Unleashing American-Made Firepower: My Exclusive Interview with Bill from PTR Industries at CANCON Carolinas 2025 – Roller-Delayed Dominance, Suppressors, and Tactical Edge

Rick Hogg
5 days ago
5 min read

Hey guys, Rick Hogg here from War HOGG Tactical. If you've been following my journey from 29 years in the U.S. Army Special Operations – including 13 combat deployments – you know I'm all about that 1% better every day mindset. Whether it's handling a K9 in the heat of battle or dialing in your tactical setup, I live for gear that performs when lives are on the line. That's why I'm fired up to share this exclusive interview I did with my co-host Mark Kelley from Kelley Defense on our On The Range Podcast. We sat down live at CANCON Carolinas 2025 with Bill from PTR Industries, and let me tell you, this episode is packed with insights on American-made roller-delayed firearms, suppressors, and tactical innovations that could change how you approach your next range day or mission.

Setting the Scene at CANCON Carolinas 2025

First off, let's set the scene. CANCON Carolinas 2025 was an absolute blast – pun intended. It's the world's largest fully suppressed range day event, hosted by RECOIL Magazine, where manufacturers, enthusiasts, and pros like us get to test out the latest in suppressed shooting without the ear-ringing aftermath. Mark and I were there recording live, diving into conversations that matter for law enforcement, military vets, and anyone serious about firearms. PTR Industries, based right here in South Carolina, was a standout. Bill, their rep, brought the heat on how they're keeping the spirit of iconic designs alive while innovating for modern demands.

PTR Industries Roots and Commitment to American Manufacturing

We kicked things off talking about PTR's roots. These guys started in Connecticut but made the smart move to South Carolina back in 2013. Why? Evolving gun laws up north were squeezing manufacturers, especially after events like Sandy Hook that led to stricter regulations on modern sporting rifles. Bill explained how relocating allowed them to expand production and focus on quality without the red tape. As someone who's seen how politics can impact gear availability on the battlefield, I respect that hustle. PTR isn't just surviving; they're thriving by committing to American-made products. No offshore shortcuts – everything from barrels to triggers is crafted stateside, ensuring reliability you can bet your life on.

Mastering Roller-Delayed Blowback Technology

Now, onto the star of the show: PTR's roller-delayed blowback systems. If you're not familiar, this tech traces back to Heckler & Koch legends like the G3 and MP5. It's a delayed blowback mechanism using rollers to lock the bolt, allowing for lighter recoiling firearms that handle high-pressure rounds like champs. Bill broke it down for us – PTR's versions, like the PTR 91 series, are faithful recreations but improved with modern materials and tolerances. We discussed how these rifles excel in suppressed configurations, which was perfect for CANCON. Suppressors reduce muzzle blast and recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate. PTR's guns are suppressor-ready out of the box, with threaded barrels and robust builds that don't gas you out like some direct impingement systems.

High-Performance Suppressors and Real-World Advantages

Speaking of suppressors, Bill shared some game-changing insights on PTR's high-performance cans. They're not just add-ons; they're integrated into their tactical ecosystem. We talked about how pairing a suppressor with roller-delayed firearms minimizes wear and tear, extends barrel life, and keeps things quiet for stealth ops or home defense. At CANCON, we saw demos where PTR rifles cycled flawlessly suppressed, even with subsonic ammo. For you LEOs and mil folks, this means better hearing protection during breaching or CQB without sacrificing firepower. I threw in my two cents from Delta days – suppressed weapons saved our ears and gave us the edge in low-light engagements. Bill agreed, noting PTR's suppressors are built to mil-spec standards, with quick-detach mounts for seamless swaps.

Spotlight on PTR's 9mm Lineup: 9CT and 9KT Pistols

Then we dove into their 9mm lineup, like the 9CT and 9KT pistols. These are MP5-inspired beasts, roller-delayed for that smooth, controllable fire. The 9CT is a full-size pistol with a 8.86-inch barrel, perfect for PDW setups, while the 9KT is the compact version at 5.16 inches – ideal for concealed carry or vehicle ops. Bill highlighted their accuracy, with sub-MOA groups possible thanks to cold-hammer-forged barrels. We chatted about customizations: add a brace, optic, and suppressor, and you've got a tactical powerhouse. Mark and I shared stories of using similar platforms in training, emphasizing how the delayed blowback reduces felt recoil compared to straight blowback 9mms. For civilians, these are SBR candidates (with proper ATF paperwork), but as pistols, they're legal in most states.

Pushing Boundaries with Tactical Innovations and Kits

One thing that blew me away was PTR's commitment to innovation. Bill talked about their tactical upgrades, like enhanced rails for lights and lasers, improved ergonomics for gloved hands, and even modular stocks. They're pushing boundaries with firearm kits, build-your-own options that let enthusiasts assemble their dream rifle while learning the mechanics. This ties into my philosophy: knowledge is power. Understanding your weapon inside out makes you 1% better. We also covered modern sporting rifles, where PTR blends classic designs with AR-style modularity. Think G3 meets M4, best of both worlds.

Lifetime Warranties and Practical Training Tips

Lifetime warranties? Yeah, PTR backs their stuff for life. Bill explained it's because they test rigorously, using real-world scenarios from desert heat to arctic cold. No BS – if it fails, they fix it. As a vet who's had gear crap out overseas, that's huge. We wrapped up with tips for listeners: start with basics like proper maintenance, then layer on suppressors and optics. Bill's advice? Train suppressed to simulate real ops, and always prioritize American-made for quality control.

Final Thoughts and Where to Listen

This episode isn't just talk; it's actionable intel. Whether you're gearing up for duty or honing skills at the range, PTR's innovations deliver. Mark and I had a blast – pun again – and Bill's passion shone through. Head over to On The Range Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Make Ready TV to catch the full episode. It's about 9 minutes of pure gold, but the takeaways last a lifetime.

If you're serious about tactical training, check out War HOGG Tactical for my courses on firearms training, CQB, and more. Join our Patreon for exclusive content, and remember: stay vigilant, train hard, and get 1% better every damn day.

What are your thoughts on roller-delayed systems?

Drop a comment below or hit me up on X@warhoggtactical

Join our On The Range Podcast Patreon "CREW" for exclusive access, and stay tuned for future live recordings.

Censorship Industrial Complex - YouTube

On a side bar note YouTube censorship machine strikes again against the 2A community! YouTube removed this episode from our channel, that’s why all our videos are now available on Make Ready TV, where we have zero concerns about censorship and our first amendment rights are protected at Make Ready TV.