Podcast
Listen & Learn
Stay informed with the Match Grade podcast. Our team discusses topics ranging from situational awareness and home defense to firearms safety and self-defense strategies.
May 26, 2026
How to Survive the Mob!
With the increase of mob incidents and riots, it is useful to know how to extricate yourself from a potentially life threatening situation. Matt and Dave talk about how to prepare yourself, avoid, evade and if necessary... to confront in order get yourself to safety. safeinrochester.com
ALL EPISODES
May 11, 2026
Best Ear Protection for the range | Gear Check
Dave, Matt, and Ed go over the best ear protection used for shooting at the range. All of the gear has been actually used and owned by our instructors so no arm-chair reviews here! What is your favorite ear pro that you like to use?? safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgradepodcast 00:16 Intro 01:06 Uline Foam Pro 05:05 Airpods 07:30 Condor/3M/Peltor Earmuffs 11:34 Walker Razors 13:32 Howard Leight Impact Sport 14:40 Howard Leight Impact Pros 15:50 Peltor Tac 100 18:05 MSA/Sordin Supreme Pro-X 22:40 Axil GS Extreme 3.0 24:55 Axil Xcor Pro Earbuds 29:13 Gloryfire Earbuds 31:00 Decibullz Customized Earbuds 41:11 Patreon Thanks
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May 4, 2026
Top 5 Showdown: Best .45 ACP Handguns for home defense?
"God's caliber, the Yankee fist, Old Slapside." The .45 ACP has been regarded as one of the most powerful handgun cartridges in popular circulation. In this episode, Dave and Ed talk over the basics of the .45ACP Cartridge, and list some of the top guns that shoot them. What .45 guns do you guys shoot that weren't listed? Be sure to leave your comment below. safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgrade podcast (become a free member!) 01:00 About the .45ACP 10:29 Glock 21 14:00 1911 20:00 Walther PPQ 45 23:02 Sig Sauer P220 Legion 26:39 Smith and Wesson M&P 45 30:25 FNX 45 32:52 H&K 45, USP, Mark 23 35:43 CZ97 38:35 Bonus Content about the 1911
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April 15, 2026
Robyn Sandoval of A Girl and a Gun | Instructor Corner
Match Grade Podcast is very fortunate to have Robyn Sandoval join us again to give us some insights into the world of A Girl and A Gun. Robyn brings a wealth of knowledge and answers some of the most polarizing questions that female face in the gun world. Be sure to check out A Girl and a Gun link below: https://www.agirlandagun.org/ Be a supporter of the channel: safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgradepodcast
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March 25, 2026
Are you smarter than politicians about guns?
Politicians have taken sides on gun laws ever since there was gunpowder. But how much of it is true and how much is political propaganda to convince the masses? Dave and Ed unpack some of the most popular statements made by politicians. How many can you spot that are true and are false? safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgradepodcast
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March 13, 2026
10 Questions for Dave and Matt | Instructor Corner
Meet your instructors! Dave and Matt, the two most senior instructors answer the most submitted question from our Patreon, classes, and submissions. safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgradepodcast
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March 2, 2026
Concealed Carry Myths
Dave and Mike talk about the most concealed carry myths facing carriers today. Are they true or not? Or is it just overblown social media jargon? These two experienced instructors take the time to separate myth from fact. safeinrochester.com patreon.com/safeinrochester
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February 19, 2026
Brian Hill of the Complete Combatant | Instructor Corner
Dave interviews a firearms and martial arts expert, Brian Hill of the Complete Combatant (amongst his other impressive list of accomplishments.) Be sure to check the Complete Combatant website for a complete list of class, the Girl and a Gun conference as well his NY classes come up in October 2026! thecompletecombatant.com thecompletecombatant @gmail.com
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January 8, 2026
2026 NFA Update: A little history on the NFA
January 2026 is here and that means no more $200 tax stamp on NFA items such as suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs. It's a step in the right direction, but did all that much change? Dave and Ed get into a little history about the National Firearms Act of 1934, a little history, and what it could mean for the future. safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgradepodcast
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December 11, 2025
Top 3 Showdown: Hammer Fired Pistols
In this episode, Matt and Ed talk over the basics of hammer fire pistols, the mechanics of shooting them and a brief introduction to each of their top pics. What hammer guns do you think should have been on this list? Be sure to leave your comment below. safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgrade podcast (become a free member!) 01:00 Intro 06:40 Sig P220 09:20 Springfield 1911 11:55 CZ P01 Compact 15:05 H&K P30 18:55 Honorable Mentions 22:33 Beretta 92FS 27:27 Staccato 2011 HD 4.5
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November 25, 2025
Mantis Laser Academy | Gear Check
Mike of Rochester Personal Defense opens up the Mantis Laser Academy and shows us exactly what is inside. A great training tool for every shooter without the use of live ammunition. Available now at the Carry Gear Store! safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgradepodcast
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November 19, 2025
Weirdest Firearm Laws of Other Countries!
