"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 instructor integrity, the Tim Kennedy Stolen Valor uproar, and the risks and realities of running multiple remote jobs. Rounding it out are laughs about monks getting blackmailed, pet adoption booms thanks to superhero movies, and practical tips for standard-setting and continuous improvement in firearms training.

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Key Takeaways

• Hornet stories remind us: Stay humble; there’s always someone with a crazier story (like getting shot in the face).
• Holster “cheat code”: Jared reveals how to navigate Safariland’s often-frustrating holster finder. Gun + “Any Optic” + big or small light = will it fit? (Most times, yes.)
• Sig P320 debate: We discuss the FBI’s latest report, the importance of transparency, and why reliability and user trust matter, especially for EDC and agency contracts.
• Integrity in instruction: Talking about the Tim Kennedy controversy, we stress the need for honesty, policing our own communities, and the long-term value of reputation over hype.
• Training mindset: Master the fundamentals, set and understand your standards, and don’t skip building a ritual for your performance—whether on the range or at home.
• Diversifying the learning experience: Hosting different instructors with ethos and strong material helps create well-rounded gun owners and shooters.
• Work hustles and ethics: Want to juggle multiple remote jobs? It’s possible, but your hustle—and your morals—will set you apart.
• The lighter side: From horney monks, airline AI ticket pricing, to the explosion of dog adoptions after the new Superman movie—a reminder that the coolest gun guys have lives, laughs, and opinions about everything under the sun.

Guest Information

• Jared Reston
• IG: @restongrouptraining
• Website: restongrouptraining.com
• Specializes in: Duty gear expertise at Safariland, firearms training, and owner of a chocolate shop in Jacksonville, FL.
• Ben Dewalt
• IG: @onsightfirearmstraining
• Website: oftllc.us
• Specializes in: Firearms instruction, bringing in top industry educators.

Keywords

gun podcast, firearms training, Safariland holster finder, Sig P320 controversy, performance shooting, after action report, gun instructor integrity, Tim Kennedy Stolen Valor, Streamlight lawsuit, training standards, appendix carry, law enforcement firearm, gun community, mushroom coffee, online gunsmithing, remote work hustle, dog adoption, gun safety, gun experiment, Ben Dewalt, Jared Reston, The Gun Experiment podcast, shooting fundamentals, modern firearms instruction

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