
Show Notes
Is the shooting industry in trouble? In this episode of the Guns Podcast US, host Brent Wheat welcomes special guest Trent Marsh to break down the cold, hard numbers behind the current state of the industry. Moving past anecdotes and vibes, Trent shares insights from his deep-dive analysis on why the gun market has been in a downward trend since 2020. We explore the "New Old Guard" perspective, why the era of panic buying has effectively ended, and how the political landscape has created a shift in consumer demand. From the saturation of the AR market to the unexpected lack of market reaction to major political events, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the shooting sports. *Key Takeaways* • The gun industry has experienced five consecutive years of negative growth since the 2020 spike- and is likely to continue. • Unsatisfied consumer demand for firearms and ammo has largely been exhausted. • Panic buying is no longer a reliable driver for the market, even in the face of major national tragedies. • The market has become politically polarized, with states solidifying their own Second Amendment environments. • We are currently in a 'buyer's market' due to overstocking, but this may lead to higher prices once the industry corrects. • Small-scale 'mom-and-pop' AR builders and commodity-focused brands are at the highest risk of failing. Link to the story by Trent Marsh: https://www.huntingretailer.com/business/the-new-old-guard-in-the-firearms-industry -- The GunsPodcastUS is presented by Holosun. Holosun designs and manufactures performance-driven optics and accessories for the shooting sports, law enforcement, and defense markets. For more information, visit www.holosun.com. -- Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected]. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel or sign up for our newsletter (https://gunsmagazine.com/newsletters) to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week -- The GunsPodcastUS is presented by Holosun. Holosun designs and manufactures performance-driven optics and accessories for the shooting sports, law enforcement, and defense markets. For more information, visit www.holosun.com. -- Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected] Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @gunspodcastus or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week. Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us
More from The GUNS Magazine Podcast
In this eye-opening episode of the Guns Podcast US, host Brent T. Wheat and co-host Roy Huntington dive deep into a startling trend Brent witnessed firsthand at a local gun show. After renting table space, Brent observed a noticeable shift by a certain subset of attendees away from traditional shooting sports, hunting, and self-defense and toward flash, bling, and fashion accessory culture. From flashy compact AR-style firearms and Glock handguns with custom magazine setups to suburban youth adopting a Grand Theft Auto-inspired aesthetic, the hosts analyze what this cultural shift means for the future of firearms ownership.
In this special breaking news early episode of the Guns Podcast US, hosts Brent T. Wheat and Roy Huntington tackle the viral internet rumors claiming that Ruger is discontinuing many of their most popular products. After investigating the claims and the sources behind them, Brent and Roy explain why this panic might be much ado about nothing and they discuss how to identify misinformation in the industry. Listen in as they analyze the anatomy of a viral internet story, the role of AI in spreading unverified rumors, and why you should wait for official manufacturer communications before believing everything you read on forums or social media. They also provide insight into how publicly traded companies manage production and why rumors often circulate without any basis in fact. Key Takeaways · The viral rumors regarding Ruger discontinuing many of their most popular SKUs lack credible, official sources. · Much of the 'evidence' circulating online appears to be AI-generated or based on misinterpretations of search results. · Industry professionals emphasize that companies frequently adjust their product catalogs for business reasons, which does not necessarily signal a crisis. · Official press releases from major manufacturers typically contain specific identifiers, contact information, and clear, professional language, unlike the documents currently circulating. · It is crucial to approach sensationalist claims found on forums or social media with extreme skepticism, especially in the era of AI-generated content. · A publicly traded company like Ruger has clear channels for announcing major shifts in operations, none of which were utilized for these alleged changes. EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: Ruger had no editorial control over the content of this episode. The views and commentary expressed are those of the hosts. -- The Guns Podcast US is supported by Ruger Firearms. Ruger has been trusted for generations to deliver rugged, reliable firearms built in America. From hunting rifles to everyday carry handguns, Ruger sets the standard for durability and performance. -- Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected]. Also, make sure you visit GunsPodcast.US for Merch and More!
