Once again, Mark is throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks, Jimmy is being Jimmy, and Ryan is dipping into his thesaurus-like encyclopedia of knowledge to rack up points with reckless abandon. Bringing back extinct animals to alien introductions, this episode is a saucy one…spaghetti sauce that is. As always, we want to hear your fe…

John Lazzeroni blazed a trail for a new generation of “Magnum Mania” with his high stepping, hard hitting, and incredibly impressive cartridges. Catchy names like .782 Warbird, .721 Firehawk, and 6.57 Scramjet denote the single premise they were built on — velocity. The numbers his cartridges attain don’t lie. Tune in as Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilt…

Enter the Fully Loaded Full Foliage Gun Giveaway here! Silencer Central founder Brandon Maddox drops by for an in-depth discussion on the company, their model, tools they’ve developed to make getting a suppressor a headache-free process suppressor types, and more. If you’re interested in suppressors, don’t miss this podcast! As always, we want to h…

Ben Dettamanti, aka Shed Crazy, drops in to shed some light on his 50-state antler extravaganza and new regulations surrounding the ever-more popular practice of picking up antlers. Tine in for a fun conversation with the most shedicated guy we know. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on…

5 days of shooting, approximately 30 stages, all while representing your country — the World Shotgun Shoot happens every 3 years and is the Olympics of action shotgun shooting. Vortex’s Reuben Aleckson and Adam Maxwell give a detailed rundown of the event and how you can qualify to represent the USA at the next one. As always, we want to hear your …

Big game application season is in full swing. Two months into the new year, several deadlines have already come and gone. Austin Atkinson from Huntin' Fool hits us with tag draw tips and strategies to get you in the game – literally. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Natio…

The Ruger Model 44 is a fast, handy, lightweight, carbine in 44 Mag. Perfect for brush busting, deer drives and even defensive work, what’s not to like? Nothing from 1961 to 1985. So, what changed? The gang is back together chatting all about this super cool rifle, a few of its cousins, and if it has a place in our modern world. As always, we want …

Getting your scope level is a critical component of the mounting process. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn demonstrate the reverse projection method to get perfect level. This process is illuminating and the gravity of the result it yields cannot be overstated. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd lik…

After hitting the range and shooting the 17 HMR and 22 Mag into gel, all signs point to a clear winner. So why are the guys still perplexed as to which one they’d select? Tune in as they break down the results. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us…

Sheep hunting, getting lucky enough to draw a tag, and having the financial means to book a hunt with an outfitter are all difficult. Mark Boardman grabs Huntin’ Fool’s Austin Atkinson to discuss all these things ­­ — including how you can get the chance to win the entire North American Sheep Slam. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us k…

Vortex took a dedicated, intentional, and problem-solving shotgun approach to the Viper Shotgun Dot. And it worked. Sitting incredibly low for optimal cheek weld with a fully enclosed emitter, this optic is ready to take on all your shot-gunning needs. Tune in to hear about your next shotgun sight. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us k…

Mike Chamberlain, aka “The Wild Turkey Doc,” is back talking about the plight of the wild turkey, fascinating research, and what people who care about these amazing birds can do to help. Mike is a top research biologist in his field and has been studying wild turkeys for more than 30 years. As a hunter, his passion for these birds is personal and p…

Offspring of the .308, like so many great cartridges, the .358 Win offers big bullet performance in a compact package. What’s not to like? Nothing if shooting distance is moderate — particularly on critters where a large hole and increased structural damage fall firmly in the plus category. So why does this cartridge gasp for air like a trout tosse…

Vortex’s Paul Neess has hunted South Africa multiple times. He stops in to share his knowledge, experience, and perspective. Travel to taxidermy, we cover it all. Tune in for great tips so you can plan your South Africa Safari. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ pod…

Ryan’s 6mm ARC made meat this year and did so with gusto. If you tuned into the podcast on his Howa Carbon Stalker or the 6mm ARC Terminal Test episode of Cartridge Talks, you’re familiar with the tools he was working with. If you didn’t, check them out. Now, listen as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn recount how his rig performed on two successfu…

Introduced in 1936, Winchester’s Model 70 is one of the most iconic rifle series ever created. Winchester still makes a plethora of variants to this day — a testament to its greatness. Many folks wouldn’t consider owning anything different. Ryan Muckenhirn brings in a pre-64 in Jack O’Conner’s beloved .270 and Mark Boardman a recently procured .375…

