Gun Rests Get Better; New Chain Of Shooting Ranges; SHOT Show Guns: 01.25.26 Hour 2

·44 min·4 clips

Zach Smith explains how BOG's patented tripod is used by Special Forces in other countries.

This episode of Gun Talk is hosted by Tom Gresham broadcasting live from the Caldwell booth at the SHOT Show industry trade event. Gresham interviews Zach Smith from the hunting and shooting rest brand BOG, which is part of the American Outdoor Brands group. The conversation then shifts to an interview with Tom Willingham, founder and CEO of the Range USA chain of indoor shooting facilities. Zach Smith explains that BOG originated from the BOG Pod brand and has expanded from shooting sticks into various tripods and rests. He highlights the patented center closure clamping head on products like the Death Grip tripod, which is designed to hold a rifle steady. Smith notes the brand has been fueled by the long-range shooting community and that he has seen videos of special forces units in other countries using similar equipment. The discussion covers product weight, with models ranging from two-pound Bantam tripods to an eight-and-a-half-pound Death Grip. New products for the year include the Death Grip Infinite XT, an extra-tall model extending to 72 inches for taller users. BOG has also introduced camo patterns in partnership with Realtree and Mossy Oak on several products, including the Death Grip Bantam. Another new item is a lightweight, ARCA-compatible tripod for one hundred dollars, designed for rifles with ARCA rail mounts. Tom Willingham details the growth of Range USA from a single location founded in 2012 to 50 stores with roughly 1,100 lanes. He emphasizes a consumer-friendly, mainstream retail approach to counter intimidating gun shop experiences. Range USA served 3.2 million people last year, has 82,000 monthly members, and provided 52,000 lessons through its certified instructors. Willingham states the company focuses on safety, cleanliness, and creating a fun first experience to convert new shooters. He plans to open three more stores this year and believes the chain could double in size. Gresham provides broader SHOT Show context, noting its evolution from a hunting-focused event to including modern sporting rifles and a large law enforcement section. He mentions a Supreme Court case from Hawaii regarding concealed carry signage being argued that same day. An interesting insight is Smith's personal admission that he initially thought he didn't need a shooting rest until he tried one and now feels he can't hunt without it. Willingham reveals that his entire business model was built from a desire to create a welcoming environment after being yelled at in another range. Gresham shares his own internal debate about potentially switching his decades-old carry gun setup to include a red dot optic, despite his personal resistance. The episode captures the scale of the industry, from a company selling a $100 tripod to a chain that put 200-300 million rounds of ammunition down its lanes last year. The tone is conversational and informative, blending live booth interviews with the host's casual commentary and industry observations. The style is enthusiastic and geared toward enthusiasts, with a focus on new products and business growth within the shooting sports. This episode would appeal to hunters, recreational shooters, and industry followers interested in new gear from SHOT Show and the business of shooting ranges. Listeners seeking in-depth technical reviews, political debate, or narrative storytelling might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

Trade-show chatter with a useful, beginner-friendly center of gravity.

Tom Gresham's SHOT Show segment works best when it stays grounded in shop-floor specifics. It moves from Hollison optics and the Ruger LC carbine to a booth conversation with BOG, then settles into a practical exchange with Range USA about making a range feel clean, safe, and…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

SHOT Show chatter that still teaches you something useful.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Gun Talk