In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we, sit down with our local town councilman and longtime friend, Paul Ruggerio. We kick things off with an open conversation about local politics, community development, and the impact of gun legislation in New York.

Paul pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like running for office during an election cycle, the nitty-gritty of zoning laws, the challenges of keeping small-town Main Street USA alive, and how warehouses affect property taxes and local economics. We discuss community participation in government, how to address local issues, and the role of responsible firearm ownership in our town.

The discussion takes a candid turn into the Second Amendment, where Paul shares both his personal history as a gun owner and his stance on New York’s evolving firearms laws. We also touch on the latest gun news, like open carry legislation in Florida, the surprising move by Everytown to teach gun safety, and recent victories for gun rights in Texas post offices.

As always, we sprinkle in some light-hearted moments, talk about technology and aftermarket car mods, and round out the show with hot takes on current political debates, government budgets, and the wild world of military drones.

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• Onsite Firearms Training (OFT): For skill-building classes that boost your confidence, head to OFTLLC.us
• Ammo Squared: The hassle-free way to consistently build your ammo supply—sign up at ammosquared.com and mention The Gun Experiment for bonus rounds!

• Community Engagement Matters: Local government is about serving citizens—reach out directly to your council members to get things done in your town.
• Zoning Laws Shape Your Town: Decisions made years ago impact what kinds of businesses (or warehouses) can operate locally; changing that takes time and citizen involvement.
• Responsible Gun Ownership: Training and education are universal values—good training boosts confidence for all gun owners.
• Second Amendment Rights: Even local politicians face challenges in changing state laws, but supporting candidates who respect your rights is crucial.
• Economic Development: Bringing Main Street USA energy back requires vision, creativity, and sometimes redefining what downtown means for your community.
• Gun Rights News: Wins like the Texas post office gun-carry case and the open carry bill in Florida show positive momentum.
• Staying Informed: Whether it’s politics, tech, or local events, staying engaged and informed helps you advocate for what matters most to you.

Paul Ruggerio

• Town Councilman, Town of Newburgh, NY
• Local business owner for 35 years
• Fiscally responsible leader with a proven track record
• Dedicated to serving the community, improving town infrastructure, and protecting residents’ interests

gun rights, Second Amendment, Paul Ruggierio, Newburgh politics, local government, firearm training, community development, New York gun laws, open carry, warehouse zoning, property taxes, Ammo Squared, Onsite Firearms Training, Second Amendment Foundation, Main Street USA, town council, concealed carry, gun news, Everytown, post office gun case, New York infrastructure, responsible gun ownership, small town economics

Let us know what you think of this episode and who you want to hear next!

In this episode, we reconnect with Tom Kubiniec, CEO of SecureIt, for an engaging conversation that spans gun safety, the realities of modern gun ownership, responsible storage, and Tom’s thrilling adventures at the Bonneville Salt Flats. We tackle the intersection of pharmaceuticals and mass shootings, gun politics, and how Tom’s unique approaches to business and fatherhood shape the SecureIt brand. We also go hands-on with the SecureIt Fast Box 20 Pro, explore the concept of decentralized firearm storage, and discuss tips for teaching kids about firearm safety at home. Lastly, we break down current firearm legislation news, high-speed drone threats, and other headlines from the shooting world.

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• MGS Trade School: Break into the firearms industry as a gunsmith —learn at your pace and change your career with MGS.
• Ammo Squared: Your digital ammo bank! Set your monthly budget, select calibers, and let Ammo Squared grow your supply. Mention you heard about them on The Gun Experiment!

• Responsible Gun Storage: Tom emphasizes decentralizing storage, silent locks, and ease of access for daily carry—but always secured from unauthorized hands.
• Family Firearm Safety: Demystifying guns for children is key—education and transparency reduce curiosity, making firearms less attractive to young hands.
• The Bonneville Salt Flats: Tom and his son set a world speed record for 750cc cars and share a unique father-son bonding experience, highlighting chasing passion together.
• Medication & Mass Shootings: Tom discusses his research on mass shootings, connecting SSRIs and psychotropic drugs with youth shooters—a controversial but rarely discussed link.
• Industry Innovation: Products like the Fast Box 20 Pro and Ammo Squared revolutionize how we store and accumulate ammunition, shifting attitudes toward long-term preparedness.
• Legislative Updates: We break down current legal challenges to the AR-15 and NFA regulations, and cover DOJ and Supreme Court actions on major firearm regulation cases.
• Gun Dealer Ethics: Store owners play a vital but limited role in preventing gun crimes—they must balance caution, intuition, and the realities of legal gun sales.

