The Gun Experiment

“Obstacles don’t always mean stop. Sometimes the next solution appears only after you commit to moving forward." Episode Summary 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. Call to Action Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube Grab some cool TGE merch [email protected] Be sure to support our show sponsors; they are a big part of making the show possible. Show Sponsors 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. Key Takeaways 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. Guest Information 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 Keywords 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

“Don’t look for a cheat code. Do the Work." Episode Summary 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. Call to Action Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube Grab some cool TGE merch [email protected] Be sure to support our show sponsors; they are a big part of making the show possible. Show Sponsors 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. Key Takeaways 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. Guest Information 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 Keywords 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

“We the people have the power.” The future of the Second Amendment depends on citizens who understand their rights, get involved, and refuse to leave the work to someone else." Episode Summary 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. Call to Action Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube Grab some cool TGE merch [email protected] Be sure to support our show sponsors; they are a big part of making the show possible. Show Sponsors HSM Ammunition 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 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. Key Takeaways 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. Guest Information 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 Keywords 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

The right training, gear, and tactics depend on the situation you’re preparing for. "Context" is Important ion these matters Episode Summary 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. Call to Action Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube Grab some cool TGE merch [email protected] Be sure to support our show sponsors; they are a big part of making the show possible. Show Sponsors HSM Ammunition: hsammunition.com Spartan Armor Systems: SpartanArmorSystems.com Key Takeaways 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. Guest Information 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. Keywords 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

“There's nothing in this country you shouldn't be able to own. That's what freedom looks like.” Episode Summary 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. Call to Action Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube Grab some cool TGE merch [email protected] Be sure to support our show sponsors; they are a big part of making the show possible. Show Sponsors 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. Key Takeaways 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? Guest Information 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. Keywords 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