The gang’s back at it debating Big Foot, Area 51, the moon landing, and more. Who makes the strongest arguments? Are they right? Will they mysteriously disappear shortly after recording? Watch to find out…watch your back if you get too close to the truth. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like cover…

Mark Boardman grabs an AR and Ryan Muckenhirn to walk through a simple and effective way to get a solid boresight on AR platform rifles. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast…

Elk Hoof Disease is a painful, debilitating affliction that reduces an affected elk’s ability to forage and evade predators. Significant prevalence in southwest Washington and confirmed cases in other states have prompted researchers to take it seriously. Dr. Margaret A. Wild, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Professor in the Department of Veter…

Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn recap the second year of their Wisconsin deer camp. Fun hunt, four deer down, and fantastic farm-fresh food. Tune in to hear all about it. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortex…

Shoot first and review later. Mark Boardman grabs Vortex’sChris Urrutia (Vortex Edge® shooting instructor), Adam Maxwell (high-level competitive shooter/Grandmaster), and Ian Klemm (F-Class National Champion) to find out what new gear they used in 2024. If you don’t want to miss, this podcast is one you don’t want to miss. As always, we want to hea…

Did Ryan Muckenhirn flip-flop his personal position on the puffy vest? Is he heavily invested in the puffy vest platform? Is he getting down with the down vest? Does he admit Mark Boardman has been right all along? Tune in to hear about his journey into the world of warm core, arms free, active insulation. As always, we want to hear your feedback! …

Is the .22 LR a viable self-defense solution? It’s incredibly popular and for a lot of folks might be the only rifle or pistol they have. With the right ammo, is it good enough to get the job done? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat with Jason Slinkard from CCI to answer this question and more. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us k…

Dustin Diefenderfer is back to help get you ready for the mountains. Tune in to get great fitness info and a look at the tools MTNTOUGH offers. Change your life and the outcome of your hunts with MTNTOUGH. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on I…

2024 is in the past, but what gear gets the nod for future hunts. Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Erik Barber highlight gear they used in 2024 that made a difference. Tune in for our annual “Gear in Review” podcast…Just make sure to hide your wallet from yourself. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us kn…

Big bullets, fits in the AR-10 platform, subsonic and supersonic loadings, an ultrafast twist rate — the 8.6 Blackout is a unique option for hunting and tactical applications. Cool? Yes. Fun? Yes. Effective? Yes. Did the world need it? The gang chats through this interesting cartridge to help answer that very question. As always, we want to hear yo…

You rarely hear about the .41 Remington Magnum. Why? Many say it’s the most versatile revolver cartridge ever created. How does this one get glossed over? Why doesn’t every revolver manufacturer have a robust line of models chambered for this capable and shootable cartridge? All good questions. Tune in to hear about the venerable .41 Rem Mag. As al…

The .30 Remington AR had everything going for it and everything going against it at the same time. Compare it to modern cartridges like .300 BLK, and it leaves one scratching their head as to why it just never took off. Timing is everything and the .30 RAR was ahead of its time. Tune in to hear about this cool cartridge few ever heard about. As alw…

The cartridge nobody asked for or had to have, the .243 WSSM was super short on perceivable performance advantages and super short lived. Was it the biggest lead-balloon cartridge of all time? Listen and decide for yourself. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcas…

Fast, flat, fits in an AR-15, great for long range shooting, an absolute predator pounder, and light recoiling. The 22 ARC lives up to its name of Advanced Rifle Cartridge. So, do you need one? Listen and find out. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by askin…

The gang is back from shooting gel out to 900 yards. Now it’s time to talk about their custom .300 WSM built entirely around the Barnes 212 grain LRX Bore Rider bullet. This project starts and ends with a bullet matched with a case and premium components, creating a perfect storm of long-range terminal performance. Is this the ultimate long range h…

This Christmas Eve, Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Jimmy Hamilton sit down for a question-and-answer sesh compliments of you. We dive into lots of great topics in this light-hearted and informative podcast for you, by you, and just in time for Christmas. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like c…

Vortex’s Mark Boardman, Erik Barber and Graham Cronin hit the December Whitetail woods in search of late-season success. Tune in for their stories, a few tips, and accounts from three different hunts. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instag…

Buckle up for a meatball-inspired episode of Spaghetti Shootout. That’s right, this week’s spaghetti order is loaded with extra meatballs. Old west wanted posters, pinky-up coffee drink doppelgangers, the modern weapon you’d fight WWI with and more. This is one you don’t want to miss! Can Mark take Ryan down for an unprecedented three wins in a row…