Tom Kubiniec

• CEO, SecureIt Gun Storage
• Racing enthusiast, innovator, and firearms industry leader
• Advocate for responsible gun storage and education
• Learn more: secureitgunstorage.com

Gun safety, Firearm storage, SecureIt gun safes, Decentralized firearm security,

Bonneville Salt Flats racing, Family gun education, Mass shooting medication connection,

Gun legislation updates, Ammo Squared review, MGS Trade School, Firearms industry career, Responsible gun ownership, AR-15 ban, DOJ firearm policy, Child gun safety, Ethical gun dealers, Fast Box 20 Pro review, Home defense storage, Gun experiment podcast

Episode Summary

Hey everyone—Mike here, alongside my co-host Big Keith! In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we faced a podcasting curveball: our scheduled guest ghosted us…for the second week in a row. Instead of letting it get us down, we embraced the theme and delivered a raw, gear-focused conversation between the two of us. We took a deep dive into plate carrier setups, home defensive mindset, rimfire PRS shooting, and the challenges and rewards in our ongoing firearms training journey.

Join us as we break down the pros and cons of different armor systems, dig into practical range drills that help sharpen your skills (even with just 50 rounds), and talk about family range days and training consistency. Whether you’re new to plate carriers, curious about competitive rimfire shooting, or just want to hear some honest takeaways from our real-world training experiences, this episode’s for you!

Call to Action

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

Show Sponsors

• Spartan Armor Systems: American-made, battle-ready body armor for real-world protection. Check them out at spartanarmorsystems.com.
• On Site Firearms Training (OFT): Realistic firearms training for all skill levels in the Hudson Valley and beyond. Check out classes at oftllc.us.

Key Takeaways

• Sometimes guests ghost you, but showing up and adapting is part of the journey—in the studio and on the range.
• Plate carrier setup doesn't have to break the bank. Focus on real-world application, gradual upgrades, and knowing your own needs.
• Training with purpose: even a 50-round range session can be highly productive if you focus on drills—speed, accuracy, movement, strong/support hand, and note-taking.
• Having a ritual before you shoot (stance, grip, mindset) is huge for consistency and skill transfer.
• Finding the right training cadence—like weekly or bi-weekly range sessions—accelerates progress more than high round counts alone.
• Honest conversations between buddies sometimes deliver the most relatable firearms insights.
• Even if you’re not a competition shooter, learning from those environments (like PRS rimfire stages) sharpens your own skillset.
• Family range days can get everyone involved and help reinforce safe, responsible gun ownership.

Guest Information

This episode did not feature a scheduled guest because, well, they ghosted us! But you still got Mike and Big Keith—your trusted hosts—bringing experience, humor, and no-nonsense gun talk.

Keywords

gun podcast, The Gun Experiment, firearms training, plate carrier setup, Spartan Armor, home defense, rimfire PRS, practical drills, shooting accuracy, training consistency, range day, On Site Firearms Training, OFT LLC, body armor, Second Amendment, gun gear reviews, pistol training, family shooting, shooting ritual, podcasting, training tips, competitive shooting, 22 caliber, American made, home protection, concealed carry training

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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 (and divides) America.

We also dive into other topics to bring levity and balance—touching on recent positive 2A news out of Florida, wild stories about electric cars, military tech like the Navy’s Phalanx system, and a couple of wild news headlines that’ll make you laugh. There’s never a dull moment when Matt joins us, and we hope you’ll join the conversation.

