The Gun Experiment

We’re joined by Peter Tilem of Tilem & Associates and NY Tac Defense for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, self-defense, firearm laws, and Second Amendment litigation.

We start with an elk hunt in Colorado, including the experience of field dressing an animal, donating the meat, and why hunting can change the way we think about food and self-reliance. We also discuss the camaraderie that comes from hunting with family and longtime friends.

From there, we examine an Oregon school shooting intervention involving a legally owned concealed firearm, the Federal Gun-Free Schools Act, temporary lawful possession, and how prosecutors may exercise discretion in emergency situations. The conversation also explores New York’s sensitive-location laws and whether storing a firearm in a locked vehicle could still create a technical possession issue 22:35.

We also cover police access to cell phones during workplace investigations. The key point is clear: police generally need a warrant or consent to search a phone 27:47.

Our Second Amendment news segment focuses on ChatGPT’s restrictions on firearm-related advertising, New York’s body armor ban, and a Fifth Circuit ruling involving switchblades and the constitutional protection of bearable arms. We also discuss how the Bruen decision could require courts to reexamine regulations involving suppressors, short-barreled rifles, stun guns, knives, brass knuckles, and other weapons 47:39.

We close with a reminder that court victories can be reversed by new legislation, making voting and civic participation essential for gun owners.

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HSM Ammunition: Find hunting, competition, and range ammunition at hsmammunition.com.

Second Amendment Foundation: Learn more about its legal work and support its efforts at saf.org.

Thunder Range: A premier training facility with top notch instructors. Find a course at traintr.com

Colorado elk hunting offered a first experience with big-game hunting, field dressing, and the responsibilities that come with harvesting an animal.

Hunting can build camaraderie while creating a deeper connection to food, land, and self-reliance.

The discussion examined an armed civilian intervention during a school shooting in Oregon and the importance of response time during an emergency 15:08.

The Federal Gun-Free Schools Act applies to illegal firearms, while state laws can create additional restrictions.

New York’s sensitive-location statute refers to possessing a firearm, not merely carrying one, creating difficult questions for gun owners 22:35.

Police generally need a warrant or consent to search a cell phone 27:47.

Employers may require cooperation in workplace investigations, but compelled statements raise separate Fifth Amendment issues.

ChatGPT’s firearm-related advertising restrictions raise concerns about lawful gun businesses being singled out 35:50.

A federal court ruling found New York’s body armor ban unconstitutional under the Bruen historical-tradition test 38:09.

The Second Amendment applies to bearable arms beyond handguns, including knives and potentially other commonly restricted weapons 46:41.

Court victories matter, but elections determine which lawmakers will write the next round of firearm regulations 53:03.

Peter Tilem is a Second Amendment attorney with Tilem & Associates and the creator of New York Tac Defense. Learn more at nytacdefense.com

The Gun Experiment, Stereo Mix, Second Amendment, gun rights, firearm laws, New York gun laws, New York concealed carry, sensitive locations, Federal Gun-Free Schools Act, Oregon school shooting, armed civilian intervention, self-defense law, temporary lawful possession, gun lawyer, Peter Tilem, New York Tac Defense, workplace investigation, cell phone search warrant, Fourth Amendment, Fifth Amendment, ChatGPT gun policy, AI firearm advertising, body armor ban, Bruen decision, Second Amendment Foundation, switchblade laws, knife rights, bearable arms, suppressors, short-barreled rifles, elk hunting, Colorado elk hunt, field dressing, hunting and firearms, HSM Ammunition, gun rights elections.

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Josh Smunk of Hooves, Horns, and Hideaways. Josh shares how he sold his business, moved across the country, and created a new career centered on backcountry hunting, pack llamas, blood tracking, taxidermy, and guided hunts.

We discuss why llamas are effective pack animals in grizzly country, how they help hunters carry food, water, gear, and harvested game, and what can go wrong when a bear spooks a llama in the backcountry. Josh also explains how tracking dogs follow wounded game, why hunters should back out after a questionable shot, and how emotions can interfere with recovery efforts 25:45.

The conversation covers the physical demands of Western elk hunting, the importance of fitness and preparation, and the logistics behind Josh’s nine-day “hat trick,” where three hunters harvested three bull elk with archery equipment in a unit with an overall success rate of less than 7%

We also talk about recruiting new hunters, preserving hunting traditions, introducing kids and families to different types of hunting, tree saddles, firearm safety, Hawaii hunting opportunities, and the risks involved in changing your life’s direction.

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HSM Ammunition: Visit hsmammunition.com for hunting ammunition made in Montana with a focus on consistency, reliability, quality control, and American manufacturing.

