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The Gun Experiment

The Gun Experiment

By: thegunexperiment
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We experiment with concepts in guns, gear and training; all while having conversations about interesting things, with interesting people. Yes, we will talk about guns, but not just guns because humans weren’t meant to be one dimensional. The gun is merely a tool and we believe the person is the true weapon. We want to explore different ways to make this “weapon” better in mind, body and spirit. Experiment...everyday.Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Personal Development Personal Success Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • The Edge of Excellence: Artisan Knife Making with Levi Walusiak
    May 26 2026
    “There are a lot of people making sharp, stabby things, but you do it with style, my friend.” Episode Summary

    In this episode, we sit down with Oregon-based artisan knife maker Levi Walusiak, owner of Lucky Walusiak Creations. We dive into the world of custom knife making, exploring the importance of quality craftsmanship, design philosophy, and what truly sets a great blade apart from the rest. We geek out over his most unique products (from blood straws to badass pizza cutters), geek out about materials and steel choices, and even swap classic family knife stories. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into building a reliable, functional, and beautiful blade—or you’re just a fan of cool gear—this episode is for you.

    Call to Action
    1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com

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

    3. Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube

    4. Grab some cool TGE merch

    5. Ask us anything at AskMikeandKeith@gmail.com

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

    Show Sponsors
    • HSM Ammunition: Serious ammo for serious shooters. Made in the USA, trusted by real shooters. Check them out at hsmammunition.com

    • On Site Firearms Training: OFT has experienced instructors offering high-quality firearms training across the country. Visit OFTLLC.us for their course lineup.

    Key Takeaways
    • The difference between a good and a great knife often comes down to durability, edge retention, and thoughtful design tailored to real-world use.

    • Custom knives are a labor of love—making one can take several days and involve intricate processes from material selection to heat treatment and handle shaping.

    • Levi Walusiak balances both artistry and usability, frequently experimenting with new materials, splatter paint designs, and even wild kitchen tools (like pizza cutters and ice cream scoops).

    • Regular knife maintenance—including proper sharpening and stropping—is crucial, and even high-end blades need TLC to perform at their best.

    • The custom knife market has a thriving mix of collector and hard-use pieces, and Levi Walusiak's philosophy is to make his blades to be used, offering a lifetime warranty and free sharpening.

    Guest Information

    Levi Walusiak Owner, Lucky Walusiak Creations Oregon-based custom knife maker known for unique, high-performance blades and innovative kitchen tools.

    • Instagram

    • Website

    Keywords

    custom knives, knife maker, Levi Walusiak, Lucky Walusiak Creations, artisan blades, knife craftsmanship, Oregon knives, sharpest knives, blade design, knife materials, folding knives, fixed blade, custom kitchen tools, splatter paint knives, knife maintenance, HSM Ammunition, On Site Firearms Training, gun podcast, The Gun Experiment, quality steel, knife sharpening, unique knives, handmade knives, tactical knives, collector knives, hard-use knives

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    56 mins
  • Body Armor, Gun News and More with Todd Meeks
    May 19 2026
    "Be prepared, stay protected — because you never know when you’ll need it." Episode Summary

    In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I team up for another round of Chopping It Up, joined by our returning guest, Todd Meeks, CEO of Spartan Armor Systems. We kick things off with some lighthearted stories before diving deep into the world of body armor, ballistic helmets, and evolving safety solutions for civilians, first responders, and law enforcement. We cover industry trends, product innovations, and relevant 2A news, as well as some wild stories about modern espionage, tech surveillance, and an epic Revolutionary War history lesson. Whether you’re a firearms enthusiast, law enforcement officer, or just want to stay informed on personal protection and news, this episode has something for you.

    Call to Action

    1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com 2. Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify 3. Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube 4. Grab some cool TGE merch 6. Ask us anything at AskMikeandKeith@gmail.com 5. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are a big part of making the show possible.

    Show Sponsors
    • HSM Ammunition – Reliable ammo with a broad selection, including defensive and cowboy action rounds.

    • Kings River Customs– Hand-built, reliable, and beautiful 1911 pistols from Arkansas, the 1911 capital of the world.

    Key Takeaways
    • The prevalence and necessity of body armor isn’t just for the military; civilians and first responders are increasingly recognizing its value.

    • New product developments at Spartan Armor include ultra-lightweight ballistic helmets made in the USA, thanks to a partnership with Armor Source.

    • Expiration dates on body armor are real, especially for ceramics and composites, particularly under extreme temperature conditions.

