State of the Second

This week John and Kailey sit down with Colton, founder and CEO of Reap Weaponries, to talk about the bullpup conversion system that’s shaking up the AR space. Built around modularity and compatibility with mil-spec lowers, REAP’s design keeps the familiarity of the AR while offering a compact, balanced alternative. ———————–  Thanks to Palmetto State...

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Jennifer from Urbnchc, a company creating stylish everyday carry bags with integrated Level 3A ballistic protection. Using DuPont™ Kevlar and patented deployment technology, these luxury leather bags are designed to provide discreet personal protection without the tactical look. ———————–  Thanks to Palmetto St...

This week, John sits down with Tamkin Collins, founder of Cakes Concealed Carry, a women-owned brand blending fashion and function for discreet everyday carry. After navigating California’s intense CCW process and being told off-body carry wasn’t viable, Tamkin set out to prove otherwise. One prototype turned into 6,000 bags sold in year one and an […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Johnny Q to break down how he went from viral spin art videos to full-time firearms content creator, why he built his platform around the phrase “Good question,” and how he’s helping new gun owners cut through internet myths without the ego or gatekeeping. ———————–  Thanks to […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Ben Stacy of Forge Relations to break down how gun companies can adapt, reach new gun owners, and build trust in a changing market in 2026. From marketing to young families and first-time buyers to navigating TikTok, short-form content, and platform restrictions, this conversation focuses on why […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Clint Smith, The Thunder Ranch founder and Marine combat veteran, to break down why pistols are tools of convenience, why rifles end fights, and what Clint means when he says, “Every bullet has a lawyer attached.” From reversing “shoot, move, communicate” to the safety culture the gun […]

In the first episode of Season 3, John and Kailey sit down with Scott Melton of Stellar Arms, a precision AR manufacturer with aerospace roots. From SpaceX-level tolerances to CNC-machined, diamond-cut “Executive” rifles, Stellar Arms builds AR-15 platforms designed for performance, reliability, and legacy.    We cover what sets a precision AR apart, why tight […]

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Dan and Danielle Morton of AmmoSquared about ammo shortages, caliber trends, and building an ammunition safety net for gun owners. We also cover why 9mm dominates and how new gun owners can simplify buying and storing ammo.    

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Adelina May, founder of Girls Just Wanna Have Guns, to discuss women’s firearms training, real-world concealed carry, and building confidence through education. Adelina breaks down common EDC mistakes, why training matters more than gear, and what the firearms industry still misses when it comes to reaching everyday […]

This week, John, Kailey, and Gay Chappy of Task Force 70 Foundation, explore how disconnects between civilians, law enforcement, and institutions have grown over time, how differences across states shape public perception, and why constitutional literacy matters more than ever. ———————–  Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring o...

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Gabby Franco and break down the mindset that actually builds skill and the mindset that actually builds community. They talk practical training, plus what competition is really like behind the scenes, pressure, discipline, and why it’s not the “drama” people assume. ———————–  Thanks to AAC Ammo & […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Kristen of Laser Ammo to talk dry-fire essentials, home training setups, real-world scenarios, women’s firearms education, and the most overlooked skills shooters ignore. We explore everything from gear to mindset and political involvement in the 2A world. ———————–   Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Arm...

This week, Kailey and John sit down with Bill from PTR. Learn how PTR is innovating with 3D-printed suppressors, diversifying into shotguns, and preparing for the future of gun ownership Plus, hear personal stories that reveal the passion behind the Second Amendment community. Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Dustin from Derya Arms to break down how the brand went from startup to U.S. manufacturing in under a year. Dustin shares his journey into the gun industry, why the DY9 has become one of the most underrated value pistols, and how Derya shifted 95% of DY9 […]

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Yehuda Remer, an Orthodox Jew, Second Amendment Advocate, and author of “Safety On: An introduction to the world of firearms for children.”  We cover real talk on gun culture, self-defense, and the mindset most people avoid. No ego, no BS, just the […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Rich Angstadt, founder of Angstadt Arms, to talk firearm innovation. From roller-delayed PCCs and 3D-printed suppressors to the future of the NFA. Discover how tradition meets technology and why suppressors may soon be the new normal. ———————–  Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring [&#8...

This week on State of the Second, we sit down with Tactical Advisor, a SWAT sniper, deputy sheriff, and creator, to talk about balancing law enforcement, faith, and the 2A content grind. We cover honest reviews, YouTube censorship, influencer pay, and how to stay real in the firearms industry. ———————–  Thanks to AAC Ammo & […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Anthony from Goat Guns to talk about how miniature firearms became a massive hit in the 2A world. From SIG collaborations to viral builds, Goat Guns are proving that even small-scale creations can make a big impact on gun culture.   ———————–  Thanks to AAC Ammo & […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Sean Patrick Tario, tech executive and co-founder of Mark37.com, to expose the truth about digital privacy, surveillance, and how Big Tech profits from your data. From iPhones that listen to every word to cars that track your every move, this is the reality they don’t want you […]

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Magic Prepper, a content creator who turned a life-changing moment into a mission of self-reliance.   From surviving an armed attack to building a preparedness lifestyle, he shares the lessons he’s learned about staying ready, protecting family, and empowering others to do […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Tim, founder of 2A Bourbon, a patriotic bourbon brand built to defend the Second Amendment and support veteran causes. Tim shares the powerful story behind the company’s founding, how bourbon and gun culture came together to fund real charitable impact, and why he donates every dollar of […]

This week, Kailey and John sit down with Nathan Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Defense, to dive into what makes a truly reliable AR. From his background in the military and oil field engineering to redefining “Mil-Spec,” Nathan shares how precision, durability, and smart design create rifles that perform when it counts. They also discuss everything […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Dan Peterson of Cerberus Live Scan & Merlin to show how 860+ FFLs speed NFA eForms, fingerprints, and inventory.    They hit on instant Form 3s, API-driven Form 4s, the $0 tax-stamp surge, and paper vs digital compliance, plus real tools FFLs can use now. ———————–  Thanks […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Adam Ruonala, VP of Business Development and Marketing of CANIK/Century Arms. They dive into the evolution of everyday carry pistols, the GOA x CANiK MC9 collaboration, and why the PRIME is packed with race-gun features. Adam also shares insights on the billboard fight in Oakland, what tariffs […]

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Isaac Botkin of T.REX Arms to discuss freedom, firearms, and the future of innovation in the gun industry. Isaac shares the story of how T.REX Arms grew from a small business into one of the most recognized names in the 2A […]