Call to Action

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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: Your pathway to a professional career in the firearms industry. Let them know you heard about them on The Gun Experiment.
• Flatline Fiberco: Creator of amazing soft goods for the shooting community. Be sure to check out their new Qela sling; get 10% off your purchase with code TGE10

Key Takeaways

• The episode is framed by national tragedy and reflection on unity the day after Charlie Kirk’s assassination and September 11th
• Matt Riker shares his perspective on Charlie Kirk’s respectful, impactful manner in the current political climate
• We debate how the media, social media, and political echo chambers shape division and misunderstanding in America
• The difference in public response to violence against public figures, and how partisan reactions differ
• The importance of personal responsibility, training, and education in the firearms community (including lockbox discussion)
• Positive news: Florida’s 2A tax holiday shows there’s good going on for gun rights, too
• Other lighter topics covered include: MMA in the workplace, the absurdity of electric car “loud exhaust” tickets, Navy battle tech upgrades, and crazy news stories about hiking mishaps and custom-made babies

Guest Information

Matt Riker – CEO, Kings River Custom

Matt brings expert knowledge on custom 1911s, powerful opinions on current events, and personal reflections on how influential figures change lives. He’s a regular guest and friend of the show, known for his down-to-earth wisdom and insights from both the firearms industry and real life.

Learn more at KingsRiverCustom.com

Keywords

The Gun Experiment, Matt Riker, Kings River Custom, custom 1911s, Charlie Kirk, assassination, September 11th, media bias, political violence, unity, division in America, gun rights, 2nd Amendment, Florida 2A tax holiday, positive gun news, MMA in the workplace, military technology, Navy Phalanx, electric cars, social media influence, firearms safety, American politics, Turning Point, personal responsibility, current events, stoicism, political discourse, gun podcast, conservative podcast

Thanks for chopping it up with us this week. If this episode sparked a thought, tell us your take—let’s keep this conversation going.

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

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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!

"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 security. Tom also shares his insights on creative conflict in business and the role of creativity in fostering innovation.

Call to Action

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5. Grab some cool TGE merch

6. Ask us anything at [email protected]

7. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are an integral part of making the  

show possible.

Key Takeaways

1. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Tom's journey from musician to businessman and CEO of Securit Gun Storage.
2. Gun Storage Innovation: The importance of modularity and decentralized storage in modern gun safes.
3. Creative Conflict: How encouraging creativity within a team can lead to groundbreaking solutions.
4. Building a Dream Gun Room: Ideas and tips for designing a secure and impressive gun storage area.
5. Industry Challenges: Navigating the gun safe industry amidst regulation and competition.

Guest Information

Name: Tom Kubiniec

Title: CEO of Securit Gun Storage

Website: securitgunstorage.com

Show Sponsors

• Kings River Customs: Experts in 1911 customization. Check out their beautiful craftsmanship on Instagram or contact Matt at [email protected].
• On-site Firearm: Providing top-notch firearm training classes. Visit oftllc.us to find a class in your area.

Thank you for tuning in! We hope you found this episode insightful and inspiring. Stay safe and keep your guns secure!

"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."

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 product he's helping bring to the firearm training community. Conor shared personal insights into the importance of mentorship, faith, adaptability, teamwork, and the drive behind Ace XR’s industry-leading virtual reality shooting simulator.

We discussed the benefits and practicalities of virtual gun training, the challenges (and surprising fun) of dry fire practice, and how community and technology are reshaping the shooting sports landscape. Plus, Conor joined us for a live review and behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing innovation happening at Ace Virtual Shooting—and yes, we also put him through our Run and Gun lightning round.

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

Special thanks to OnSite Firearms Training—our longest-standing sponsor. They bring world-class firearms instruction in a safe, challenging environment, with incredible guest instructors like Jared Reston. Whether you're new or seeking to perfect your skills, check them out!

Shout-out to Ace Virtual Shooting for providing us with cutting-edge gear and an immersive, fun, and skill-building training tool.

• Mentorship shapes our trajectory: Conor credits mentors from Scouting, the military, and his faith community for guiding his career and values.
• Faith and adversity build character: Hurdles in Conor’s youth and experience in the SEALs forged grit, humility, and perseverance.
• The transition from service to entrepreneurship isn’t always easy: Identity and purpose beyond the uniform are topics every veteran (and leader) faces.
• Adaptability and teamwork are as essential in business as in the Teams.
• Supplement, don’t substitute: Tools like Ace VR are powerful supplements but no replacement for live fire training.
• Community matters: The Ace XR platform isn’t just a training tool—it’s a supportive, competitive, and fun international community.
• User feedback drives innovation: Many of Ace's features and updates are directly from user suggestions—your voice is heard, and it shapes the product!

