The Gun Experiment

"Remember that being underestimated is an opportunity. Carve out your own niche, innovate, and let your authenticity do the talking." Episode Summary:Welcome to this episode of The Gun Experiment, where Big Keith and I sit down with Chris Long, the content and communications manager — now head of marketing — for Walther Arms. We kick things off sharing funny and awkward stories from daily life, then dive into Chris’s unique journey from fuel tank cleaning to leading marketing for one of the gun industry’s most innovative brands. We explore Walther’s approach to product development, social media restrictions, creative marketing strategies, and how being the “underdog” is actually a pretty great place to be. We discuss Walther’s generous 30-day money-back guarantee and their efforts to expand gun culture into fringe markets like action sports, cars, and martial arts. Chris shares behind-the-scenes insights on product innovation (hello, PDP and the drift car!), the importance of training, and why pistol shooting should be treated almost like a martial art. If you’re curious about where Walther is headed, how they keep things “real,” and how brands can help normalize responsible firearms ownership, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable insights. Call to Action:1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com2. Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify3. Follow us on all of our social media: InstagramYoutube4.  Grab some cool TGE merch5. Ask us anything at [email protected]. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are a big part of making the show possible. Show Sponsors: HSM Ammunition: Official ammo sponsor of The Gun Experiment. Find their products at your local gun shop and look for the HSM logo! Onsite Firearms Training: Our trusted partner for firearms training — fundamentals, accountability, decision-making, and performance matter most. Key Takeaways: Walther Arms offers an industry-leading, no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee on their pistols. Social media restrictions remain a big challenge for firearm marketing, but creativity and authenticity can still win. Walther is pushing the boundaries by bridging the gap between gun culture and fringe/action sports, cars, music, and martial arts. Treating pistol shooting as a martial art, and focusing on training over gear, sets serious gun owners apart. Being a smaller “underdog” allows Walther to move fast, be real, and build a tight-knit family culture in the industry. The PDP line stands out for trigger, ergonomics, and innovation — and Walther continues to expand its product offerings globally. Authentic community engagement (like collabs on social media) is key for growing brand loyalty. Guest Information:Name: Chris LongRole: Head of Marketing, Walther Arms Social: @waltherarms on InstagramWebsite: waltherarms.com Keywords:Walther Arms, PDP, Walther PDP Pro, Gun Marketing, Firearms Industry, Social Media Restrictions, Action Sports Marketing, 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, Gun Training, Onsite Firearms Training, HSM Ammunition, Martial Arts and Guns, Drift Car, Gun Culture, Shooting Sports, Competition Pistol, Concealed Carry, Podcast Episode, Firearms Community, Ammo Sponsor, Gun Product Innovation, Family Culture in Business

"When things look bleak, stay true to your beliefs because hope and a positive perspective can move mountains." Episode SummaryIn 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 Action1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com2. Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify3. Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram   Youtube4.  Grab some cool TGE merch5. Ask us anything at [email protected]. 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. KeywordsGun 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. If you enjoyed the show, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—let’s keep the conversation going!

"Restraint is a skill—it's just as important to decide when not to act as it is to act decisively." 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 3. Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube 4. Grab some cool TGE merch 5. Ask us anything at [email protected] 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 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. Dry Fire and Regular Practice: Training consistently—even just 10 minutes a day—yields better reaction times and smoother draws. 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. 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. 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. Off-Body Carry Reality: Sometimes, off-body carry is the only practical option, especially for women or in certain lifestyle scenarios. Training for it responsibly is far better than avoiding carry altogether. Law Enforcement Scrutiny: Public perceptions, social media, and political narratives have made police work more challenging. Transparent communication and understanding human factors are key for both officers and civilians. Restraint and De-Escalation: Restraint is not weakness; it’s a hard-earned skill. If you don’t fully understand a situation, disengage if possible. Avoiding situations is the ultimate win in self-defense.   Guest Information Name: Erick Gelhaus Company: Cougar Mountain Solutions Website: cougarmountainsolutions.com Instagram: @cougar_mountain_solutions Editor/Writer: American Cop Upcoming Classes: June 22-28, 2026 (PA, NY, MA) with OnSight Firearms Training Specialties: Use-of-force instruction, red dot pistol curriculum, law enforcement training, civilian firearm education Keywords firearms training, use of force, law enforcement, concealed carry, off-body carry, red dot pistol, judgmental shooting, de-escalation, self-defense, shotgun training, Cougar Mountain Solutions, OnSight Firearms Training, Erick Gelhaus, civilian firearms instruction, decision making in self defense, gun safety, dry fire practice, pistol mounted optics, gun rights, home defense, legal considerations in self-defense, American Cop For more resources and to join the c

