"Stay tolerant and encourage real discourse, even when the world seems divided." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I are joined by Matt Riker, CEO of Kings River Custom, for a raw, wide-ranging discussion on unity, division, and the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk right before the anniversary of 9/11. We don’t shy away from the tough feelings, the media’s role in fueling division, and the hard questions about political extremism, violence, and what unites ...
Sep 16, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 87
"Every journey into the firearms space is fueled by passion, persistence, and a relentless commitment to quality—no shortcuts." Episode Summary In this episode, Big Keith and I sit down in the studio with Mitch Eckler, the mastermind behind Hangfire TV and a prolific contributor to Athlon Outdoors. We get into the nitty gritty of content creation in the firearms world, tackling everything from overcoming social media algorithm hurdles to the impact of AI on writing and photography, and why build...
Sep 09, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 132
“Medical training may not be as sexy as buying a new gun, but saving a life makes you a true hero.” Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we “chop it up” with Kerry “Pocket Doc” Davis, former Air Force flight medic and owner of Dark Angel Medical. Mike and Big Keith dive into the vital importance of medical training within the 2A and preparedness community, sharing real stories of why it should matter just as much as those new firearm purchases. We touch on practical training ad...
Sep 02, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 86
"When you are struggling to take action, break big goals into small, actionable steps. Persistence isn’t about giant leaps, but about steady, continual progress—however small." Episode Summary In this episode, Big Keith and I welcomed Conor Donahue, a former Navy SEAL and CEO/co-founder of Ace Virtual Shooting, to The Gun Experiment. We dove into Conor’s transition from military service to the tech-entrepreneurial world, exploring how his experiences shaped both his character and the innovative ...
Aug 26, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 131
“Protecting Americana means more than just owning American guns—it's about celebrating our history, building community, and being proud of who we are.”Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we chop it up with Eli Duckworth, head of marketing at Alchemy Custom Weaponry and a proud 1911 gun owner. We kick off with some laughs about golf, wrestling, and the Hulkster’s passing, dive into laws about losing your guns and the controversy around brandishing, and share thoughts on current...
Aug 19, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 85
"Buy once, cry once: Investing in quality gear upfront can make all the difference—whether you're prepping for adventure, everyday carry, or an emergency scenario. Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Kevin Wexler, the international sales rep for Eberlestock—a brand renowned for innovative, modular outdoor gear, tactical backpacks, and high-performance equipment for hunting, preparedness, and shooting sports. We explored Kevin’s journey from Bay Area bookworm t...
Aug 12, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 130
"Setting personal goals, both in training and in life, fuels growth and resilience."Episode Summary In this episode, I was joined in the studio by Rachel Maloney from Night Fision and Glow Rhino, filling in for Big Keith, who was on vacation. We kicked things off with some fun banter about keeping up with our kids and how humbling it is to realize the next generation can run circles around us at the gym or pool. We covered a lot of ground, starting with current happenings in the firearms industr...
Aug 05, 2025•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 84
"Don’t show up to class—or any opportunity—just to do what you always do. Be ready to learn and adapt."Episode Summary On this episode of The Gun Experiment, we are joined in studio by gun industry pros and instructors Ben Dewalt and Jared Reston. We talk about everything from Mikes battle with an angry hornet to performance shooting tactics taught by Jared Reston. We tackle thorny industry news like the Sig P320 controversy and Streamlight lawsuits, while also discussing the importance of instr...
Jul 29, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 83
“Innovation should meet the needs of those who rely on it.” Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Keith and I sat down with Keith Barry—owner of 51Fifty Rifles, a passionate innovator in the firearm industry making serious waves with his warrior-inspired designs. From honoring his Vietnam veteran father with a custom AR build to raising money for fallen officers in Dallas, Keith takes us along on his journey of turning tragic events and real-world needs into groundbreaking firea...
Jul 22, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 129
Stay vigilant and adaptable—the rules can change quickly. "Politically, legally, socially—be informed and prepare for anything." Episode Summary In this episode of Chopping It Up on The Gun Experiment, we sit down with our friend and industry insider Casey Betzold for an engaging and insightful discussion. We unpack Casey’s new international role at Brownells, dive into the big differences between American and European gun culture, and exchange some hilarious (and awkward) parenting stories. We ...
