About This Episode
In this episode of the Tactical Business Podcast, host Wade Skalsky sits down Kyle Grob of KGM Technologies. Dive into the world of suppressors with Kyle Grove of KGM Suppressors. Discover Kyle’s journey from mechanical engineer and machinist to leading a top-tier suppressor company. We debunk common myths, explore the evolving regulatory landscape, and discuss the critical role of engineering and manufacturing in creating high-performance, accurate products. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to suppressors, this episode is packed with expert insights you won’t want to miss.
Insights In This Episode
- Start with a .22 can—it’s the cheapest, most fun, and quietest introduction to suppressed shooting.
- Center-fire rifle suppressors offer the most practical application for hunters and sport shooters.
- The market is infantile; it’s a ground-floor opportunity compared to the saturated firearm market.
- 3D printing is for rapid prototyping, not yet for high-volume, cost-effective production of durable cans.
Today’s Guest
Kyle Grob | KGM Technologies
KGM Tech is a leading IT services and solutions provider specializing in digital transformation. They offer expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and custom software development, helping businesses modernize their operations and achieve scalable, secure, and innovative technological growth.
Featured on the Show
About Tactical Business
Tactical Business is the weekly business show for the firearms industry. The podcast features in-depth interviews with the entrepreneurs, professionals and technologists who are enabling the next generation of firearms businesses to innovate and grow.
Episode Summary
Kyle Grove: Working To Scale Affordable Suppressors
In this episode of the Tactical Business Podcast, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Kyle Grob, founder of KGM Suppressors. They dive deep into the engineering, business, and evolving landscape of the suppressor industry. Kyle shares his unique journey from mechanical engineer and machinist to leading a company dedicated to creating high-performance, accurate products.
From Engineering Passion to Industry Innovation
Kyle’s path was not a direct one. With a background in mechanical engineering, robotic welding, and a passion for motorsports fabrication, he started a machine shop as a side business. A lifelong shooter, his foray into suppressors began around 2015 out of a desire to solve a specific problem: maintaining a rifle’s accuracy when suppressed. What started as a side project using extra machine time quickly grew into a full-fledged business, fueled by a core philosophy of applying rigorous engineering and fluid mechanics to create a “better mousetrap.”
A Market Poised for Exponential Growth
The conversation highlights a dramatic shift in the suppressor market. Kyle dispels common myths, noting that public perception has evolved from seeing them as niche, illegal items to recognizing them as vital safety devices for hearing protection. He explains that digitalization has slashed ATF approval times from months to sometimes hours, removing a major barrier for consumers. With further regulatory easing on the horizon, including the potential removal of the $200 tax stamp, Kyle predicts significant market expansion as suppressors become more accessible and are viewed more as consumables with a service life.
The Business of Manufacturing at Scale
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the unique challenges of manufacturing in the heavily regulated firearms space. Kyle details hurdles like:
- Difficulty securing banking and credit card processing.
- Intense scrutiny on material and equipment procurement.
- The capital-intensive nature of scaling production.
He emphasizes that true innovation lies not just in designing a perfect prototype, but in creating a design that can be manufactured efficiently and consistently at a large volume. KGM focuses on this scalable manufacturing to drive down costs and provide better value to the end-user.
Customer Education as a Core Value
For those new to suppressors, Kyle recommends starting with a .22LR or a center-fire rifle can for the most practical application. He stresses that the entire industry benefits from patient customer service and education. KGM prioritizes helping customers—even if it doesn’t lead to a direct sale—by demystifying the purchasing process and guiding them to the right product for their needs, believing that an educated consumer is good for the entire ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: Efficiency and Value
KGM’s future plan is centered on continuous growth and diversification, which includes contract manufacturing for other industries. The ultimate goal is to refine manufacturing methods to capture economies of scale, allowing them to offer high-quality, accurate suppressors at more accessible price points, further fueling the market’s growth.