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

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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

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 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...