The Gun Experiment

“New technology is really great right now, but it has the potential to be really not great given enough time.”⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Summary We sit down with Kurt Sills of Blue Alpha Gear to talk about technology, product development, manufacturing, and the responsibilities that come with building equipment for armed citizens. We start with drones, artificial intelligence, surveillance, and the danger of giving powerful tools to institutions without a clear counterbalance. Kurt Sills argues that citizens need to “play at least a little bit of defense” when new technology creates potential risks 10:01. Kurt also walks me through Blue Alpha Gear’s new aluminum holster mount, including its fully radiused edges, adjustable negative cant, belt-sandwiching design, included thigh-strap hardware, and $80 price with free shipping 13:16. We also discuss the company’s Mini Medical Pouch and highly modular Tube Pouch. The conversation then moves into Blue Alpha Gear’s upcoming enclosed tourniquet holder and Mag Drop adapter 29:08, customer feedback, sustainable growth, and the challenges of scaling a firearms-related business without losing quality or identity. We also discuss Aero Precision’s new ownership and recovery plan, the importance of communication when a company falls behind, concealed carry reciprocity for traveling truckers, Michigan’s proposed road-usage tax ideas, driverless racing, 9/11 remembrance, and political accountability. 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: Find ammunition made in Montana since 1968 at hsmammunition.com. Thunder Ranch: Explore practical firearms training and course offerings at traintr.com. Kings River Custom: Learn more about custom 1911 pistols at kingsrivercustom.com. Key Takeaways Kurt Sills sees drones and AI as technologies capable of producing both extraordinary benefits and serious dangers 06:36. Powerful government surveillance tools require permanent resistance and careful public scrutiny, according to Kurt Sills 11:28. Blue Alpha Gear’s aluminum holster mount is designed to protect belts and clothing with fully rounded edges 14:58. The mount provides additional negative cant without requiring a separate adapter, helping create a more natural draw angle 15:40. The aluminum holster mount costs $80 with free shipping and includes its accessories 19:59. Blue Alpha Gear developed its Mini Medical Pouch for people who want essential medical gear in a slimmer package 21:10. Kurt Sills says customer feedback directly shapes Blue Alpha Gear’s product development 22:40. The Tube Pouch can carry radios, rifle magazines, flashlights, medical equipment, oversized OC spray, and even a can of Monster 23:59. Blue Alpha Gear was preparing an enclosed tourniquet holder and a Mag Drop adapter for release in the following months 29:08. Kurt Sills emphasizes that manufacturers must communicate with customers, even when operations are struggling 35:19. Sustainable growth matters. Kurt Sills notes that companies can “go out of business growing” when expansion is handled poorly 38:33. A practical firearms company needs to produce equipment that can be confidently recommended to a first-time buyer 36:11. Kurt Sills supports the legal argument for recognizing carry permits across state lines in a case involving a long-haul trucker 47:12. Driverless racing may advance automotive technology, but removing human risk also removes much of the spectacle 52:19. K

The Gun Experiment – Caleb Quanbeck Episode Maxim Passion doesn’t have to fit neatly into one lane. Episode Summary In this episode, Keith and I sit down with professional drift car driver and avid shooter Caleb Quanbeck. We dive into Caleb’s unique journey that fuses the adrenaline of professional drifting with an unwavering dedication to firearms and the Second Amendment community. Caleb shares how he went from being a BMX rider to burning rubber on the drift track, and how his love for firearms evolved into a groundbreaking partnership with Walther Arms. We talk about building brands across different communities, the similarities between competitive shooting and motorsports, and the importance of discipline both on the track and at the range. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a gun owner, or someone who loves to push boundaries, this conversation offers plenty of unique insights and inspiration. Call to Action Subscribe to The Gun Experiment and leave us a review! Share this episode with your friends who love firearms, motorsports, or both. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and email any questions to [email protected]. If you want to support us directly, check out our sponsors, engage with our content, and join the conversation. Let’s keep growing our amazing community! Show Sponsors HSM Ammunition – High-quality American-made ammo for serious shooters. Show your support by visiting hsamunition.com and following them on social media. Onsite Firearms Training (OFT) – Transform your shooting skills with OFT’s courses for shooters of all levels. Find out more at oftllc.us. Key Takeaways Caleb’s entry into firearms was motivated by personal safety and quickly led him down the rabbit hole of competitive shooting and responsible training. Drifting is more about controlled chaos and creative freedom than people realize, and the skills and discipline from drifting translate well to shooting sports. The partnership between Caleb and Walther Arms is part of a growing trend, as more brands look to connect with diverse, freedom-loving audiences. There’s a strong overlap between car enthusiasts and gun owners, and bridging these communities helps destigmatize the Second Amendment. High-performance sports—be it motorsport or shooting—rely on consistency, discipline, and being able to keep calm under pressure. Getting into either drifting or shooting doesn’t have to break the bank; there are entry-level opportunities for those willing to try. The firearms community has brought Caleb not only skills, but also a greater sense of discipline, awareness, and humility. Guest Information Caleb Quanbeck is a professional drift car driver, BMX veteran, and competitive shooter. He is part of Team Walther and works with brands like Geissele and Vortex. Caleb is dedicated to connecting the motorsports and gun-owning communities, and frequently shares content on both drifting and shooting through his social media and YouTube. Instagram: @calebquanbeck YouTube: Caleb Quanbeck Catch Caleb and his Walther-sponsored drift car at Slush Motorsports in Nashville, TN on September 5th. Keywords Caleb Quanbeck, professional drift car driver, drifting, motorsports, Walther Arms, gun podcast, Second Amendment, competitive shooting, firearms training, OFT, HSM Ammunition, car enthusiast, car and gun crossover, PDP, BMX, self-defense, shooting sports, gear, firearm sponsorship, blending passions, Gridlife, gun room, training, discipline, man shit, car culture, new gun owners, cross-community branding, Vortex, Geissele, Silencer Shop.