"True gun culture isn't about what you own—it's about how you welcome, respect, and learn with others on the journey."Episode SummaryIn 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.Call to Action1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com2. Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify3. Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube4. Grab some cool TGE merch6. Ask us anything at [email protected]. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are a big part of making the show possible.Show SponsorsA 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!Key TakeawaysSHOT Show Trends: Suppressors are the current hotness, with tons of innovation thanks to advances in 3D printing and muzzle device integration.Innovations in Suppressors: Modern CNC and 3D printing allow for amazing geometric baffling, improving both performance and customization."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.Chris’s New Project: Look for a hybrid format of live-on-range stories and long-form interviews with real-world experts—coming soon.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 Hill.Winter Fun: Hot tent camping is a game-changer for the season, and AI-powered snowblowers might be the best use of robotics yet.Guest InformationGuest Co-Host:Chris BlauFormerly of the 1911 Syndicate, Chris is now rolling out his own media project, focusing on honest reviews and real conversations with connections across military and law enforcement.For the latest on his new channel and projects, follow his appearances here and keep an eye on his instagram.KeywordsSHOT Show 2024, Gun community, Gun guy culture, Suppressor innovation, 3D printing firearms, HSM Ammunition, 2A news, SCOTUS Hawaii vampire law, Minnesota shooting protest, Gun rights advocacy, Podcast guest Chris Blau, 1911 Syndicate, Modern suppressors, Gun review podcast, Gun industry news, Hot tent camping, Robotic snowblowersDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation!

Slow down, think clearly, and prepare in a practical manner.Episode SummaryIn 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 Action1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com2. Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify3. Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Facebook4. Be a part of our growing community, join our Discord page!5. Grab some cool TGE merch6. Ask us anything at [email protected]. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are a big part of making the show possible.Show SponsorsOn Site Firearms Training: Get professional firearms instruction from experienced pros—sharpen your skills and be more prepared. Visit OFTLLC.US for upcoming classes.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 TakeawaysSurvival is mostly about mindset: slow down, stop and think before reacting.Physical fitness and basic skills (shelter, fire, water) are the true foundation of preparedness.Urban survival can resemble jungle survival—be observant and make choices carefully.Practical gear like a Bic lighter, water filter, and navigation tools often outweigh romanticized survival skills.Creativity and adaptability in the moment matter even more than experience.Digital threats and extreme weather events are some of the biggest concerns facing modern preparedness.The balance between preparation and living life is essential—don’t get lost in “doomsday” thinking.Medical and defensive skills are the most valuable in real disaster scenarios.Guest InformationPatrick Diedrich is the editorial content director for Recoil Off Grid magazine, with a background spanning military reconnaissance, wilderness search and rescue, and years spent training and writing on survival tactics. Find more from Patrick at Offgridweb.com or follow Recoil Off Grid on all major social platforms. Attend their Blade Shows and CanCon events for hands-on learning and gear showcases!Keywordssurvival tactics, preparedness, urban survival, Recoil Off Grid magazine, firearms training, emergency skills, disaster planning, survival gear, bug out bag, search and rescue, military survival, off grid living, practical prepping, amygdala hijack, physical fitness, shelter building, fire starting, water filtration, digital threats, financial preparedness, self reliance, podcast, The Gun ExperimentReady to be more prepared—without the paranoia? Hit subscribe and train with us!