The US definitely has some odd gun laws, but what about other countries? Here are some of the oddest, oldest, strangest gun laws that we found about other countries. What are some odd ones that you have heard of? Comment below! *Match Grade Podcast and Rochester Personal Defense are not attorneys nor offer legal advice. Always consult an attorney when making a legal decision. safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgradepodcast
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November 4, 2025
Three Levels of Shotgun Programs | Instructor Corner
Shotguns are devastating home defense tools. But how much training is involved? Is there more to it than point and shoot? The lead instructor of Rochester Personal Defense's Shotgun Program joins us to explain the three tiers of shotgun instruction you can receive and what might be involved. What shotguns are you running for personal defense? safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgradepodcast
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October 29, 2025
Jeff Siewert of Bulletology | Instructor Corner
Match Grade Podcast Butch and Ed are back with another episode with guest star ballistics expert Jeff Siewert of Bulletology. This was a long episode where Jeff really delves into elements of his book and what it takes to really know your ammunition type and behaviors. Be sure to check out more of Jeff's content on the Hornady podcast and pick up his book Ammunition Demystified available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. bulletology.com safeinrochester.com
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October 17, 2025
Best Concealed Carry Holsters | Gear Check
Dave and Ed go over the best concealed carry holsters for every concealed carry position, the good, the bad and the unusual! What position do you carry and what do you enjoy using?? safeinrochester.com Thanks to Tenicor, T-Rex Arms, Tier 1, Bravo Concealment, LAG Tactical, Safariland, Galco, and all of other holster brands who have supplied us over the years!
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September 27, 2025
Top Ten Mistakes of New Gun Owners
Mike gives the top ten most common Do's and Don'ts for new gun ownership. Some are popular myths, some are wives' tales, others are tips for good operation and safety. Be sure to check out our other videos as well! safeinrochester.com
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September 19, 2025
Greg Hamilton of Insights Training | Instructor Corner
Dave is back with one of his mentors, Greg Hamilton of Insights Training center (amongst his other impressive list of accomplishments.) Located in Bellavue, Washington check out some of Greg's upcoming surveillance training programs as well as his online courses. insightstraining.com insightstraining.net safeinrochester.com
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September 10, 2025
10 Questions About Ballistics | Ask the Experts
Match Grade Podcast Butch brings in ballistics expert Jeff Siewert of Bulletology to ask ten of the most popular questions about long distance shooting. Factors that go to calculating flight path, ammo type and more. Be sure to check out more of Jeff's content on the Hornady podcast and pick up his book Ammunition Demystified available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. bulletology.com safeinrochester.com
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August 21, 2025
Speed vs Precision: Improving Your Shooting
Dave and Matt discuss the merits of speed vs precision. Is there such a thing as too fast? How do you ride the line between the two and train for it? Our two hosts discusses the merits of both as well as a few drills to try at your own range! https://www.westcoastarmorynorth.com/ safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgradepodcast
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August 8, 2025
The Best Guns in Archer (TV Series)
Dave and Ed are huge Archer (and Lana) fanboys and lucky for them, this episode is all about the guns of Archer. What makes them great, where do they rate? Do you agree with their list? Comment below safeinrochester.com patreon.com/matchgradepodcast fxnetworks.com/shows/archer
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