    • The civilian body armor market is slowing down, with more focus shifting to government, law enforcement, and first responder contracts.

    • News on 2A rights: Possible changes in USPS handgun shipping regulations and an active DOJ civil rights campaign for the Second Amendment.

    • Concerns about modern surveillance technology, including insect-like drones, highlight the ongoing importance of personal privacy and freedom.

    • An intriguing look at Revolutionary War history, including the Hudson River Chain, showcases American ingenuity and defense.

    Guest Information

    Todd Meeks CEO, Spartan Armor Systems Industry leader in body armor and ballistic protection Focused on solutions for civilians, law enforcement, and first responders. Learn more and see Spartan products at spartanarmorsystems.com

    Keywords

    gun podcast, body armor, Spartan Armor Systems, Todd Meeks, ballistic helmet, personal protection, ceramic plates, steel plates, 2A news, Second Amendment, USPS handgun shipping, DOJ assault weapons ban, law enforcement, first responders, civilian safety, Kevlar, tactical gear, made in the USA, Kings River Customs, HSM Ammunition, modern surveillance, China espionage, bug drone, Revolutionary War history, Hudson River Chain, civil unrest, home defense.

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    52 mins
  • Leading Thunder Ranch into the Future with Jack Daniel
    May 12 2026
    Episode Maxim "When it comes to firearms training—there’s no substitute for real-time coaching and learning to think outside the box." Episode Summary In this episode, Keith and I sit down with Jack Daniel, Director of Training at Thunder Ranch, to dive deep into the art and science of firearms training. Drawing on his 19-year law enforcement career specializing in patrol, narcotics, and SWAT leadership, Jack shares the lessons he's carried into civilian training and the mindset shifts required when moving from law enforcement to teaching civilians. Jack unpacks the importance of individualized instruction, the role of leadership on the range, and how Thunder Ranch continues to evolve its training doctrines post-Clint Smith. We explore everything from dry fire best practices and common student “training scars,” to crucial live fire drills and the value of pressure-tested mindset and mechanics. We also discuss what makes Thunder Ranch stand out among firearms training facilities, gear failures to avoid, and Jack’s approach to realistic defensive encounters. Plus, Jack shares his rapid-fire insights on overhyped training trends, fist fighting myths, and the most overlooked piece of carry gear—all while giving listeners actionable advice to elevate their skills. Call to Action Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com 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 Ask us anything at AskMikeandKeith@gmail.com Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They’re a big part of making the show possible. Show Sponsors HSM Ammunition: Precision you can trust, American made performance. Learn more at hsmammunition.com Onsite Firearms Training (OFT): Practical, no-nonsense, results-driven training. Check out courses at oftllc.us Flatline Fiberco: Industry-leading soft goods for durability, comfort, and mission readiness. Shop at flatlinefiberco.com with promo code TGE10 for 10% off Key Takeaways Leadership and mentorship are essential for new and experienced shooters (07:03). Every class at Thunder Ranch is customized—no cookie-cutter training, all individualized focus (08:12). Mechanical “scars” like unnecessary motion and bad reload habits are common even in experienced shooters (19:43). Dry fire is valuable, but be mindful of ingraining poor habits; in-person instruction is irreplaceable (22:40). The best live fire drill: Draw and fire one round with precision under a realistic time constraint (38:09). Thunder Ranch’s efficiency, world-class facility, and a culture of humility among instructors make it unique (51:17). Mindset often breaks down first unless pressure-tested; mechanics and mindset must both be trained (42:38). Maintenance and correct installation of gear prevents failures, even with high-end equipment (59:01). The ranch’s foundation is solid—innovation continues while honoring Clint Smith’s legacy (46:41). Guest Information Jack Daniel Director of Training, Thunder Ranch Former Oregon law enforcement officer (SWAT lieutenant, patrol, narcotics, training) Nearly two decades experience in real-world operations Full-time instructor and Director of Training at Thunder Ranch, one of America’s most respected firearms facilities Passionate about individualized, logic-driven coaching and evolving defensive training doctrines Thunder Ranch Website Keywords Thunder Ranch, firearms training, Jack Daniel, gun instruction, SWAT leadership, law enforcement, civilian firearms classes, dry fire, live fire drills, trigger control, mindset, gun safety, mechanical breakdown, training scars, defensive pistol, concealed carry, gear failures, Clint Smith, Oregon gun range, gun experiment podcast, shooting techniques, tourniquet, rapid fire, firearm maintenance, realistic gunfighting, shooting accuracy, gun community
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    1 hr and 6 mins
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