If your riflescope isn’t mounted correctly, your whole system is sunk. Mark Boardman grabs Ryan Muckenhirn and the tools needed to talk through mounting a riflescope in the podcast studio. Get the info you need to mount your riflescope the right way. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on…

Vortex’s in-house pistol professional, Adam Maxwell, talks revolvers and revolver competition. Revolvers are classic, cool, and effective for a wide variety of applications. Adam is a wealth of knowledge. Tune in for a great conversation on revolvers, revolver competition and Adam’s plans for this iconic platform. As always, we want to hear your fe…

Cold weather whitetail gear is critical for late season hunting survival. The critters we chase are built to live outside all winter. We are not. Mark Boardman and Erik Barber run through their kit, offering tips to withstand those last bitterly cold hours of the day — so you can punch that tag. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know…

Fill the stockings of those you love with stalking stuffers from Vortex. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn overview great gear sure to be a hit for anyone who enjoys shooting and the outdoors. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vor…

It’s tough to beat an off-the-rack Tikka. Their smooth-as-glass action and accuracy rival custom rifles bearing a much higher cost. But Mark couldn’t leave well enough alone. Tune in to hear about his customized Tikka .300 WSM. This is one do-all killing stick you don’t want to miss. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there ar…

Originally developed during the now expired 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, the Hi-Point Carbine gets no respect. It looks goofy and cool at the same time. It has some interesting idiosyncrasies. When it comes to fit and finish, this thing is questionable at best. Yet, we secretly love it. Tune in to hear the high points of the often maligned, Hi-Point C…

The gang’s back at it under the influence of the annual time change. The most overrated deer cartridge, to holiday decorating — questions are asked, answers given, meatballs debated, and a winner crowned. Can Mark come out on top two times in a row? Watch to find out. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you…

Access locally and on out-of-state hunts can be the most challenging logistic. Without a place to go, you’re dead in the water. LandTrust is the Airbnb of hunting access. Select opportunities even have accommodations built in. With fishing and farm experiences as well, there may just be something for everyone. Nic De Castro from LandTrust joins Mar…

Joel Turner joins Mark Boardman to discuss the system he’s developed to help archers and bowhunters shoot with control. The stress of competition, the stress of a big buck finally in range, or even shooting in front of others changes things dramatically. His method is fascinating and effective. The result — putting arrows where you want under press…

On a backpack hunt, what you don’t take is as important as what you do. Every item comes with consequence. Bring it and you have it — along with the weight penalty it bears. Don’t bring it and go without something you may need. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through items left behind on Mark’s alpine bear hunt, whether it was the right call…

Get pumped up for this podcast all about pump rifles. Forgotten by many and preferred by most in some regions, the slide-action centerfire is unique and effective. Nowadays, there aren’t many being made. Will they ever make a comeback? For nostalgia-sake and those living in regions where this style of rifle shines, we hope so. Tune in for this ode …

Perhaps no cartridge receives as much love or hate as the 6.5 Creedmoor. In this episode, Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn and Jimmy’s proxy (a stuffed pigeon) focus on the hate by analyzing 6.5 Creedmoor memes. Tune in for a fun, lighthearted conversation compliments of the all-mighty internet. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know i…

Share your hero's story Dale Veneklasen and Brian Soliday join Mark Boardman and Brittani Owens to talk about the Vortex Believe in Heroes program, the Rocky Mountain Heroes Foundation, Dale’s impressive military career, his history of serving others, and being selected to go to the Armed Forces Bowl. Tune in to hear from/about two incredible peopl…

We wait all year for the whitetail rut. If you’re entering the home stretch with an unpunched tag, anxiety can be at an all-time high. Good news, Slingin' Rik is back with some last-minute rut tips to help you bring that big whitetail buck to bag. Don’t lose hope! This can be the best time to make your whitetail dreams come true! As always, we want…

Knox Williams from the American Suppressor Association (ASA) drops in to give us a rundown on the organization and the important work they are doing. As hunters and shooters, we are reaping the benefits. Tune in for an update on suppressor-related issues and positive movement. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any t…

Shots are fired, feelings are bruised, awkward passes are made at an old woman, and the guys receive a stuffed pigeon with a special meatball message. Does Mark FINALLY break his long-standing losing streak? Does Jim score the rounds impartially? Do things get weird like they normally do? Watch to find out. As always, we want to hear your feedback!…