The Gun Experiment

“Obstacles don’t always mean stop. Sometimes the next solution appears only after you commit to moving forward." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Josh Smunk of Hooves, Horns, and Hideaways. Josh shares how he sold his business, moved across the country, and created a new career centered on backcountry hunting, pack llamas, blood tracking, taxidermy, and guide...

“Don’t look for a cheat code. Do the Work." Episode Summary We welcome Rachel Maloney back to The Gun Experiment for a wide-ranging conversation about firearms training, product development, the firearms industry, New York gun laws, voting, privacy, and technology. Rachel shares how she balances her work as co-owner of Onsite Firearms Training with her marketing role in the night-vision industry....

“We the people have the power.” The future of the Second Amendment depends on citizens who understand their rights, get involved, and refuse to leave the work to someone else." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Jared Yanis, creator of Guns and Gadgets Second Amendment News, for a wide-ranging conversation about firearms training, Second Amendment litigation, t...

The right training, gear, and tactics depend on the situation you’re preparing for. "Context" is Important ion these matters Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we welcome Sean Martin into the studio for a wide-ranging conversation about shooting, concealed carry, competition, firearms training, and the gun industry. We talk about Night Vision’s acquisition of Zaffiri Precision,...

“There's nothing in this country you shouldn't be able to own. That's what freedom looks like.” Episode Summary We catch up with Casey Betzold, Director of Global Solutions at Brownells and founder of Operator Coffee. We talk about the mission behind Operator Coffee’s new Homestead roast, why meaningful family conversations begin at home, and what Casey Betzold is seeing across the global firearms...

"Family preparedness is shared preparedness. Everyone who may need to respond should know the plan and have a meaningful role." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we discuss preparedness, self-reliance, survival skills, and practical ways to become more capable when everyday systems fail. We’re joined by Bob “T” Toombs of Mountain Readiness, who grew up off-grid without electri...

“New technology is really great right now, but it has the potential to be really not great given enough time.” ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Summary We sit down with...

The Gun Experiment – Caleb Quanbeck Episode Maxim Passion doesn’t have to fit neatly into one lane. Episode Summary In this episode, Keith and I sit down with professional drift car driver and avid shooter Caleb Quanbeck. We dive into Caleb’s unique journey that fuses the adrenaline of professional drifting with an unwavering dedication to firearms and the Second Amendment community. Caleb shares...

"Every convenience has a cost. How much privacy, independence and freedom are you willing to give up in exchange for safety." In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Matt Larsen, widely known for his work developing modern military combatives, to explore competing ideas of fairness, social mobility, privacy, and personal freedom. We discuss whether “fair” means equal outcomes or eq...

"The first rule of tactical gear is you gotta look cool wearing it—followed closely by making sure it actually does its job." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, I sit down with Big Keith for an in-depth conversation about the world of ballistic protection, manufacturing challenges, and what it takes to build a company focused on American innovation. We’re joined by Alex Poythre...

“When it comes to facilitating major change for our community, unity is our greatest weapon." Episode Summary In this episode, I sat down with my good friend Frank Riess from Wallkill River Small Arms to chop it up on all things firearms, hunting, and the current rollercoaster of Second Amendment news. We dig into Frank’s upcoming big game hunt for ibex in Kyrgyzstan, discuss the recent Staccato d...

Craftsmanship isn't just about mastering a skill—it's about mentorship, legacy, and carrying forward a tradition with passion and purpose. Episode Summary In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Mackenzie Maes of Blown Deadline Custom Cerakote. We explore the profound impact of mentorship in the firearms industry, with Mackenzie sharing how she learned the craft directly from t...

Honest feedback, and deliberate practice are the foundations of real self improvement. Episode Summary In this episode, Big Keith and I chop it up with Jon Dufresne of Kinetic Consulting. We explore his ever-evolving approach to firearms training, dive into the challenges and realities of night vision for both civilians and law enforcement, and get his take on gear like ballistic helmets, ear prot...

"Perseverance is the most important word in the dictionary—no matter what life throws at you, come back ready to fight." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we dive into the realities of military service, sacrifice, and the enduring battles faced after coming home. Joined by Anthony Dyer, retired United States Air Force combat special missions aviator and author of the memoir Mo...

"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 r...

"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 th...

"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 ex...

“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), an...

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...

“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,...

"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 sha...

"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 opportuniti...

“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. W...

"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 safe...

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 lead...