The Gun Rack

Everyone starts somewhere. Whether it was a rusty old .410 passed down from family or a brand-new High Point off the shelf, your first firearm says a lot about your journey. On this episode of The Gun Rack, Christian and Steve are joined by SDI Firearm Specialist Bart Miller—who brings over 30 years of gunsmithing experience—to dive into stories from the SDI community and share what makes a first gun memorable. We’re talking BB guns, shotgun picks, AR-15s, and everything in between. If you’ve ever wondered what other folks started with—or want some advice on where to begin—this is the episode to watch. Explore SDI’s online firearms programs: https://www.sdi.edu/ytlearnmore/

The Return of SDI’s Official Podcast. Mauser rifles, military stories, and what it really takes to teach gunsmithing online. We cover it all in the debut episode of The Gun Rack. Christian and Steve sit down with SDI’s Chief Academic Officer, Jarred McNeely, for a wide-ranging conversation about firearms education, student success, and why learning online doesn’t mean learning alone. Also in this episode: • What a century-old bolt gun can still teach us • How SDI trains hands-on students from across the country • Why communication and customer service are part of the gunsmithing skill set If you’ve ever wondered how SDI works or what makes it different, this is the episode to start with. YouTube link: https://youtu.be/7xErz61-3Ns?si=JVmUT6gFYu6p3ZIn  

The year’s coming to a close! Check out some fun things coming down the SDI pipeline, along with a holiday recommendation!

The Gun Rack is back to talk with LEO and Marine Vet Caleb Downing about he lost his finger to a negligent discharge in his own home! 

Today, we mark the horrific loss of life that took place on September 11, 2001. We will never forget. 

The Gun Rack | Innovation, FRTs, and the Fight That Shaped a Case This week Christian and Steve sit down with SDI’s Chief Academic Officer, Jarred McNeely, and Lawrence DeMonico of Rare Breed Triggers. We cover the origin of forced reset triggers, why Rare Breed planned for a legal fight from day one, what the court ruling actually requires for an FRT to be lawful, and hard-won lessons for innovators in the firearms industry. Not legal advice, informational only. Chapters 00:15 Intro and guest lineup 01:09 Rare Breed backstory and prep for the fight 05:17 Litigation realities and venue strategy 16:58 Settlement basics and what changed 23:22 Product development mindset and due diligence 31:24 What the Texas ruling requires for an FRT 39:23 OEM interest and what may be next 43:58 Manufacturing scale, quality, and MIM vs machining 49:59 Advice to students, finding your niche, market fit 52:49 Availability, impostor sites, where to buy 55:01 Wrap Guest Rare Breed Triggers — official site: rarebreedtriggers.com Mentioned Learn more about SDI’s programs: https://www.sdi.edu/ytlearnmore/ Sonoran Desert Institute homepage: sdi.edu Key takeaways Innovation needs legal and engineering rigor, not just a cool idea Read the ruling, understand mechanical requirements, test for reliability Find a niche, protect IP, and build for the long game Disclaimer Views are those of the guest. This episode is for education and discussion. Nothing here is legal advice. Hashtags #TheGunRack #SDI #RareBreedTriggers #ForcedResetTrigger #FirearmsEducation #Gunsmithing #2A #AR15 #Manufacturing #Innovation

In this episode of The Gun Rack, SDI’s Rick Casner and Bart Miller join Christian and Steve to talk all things hunting prep—from a gunsmith’s perspective and a retailer’s. Whether you're helping clients get their gear field-ready or stocking up your store before the seasonal rush, this episode covers: • Common mistakes hunters make (and how to help them avoid disaster) • How to prep your gunsmithing shop for the wave of walk-ins • Retail strategies to keep your shelves stocked and customers coming back • Real-world stories of lost rifles, elk revenge, and rusty regrets • The value of communication, workflow, and setting expectations Get insight, advice, and a few laughs while gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Learn more about SDI's gunsmithing programs: https://www.sdi.edu/ytlearnmore/  Here you go Lonnie! Sorry for the wait!

We've made it to 200 episodes of The Gun Rack! On this very special episode, Drew reminisces on some of his favorite moments, Joey shares his essential firearms from his collection, and they share some very important info—all this and so much more on this commemorative edition of The Gun Rack. - Be sure to send your thoughts on the kinds of content you want on The Gun Rack to marketing@sdi.edu.  - The Gun Rack is Sonoran Desert Institute's (SDI) School of Firearms Technology's official podcast. For more information about how you can get your start in the firearms industry, check out our website at www.sdi.edu. 

