The Gun Experiment

"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...

"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 ge...

"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 i...

"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 sta...

"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, m...

"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 a...

"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 reall...

"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, an...

"In moments of crisis, we don’t rise to the occasion—we sink to the level of our training." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, We sit down with Kris Hasenauer, a retired Special Forces Green Beret and current CEO of Emerald Medical. We dive deep into the world of tactical medicine, trauma care, mental health, and the cutting-edge therapies available for veterans and first respo...

"As citizens, we are in charge—especially when we take charge." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we chop it up with Second Amendment attorney Peter Tilem. We dive deep into current legal issues facing gun owners in New York, from storage laws to the controversial proposed Glock ban, and the latest challenges to sensitive location restrictions in neighboring New Jersey. We sha...

"Remember that being underestimated is an opportunity. Carve out your own niche, innovate, and let your authenticity do the talking." Episode Summary: Welcome to this episode of The Gun Experiment, where Big Keith and I sit down with Chris Long, the content and communications manager — now head of marketing — for Walther Arms. We kick things off sharing funny and awkward stories from daily life, t...

"When things look bleak, stay true to your beliefs because hope and a positive perspective can move mountains." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we chop it up with Casey Betzold, Director of Global Solutions at Brownell's, and dive into everything from gun laws across the US and the globe, to what makes American gun culture unique. We share listener stories, talk about buildi...

"Restraint is a skill—it's just as important to decide when not to act as it is to act decisively." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Erick Gelhaus, a highly experienced firearms instructor with a career spanning the U.S. Army, law enforcement, and the civilian sector. We dig into everything from the evolution of use-of-force thinking, the realities of law enf...

"True gun culture isn't about what you own—it's about how you welcome, respect, and learn with others on the journey."Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and Mike kick things off chatting about mushroom coffee, new gear, and some funny family moments. We have a big announcement—HSM Ammunition is now our official ammo sponsor! Most importantly, we're chopping it up with...

Slow down, think clearly, and prepare in a practical manner. Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, my co-host Big Keith and I sit down with Patrick Diedrich, the editorial content director for Recoil Off Grid magazine. We dive deep into the world of survival and preparedness, drawing on Patrick’s background in military reconnaissance, wilderness search and rescue, and hands-on sur...

“Context is everything—whether you’re training to protect yourself or chasing the thrill of competition, know why you’re doing what you’re doing.”Episode Summary In this episode, Keith and I are joined in studio by our longtime friend Sean Martin, AKA Pink Shirt Tactical, media manager for Night Vision and pro shooter for Onsite Firearms Training. We dive deep into the world of competitive shootin...

Episode Maxim "Purpose doesn’t end when you take off the uniform—find your next mission." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I sit down with retired Green Beret and motorsports competitor, Nick Merrick. After a career built on strategic thinking and resilience in Special Forces, Nick Merrick decided to channel that same drive into motorsports—founding Green Beret...

“There’s no substitute for pressure testing your skills—whether on the range or in life, the ability to adapt under stress is what sets you up for success.”Episode Summary In this episode, Big Keith and I (Mike) sit down with Matt Little aka “Gray Beard Actual”—retired Army Green Beret, former SWAT officer, USPSA grandmaster shooter, and host of “The Way is Training” podcast. We chop it up about c...

“Focus on the basics, chase consistency, and embrace the journey.” Episode Summary On this episode of The Gun Experiment, I sat down with Ben Dewalt of On Site Firearms Training and Tim Herron, USPSA Grandmaster and firearms instructor, for an in-depth conversation all about pistol training. We discussed philosophies on improvement, how to design performance-oriented classes, and dispelled common...

Episode Maxim Understanding the psychology behind violence is key to protecting ourselves, our families, and our society. Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I, Mike , sit down with renowned forensic psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman. We dig deep into the psychological roots of violence—examining how childhood trauma, societal shifts, and even the media we consume...

Episode Maxim "Celebrate innovation, embrace craftsmanship, and champion the values that shape gun culture—whether it’s gear, mindset, or our rights." Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with Mitch Eckler to chop it up about everything from German gun culture, American trailblazing, and the latest gear to the state of the Second Amendment. We uncork some Penelope Bourbon, get hands-on with...

"True awareness starts with connection—to nature, to people, and to our environment. Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Fred Osuna, a renowned expert on advanced human tracking and anti-tracking skills. We dive deep into Fred Osuna’s background—from growing up in southern Arizona as part of the Yaqui tribe to his time in the Marine Corps and his transition to t...

War is the natural state of man—success depends on constant struggle, strength of character, and surrounding yourself with people of virtue. Episode Summary: On this episode of The Gun Experiment, I sit down with Matt Larsen, head of the U.S. Army's combatives program, for a deep, no-B.S. discussion about guns, philosophy, AI, economics, and what it means to be a high-value man. We dive into every...

"Stay within your means and never bet what you can’t afford to lose." Episode Summary In this episode, Big Keith and I sit down with Graig Davis, founder of NeoMag, to talk about his dedication to American manufacturing, his Second Amendment journey, and the story behind creating one of the most innovative everyday carry products in the firearms industry. From reminiscing about childhood gun cabin...

"You have a right to defend yourself—know the legal landscape and prepare for the unexpected." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Peter Tilem, Second Amendment attorney, founder of Tilem & Associates, and creator of New York Tac Defense. We chop it up over personal stories from the range, what to do (and what not to do) if you’re carrying during a traffic s...