Onsite Firearms Training: Find fundamentals, skill-building, and advanced firearm training at oftllc.us.

Josh’s wife gave him a deadline to leave the tree-service industry by age 35, helping prompt a major career and lifestyle change 09:16.

Josh says Western hunting requires more than shooting skills. Hunters need fitness, biological knowledge, survival skills, and the ability to handle difficult terrain 13:17.

Pack llamas require less water and feed than horses, are easier for beginners to manage, and can carry food, water, gear, and meat into rugged country 16:52.

Llamas can alert hunters to danger with a loud alarm bark, making them useful in grizzly country 20:49.

Blood tracking is as much about managing the hunter as following the trail. Josh says the dog does most of the tracking, while the initial questioning and scene management are critical 25:45.

After a questionable shot, backing out can prevent hunters from pushing wounded game farther away and contaminating the trail 27:30.

Western elk hunting is physically demanding before and after the shot. Josh says hunters often quit early because unfinished responsibilities at home weigh on them during a trip 31:28.

E-scouting and backup plans matter. Wildfires, road closures, poor wind, and empty country can quickly eliminate a primary hunting plan 36:12.

Josh’s nine-day hat trick produced three bull elk with archery equipment in a unit with less than a 7% overall success rate 43:56.

Hunting recruitment depends on passing along traditions, reducing gatekeeping, and introducing young people to approachable activities such as bird hunting and waterfowl hunting 51:15.

Josh believes hunting etiquette matters as much as recruitment. New hunters can damage long-standing landowner relationships when they ignore basic courtesy 56:19.

Josh recommends saddle systems for tree-stand safety, mobility, and improved contact with the tree 01:01:19.

Josh’s favorite firearm in his collection is a CZ Compact 7.5. His favorite caliber is .45-70, and he would choose training over being armed in a worst-case scenario 01:12:03.

Josh Smunk is the owner of Hooves, Horns, and Hideaways. He operates pack llamas, trains and conditions llamas for backcountry use, provides blood tracking services with working dogs, offers taxidermy services, and organizes hunting opportunities in Wyoming and Hawaii.

Josh’s website is hoofshornshideaways.com. He can also be found on Instagram at Josh Smunk and through the Hooves, Horns, and Hideaways

The Gun Experiment, Josh Smunk, Hooves Horns and Hideaways, Western elk hunting, elk hunting, archery elk hunting, backcountry hunting, Wyoming hunting, Hawaii hunting, pack llamas, llama packing, pack animals, grizzly bear country, blood tracking dogs, wounded game recovery, hunting dogs, taxidermy, European mounts, hunting fitness, e-scouting, hunting preparation, hunting safety, tree saddle hunting, tree stand safety, hunting recruitment, hunting traditions, self-reliance, outdoor skills, backcountry survival, hunting gear, .45-70, CZ Compact 7.5, firearm training, HSM Ammunition, Onsite Firearms Training

We welcome Rachel Maloney back to The Gun Experiment for a wide-ranging conversation about firearms training, product development, the firearms industry, New York gun laws, voting, privacy, and technology.

Rachel shares how she balances her work as co-owner of Onsight Firearms Training with her marketing role in the night-vision industry. We discuss the importance of torture-testing new products across different environments, hand sizes, ammunition types, firearms, and altitudes before releasing them 18:47.

We also explore the training gap between shooting for accuracy and handling a firearm efficiently. Rachel makes the case for short, low-pressure dry-fire classes focused on reloads, draws, garment clearance, malfunction drills, and safe gun handling 22:20.

The conversation turns to how firearm manufacturers respond to customer demand. Rachel compares Glock’s reliability-first approach with companies such as Canik, Smith & Wesson, and Walther, which are increasingly shipping firearms with optics, compensators, night sights, and other aftermarket features already installed 28:02.

We also discuss New York’s restrictions on suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs, the limits of federal changes in states with stricter laws, and why shorter firearms can be practical for smaller shooters 49:35.

Finally, we talk about voting, local government, Flock cameras, privacy concerns surrounding Meta smart glasses, and how video can improve firearms training by showing exactly how a shooter moves through a drill or stage.

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HSM Ammunition: Check out great ammon from aa great American Company 16:54.

Spartan Armor Systems: We discuss the importance of researching armor, plates, carriers, weight, and protection levels before making a purchase 48:00.

Dry-fire training can address gun-handling problems before adding the pressure and expense of live ammunition.

Shooters often focus on accuracy while struggling with basic tasks such as drawing, clearing garments, reloading, and clearing malfunctions 24:53.

