The Gun Experiment

"Embrace a wide range of interests—curiosity leads to growth." Episode Summary

In this episode, we chopped it up with Chris Long, the marketing manager from Walther Arms. Mike and Keith shared tales of epic road trips (one going south, the other north!), compared favorite bourbons, and discussed what makes an exceptional range day. Chris gave us the inside scoop on Walther’s latest projects, the rare and collectible Mei...

"Mindset is the foundation of survival—be prepared, adaptable, and stay resilient, no matter where life takes you." Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with special guest Michael Caughran, founder of American Reconstruction Concepts and former Air Force SERE instructor, to explore survival, escape, and evasion skills for everyday citizens. We cover everything from the Gray Man philosophy, situat...

"If you fail and you learn something from it, that is actually a success." Episode Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Ben DeWalt of On Site Firearms Training and Erick Gelhaus of Cougar Mountain Solutions for an in-depth, no-nonsense discussion about firearms training, collaborative teaching, skill development, and the importance of a growth mindset on the range. Ben and Eric shared their experiences co-teaching pistol perfo...

“Sometimes the stories behind the tools we use are just as powerful as the reasons we carry them.” Episode Summary

On this episode of The Gun Experiment, we chop it up with our regular in-studio guest, Frank Riess from Wallkill River Small Arms. We kick things off with some banter, dive into the latest 2A news (including Supreme Court rulings on gun rights and self-defense for marijuana users), and nerd out on everythin...

Show Notes – The Gun Experiment: "Stereo Mix" with Clint Smith Episode Maxim

"Technology will not make up for technique."

Episode Summary

Welcome to another episode of The Gun Experiment! Big Keith and I are joined by the legendary Clint Smith—a Marine Corps veteran, former law enforcement officer, and foundational icon in the world of firearms training. In this episode, we talk about transitions in life, the importance...

“If you’re not prepared to protect your rights, someone else will decide how you live.” Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Peter Tilem, Second Amendment attorney and bourbon buddy, to chop it up on the latest legal battles, gun rights issues, and regulatory absurdities coming out of New York and beyond. We cover the implications of the new so-called “Glock ban,” why...

"You never get a second shot at quality—do it right the first time." Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Gage Moulding, the Vice President of HSM Ammunition, to talk about all things ammo. We dig deep into the science and consistency required to build truly reliable ammunition, the importance of family culture in a manufacturing business, and how real-world feedback from shooters shapes the products HSM produces...

"Getting your hands dirty and embracing real-world experiences is the best way to grow—failure is just information that makes you better." Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Diedrich, the content director for Recoil Off Grid and a true outdoors and survival enthusiast. We chop it up about everything from homesteading inspiration and turning failures into learning opportunities, to behind-the-scenes stor...

“There are a lot of people making sharp, stabby things, but you do it with style, my friend.” Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Oregon-based artisan knife maker Levi Walusiak, owner of Lucky Walusiak Creations. We dive into the world of custom knife making, exploring the importance of quality craftsmanship, design philosophy, and what truly sets a great blade apart from the rest. We geek out over his mos...

"Be prepared, stay protected — because you never know when you’ll need it." Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I team up for another round of Chopping It Up, joined by our returning guest, Todd Meeks, CEO of Spartan Armor Systems. We kick things off with some lighthearted stories before diving deep into the world of body armor, ballistic helmets, and evolving safety solutions for civili...

Episode Maxim "When it comes to firearms training—there’s no substitute for real-time coaching and learning to think outside the box." Episode Summary

In this episode, Keith and I sit down with Jack Daniel, Director of Training at Thunder Ranch, to dive deep into the art and science of firearms training. Drawing on his 19-year law enforcement career specializing in patrol, narcotics, and SWAT leadership, Jack shares the...

"I believe that fundamentals never change—but as shooters and instructors, we should never stop evolving and learning." Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down once again with our friend Ben DeWalt from On Sight Firearms Training. We dive deep into the ongoing challenges every shooter faces—grip, sights, and trigger control—and why diagnosing your own problems on the range is so critical. Ben talks through th...

"You don’t have to start at the top—gear up with purpose, innovate, and don’t let price keep you out of the game."

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Gun Experiment, I sit down with Big Keith and our special guest, Rob Godek, the Director of AceTac Gear. We dive deep into the origins of AceTac, from its humble roots in a garage to becoming a respected name in modular and adaptable tactical gear. Rob opens up...

"Marketing isn’t sales, and authenticity always wins in the firearms industry." Episode Summary

In this episode, we are joined by Zeke Stout. We dive into everything from the Nashville food scene and trade shows, to the serious side of firearms marketing, Second Amendment culture, and current events impacting gun owners. Zeke Stout brings a wealth of experience in the firearms industry, offering insights on marketing best pra...

"Freedom must be taught, protected, and passed on to the next generation—it’s not inherited, it’s earned."

Episode Summary In this jam-packed episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I sit down with Keith Davis, better known as “2A Dad,” to dive deep into passing down freedom, responsibility, and gun safety through our families. We explore the evolution of the 2A Family and how the journey started...

"Purpose-driven choices lead to better gear and growth in the sport."

Episode Summary

In this episode, we chop it up with Roy Hill, Senior Editor and Brand Copy Manager at Magpul Industries. We talk about shooting sports for kids, new innovations from Magpul, the importance of modularity, and how to approach building your AR-15. We also dig into the recent news involving Second Amendment rights, military carry, birthright citizensh...

"Be a man of your word, don’t be a hypocrite."

Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we chopped it up with Frank Riess, owner of Wallkill River Small Arms and our favorite recurring guest co-host. We dove into the current state of the firearms industry, the surprising resurgence of first-time buyers, and the ever-persistent confusion around New York gun laws. We also tackled the ammo supply crunch, the great...

"Critical Thinking Is As Valuable As As any Other Skill You Train."

Episode Summary On this episode of The Gun Experiment, Keith and I dive deep into the world of executive protection with veteran and security expert Ashton Dickey. We explore how Ashton transitioned from combat medic and nurse to running his own executive protection company. Ashton gives us a no-nonsense look at what the job really entails versus Hollywood glamor,...

"Innovation drives excellence—hard fit, hard use, and yes, it must look damn good."

Episode Summary On this episode of The Gun Experiment, I sit down with Matt Riker, CEO of Kings River Custom, to celebrate our 100th Chopping It Up episode! We dig into what makes Kings River Custom 1911s stand out from industry giants, the value of employee ownership, and that sweet spot between form, function, and firepower. We dive deeper ...