Jul 15, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 82
“Skills are the real superpower. From shooting under night vision to rendering medical aid, what you know is just as valuable as what you own.” Episode Summary In this action-packed episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Sam Houston—military veteran, UAV operator, and night vision specialist with Greenline Tactical and Warrior Poet Society. Sam takes us on a deep dive into his unique career path, starting as a Navy crewman on P3C Orion surveillance aircraft before becoming a key player ...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 128
"Everyone has a shot here. In America, your freedom—and what you do with it—is only limited by your own ambition and willingness to fight for what’s right."Episode Summary On this special Independence Day episode of The Gun Experiment, we are chopping it up to celebrate America, gun rights, and what it truly means to pursue freedom in this country. We kicked off with some 4th of July spirit—yes Keith's American flag golf shirt did its job! Then, we caught up with our guest co-host, Evan Floodman...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 80
"There is no path to mastery other than training." Episode Summary Welcome to another episode of The Gun Experiment! This week we take a dive deep with Matt Little, a US Army Special Forces combat veteran, SWAT team supervisor, lifelong martial artist, competitive master class shooter, and author of the best-selling book The Way is in Training . Matt opens up about his unique path to the military, influences from his fighter pilot father, transitioning from the battlefield to law enforcement, an...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 127
"Don’t settle for 'just good enough' when it comes to liberty."Episode Summary In this lively episode of The Gun Experiment, we are joined by returning guests Ben Dewalt and Rachel Maloney for an in-depth discussion on current Second Amendment issues, gun culture, and the evolving landscape of firearms legislation in America. The group tackles timely topics like the suppressor movement, state reciprocity agreements, and the Rhode Island assault weapons ban—unpacking how such regulations impact e...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 79
" Style, substance, and the spirit of the 1911— the reason it will never goes out of fashion." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Eli Duckworth—a marketing powerhouse, 1911 enthusiast, and a man with iconic style. Together, they dive deep into Eli’s fascination with classic firearms, especially the 1911, and how he’s channeled his passion into a successful career with Alchemy Custom Weaponry. The conversation flows from Eli's unique Gen Z approach to vintage ...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 126
"Don’t underestimate the power of the Second Amendment community."Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we are joined by returning guest Kurt Sills, cofounder of Blue Alpha Gear, for an engaging and often humorous roundtable discussion. We kick it off with Keith's maiden voyage using a leather shoulder rig for his 1911, sparking a broader chat about the evolution and challenges of everyday carry (EDC) gear, concealment, and holster innovation. Kurt offers an inside look at Blue ...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 78
Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Mike and Keith are joined by Bo Stewart, co-owner of American Milsim—one of the country’s leading airsoft event organizers. The discussion dives deep into how Airsoft and MilSim (Military Simulation) can supplement real-world firearms training and tactics, enhance teamwork, and provide unique opportunities for force-on-force exercises. Bo explains the evolution and inner workings of American Milsim’s immersive events, sharing insightful pers...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 125
Episode Summary In this lively episode of The Gun Experiment’s “Chopping It Up,” we welcome back personal friend and local FFL, Frank Riess of Wallkill River Small Arms, for an insightful conversation mixing firearms history, Second Amendment news, and personal anecdotes. The trio kicks off with stories about teaching kids about taxes, memorable shooting trips, and the hazards of dealing with modern deliveries. Frank brings his deep knowledge to the table with a fascinating segment on the Nation...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 77
"Success in business now, in my opinion, is creativity." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, hosts Mike and Big Keith sit down with Tom Kubiniec, the CEO of Securit Gun Storage. Tom delves into his journey from a rock guitarist to a prominent figure in the gun storage industry, highlighting the inception and growth of his company. The discussion covers innovative gun storage solutions, the importance of modularity, and how to build a dream gun room that combines both style and...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 124
"Recognize that firearms aren’t inherently good or bad—it’s how people use them and the intent behind the action that matters." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment , we welcome back Adam Kraut, Executive Director of the Second Amendment Foundation, for a lively conversation that blends gun rights advocacy, legal insight, and personal stories. Adam updates listeners on the latest initiatives at SAF, including their work on the Gun Rights Policy Conference, new educational progra...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 76