Training progress doesn’t require matching another shooter’s results. Consistent work should produce personal improvement 24:26.

Rachel believes firearm companies are getting closer to their customers because more employees actively shoot and consume the same training and competition content 28:02.

Product testing should include different environments, altitudes, hand sizes, ammunition types, ranges, and firearms 18:47.

Short-barreled firearms can be practical for smaller shooters because they reduce weight and overall length 51:11.

Video review can reveal movement, timing, grip, garment clearance, and stage-management problems that aren’t obvious while shooting 01:34:41.

Smart glasses could be useful for point-of-view training footage, but Rachel prefers camera systems with limited connectivity and stronger privacy protections 01:30:08.

Rachel argues that voter apathy doesn’t communicate neutrality. It allows other voters to determine the result 01:12:31.

Local meetings matter. Rachel encourages people to raise concerns about issues such as Flock cameras, data centers, and other community decisions early in the process 01:18:33.

Rachel Maloney is the co-owner of Onsight Firearms Training and works in marketing for a night-vision company. She discusses firearms instruction, product testing, industry trends, dry-fire training, competition shooting, privacy, and her experience with archery, horseback riding, martial arts, and firearms.

Onsight Firearms Training: oftllc.us

Night-vision products and gear: nightfision.com

Rachel Maloney podcast, The Gun Experiment, firearms training, Onsight Firearms Training, dry-fire training, gun handling skills, defensive shooting, firearms instructor, shooting fundamentals, concealed carry training, reload practice, malfunction clearance, draw practice, firearm product testing, gun industry trends, Glock, Canik, Smith & Wesson, Walther, night sights, pistol optics, compensators, night vision, HSM Ammunition, Spartan Armor Systems, suppressor laws, SBR laws, SBS laws, AOW laws, New York gun laws, short-barreled shotgun, short-barreled rifle, Flock cameras, smart glasses, firearms technology, POV shooting video, shooting competition, USPSA training, Second Amendment, gun rights, voter participation, local government, firearms podcast

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Jared Yanis, creator of Guns and Gadgets Second Amendment News, for a wide-ranging conversation about firearms training, Second Amendment litigation, the NFA, political engagement, and the future of gun rights.

We open with a real-world reminder that medical training may be more useful than a firearm in an emergency. Mike shares how a coworker used a car-seat strap and basic first-aid knowledge to help a badly injured motorcycle crash victim, reinforcing the importance of trauma kits and training 02:21.

Jared explains how a shoulder injury, a basement holster review, and a Massachusetts assault weapons regulation helped transform Guns and Gadgets into a dedicated Second Amendment news channel 10:16. We also discuss the importance of understanding complicated firearms laws, the current fight over suppressors and the NFA, and why citizens need to keep pressure on elected officials.

The conversation turns to the gun community’s biggest internal problem: gatekeeping. We talk about reaching new gun owners, welcoming people who use the wrong terminology, and offering an olive branch instead of turning newcomers away 33:19.

We also cover preparedness, including food and water storage, with a specific reminder that a household may need at least one gallon of water per person per day 21:32. We close with rapid-fire questions about Jared’s favorite firearms, preferred caliber, survival choices, and the person he would want beside him in the worst scenario imaginable.

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HSM Ammunition offers training ammunition, defensive loads, hunting ammunition, and match ammunition. Mike highlights the company’s quality control, customer service, and extensive product lineup 04:23. Visit hsmammunition.com

Onsite Firearms Training provides professional firearms courses focused on practical skills, high standards, and accountability. Mike recommends the team for both new shooters and experienced gun owners who know there is always more to learn 05:21. Visit oftllc.us.

Trauma and first-aid training may be more immediately useful than firearms training in an emergency. Mike emphasizes the value of keeping a medical kit and knowing how to use it 03:42.

Guns and Gadgets began with firearms instruction, a basement video, and a Massachusetts regulatory mistake that created an opportunity to provide Second Amendment news 10:16.

Food and water are the foundation of household preparedness. The discussion recommends planning for at least one gallon of water per person per day 20:28.

The Second Amendment fight is moving forward, but the work is far from finished. The discussion covers NFA litigation, assault weapons bans, magazine restrictions, and the role of the Supreme Court 23:31.

The gun community spends too much time fighting among itself. The conversation calls for less gatekeeping and more effort to welcome new gun owners 35:06.

New gun owners need education, not ridicule. Offering a first range trip or helping someone learn safe firearm handling can build trust 36:43.

Social media can help organize gun owners and turn public pressure into political action, provided the message reaches beyond the existing community 44:21.

