Hunters HD Gold Behind the Lens 329 – Episode 329 Hunters HD Gold, Behind the Lens LIVE Podcast Event with Jake and Nils.

Now playing Hunters HD Gold Behind the Lens 329 – Episode 329 Hunters HD Gold, Behind the Lens LIVE Podcast Event with Jake and Nils.

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Brian and Jake sit down with Nils fresh off three straight national titles in three weeks: Factory Gun Nationals, IDPA Nationals, and IPSC Nationals. Nils walked through his approach to balancing roughly 80% competition shooting with 20% product development work for Canik, splitting time between the US and Turkey on new releases timed around SHOT Show and NRA. He explained how he keeps his gear setup locked to the most restrictive discipline (IPSC) year round so he never has to change habits across matches, and how he loads 20 to 30,000 rounds of match quality 9mm every January to prepare for the season. The conversation covered the shift in IDPA Nationals culture, which Nils credited to a more shooter-focused staff this year, with Jake adding that the “old guard of gotcha” mentality has given way to better educated ROs held accountable by competitors who know the current rules. They dug into the growth of media coverage at matches (Action Streaming Live, Shooting USA, F5 Productions, True Shot Media, and others), with Jake noting over 7 million views across USPSA and ASL Instagram channels in just the past 60 days and Brian reporting over 306,000 Rumble viewers in 90 days. Nils shared his thoughts on the IPSC Nationals shoot off at Greater Pittsburgh Gun Club (best IPSC match he has shot in the US, but the shoot off needed better lighting and planning), his love for shooting iron sights and single stack, his year of 25 major matches, and his 2026 schedule including an upcoming IDPA Carry Optics regional in Texas and the Barry’s Steel Open in St George. He discussed Canik’s elevation of Turkish manufacturing perception, the division debate around Carry Optics and Limited Optics, and the Christian Sailer vs Eric Grauffel matchup he called with Leighton on Action Streaming Live. Nils closed with his ultimate goal: bringing a gold medal back to the US at the 2029 IPSC World Shoot in Italy, likely in Production Division, which would mark 15 years since his only IPSC World Championship title in 2014.

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Discover the world of competitive shooting sports through the eyes of industry leaders, top athletes, and match directors in the Behind the Lens Podcast, hosted by Brian Conley of Hunters HD Gold. Delve into captivating conversations that reveal the passion, dedication, and skill that define the shooting sports community. Brian, a steadfast supporter of the shooting sports, brings unique insights and expertise to each episode. Uncover the latest trends, techniques, and stories from the people who shape the shooting sports landscape. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of competitive shooting, the shooting industry, and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible.

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