The Gun Experiment

"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...

"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...