Because we appreciate you guys, I pay out of pocket to run some special, limited edition patches that we never sell. These usually are done in collaboration with greats like Mil Spec Monkey, Badgerhound, Rogue, Crye, Tactical Tailor, 5.11 and other designers to get you something unique. These are made in small numbers, and are never run twice. My favorite had to have been the Hawaiian shirt patches made from actual aloha shirts scraps from Hawaii.

The new patch is ready to ship, but before we talk about that, let's talk about how patches work and how to get one.

We are reliant upon you guys to support us. We have the occasional sponsor but that money goes to TFB, and only SubscribeStar and Playeur funds go directly to us. (Ryan and Kelsey's salaries are paid completely from SubStar/Playeur, and Patreon goes directly to TFB). We try to give back as often as we can. We have more giveaways coming this week, and we are announcing our May 2024 Top Gun and Blue Alpha winners this week as well, probably tomorrow.

When you hit $30 of support, we give you a TFB Writer's Patch. This trademark red patch with white lettering is how TFB writers who only see each other maybe one or two times a year can recognize each other at shows. And for every $100 interval in support of our channel, you are qualified for what is casually referred to as the secret patch because, again, very small custom runs and mystery abound.

Because we use 3 different crowdfunding sites, it's impossible to know when someone trips the $100 interval to send them a patch automatically. Plus, many of you aren't even patch guys anyways. Thus, we've always asked you to let us know when you've hit the $30 and each $100 interval and to let us know if you actually want a patch so we can patch you accordingly. That doesn't totally change today, but I'm going to make it easier for everyone by using a form instead of having you email us from now on. If you've already emailed Kelsey about the burndown patches, don't worry about the form unless you REALLY want to be sure.

Here's the form: https://forms.gle/Z2yzzKsyMrifsPkW9

As you are aware, the summer 2024 patch (just 200 patches each) is inspired by a box of Western shotgun shells I found when I was "recycling" disposed-of ammo in a burndown last year. Franklin Olin (ultimately the dude who would own Winchester) formed the Western Cartridge Company in 1898 to manufacture shotgun shells for people settling the Great Plains of the US, and I think the story and the box are super, super cool. I was so awestruck by the vintage box that I decided to make two patches this summer. One is an exact replica of a vintage Western shotshell box, and the other is a version of the box that Badgerhound modified to make into a fun homage to the infamous 500 round shotgun burndown. Pictures of each are below.

If you don't want one, you can wait till the next go-round and vote for (or suggest) the next patch here.

I know you guys have been waiting a long time for these and are pumped (lol shotgun pun) for them. If I need to make more to satisfy demand, I will. In the meantime, fill out the form (or you could also email Kelsey at [email protected] because she's fun to talk to) and Kels will start mailing them out THIS WEEK.

Thanks, everyone. Please let me know how I messed up the form this time in the comments below. 

-James

Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone. Summer has officially kicked off with the Top 5 Summer EDC video and Beach Jams Playlist:
https://youtu.be/Ea1ZMVWqekM

In this video, I announce the Mossberg/Vang Comp Beachmaster. The Beachmaster may literally be the best shotgun ever made: A Mossberg 590A1 Mariner *WITH 407k/507k OPTIC CUT*, full Vang Comp treatment, Magpul Frogskin Beach limited edition furniture, Blue Force Gear color-coordinated sling, and the Vang Comp Beach Chair Shotgun Bag.

We don't know how much it's going to cost yet (I imagine it will be well over $1,000) but you can sign up to get on the list for one at the link below. The longer you've been a supporter, the higher up you are on the list. I will make a full video with all the details (including price) soon, and we'll start making them this summer. Link to the form: https://forms.gle/jWQyTUYXXkXnNZgE8

Finally, which AR-15 am I bringing to Thunder Ranch and who correctly guessed the weight for a BFG Vickers Padded sling? It was close - 59%/41% - but you picked the BCM. I've had this gun for about 5 years now and I love it. I've used it in at least two classes already - we'll see how she holds up under Uncle Clint's crushing curriculum.

Weights? These things are heeeeavvvy with LPVO glass up top. The BCM is a husky 9.07 lbs, while the DD is four-tenths of a pound lighter at 8.67 lbs.

The winner is LUKE BENDER with two incredible guesses! He guessed 9.08lbs for the BCM and 8.59 lbs for the DD. Great work, Luke! I'll email you and confirm shipping address. I'll send your sling next month when I get back from Thunder Ranch.

Have a great long weekend, everybody!

- James

Me, Ryan, Luke, Hop, and Adam are all headed to Thunder Ranch on June 1 for a perfect storm - one day of Urban Rifle, one day of Defensive Pistol, and one day of Urban Precision Rifle). We are running 1,000 rounds through each of our rifles over the course of one day. I'm trying to decide which of my favorite rifles to bring: My BCM Mk2 Enhanced Lightweight w/MCMR-15 or my Daniel Defense DDM4V7 w/MFR 15.0. I'll take whichever rifle you guys want me to take, you vote.

Let's make a lil' contest out of it, though. Whoever most closely guesses the weight of both rifles will win a Blue Force Gear Vickers Padded Sling in Coyote.

Poll is here:
https://forms.gle/KiEwH7fez14J1dv1A

Specs:

BCM
- MK2 Standard 16" Mid Length Enhanced Light Weight Fluted Upper Receiver Group w/ MCMR-15 Handguard.
- SIG Romeo 6T w/Holosun 507 offset
- BCM Furniture
- Vickers Padded Sling
- Surefire Scout
- DA KeyMo Muzzle Brake

DD
- DDM4V7 16" Mid Length Upper Receiver Group w/ MFR 15.0 Handguard
- Leupold Patrol 6HD
- Magpul Furniture
- Vickers Standard Sling
- Surefire Scout
- DA KeyMicro Muzzle Brake

How much do they each weigh? Best guess wins.

One more time - the poll is here: https://forms.gle/KiEwH7fez14J1dv1A

Good luck!
-James

PS - Please disregard the massive amounts of cat litter and fur in this picture.