Do you dread going to the range? Does your practice session feel like another item on your to-do list? In this episode, your host Brent Wheat and co-host Roy Huntington dive deep into the psychology of shooting practice, exploring why so many shooters view range time as a chore rather than a joy. We discuss how to shift your mindset to avoid burnout, why "perfect practice" is more than just burning through ammo, and how to stay present in the moment to accelerate your learning curve. Whether you are struggling with performance anxiety or just feel stuck in a rut, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to get more out of your range sessions and reignite your passion for the sport. Key Takeaways · Shift your perspective from 'I have to practice' to 'I get to have fun shooting.' · Avoid the trap of mindlessly burning ammo; practice should be intentional and deliberate. · Be present during your range sessions—put away the phone, stop worrying about social media, and focus on the mechanics and enjoyment. · If you are feeling frustrated or anxious, it is okay to stop, take a break, and reset your mindset. · View challenges as an opportunity for growth, a concept inspired by Stoic philosophy. · Learning curves improve drastically when you are actually enjoying the process of improvement. Support by Ruger The Guns Podcast US is supported by Ruger Firearms. Ruger has been trusted for generations to deliver rugged, reliable firearms built in America. From hunting rifles to everyday carry handguns, Ruger sets the standard for durability and performance. -- For merch and more, visit http://GunsPodcast.US
In this candid and thought-provoking episode of the Guns Podcast US, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington tackle the modern epidemic of consumer dissatisfaction within the shooting community. Are you constantly feeling like you need the latest gear to be part of the 'cool crowd'? Do you find yourself spiraling down a rabbit hole of internet forums, second-guessing your purchases, and falling prey to the fear of missing out (FOMO)? Brent and Roy explore the psychological toll of endless information access and the marketing tactics that prey on our need for validation. This episode serves as a refreshing reality check for anyone tired of 'gear anxiety'—reminding us that the joy of shooting is about the experience, not just having the newest, most expensive equipment. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a newcomer, this conversation will change how you view your next firearm or tool purchase. Key Takeaways · The internet has shifted the perspective of 'good enough' to 'nothing is ever good enough.' · Consumer neurosis occurs when we seek online validation for purchases rather than trusting our experience. · FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is a key marketing driver designed to make consumers feel inadequate. · Constant research into gear often replaces the actual hobby of shooting, leading to dissatisfaction. · True expertise is built on experience, not just consuming hours of social media content. · Focusing on the 'why'—the actual goal of the activity—is the key to finding satisfaction with the gear you already own.
Are you confused by the conflicting headlines surrounding suppressor laws and the recent Texas court ruling? In this episode of the Guns Podcast, hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington cut through the misinformation, rumors, and panic-induced reporting to explain what actually changed—and what didn't—for the average gun owner. In this educational episode, the guys dive deep into the world of firearm suppressors, why they have been misunderstood for decades, and how they are becoming more accessible and affordable than ever before. From debunking myths about "silent" guns to discussing why they are the ultimate tool for training new shooters, this episode provides a grounded look at the evolving landscape of firearm accessories. Finally, we break down the practical steps of purchasing a suppressor in today's market, the importance of family trusts, and why owning one is about more than just technology—it's about reclaiming your freedom. Don't let fear hold you back; get the facts you need to make informed decisions for your own shooting experience. Key Takeaways · The recent Texas court ruling on suppressors does not mean all NFA rules are gone; context and jurisdiction matter. · Suppressors are more accessible than ever, and the purchasing process has been significantly simplified by modern retail solutions. · Suppressors do not 'silence' a firearm; they mitigate muzzle blast, making training safer and more pleasant for new shooters. · Do not get bogged down in microscopic decibel differences between brands; in the real world, the benefits are nearly universal across most units. · Purchasing a suppressor through a family trust is a crucial step for estate planning, ensuring your accessories can be passed on to your family. · Suppressors are essentially a 'good neighbor' accessory, helping to manage noise levels in populated shooting areas. -- The Guns Podcast US is supported by Ruger Firearms. Ruger has been trusted for generations to deliver rugged, reliable firearms built in America. From hunting rifles to everyday carry handguns, Ruger sets the standard for durability and performance. -- Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected]. Also, make sure you visit GunsPodcast.US for Merch and More!