"Every convenience has a cost. How much privacy, independence and freedom are you willing to give up in exchange for safety." In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Matt Larsen, widely known for his work developing modern military combatives, to explore competing ideas of fairness, social mobility, privacy, and personal freedom. We discuss whether “fair” means equal outcomes or equal opportunity, how family values and social class shape a person’s prospects, and why convenience can quietly come at the expense of independence. We also examine commercial surveillance, geofencing, license-plate readers, cashless businesses, and the possibility of a privately enforced social-credit system. The conversation then turns to violence and combat psychology. Matt Larsen explains why trained professionals often avoid unnecessary fights, how adrenaline affects performance, and why controlled aggression is different from posturing. He also breaks down the distinction between the Army Rangers and Special Forces before explaining the fundamentals of small-unit tactics. Finally, we look at drones and the modern battlefield, including how autonomous systems may increase surveillance, reshape infantry tactics, and make even small groups of people vulnerable targets. 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: Instagram Youtube4. Grab some cool TGE merch6. Ask us anything at [email protected]. Be sure to support our show sponsors; they are a big part of making the show possible. Show Sponsors HSM Ammunition: We use HSM for dependable ammunition, consistent quality control, and responsive customer service. Visit hsmammunition.com or look for the orange HSM logo at your local gun shop. Spartan Armor Systems: Spartan has supported the show with ceramic and steel plates, ballistic helmets, and other protective gear. Visit SpartanArmorSystems.com for current specials and giveaways. Key Takeaways Matt Larsen argues that modern political disagreements often come from different definitions of fairness, with one side emphasizing equal outcomes and the other emphasizing opportunity and justice at 08:48. Social class is shaped by more than money. Family attitudes, work ethic, expectations, and values can determine whether someone can move into a different social environment at 13:07. Privacy is increasingly traded for convenience. Phones, commercial data, cameras, and geofencing can reveal movements and associations at 22:22. Matt Larsen says the surveillance state is unlikely to disappear, and that social-credit-style systems may emerge through private companies rather than direct government action at 31:30. A free society still has to balance safety, privacy, and convenience. The group debates whether people are willing to surrender freedom because modern life is easier at 38:36. Trained professionals understand that capability and violence are not the same thing. Matt Larsen explains why disciplined soldiers avoid unnecessary fights and keep themselves out of bad situations at 54:28. Combat performance depends heavily on managing fear, adrenaline, and energy. Poor preparation can cause a fighter to burn out early at 48:42. Matt Larsen explains that Rangers are primarily an elite raid force, while Special Forces, or Green Berets, specialize in training and supporting indigenous forces at 01:02:30. Small-unit tactics can be scaled from a few people to a larger military organization. The basic principle is coordinating fire and movement to create an advantage at 01:17:00. Drones may reduce the ability to move, evacuate casualties, or gather in groups on the battlefield. Even with advanced technology, people still have to occupy and control ground at 01:24:03. Guest Information Matt Larsen is a former Ranger and military combatives instructor. He discusses hand-to-hand combat tr