Conor Donahue

• Former United States Navy SEAL
• MBA: Stanford University
• Cofounder & CEO: Ace Virtual Shooting
• Connect on Instagram: @acevirtualshooting
• Join their Discord and Facebook groups for community discussion, Q&As, and product updates.

Navy SEAL, Conor Donahue, Ace Virtual Shooting, Ace XR, VR gun training, shooting simulator, virtual reality firearms training, dry fire practice, shooting community, firearms technology, shooting gear, competitive shooting, gun experiment podcast, gun training tools, firearms entrepreneur, gun safety, shooting innovation, supplemental firearms training, OnSite Firearms Training, shooting simulation, gun range alternative, shooting sports, shooter community, virtual competition, mental toughness, mentorship in military, firearms podcast, firearms industry, 2A community

I hope this episode inspires everyone to train more and helps connect everyone with a new passionate firearms community!

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 events—from presidential fitness tests to Sydney Sweeney's viral ad.

Eli gives us the inside scoop on his recent trip to Colt, the legacy of case-hardened steel, and his personal connection to Colt firearms history. We also review some innovative gear like the Magna Lens shooting glasses and the Caldwell Clay Copter, and end on a wild note discussing robotic rabbits and the ethics of using pets to feed zoo animals. The episode is a mix of gun rights, American firearm history, gear reviews, and plenty of humor.

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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.

• Swiig: Meal replacement shakes made by gun owners for gun owners—use code TG20 for 20% off your order at Swiig.com
• On-Site Firearms Training: Get top-notch training from real experts—sign up for upcoming classes and tell them The Gun Experiment sent you!

• The passing of icons like the Hulkster can remind us how much these figures shape our sense of American identity—and why nostalgia matters.
• Brandishing laws are a gray area; sometimes just making your firearm visible can de-escalate a situation, but the legal landscape is complicated and often varies by state.
• The saga of the McCloskeys highlights the red tape and emotional toll that defensive gun owners can face, even after gubernatorial pardons.
• Colt remains a pillar of Americana and firearms innovation—the company’s tradition of presentation guns and case-hardened steel connects past and present.
• The Magna Lens shooting glasses bring real innovation to range safety by eliminating the classic “ear pro-glasses pinch.”
• We debated the role of fitness and competition in schools, why Sydney Sweeney's marketing worked, and how media stirs controversy.
• Using robotic decoys for hunting and invasive species control is the future—but when it comes to using pets as zoo food, things get morally tricky.

Eli Duckworth

• Head of Marketing & Sales at Alchemy Custom Weaponry
• Colt brand ambassador
• Passionate historian and 1911 aficionado

Gun Experiment, Eli Duckworth, Alchemy Custom Weaponry, Colt firearms, American gun history, brandishing laws, McCloskeys, firearm rights, Magna Lens shooting glasses, Swig meal replacement, On-Site Firearms Training, gun gear review, Sydney Sweeney ad, presidential fitness test, animal ethics, clay copter, gun podcast, 2A community, Americana, wrestling nostalgia, podcast show notes

Let us know your thoughts or anything you want us to talk about next!

"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.

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 to self-described gear nerd and competitive shooter, and took a deep dive into choosing the right loadout for different missions, from EDC and bug-out bags to hunting and precision rifle competitions. We also got the inside scoop on Eberlestock’s modular design philosophy, discussed new releases—including the Fade collection—and shared practical advice for building your ultimate “get home” bag, truck bag, or dad bag.

If you’re looking for the best tactical backpack, prepping gear advice, or just want to nerd out on loadout options, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

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6. Ask us anything at [email protected]

5. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are an integral part of making the 

show possible.

1. Swig: Makers of top-tier nutritional food supplements supporting Second Amendment rights. Fuel your family, fuel your freedom—check out the “Quick Start Eating Clean for Life Kit.”
2. Get 10% off with code TGE10
3. Onsite Firearms Training (OFT): For the best firearms training at an affordable price. Be sure to check out OFT’s upcoming classes.

