Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we chop it up with Casey Betzold, Director of Global Solutions at Brownell's, and dive into everything from gun laws across the US and the globe, to what makes American gun culture unique. We share listener stories, talk about building AR-15s, explore rapid-fire advice for new gun owners, and dissect the shifting laws in New Mexico and Virginia. The roundtable covers the challenges facing Gen Z, Supreme Court dynamics, and Casey’s unique rocket-engine background as we celebrate NASA’s Artemis moon mission. We wrap up with thoughtful discussions on political accountability, government shutdowns, and the importance of civil discourse—even when you disagree.

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 are a big part of making the show possible.

Show Sponsors

• HSM Ammunition – The official ammo sponsor of The The Gun Experiment. Get quality ammo for hunting or competition at hsmammunition.com or at your local gun store.

Key Takeaways

• Brownell's is expanding globally (now director of “Global Solutions”), offering government, LE, and international support with the Valor Program.

• Global gun culture is diverse—Switzerland and Saudi Arabia lead outside the US, but most countries don’t have America’s deep-rooted firearm rights.

• Building an AR-15 yourself helps demystify the platform, boosts confidence, and makes maintenance easier.

• US gun laws are always shifting—what starts in New York or California can ripple across the country. Stay engaged!

• Gen Z is the first generation experiencing gun violence as its leading cause of death, and digital connectivity may be impacting both academic and personal outcomes.

• Civil discourse is critical; we need to learn to “disagree without being disagreeable,” like Supreme Court justices do.

• NASA’s Artemis moon mission is bringing modern smartphones into space—future selfies from the moon could finally silence conspiracy theories and inspire a new generation.

• Political accountability matters: both sides in government shutdowns should feel the consequences, not just essential workers.

Guest Information

Casey Betzold is the Director of Global Solutions for Brownells and has a deep understanding of international arms sales, as well as government and law enforcement needs.

Keywords Gun Experiment podcast, Casey Betzold, Brownells, AR-15 build, gun culture, Second Amendment, Valor Program, international gun laws, HSM Ammunition, New Mexico gun law, Virginia gun law, Supreme Court, Gen Z gun violence, NASA Artemis mission, rocket engines, political accountability, government shutdown, firearms safety, gun parts, global firearms, American gun tradition, civil discourse, gun news, podcast episode.

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Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Erick Gelhaus, a highly experienced firearms instructor with a career spanning the U.S. Army, law enforcement, and the civilian sector. We dig into everything from the evolution of use-of-force thinking, the realities of law enforcement scrutiny, decision-making under stress, and the complexities of training with shotguns and pistol-mounted optics. We also discuss responsible off-body carry, the importance of de-escalation, and why judgment and restraint are core skills for both professionals and everyday gun owners.

I share my own dry fire journey, Keith gets fired up about shotguns, and together we pull out valuable, street-applicable wisdom from Erick's decades of experience. If you’re looking to refine your mindset, boost your training, and become a more responsible gun owner, 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

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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

Big thanks to OnSight Firearms Training. If you want top-tier instruction, skill-building courses, and access to some of the best guest instructors in the country, check them out at OFTLLC.US

Key Takeaways

1. Use of Force is Nuanced: It's not just about skill—judgment, legal knowledge, and communication with the public are equally vital. Erick’s experience in the military, law enforcement, and as an instructor shaped his holistic approach.
2. Dry Fire and Regular Practice: Training consistently—even just 10 minutes a day—yields better reaction times and smoother draws.
3. Red Dots and Optics: Erick shares actionable tips for faster dot acquisition, including practicing the draw in reverse and learning to accept imperfection for practical shooting.
4. Decision-Making Drills: Incorporating judgment and visual processing into range training is challenging but essential. It’s not just about shooting fast, but making the right call under pressure.
5. Shotgun Wisdom: The shotgun is still a powerful home defense tool—if you know your pattern, ammo, and manipulations. It’s the thinking person’s weapon, and training matters more than the platform.

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and Mike kick things off chatting about mushroom coffee, new gear, and some funny family moments. We have a big announcement—HSM Ammunition is now our official ammo sponsor! Most importantly, we're chopping it up with one of our favorite people in the gun industry: Chris Blau.

Chris joins us to break down what's new at SHOT Show (hint: suppressors are everywhere and 3D-printed tech is getting wild). He shares his thoughts on industry trends, his decision to step back from 1911 Syndicate, and a sneak peek at his exciting new project that fuses gun reviews with on-the-range, long-form conversations with some of his friends from the military and law enforcement.