The next major Second Amendment battles may come from state governments that resist federal court decisions 45:56.

Citizens have to understand that elected officials work for them. Getting involved locally, attending meetings, and running for office can create change over time 46:20.

A major threat to gun rights is Americans failing to use the power available to them 51:38.

New gun owners should understand their right to remain silent during law-enforcement interactions. The discussion’s blunt advice is simple: “Just shut the hell up” 53:46.

The episode ends with a clear challenge: every citizen should find a practical way to support and improve the country 01:04:27.

Jared Yanis is the creator of Guns and Gadgets Second Amendment News, a YouTube channel covering Second Amendment legislation, court cases, politics, and the firearms industry. He describes building the channel from early firearms and gear reviews into a daily source of Second Amendment information.

Find Jared through:

Guns and Gadgets on YouTube

Jared Yanis on X

Jared Yanis, Guns and Gadgets, The Gun Experiment, Second Amendment, gun rights, Second Amendment news, firearms legislation, gun control laws, NFA, National Firearms Act, suppressors, silencers, assault weapons bans, magazine capacity laws, constitutional carry, gun owner rights, firearms training, trauma training, first aid for gun owners, tourniquet training, medical preparedness, emergency preparedness, food storage, water storage, survival gear, home defense, new gun owners, gun community, gun rights activism, firearms law, Supreme Court gun cases, ATF, concealed carry, firearms education, gun ownership, political engagement, Second Amendment community, Blackout Coffee, HSM Ammunition, Onsite Firearms Training

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we welcome Sean Martin into the studio for a wide-ranging conversation about shooting, concealed carry, competition, firearms training, and the gun industry.

We talk about Night Vision’s acquisition of Zaffiri Precision, Glock Gen 6 optic plates, co-witnessing sights, the Walther platform, Glock Performance Triggers, and the balance between accessibility and over-customizing a defensive handgun.

We also discuss why concealed carriers should practice from concealment, when a battle belt makes sense, and how training should reflect real-world context. Sean explains his approach to competition, his performance at the Hero Down Shootout Challenge, and his new role as a Hero Down ambassador.

Our 2A news discussion covers Vermont’s assault weapons ban case, arguments surrounding modern firearms and the Second Amendment, proposed regulation of air guns, YouTube’s changing rules for firearms content, and the growing role of Rumble for gun-related media.

We close with a spirited debate about overrated sports cars, including the Toyota Supra MK4, DeLorean, Mazda Miata, Dodge Viper, and Mazda RX-7.

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HSM Ammunition: hsammunition.com

Spartan Armor Systems: SpartanArmorSystems.com

Mike and Big Keith open with a conversation about civic involvement, FOIL requests, and the value of participating in local politics at 00:00.

Sean Martin discusses Night Vision’s acquisition of Zaffiri Precision and describes the expanded product lineup as “the whole top half of a Glock” at 06:59.

Night Vision’s core products include different-height iron sights, optic mounting plates, barrels, slides, internal components, and trigger shoes.

The newly released Glock Gen 6 optic plates support common optic footprints, with Walther plates also available at 10:44.

Switching from a familiar Glock platform to a Walther can produce measurable, though “negligible,” differences in speed while the shooter adapts to new geometry and recoil feedback at 12:04.

Glock Performance Triggers and a Zaffiri Precision trigger shoe helped create a lighter, shorter, tighter trigger setup at 13:27.

A lighter trigger press can reduce unwanted movement because the trigger’s weight may exceed the weight of the handgun itself at 14:30.

Sean’s central training principle is context. Training should reflect the shooter’s actual role, equipment, environment, and likely use case at 23:42.

Concealed carriers should regularly practice from concealment. Occasional use of an outside-the-waistband belt is reasonable, but never training from concealment creates a serious gap at 24:58.

Sean explains why using a belt and rifle while running night vision makes sense, rather than forcing concealed-pistol practice into a completely different equipment setup, at 23:00.

The Hero Down Shootout Challenge included individual pistol, rifle, and 2-gun events, followed by a two-day team challenge in New Hampshire at 19:04.

After winning the pistol shoot-off, Sean was invited to design the following year’s stage and later became a Hero Down ambassador at 20:47.

Sean’s future competition goals include succeeding in PCSL and pursuing Grand Master classification in USPSA Limited Optics at 27:21.

The Second Amendment discussion focuses on why constitutional protections should not be limited to technology available in the 18th century. One point raised was that modern communication technology does not erase the First Amendment, and modern firearms technology does not erase the Second Amendment at 38:18.