• Quality Matters: “Buy once, cry once” truly applies—high-quality gear is an investment that pays off in the field and in emergencies.
• Preparedness Spectrum: There’s a big difference between “normal” and “super prepper”—but even carrying a plate carrier or get-home bag puts you ahead of most.
• Modularity is King: Eberlestock’s modular systems (like the Fade series and Recon harness) allow you to customize your loadout for hunting, EDC, or tactical scenarios.
• Bag Selection Tips: Choose your pack based on function—everyday carry, get home, deployment, or “dad bag.” Seasonality and color (civilian vs. tactical look) matter for blending in.
• Competitive Edge: Kevin’s background in CrossFit, USPSA, tactical games, and sniper competitions influences his input on real-world gear needs.
• New Releases: Look out for 45+ new Eberlestock products launching through February—these include innovative scabbard and frame designs.
• Be the Hero: Having the right gear (tools, med kits, spare clothes, etc.) means you’re ready for anything—from outdoor adventures to urban emergencies.

Kevin Wexler

• International Sales Rep, Eberlestock
• Competitive shooter (USPSA, tactical games, precision rifle)
• Instagram: @eberlestock
• Visit: eberlestock.com
• Eberlestock on YouTube

Eberlestock, tactical backpack, loadout, preparedness, gear review, bug out bag, get home bag, modular backpack, everyday carry, EDC, survival gear, competition shooting, hunting backpack, precision rifle, tactical games, USPSC, fade collection, recon harness, mission bag, Atlas, Hercules, free fall bag, “buy once cry once”, Second Amendment, Swig nutritional supplements, Onsite Firearms Training

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 industry, like the overwhelming topic of the SIG P320 and ongoing debates about product safety and consumer trust. Rachel shared her unique perspective on firearms training, emphasizing the importance of mental “software” over chasing hardware benchmarks.

On the news front, we dived into California’s ammo background check ruling, reflected on the impact of suppressor tax changes, and how new state laws keep making life challenging for responsible gun owners—especially in states like NY and CA. Rachel also gave us a deep dive on Night Fision’s new optic plate and sight system, breaking down how they’re simplifying the “co-witness” confusion for everyday defensive shooters.

For Top Gear, I reviewed the Q Sling from Flatline Fiber Co., and Rachel did a brilliant hands-on walkthrough of the new Night Fision optic plates. We laughed over a unique gin and tonic from my local farm stand, and wrapped up the show highlighting “good guy with a gun” stories, plus off-topic news like the return of the flip phone summer.

1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com

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

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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]

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

• Swig – Whole-foods nutritional supplements. Use code TG20 for 20% off at swig.com
• Second Amendment Foundation – Protecting your 2A rights for over 50 years. Join at saf.org for just $25/year.

• Firearms training progresses from chasing numbers to mastering mindset—the “software” matters more than split times or draw speed.
• The SIG P320 controversy remains a hot topic; everyone wants closure and meaningful solutions for consumer safety.
• New York and California gun owners face relentless legislative hurdles—any “win” in court (like CA’s ammo background check reversal) is met with more laws.
• Responsible gun ownership includes staying vigilant in the courts and supporting organizations like SAF, GOA, and FPC.
• Quality gear matters: the Flatline Fiber Co. Qela Sling offers an intuitive, minimalist design, while Night Fision’s new plate-and-sight combos make the co-witness game simpler and more reliable.
• Nutrition and self-care for shooters is just as important—whole foods, real meals, and planning ahead support both physical and shooting performance.
• Real-life “good guy with a gun” situations highlight the importance of training—ownership doesn’t equal skill.
• The next generation is rediscovering the value of less screen time (flip phone summer!) and more real-world presence.

Rachel Maloney is a firearms instructor, industry pro, and works with both Glow Rhino (tritium keychains and tools) and Night Fision (tritium night sights and now optic plates). She’s an experienced trainer, passionate about simplifying firearms ownership and empowering responsible shooters at every level. You can find more about her work at nightfision.com and glowrhino.com.

Firearms podcast, Rachel Maloney, Night Fision, Glow Rhino, Flatline Fiber Co., Keela Sling review, SIG P320, suppressor tax, ammo background check, California gun laws, New York gun laws, Second Amendment Foundation, firearms training, co-witness sights, optic plates, good guy with a gun, gun news, 2A advocacy, nutrition for shooters, Swig, shooting sports, practical gun gear, self-defense, gun community, podcast summary