacturers, engineers, innovators, and personalities shaping the firearms industry.#WhiskeyAndWindage #VZ58 #VZ61 #Skorpion #AK47 #CzechFirearms #FirearmsPodcast

Can a $4,900 striker-fired pistol really compete with the best 2011s on the market?This week on Whiskey & Windage, Mike and Matt sit down with David Petta of Zermatt Arms to get an inside look at the all-new Waltz 9, a premium 9mm pistol designed to challenge some of the biggest names in high-end handguns, including Atlas Gunworks and Staccato.Known for precision rifle actions, Zermatt Arms is stepping into the pistol market with something completely different. But with a starting price around $4,900, the Waltz 9 has already sparked plenty of debate.David takes us behind the scenes of its development, from his original DC9 project built in a small garage to a completely redesigned striker-fired platform featuring a straight-pull trigger, patent-pending roller locking block, Glock-pattern magazines, and precision-machined components.We get into the details that matter:Striker-fired vs. 2011: Can a striker-fired trigger actually match or outperform a high-end 2011?The $4,900 question: What makes the Waltz 9 worth the money compared to an Atlas or Staccato?Engineering innovation: How Zermatt's roller locking block addresses barrel fit, friction, and long-term wear.Reliability and durability: The unexpected failures, redesigns, and testing challenges encountered during development.Competition shooting: Where the Waltz 9 fits into USPSA divisions and what could come next.Modularity and maintenance: Why interchangeable components and user-serviceable parts were priorities from day one.The future: Could Zermatt eventually bring this technology to a more affordable pistol?David doesn't shy away from the tough questions, including whether the industry actually needs another expensive handgun and why he believes the Waltz 9 offers something existing platforms don't.Is this the next evolution of the competition pistol, or has the premium handgun market reached the point of diminishing returns?Would you spend $4,900 on a striker-fired pistol, or would you stick with a proven 2011?Join the conversation and tell us what you think.Whiskey & Windage — Where the Firearms Industry Comes to Talk.#WhiskeyAndWindage #ZermattArms #Waltz9 #2011 #StrikerFired #CompetitionShooting

Few names in the firearms industry carry the history, influence, and reputation of Beretta.In this episode of Whiskey & Windage, we sit down with Beretta to discuss the company's legendary heritage, its iconic pistol lineup, and the innovations shaping its future.From the unmistakable Beretta 92 series to the latest 92X, 94X, and B22 pistols, we explore the evolution of one of the world's most recognized firearms manufacturers. We also discuss the growing popularity of 2011-style pistols, changing consumer expectations, and how a company with nearly 500 years of history continues to compete in today's market.Whether you're a longtime Beretta enthusiast or simply interested in the engineering, design, and history behind modern firearms, this conversation offers an inside look at an industry icon.

What happens when two engineers look at an established product and decide there’s still room to make it better?This week, Mike and Matt sit down with Austin Menard, co-founder and CEO of Sentry Manufacturing, to talk about how the company went from an idea in 2023 to developing products and working with some of the biggest names in the firearms industry.Austin takes us through the story behind Sentry, the development of the DeadLock and GasLock charging handles, and the engineering decisions that separate their designs from what was already on the market. They get into durability, gas mitigation, product testing, manufacturing, and how relationships with companies like Daniel Defense helped shape Sentry’s growth.They also talk about OEM manufacturing, the challenges of bringing new products to market, and what Sentry has planned for the future.It’s a conversation about engineering, problem-solving, and refusing to accept “that’s just how it’s always been done.”

FPS Kenny joins Mike and Matt for a conversation about what it’s like coming up as part of the next generation of the firearms community.From creating content and competing to traveling overseas and experiencing a completely different side of shooting culture, Kenny talks about the path that built FPS Kenny and where he wants to take it next.The conversation also turns toward the firearms industry itself, how younger shooters discover products, interact with brands, and consume content differently than previous generations. Kenny has some strong opinions about companies that haven’t adapted, including why he believes some brands simply “suck online.” CMO PDF EditIt’s competition, content creation, industry talk, and plenty of opinions with one of the younger voices making his mark in the firearms community.This week on Whiskey & Windage: FPS Kenny.

Three college friends. Agriculture backgrounds. No traditional engineering experience. And an idea that eventually became Front of Rifle Systems.Co-founder and CEO Brady Decker joins Whiskey & Windage to tell us how the company went from an idea around a dining room table to a growing name in the firearms industry.We talk about the early days of the business, teaching themselves new skills, learning through failure, additive manufacturing, product development, and what it takes to compete in an industry filled with established brands.Brady also gives us a look inside the philosophy driving Front of Rifle Systems, how real-world experience influences development, and where he believes manufacturing technology is headed next.This one is as much about entrepreneurship as it is the firearms industry, a conversation about starting from scratch, betting on yourself, and building something you believe in.

CVA has been known for muzzleloaders for decades but that’s only part of the story today.Tony Smotherman from CVA Firearms joins us to talk about how the brand has evolved, from the Cascade bolt-action rifle lineup and Scout single-shots to some pretty wild advancements in modern muzzleloader technology.We get into why the 7 PRC has taken off, what makes a single-shot rifle a different hunting experience, suppressor-ready platforms, turkey guns, and how CVA approaches building capable firearms at an attainable price.Then Tony drops something that definitely got our attention: modern CVA muzzleloaders being pushed effectively to 800 and even 1,000 yards.We also talk hunting ethics, making the first shot count, how much muzzleloaders have changed since the old days, and where CVA is headed next.If you still think of CVA as just a muzzleloader company, this conversation might change that.

Rick Elder, CEO of HUXWRX Safety Co., joins Whiskey & Windage for a deep dive into suppressor technology, human exposure, engineering, and where the industry is headed next.Rick walks us through his background in the military and U.S. Special Operations Command, how he became involved with OSS, and why he ultimately replatformed the company into HUXWRX Safety Co. From there, we get into the real reason “Safety Co.” is in the name.We discuss Flow-Through® technology, back pressure, sound at the shooter’s ear, signature reduction, equipment reliability, and HUXWRX’s research into gas, particulate exposure, hearing, brain health, and long-term shooter safety. Rick also explains why military, law enforcement, and commercial suppressor requirements can be very different—and why HUXWRX develops products around specific use cases rather than trying to make one solution do everything.We also talk about testing, transparency, additive manufacturing, quality control, the explosion of new suppressor companies entering the market, leadership, mentorship, company culture, and what HUXWRX could become over the next decade.This is one of our most technical suppressor conversations yet, but it goes far beyond products. It’s a conversation about engineering, accountability, innovation, and building technology around the people who actually use it.

What does it take to make a great firearm even better?This week on Whiskey & Windage, we sit down with Langdon Tactical to talk about the experience, philosophy, and relentless attention to detail behind one of the most respected names in the firearms industry.We dive into Langdon Tactical’s approach to improving proven platforms and ask what makes a firearm a good candidate for the Langdon treatment. What are they looking for in the original design? Where do they see opportunities for improvement? And just as importantly—when is a platform better left alone?From their legendary work with Beretta to H&K, CZ, Glock, Springfield, Tikka and more, we explore how Langdon Tactical approaches trigger systems, ergonomics, reliability, performance, and the small details that can completely change the shooting experience.We also discuss the experience behind the company, how real-world use influences product development, and what goes into deciding which platforms Langdon Tactical takes on next.This episode goes beyond the finished product to explore the knowledge and decision-making behind it.If you’ve ever wondered what separates a factory firearm from a Langdon Tactical build—or why certain platforms earn the LTT treatment—this conversation is for you.This is Langdon Tactical.