Mike discusses proposed federal treatment of air guns after a fatal air-gun incident, noting the potential impact on an accessible entry point to shooting at 40:56.

The discussion distinguishes firearms from air guns by focusing on whether a projectile is propelled by expanding gas produced through burning gunpowder at 43:00.

Mike and Big Keith examine how YouTube policies can make it harder for firearms creators to fund testing, equipment, range time, and production at 45:24.

Rumble is discussed as a growing alternative for firearms content, while YouTube remains valuable because of its enormous audience and search reach at 48:47.

Big Keith covers concerns about Flock surveillance cameras, exposed access credentials, and the collection of large amounts of vehicle data at 51:31.

The episode ends with a debate over whether famous cars are overrated, including the Toyota Supra MK4, DeLorean, Mazda Miata, Dodge Viper, and Mazda RX-7.

Sean Martin works with Night Vision and Zaffiri Precision and is a competitive shooter known for competing from concealment.

Sean discusses his work with Night Vision, his experience adapting to the Walther platform, Glock Performance Triggers, firearms media, and competition training. He also shares how winning the Hero Down pistol shoot-off led to designing the following year’s stage and becoming a Hero Down ambassador at 20:47.

Follow Sean through Pink Shirt Tactical and learn more about Night Vision at 01:16:52.

The Gun Experiment, Sean Martin, Pink Shirt Tactical, Night Vision, Zaffiri Precision, concealed carry training, concealed carry practice, shooting from concealment, firearms training, pistol training, Glock Performance Trigger, Glock Gen 6 optic plates, Walther pistol, Glock upgrades, optic mounting plates, co-witness sights, competitive shooting, USPSA, PCSL, Limited Optics, Hero Down Shootout Challenge, Hero Down ambassador, Second Amendment, 2A news, assault weapons ban, Vermont gun case, air gun laws, firearms content creators, YouTube gun policy, Rumble firearms content, Flock surveillance cameras, HSM Ammunition, Spartan Armor Systems, gun podcast, shooting podcast, sports cars, Toyota Supra MK4, Mazda Miata, Dodge Viper, Mazda RX-7

We catch up with Casey Betzold, Director of Global Solutions at Brownells and founder of Operator Coffee. We talk about the mission behind Operator Coffee’s new Homestead roast, why meaningful family conversations begin at home, and what Casey Betzold is seeing across the global firearms industry.

We also discuss suppressor reform, international defense spending, Greenland’s strategic importance, firearm knowledge restrictions in Australia, the right to acquire firearms, interstate handgun sales, waiting periods, and the impact of Bruen on Second Amendment litigation.

To close out the episode, we debate AI-powered robots, disappearing jobs, mineral rights, fracking, and whether new hunting land is worth the deal behind it.

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HSM Ammunition, the official ammunition sponsor of The Gun Experiment. HSM has manufactured ammunition in Montana since 1968. Visit hsmammunition.com.

Second Amendment Foundation, supporting Second Amendment education, research, publications, and legal action since 1974. Visit saf.org.

Casey Betzold built Operator Coffee around honoring the people who keep the country running, including farmers, teachers, firefighters, police officers, and military personnel.

The new Homestead roast places family life at the center of the brand. Casey Betzold argues that “the mission starts at home” at 12:52.

The firearms market has spent roughly three years in a downturn, but Casey Betzold says it has started moving in the right direction this year.

Suppressors remain a major point of contrast between American firearms law and Europe, where suppressors are widely used and often required for hunting.

Casey Betzold says military and law enforcement budgets are expanding globally as countries reassess security after a long period of relative peace.

Australia’s restrictions on transferring firearm knowledge could cause the country to lose 40% to 60% of its gun shops by the end of December, according to Casey Betzold, at 31:12.

The conversation examines whether the Second Amendment protects not only keeping and bearing arms, but also acquiring them.

We discuss federal handgun restrictions for 18-to-20-year-olds, interstate handgun sales, waiting periods, and the circuit splits that could bring more Second Amendment cases before the Supreme Court.

Casey Betzold believes freedom must come with accountability, maturity, and responsible firearm education.

We debate whether automation creates better efficiency or simply shifts the burden onto people whose jobs disappear.

Fracking, mineral rights, and hunting access raise a bigger question: who owns the land, the resources beneath it, and the value created from both?

Casey Betzold is the Director of Global Solutions at Brownells and the founder of Operator Coffee. He discusses the firearms industry from an international perspective while building a coffee company centered on American operators, service, family, and community.

