Christian and Steve are joined by Rick Casner (Program Director), Bart Miller (Firearms Specialist), and SDI grads Owen Chambers and Talon Jayne to break down industry trends, booth culture, and how SHOT Show continues to function as a meeting point for manufacturers, retailers, educators, and working gunsmiths.

The conversation also covers recent updates to SDI’s firearms programs, including expanded hands-on training and the addition of MAC 150: Introduction to Manual Lathe, a course built around practical, gunsmith-specific machining rather than general machinist theory.

You’ll also hear insights on suppressor growth, accessory-driven retail trends, supplier showcase innovation, and why relationship-building at events like SHOT Show still plays a major role in hiring and career development—especially for SDI graduates.

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