Last week, we took a look at what Guns.com had as their picks for the ultimate survival guns available. This week, we are talking about the survival guns that you and other websites picked as your ultimate choice. - The Gun Rack is the official podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute's School of Firearms Technology. For more info about how SDI can help you get your career in gunsmithing started, visit our website at www.sdi.edu. 

Say that you're stuck in the unknown wilderness and you could choose any firearm to aid you in hunting and self-defense. What firearm do you choose? That's the question that Alexander Reville of Guns.com is tackling and we're here to talk about it. Be sure to comment on what firearm you would choose in that scenario! - Article source: https://www.guns.com/news/2024/05/29/what-is-ultimate-survival-gun - The Gun Rack is the official podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute's School of Firearms Technology. For more info about SDI, head over to our website at www.sdi.edu. 

If you are a small business owner, you know that to sell in the online marketplace effectively, it is crucial you use solid photographs of your product. That is why we've brought Chris Beller, SVP of PVS Studios to discuss ways that you can improve your photography, no matter your budget! All this and more on this edition of The Gun Rack! - Learn more about PVS Studios here: https://www.pvsstudios.com/ - The Gun Rack is Sonoran Desert Institute's (SDI) School of Firearms Technology's official podcast. To learn more about SDI, please visit our website at www.sdi.edu.   

This week, we're taking another behind-the-scenes look into some of the operations at SDI to see how FFL Coordinator Tadeo Garza assures that students receive what they need to succeed in their firearms courses. We talk about this and more on this episode of The Gun Rack. - The Gun Rack is the official podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute's School of Firearms Technology. To find out more about what SDI offers, check out our website at www.sdi.edu. 

This week on the pod, Drew sits down with SDI graduate and Owner of Tyro Firearms, Josh Jenkins as they discuss his time at SDI, the joy he finds in restoring firearms, and even a little espionage. All this and more on this episode of The Gun Rack! - Keep up with Josh on the Tyro Firearms YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4bVaOFtuYikVMUPf68cQ8g/videos  - The Gun Rack is the official firearms podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute. For more info about SDI, check out our website at www.sdi.edu.

We're finishing up the story of the Saratoga Campaign this week on The Gun Rack. Learn how Benedict Arnold and the Continental Army defeated John Burgoyne's Brits in a decisive battle in the first half of the American Revolution. - The Gun Rack is the official firearms podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI). To learn more about SDI, head over to our website at www.sdi.edu. 

This week, Drew tackles one of the most important campaigns during the early days of the American Revolution, the Saratoga Campaign. From discussing the prelude to the campaign to each side's strategies, and even how much of a bum they believe Horatio Gates is, there's plenty to dig into on this episode of The Gun Rack! - The Gun Rack is the official podcast of the Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) School of Firearm Technology. For more info about SDI, check out our website at www.sdi.edu. 

This week, Drew goes into the history of the firearms that helped the Prussians become a world power. We're talking about, of course, the Dreyse! All this in the week's educational episode of The Gun Rack. - The Gun Rack is the official firearms podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI). Learn more about SDI by checking out our website at www.sdi.edu. 

It's that time of year once again, folks...Firearms Draft Season!! Join the Gun Rack guys for over 90 minutes of pure firearms talk on this 3rd annual SDI Firearms Draft. - The Gun Rack is the official firearms podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI). For more info about how you can get started at SDI, check out our website at www.sdi.edu. 

We have a very special episode of The Gun Rack in store for you guys today! SDI's Chief Academic Officer and Dean of the School of Firearms Technology, Jarred McNeely, joins us on the pod to discuss how SDI selects the firearms they send to their students. An insightful look into the behind-the-scenes of SDI! - The Gun Rack is the official firearms podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute. To find out more, head over to our website at www.sdi.edu. 

Essential for the survival of American pilgrims, the Fowler played a pivotal (albeit, somewhat forgotten) role in the early history of our nation. Today, Joey sheds some light on this relic from the colonial frontier. - The Gun Rack is the official firearms podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI). To find out more, please head to our website at www.sdi.edu. 

We're back again with another firearms history episode and this week, we're taking a quick look at the Russian rifle that helped win The Battle of Stalingrad, the Mosin-Nagant.  - The Gun Rack is the official firearms podcast of Sonoran Desert Insitute (SDI). For more info about how SDI can help you build your firearms foundation, visit our website at www.sdi.edu.