The Gun Experiment, Casey Betzold, Operator Coffee, Brownells, Second Amendment, Second Amendment rights, gun rights, firearms industry, gun ownership, right to acquire firearms, interstate handgun sales, federal handgun ban, 18 to 20 year old gun rights, Bruen decision, Supreme Court gun cases, Second Amendment Foundation, suppressor laws, suppressor reform, firearm education, Australia gun laws, global firearms market, military spending, law enforcement budgets, Greenland national security, AI and jobs, automation, fracking, mineral rights, hunting land, HSM Ammunition, gun podcast, firearms podcast

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we discuss preparedness, self-reliance, survival skills, and practical ways to become more capable when everyday systems fail.

We’re joined by Bob “T” Toombs of Mountain Readiness, who grew up off-grid without electricity or running water, later lived and worked with the Amish, and now organizes events that combine tactical training, bushcraft, homesteading, food preservation, medical skills, and community building.

We talk about why skills matter more than an overloaded pack, how to test our preparations before an emergency, and why a 90-pound bug-out bag may create more problems than it solves. We also explore family preparedness, firearms training, local food sources, hybrid off-grid living, alternative power, and the importance of mindset.

1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com

HSM Ammunition: Find training, hunting, and specialized ammunition at hsammunition.com.

Onsite Firearms Training: Build practical firearms skills with instructors who welcome new shooters, demonstrate every drill, and help identify exactly what to practice next. Visit oftllc.us to sign up for a class.

Preparedness is broader than firearms, tactical equipment, or a stockpile of supplies.

Hands-on practice improves retention and exposes weaknesses that reading or watching videos can miss.

A bug-out or get-home bag should match the mission and the user’s skill set. A lighter pack can help conserve energy and improve mobility.

The essentials are water, shelter, food, fire, and security.

Testing preparations matters. Turning off the power for a day can reveal problems with generators, pumps, water systems, and other equipment.

A generator may not solve every problem. During Hurricane Helene, the generator would not run the well pump.

Backup plans work in layers. Water sources, generators, propane, solar power, root cellars, and other systems can provide alternatives when one option fails.

A Bic lighter may be more useful than relying on primitive fire-making techniques during an emergency.

Technology is valuable, but map reading, navigation, and other hands-on skills should still be practiced without GPS.

Families should discuss emergency plans and train together, including firearms safety and home-defense procedures.

Community works best when each person brings useful skills or resources instead of expecting others to provide everything.

Local food sources, food preservation, physical health, and nutrition are foundational parts of preparedness.

Firearms ownership and training have an important place in preparedness, but guns are only one part of a larger plan.

Training in bad weather helps reveal whether gear and skills actually work outside ideal conditions.

Mountain Readiness brings tactical training, homesteading, bushcraft, vehicle repair, food processing, children’s classes, medical skills, and community together in one event.

The most important preparedness tool may be mindset. Removing the “easy button” and finishing difficult tasks can build resilience.

Bob “T” Toombs is the founder of Mountain Readiness. He grew up off-grid for the first 15 years of his life, learning hunting, fishing, foraging, cooking over campfires, cutting timber, and living without electricity or running water. He later spent approximately seven years living and working with the Amish, where he developed experience in construction.

Today, T runs Mountain Readiness events in different parts of the United States. The events combine preparedness, tactical skills, bushcraft, homesteading, food processing, vehicle repair, community building, and family-oriented instruction.

Website: mountainreadiness.com

Social media: Mountain Readiness on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Related event: SovereignHealthSummit.com

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“New technology is really great right now, but it has the potential to be really not great given enough time.”

We sit down with Kurt Sills of Blue Alpha Gear to talk about technology, product development, manufacturing, and the responsibilities that come with building equipment for armed citizens.

We start with drones, artificial intelligence, surveillance, and the danger of giving powerful tools to institutions without a clear counterbalance. Kurt Sills argues that citizens need to “play at least a little bit of defense” when new technology creates potential risks 10:01.

Kurt also walks me through Blue Alpha Gear’s new aluminum holster mount, including its fully radiused edges, adjustable negative cant, belt-sandwiching design, included thigh-strap hardware, and $80 price with free shipping 13:16. We also discuss the company’s Mini Medical Pouch and highly modular Tube Pouch.

The conversation then moves into Blue Alpha Gear’s upcoming enclosed tourniquet holder and Mag Drop adapter 29:08, customer feedback, sustainable growth, and the challenges of scaling a firearms-related business without losing quality or identity.

We also discuss Aero Precision’s new ownership and recovery plan, the importance of communication when a company falls behind, concealed carry reciprocity for traveling truckers, Michigan’s proposed road-usage tax ideas, driverless racing, 9/11 remembrance, and political accountability.