"Prepare for the unexpected, and protect yourself accordingly." Episode Summary In this episode we welcome back Second Amendment attorney Peter Tilem of Tilem and Associates. The conversation centers around legal defense for gun owners in New York, with a focus on Peter's New York TAC Defense prepaid legal plan as a solution to the lack of concealed carry insurance options in the state. The hosts and Peter dive into recent gun law headlines, including Supreme Court decisions on age restrictions,...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 75
"Competition breeds excellence; focus on practical shooting to push the envelope." Episode Summary: In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Mike and Big Keith sit down with USPSA Grand Master shooter, Billy Barton, to discuss his journey in the competitive shooting world. From his early days in Virginia to becoming a master in just twenty-one months, Billy shares insights into his training methodologies and the balance between competition and self-defense proficiency. He offers tips on what makes...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 123
"Engage in the conversation, stay informed, and let your voice be heard in the realm of gun rights and community." Episode Summary In this episode of "The Gun Experiment," hosts Mike and Big Keith delve into a variety of topics with guest Fred Mastison. The conversation covers Fred's travels and diverse training programs, including precision rifle and Japanese sword classes. The discussion shifts to current gun laws, the nuances of the court system, and significant updates about the second amend...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 74
Welcome to The Gun Experiment. On this episode we sit down with a former Marine Captain about the harsh realities of war. We release new content every Tuesday morning so be sure to subscribe and share the show with friends. Subscribe here Today’s episode is brought to you by Kings River Custom 1911’s. When we say custom we mean it. If you can dream it, KRC can make it, from mild to wild they’ve got you covered. Matt Riker is the CEO of KRC, but he is also a great friend. He wants to make sure th...
Apr 08, 2025•58 min•Ep. 122
We release new content every Tuesday morning so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Subscribe here Tonight we are joined by one of our favorite guest co-hosts. He has joined us many times before and is back in the studio to chop it up with us. Please welcome back the father of modern Army combatives, the one and only Matt Larsen. Ways to support the show: 1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com 2. Subscribe, Leave us 5 stars and comment on Apple or Spotify 3. Follow u...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 3
Welcome to The Gun Experiment. On this episode we sit down with a former Navy Seal for a conversation about his time in service and discuss improving fitness and self-motivation. We release new content every Tuesday morning so be sure to subscribe and share the show with friends. Subscribe here I love my Tupperware guns, but I have to admit that there is something special about a custom 1911. Kings River Customs just wrapped up their 1st collaboration with Master engraver Alex Surmak and it’s up...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 121
What’s Up Keith? We release new content every Tuesday morning so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Subscribe here Tonight’s guest co-host has been in the studio many, many times and we are lucky to have him back to chop it up with us; I'm pleased to welcome back Ben DeWalt of Onsight Firearms Training. Catch up with Ben Ways to support the show: 1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com 2. Subscribe, Leave us 5 stars and comment on Apple or Spotify 3. Follow us on ins...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 72
Welcome to The Gun Experiment. On this episode we sit down with a former Marine who saved countless lives during a Mass Shooting and talk about defending our 2A rights in the ongoing modern culture war. We release new content every Tuesday morning so be sure to subscribe and share the show with friends. Subscribe here I spoke to Matt Riker from Kings River Custom’s today and he shared some really cool news with me: They are collaborating with Jim Shockey, the famed hunter and host of Outdoor Cha...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 120
We release new content every Tuesday morning so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Subscribe here Today’s guest co-host joined us right before SHOT Show and he’s back again to chop it up; it’s my pleasure to welcome Stephen Morgan from Primary Arms . Ways to support the show: 1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com 2. Subscribe, Leave us 5 stars and comment on Apple or Spotify 3. Follow us on instagram and/or FB: Instagram Facebook 4. Be a part of our private communi...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 71
Welcome to The Gun Experiment. On this episode we sit down with a former Army bomb tech turned moonshiner and discuss suicide prevention in the veteran and second amendment community. As a reminder, we release new content every Tuesday morning so be sure to subscribe and share the show with friends. Subscribe here Today’s episode is sponsored by Kings River Custom’s. KRC is a collaborative effort of over 20 years of expertise in the world of bespoke 1911 craftsmanship. From the ownership group t...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 119