We dive deep into the "gun guy" culture—discussing the elitism, the myths, and why it’s time to drop the gatekeeping and welcome everyone. We play a couple of rapid-fire games, hit on some hot topics in the 2A world, including the recent Minnesota shooting and SCOTUS updates on Hawaii’s “vampire” law, before closing with some well-earned levity about hot tent camping and snowblowing robots.

1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com

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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.

A huge thanks to our new ammo sponsor: HSM Ammunition—check them out at hsmammunition.com. If you spot them at your local sporting goods store, grab a box and support those who support us!

1. SHOT Show Trends: Suppressors are the current hotness, with tons of innovation thanks to advances in 3D printing and muzzle device integration.
2. Innovations in Suppressors: Modern CNC and 3D printing allow for amazing geometric baffling, improving both performance and customization.
3. "Gun Guy" Stereotypes: Gatekeeping hurts the community. You don't need 20,000 rounds a year, night vision, or a revolver collection to be a "real" gun guy.
4. Chris’s New Project: Look for a hybrid format of live-on-range stories and long-form interviews with real-world experts—coming soon.
5. Big 2A News: We break down the Minnesota shooting, SCOTUS arguments about the Hawaii “vampire” law, and the wild hypocrisy in political circles from “The View” to Capitol...

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, my co-host Big Keith and I sit down with Patrick Diedrich, the editorial content director for Recoil Off Grid magazine. We dive deep into the world of survival and preparedness, drawing on Patrick’s background in military reconnaissance, wilderness search and rescue, and hands-on survival training. From lessons learned in third-world countries and disaster zones to practical advice for urban survival, Patrick shares how preparation and clear-headed thinking matter far more than exotic gear or panic-driven plans. We discuss common survival myths, essential skills everyone should learn, and how to stay prepared without going overboard.

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 Twitter Youtube Facebook

4. Be a part of our growing community, join our Discord page!

5. 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

1. On Site Firearms Training: Get professional firearms instruction from experienced pros—sharpen your skills and be more prepared. Visit OFTLLC.US for upcoming classes.
2. Modern Gun Trade School: For those wanting a deeper understanding of guns and gunsmithing, MGS.edu offers hands-on courses for aspiring professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Key Takeaways

1. Survival is mostly about mindset: slow down, stop and think before reacting.
2. Physical fitness and basic skills (shelter, fire, water) are the true foundation of preparedness.
3. Urban survival can resemble jungle survival—be observant and make choices carefully.
4. Practical gear like a Bic lighter, water filter, and navigation tools often outweigh romanticized survival skills.
5. Creativity and adaptability in the moment matter even more than experience.

In this episode, Keith and I are joined in studio by our longtime friend Sean Martin, AKA Pink Shirt Tactical, media manager for Night Vision and pro shooter for Onsite Firearms Training. We dive deep into the world of competitive shooting, the crossover between defensive and performance skills, and how social media and gear trends impact gun culture. We talk bourbon collections, body armor, and run through some rapid-fire games testing Sean's opinions on overrated and underrated gear. We also chop up the latest 2A news, from NY anti-3D print gun legislation and USPS shipping rules, to geopolitical happenings like the Artemis moon launch and America’s defense might.

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 Twitter Youtube Facebook

4. Be a part of our growing community, join our Discord page!

5. 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.

Spartan Armor Systems—American-made, NIJ-certified body armor, with options for both steel and ceramic plates, and accessible pricing for responsible citizens. Check them out at SpartanArmorSystems.com

1. Sean Martin achieved Grandmaster status in USPSA—shooting from concealment with his everyday carry, not a race gun.
2. There’s real value in crossing over between defensive pistol training and competitive shooting; stress inoculation and skill development happen under pressure.
3. Social media drives gear trends—like grip tape and stippling—sometimes for function, sometimes just for aesthetics.
4. Just because something’s “cool,” like compensators or aftermarket triggers, doesn’t mean it’s always necessary.
5. Bigger issues like NY’s fight against 3D printed guns and cross-state shipping highlight how politicians try (and fail) to control gun...

Episode Maxim

"Purpose doesn’t end when you take off the uniform—find your next mission."

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I sit down with retired Green Beret and motorsports competitor, Nick Merrick. After a career built on strategic thinking and resilience in Special Forces, Nick Merrick decided to channel that same drive into motorsports—founding Green Beret Racing as a way to help fellow veterans rediscover purpose through competition. We dive into his military experiences, the transition to civilian life, why competition is key to wellness, and how racing parallels operating in high-pressure environments. Plus, we explore what it means to build a supportive community for veterans beyond service and the wild story behind lifted Crown Vics racing for the Battle of the Branches.