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Be sure to support our show sponsors; they are a big part of making the show possible.

HSM Ammunition: Find ammunition made in Montana since 1968 at hsmammunition.com.

Thunder Ranch: Explore practical firearms training and course offerings at traintr.com.

Kings River Custom: Learn more about custom 1911 pistols at kingsrivercustom.com.

Kurt Sills sees drones and AI as technologies capable of producing both extraordinary benefits and serious dangers 06:36.

Powerful government surveillance tools require permanent resistance and careful public scrutiny, according to Kurt Sills 11:28.

Blue Alpha Gear’s aluminum holster mount is designed to protect belts and clothing with fully rounded edges 14:58.

The mount provides additional negative cant without requiring a separate adapter, helping create a more natural draw angle 15:40.

The aluminum holster mount costs $80 with free shipping and includes its accessories 19:59.

Blue Alpha Gear developed its Mini Medical Pouch for people who want essential medical gear in a slimmer package 21:10.

Kurt Sills says customer feedback directly shapes Blue Alpha Gear’s product development 22:40.

The Tube Pouch can carry radios, rifle magazines, flashlights, medical equipment, oversized OC spray, and even a can of Monster 23:59.

Blue Alpha Gear was preparing an enclosed tourniquet holder and a Mag Drop adapter for release in the following months 29:08.

Kurt Sills emphasizes that manufacturers must communicate with customers, even when operations are struggling 35:19.

Sustainable growth matters. Kurt Sills notes that companies can “go out of business growing” when expansion is handled poorly 38:33.

A practical firearms company needs to produce equipment that can be confidently recommended to a first-time buyer 36:11.

Kurt Sills supports the legal argument for recognizing carry permits across state lines in a case involving a long-haul trucker 47:12.

Driverless racing may advance automotive technology, but removing human risk also removes much of the spectacle 52:19.

Kurt Sills argues that citizens should hold politicians accountable instead of remaining focused only on opposing political factions 10:13.

Kurt Sills is associated with Blue Alpha Gear, a company known for belts and belt-mounted equipment. In this episode, he discusses Blue Alpha Gear’s holster mounts, medical pouches, Tube Pouch, upcoming tourniquet holder, Mag Drop adapter, manufacturing practices, customer feedback, and responsible business growth.

Learn more at bluealphabelts.com.

Kurt Sills, Blue Alpha Gear, The Gun Experiment, firearm gear, gun belts, aluminum holster mount, holster mount, negative cant, thigh strap, belt-mounted holster, tactical gear, IFAK pouch, Mini Medical Pouch, Tube Pouch, tourniquet holder, Mag Drop adapter, rifle magazine pouch, concealed carry, carry permit reciprocity, Second Amendment, firearms manufacturing, firearms industry, customer feedback, Aero Precision, drones and AI, artificial intelligence and firearms, surveillance technology, government overreach, driverless racing, 9/11 remembrance, Michigan road tax, HSM Ammunition, Thunder Ranch, Kings River Custom, custom 1911 pistols

Passion doesn’t have to fit neatly into one lane.

In this episode, Keith and I sit down with professional drift car driver and avid shooter Caleb Quanbeck. We dive into Caleb’s unique journey that fuses the adrenaline of professional drifting with an unwavering dedication to firearms and the Second Amendment community. Caleb shares how he went from being a BMX rider to burning rubber on the drift track, and how his love for firearms evolved into a groundbreaking partnership with Walther Arms. We talk about building brands across different communities, the similarities between competitive shooting and motorsports, and the importance of discipline both on the track and at the range. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a gun owner, or someone who loves to push boundaries, this conversation offers plenty of unique insights and inspiration.

Subscribe to The Gun Experiment and leave us a review! Share this episode with your friends who love firearms, motorsports, or both. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and email any questions to [email protected]. If you want to support us directly, check out our sponsors, engage with our content, and join the conversation. Let’s keep growing our amazing community!

HSM Ammunition – High-quality American-made ammo for serious shooters. Show your support by visiting hsamunition.com and following them on social media.

Onsite Firearms Training (OFT) – Transform your shooting skills with OFT’s courses for shooters of all levels. Find out more at oftllc.us.

Caleb’s entry into firearms was motivated by personal safety and quickly led him down the rabbit hole of competitive shooting and responsible training.

Drifting is more about controlled chaos and creative freedom than people realize, and the skills and discipline from drifting translate well to shooting sports.

The partnership between Caleb and Walther Arms is part of a growing trend, as more brands look to connect with diverse, freedom-loving audiences.

