"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 building a genuine voice matters more than ever. Mitch shares his journey from music to guns, his take on revolvers and 1911s, and the realities of trying to make it behind enemy lines here in New York. We also dive into advocacy, staying motivated despite challenges, and tips for anyone wanting to get involved in the 2A community.

Call to Action

1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com

2. Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify

3. Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Facebook

4. Be a part of our growing community, join our Discord page!

5. Grab some cool TGE merch

6. Ask us anything at [email protected]

5. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are a big part of making the show possible.

Show Sponsors

• Modern Gun Trade School: Turn your passion for firearms into a career with hands-on, at-your-own-pace online gunsmithing courses. Visit mgs.edu or call 1-800-493-4114—tell them The Gun Experiment sent you!
• Spartan Armor Systems: Stay ready and protected with premier, made-in-the-USA body armor. Visit spartanarmorsystems.com for civilian and professional defensive gear.

Key Takeaways

• Persistence and authenticity are key to success in firearms content creation.
• Building a portfolio (even starting a YouTube channel) can open doors in the industry.
• AI and large language models (LLMs) are here to stay; use them to bolster your writing, but don’t lose your unique voice.
• Social media platforms can be tough for gun content—follow the rules, create original photos, and stay “middle of the road.”
• New York gun owners face unique challenges, but local and national organizations work behind the scenes to protect 2A rights. Donating to any is better than none!
• The importance of supporting local gun shops and continuing your firearms education.
• Authenticity in content—whether written, photographed, or filmed—will always stand out, no matter how advanced technology becomes.
• Getting started is about doing the hard work first and being willing to take risks and show up, even when it’s tough.

Guest Information

• Mitch Eckler
• Host & Creator of Hangfire TV (YouTube)
• Contributing author at Athlon Outdoors (Read Mitch's work here)
• Instagram: @thebadgunsmith
• Focus: Real-world firearms education, product reviews, and 2A advocacy

Keywords firearms podcast, gun industry, 2A content creator, gun rights advocacy, Mitch Eckler, Hangfire TV, Athlon Outdoors, SUNY Oneonta, AI in writing, gun marketing, YouTube firearms content, gun community New York, Second Amendment, concealed carry tips, social media gun censorship, Spartan Armor, Modern Gun Trade School, firearms training, gun merch, best revolvers, New York gun laws, content creation tips, firearm photography, writing with AI

For more, be sure to check the links in our show notes or connect with us across social media! Thanks for tuning in to The Gun Experiment!