"The first rule of tactical gear is you gotta look cool wearing it—followed closely by making sure it actually does its job." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, I sit down with Big Keith for an in-depth conversation about the world of ballistic protection, manufacturing challenges, and what it takes to build a company focused on American innovation. We’re joined by Alex Poythress, CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., who shares his fascinating journey from marketing entrepreneur to leading a cutting-edge ballistics company. From the differences between materials like Kevlar and polyethylene to the realities of bringing production stateside, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in body armor, helmets, and personal protection tech. We also talk about industry myths, the importance of building company culture, and what’s on the horizon for helmet technology. Call to Action Make sure you subscribe to The Gun Experiment on Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, share the show with your friends and check out our merch at thegunexperiment.com. Don’t forget to visit our sponsors and show them some love! Show Sponsors HSM Ammunition — Reliable, quality ammo for all your training and personal defense needs. Visit hsammunition.com. OFT (Onsite Firearms Training) — Top-tier firearms instruction with a strong pedigree. Learn more at OFTLLC.us. Key Takeaways Building a brand is important, but building and maintaining a strong company culture is even harder and more crucial for long-term success (15:00). Alex Poythress’ journey from marketing to CEO highlighted the need to move manufacturing from overseas to the US for quality control and transparency (19:32). Law enforcement’s ballistic protection needs are specific—off-the-shelf military helmets may not be the best fit (20:17). The pitfalls of the “Made in America” label: it doesn’t always guarantee quality unless backed up by genuine standards (23:32). Comfort and protection are not mutually exclusive. Helmet comfort is about more than weight—it’s about the right pad design and materials (36:06). Demand for armor fluctuates with world events; police and first responders increasingly need access to reliable helmets (52:20). Ballistic helmets and body armor have a shelf life—proper care and timely replacement are critical for safety (54:49). Access to body armor is a Second Amendment issue in some states; ongoing legislation and restriction efforts must be watched closely (55:11). Guest Information Alex Poythress — CEO of Ballistic Armor Co.Visit: ballisticarmorco.comInstagram: @BallisticArmorCoFor cutting-edge ballistic helmets, bump helmets, and accessories made with a commitment to innovation and American manufacturing. Keywords ballistic helmets, body armor, law enforcement gear, ballistic protection, American manufacturing, Alex Poythress, Ballistic Armor Co., tactical helmets, helmet innovation, NIJ certification, Kevlar vs polyethylene, personal defense equipment, police gear, helmet testing standards, made in the USA, PPE, firearm safety, tactical gear, helmet pads, police protection, ballistic helmet care, Second Amendment armor laws

“When it comes to facilitating major change for our community, unity is our greatest weapon." Episode Summary In this episode, I sat down with my good friend Frank Riess from Wallkill River Small Arms to chop it up on all things firearms, hunting, and the current rollercoaster of Second Amendment news. We dig into Frank’s upcoming big game hunt for ibex in Kyrgyzstan, discuss the recent Staccato dealer shakeup, debate the impact of the groundbreaking NFA registration case, and get down and dirty on New York’s unique gun law struggles. We also nerd out over the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s M14 and trench gun releases, plus have a little fun with modern sports controversies and the realities of America’s global alliances. If you’re looking for an honest, no-BS gun talk that covers big industry happenings and gives you collector insights, this episode is for you. 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 their extensive ammo lineup at hsmammunition.com. Look for the orange HSM logo at your local gun shop. Second Amendment Foundation: Support critical 2A litigation—become a member at saf.org. Key Takeaways Frank is prepping for a major ibex hunt in Kyrgyzstan, and shares what goes into a big game adventure abroad—logistics, rifle choice, and the real costs versus American big game hunts 04:24. The Staccato controversy: what it means when a leading 2011 manufacturer pulls back dealer access, the role of branding vs. gun quality, and insider experiences with both Staccato and Nighthawk 12:14. A judge struck down NFA registration for suppressors and SBRs: what this means for the country, the possible ripple effect in states like New York, and why groups like SAF and GOA are crucial 19:39. The Supreme Court could soon weigh in on magazine bans and assault weapons restrictions as key federal circuits split—what gun owners should watch next 29:13. CMP’s release of M14 rifles and trench shotguns is a game-changer for collectors—Frank breaks down why this is historic and what it means for authenticity in the market 36:13. We detour into cultural debates, from pro-NBA male athletes trying to enter the WNBA to the enduring complexities of U.S.-Israel relations and “America First” thinking 57:00. Guest Information Frank Riess Owner and operator of Wallkill River Small Arms (Hudson Valley, NY) Historical firearms collector Experienced gunsmith and dealer Known for deep expertise on historical and modern rifles Be sure to stop in the shop if you are in the Hudson Valley Region Keywords gun podcast, Frank Riess, Walk Hill River Small Arms, The Gun Experiment, Staccato dealer controversy, NFA suppressor ruling, Second Amendment Foundation, CMP M14 release, trench gun, hunting Kyrgyzstan, ibex hunt, 2A news, magazine ban, Supreme Court and guns, New York gun law, pro-2A president, firearms history, gun collectors, FPC, GOA, SAF, HSM Ammunition, federal gun law, gun policy, suppressor ownership, SBR rules, civil rights, gun community, gun shop owner, modern rifle collecting, Second Amendment rights