Call to Action

If you enjoyed today’s episode, hit subscribe and share it with your friends. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to support the show, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Discord, and Spotify to stay in the loop!

Show Sponsors

Special thanks to tonight’s sponsors:

1. OnSite Firearms Training (OFT) – Top-notch instructors who keep your skills sharp. Find a class near you at OFTllcUS.
2. Modern Gun Trade School – Turn your passion for firearms into a career with flexible, online assignments. Learn more at MGS Edu.

Key Takeaways

1. Trust and teamwork are fundamental both in Special Forces and racing—put people in positions that let them succeed and empower them.
2. Competitive hobbies (racing, jiu jitsu, marathons) give veterans purpose and drive, helping with the transition to civilian life.
3. The ability to push past comfort and face adversity is what sets operators apart, but it’s also what helps anyone grow.
4. Veterans benefit from organizations that let them choose their path to wellness—competition, camaraderie, and having a mission matter.
5. Green Beret Racing is evolving beyond motorsports, introducing the Battle of the Branches and aiming for nationwide reach across all first responder communities.

Guest Information

Nick Merrick

Founder of Green Beret Racing, retired Army Special Forces warrant officer, and veteran outreach leader. Through Green Beret Racing, Nick creates opportunities for veterans to reclaim purpose, community, and challenge—whether it’s through off-road racing, competitions, or simply having something to wake up for.

1. Learn more: greenberetracing.org
2. Find Nick on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook: Green Beret Racing
3. Contact: nick@greenberetracing.org

Keywords

Green Beret Racing, Special Forces, Nick Merrick, veteran transition, motorsports, Battle of the Branches, purpose...

In this episode, Big Keith and I (Mike) sit down with Matt Little aka “Gray Beard Actual”—retired Army Green Beret, former SWAT officer, USPSA grandmaster shooter, and host of “The Way is Training” podcast. We chop it up about competition shooting vs tactical defense, decision-making under stress, how to physically and mentally train for gunfights, and what key habits can help you win in both shooting and everyday life.

We swap stories on Christmas gifts (from shotgun upgrades to custom sword canes), talk about building new training routines for the New Year, and geek out on topics from gunfight decision-making to the best ways to inoculate stress. Plus, we tackle recent Second Amendment news and the wild side of Florida Man shenanigans.

Whether you’re a competitive shooter, prepping for self-defense, or just want to level up your training mindset, this conversation has key tips, real talk, and tactical insight for everyone.

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 AskMikandKeith@gmail.com

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

1. Swig: Fuel your training with clean, healthy supplements. Use code TGE20 for 20% off at swig.com.
2. New York Tac Defense: Prepaid legal defense for New York gun owners. Use code thegunexperiment2023 at newyorktacdefense.com for a discount.

1. Competition Shooting vs. Defensive Mindset: Shooting matches are fantastic for developing hard skills, speed, accuracy, and stress inoculation, but don’t substitute for real-world tactics and decision-making under unpredictable pressure.
2. Train for Adaptation: You need a baseline of speed and proficiency before decision-making skills can shine. Task stacking and random, complex drills help you build automaticity and slow your brain down, even as you move fast physically.

“Focus on the basics, chase consistency, and embrace the journey.”

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Gun Experiment, I sat down with Ben Dewalt of On Site Firearms Training and Tim Herron, USPSA Grandmaster and firearms instructor, for an in-depth conversation all about pistol training. We discussed philosophies on improvement, how to design performance-oriented classes, and dispelled common shooting myths and bad advice. Ben and Tim walked us through what separates good shooters from great ones, the importance of trigger management and consistency, practical drills for every skill level, and why continual learning matters. We also took a deep dive into what it takes to build a dream home range, including the must-haves and activities that make training at home both safe and effective. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced shooter, there’s something for you in this episode!

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 Twitter Youtube Facebook

4. Be a part of our growing community, join our Discord page!

5. 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

A big shoutout to On Site Firearms Training for supporting the show and always bringing top-level training to their motivated students. If you want to level up your skills, check them out at oftllc.us for upcoming classes, including special clinics co-taught with top tier instructors from around the country!

Key Takeaways

1. Constant self-improvement is the key to advancing as a shooter—let go of perfection and embrace the process.
2. The Performance Pistol Clinic is all about meeting students where they’re at and customizing drills based on their real-world needs.
3. “Consistency” is the #1 attribute that separates great shooters from the rest; focus on proper, repeatable reps rather than chasing speed or metrics.
4. Trigger management remains the most critical fundamental, regardless of skill level or shooting discipline.
5. The myth that you can only improve at the range is debunked—dry fire and gun handling off-range are essential for skill...