There’s a strong overlap between car enthusiasts and gun owners, and bridging these communities helps destigmatize the Second Amendment.

High-performance sports—be it motorsport or shooting—rely on consistency, discipline, and being able to keep calm under pressure.

Getting into either drifting or shooting doesn’t have to break the bank; there are entry-level opportunities for those willing to try.

The firearms community has brought Caleb not only skills, but also a greater sense of discipline, awareness, and humility.

Caleb Quanbeck is a professional drift car driver, BMX veteran, and competitive shooter. He is part of Team Walther and works with brands like Geissele and Vortex. Caleb is dedicated to connecting the motorsports and gun-owning communities, and frequently shares content on both drifting and shooting through his social media and YouTube.

Instagram: @calebquanbeck

YouTube: Caleb Quanbeck

Catch Caleb and his Walther-sponsored drift car at Slush Motorsports in Nashville, TN on September 5th.

Caleb Quanbeck, professional drift car driver, drifting, motorsports, Walther Arms, gun podcast, Second Amendment, competitive shooting, firearms training, OFT, HSM Ammunition, car enthusiast, car and gun crossover, PDP, BMX, self-defense, shooting sports, gear, firearm sponsorship, blending passions, Gridlife, gun room, training, discipline, man shit, car culture, new gun owners, cross-community branding, Vortex, Geissele, Silencer Shop.

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Matt Larsen, widely known for his work developing modern military combatives, to explore competing ideas of fairness, social mobility, privacy, and personal freedom.

We discuss whether “fair” means equal outcomes or equal opportunity, how family values and social class shape a person’s prospects, and why convenience can quietly come at the expense of independence. We also examine commercial surveillance, geofencing, license-plate readers, cashless businesses, and the possibility of a privately enforced social-credit system.

The conversation then turns to violence and combat psychology. Matt Larsen explains why trained professionals often avoid unnecessary fights, how adrenaline affects performance, and why controlled aggression is different from posturing. He also breaks down the distinction between the Army Rangers and Special Forces before explaining the fundamentals of small-unit tactics.

Finally, we look at drones and the modern battlefield, including how autonomous systems may increase surveillance, reshape infantry tactics, and make even small groups of people vulnerable targets.

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Matt Larsen argues that modern political disagreements often come from different definitions of fairness, with one side emphasizing equal outcomes and the other emphasizing opportunity and justice at 08:48.

Social class is shaped by more than money. Family attitudes, work ethic, expectations, and values can determine whether someone can move into a different social environment at 13:07.

Privacy is increasingly traded for convenience. Phones, commercial data, cameras, and geofencing can reveal movements and associations at 22:22.

Matt Larsen says the surveillance state is unlikely to disappear, and that social-credit-style systems may emerge through private companies rather than direct government action at 31:30.

A free society still has to balance safety, privacy, and convenience. The group debates whether people are willing to surrender freedom because modern life is easier at 38:36.

Trained professionals understand that capability and violence are not the same thing. Matt Larsen explains why disciplined soldiers avoid unnecessary fights and keep themselves out of bad situations at 54:28.

Combat performance depends heavily on managing fear, adrenaline, and energy. Poor preparation can cause a fighter to burn out early at 48:42.

Matt Larsen explains that Rangers are primarily an elite raid force, while Special Forces, or Green Berets, specialize in training and supporting indigenous forces at 01:02:30.

Small-unit tactics can be scaled from a few people to a larger military organization. The basic principle is coordinating fire and movement to create an advantage at 01:17:00.

Drones may reduce the ability to move, evacuate casualties, or gather in groups on the battlefield. Even with advanced technology, people still have to occupy and control ground at 01:24:03.

Matt Larsen is a former Ranger and military combatives instructor. He discusses hand-to-hand combat training, warrior culture, small-unit tactics, military history, combat psychology, and the effects of drones and surveillance on modern warfare.

You can find Matt Larsen on Instagram at @combatives and on Substack by searching for Matt Larsen.

The Gun Experiment, Stereo Mix podcast, Matt Larsen, military combatives, modern combatives, Army Rangers, Special Forces, Green Berets, small-unit tactics, fire and maneuver, combat psychology, controlled aggression, self-defense training, violence prevention, personal safety, gun ownership, firearms training, surveillance technology, privacy and freedom, geofencing, license-plate readers, social credit system, artificial intelligence, AI warfare, autonomous drones, drone warfare, modern battlefield, military strategy, tactical training, social class, fairness and equality, equal opportunity, convenience and freedom, Second Amendment rights, HSM Ammunition, Spartan Armor Systems