In this episode, I sit down with Ben DeWalt of On Site Firearms Training and Erick Gelhaus of Cougar Mountain Solutions for an in-depth, no-nonsense discussion about firearms training, collaborative teaching, skill development, and the importance of a growth mindset on the range. Ben and Eric shared their experiences co-teaching pistol performance classes, how they balance speed and accuracy, the value of dry firing, and why ongoing education from other instructors is crucial for personal and professional growth.

We dove into everything from handling failure, identifying the most overrated gadgets in the gun world, to the role of ego in the firearms industry. Ben and Eric also highlighted why shotgun training is gaining traction, how to structure effective practice with time constraints, and the importance of adapting instructional methods to best serve students.

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.

• HSM Ammunition – American-made, dependable ammo for shooters who demand consistency and reliability. Visit hsmammunition.com

• Second Amendment Foundation – Defending your right to keep and bear arms through advocacy, education, and courtroom victories. Become a member at saf.org

• Collaborative teaching improves the experience and adaptability for both students and instructors 04:03

• Teaching plans should adapt to student needs, not stick rigidly to a curriculum 08:35

• Speed and accuracy in marksmanship are both essential; practice should develop the balance between them 22:03

• Recency of gun handling (dry practice) is more important than high-volume live fire for busy people 17:50

• Failure on the range is part of growth; learn from it rather than engage in negative self-talk 27:19

• Exposure to a range of teaching styles expands your ability to communicate and get through to different students 36:47

• Shotgun training is increasingly valuable for areas with restrictive laws on other long guns 01:08:49

• Most overrated piece of gear? Some say the shot timer—if you don’t know how to use it properly 01:15:59

• Don’t fall for industry dogma—experiment, adapt, and find what really works for you 01:19:32

• Stay vigilant: legislative threats to the Second Amendment are evolving, and urban/rural divides impact gun culture and rights 01:12:08

• Ben DeWalt On Site Firearms Training Website: OFTllc.us

• Erick Gelhaus Cougar Mountain Solutions Website: cougarmountainsolutions.com

firearms training, pistol skill development, shooting instruction, dry fire, live fire, gun safety, co-instructors, collaborative teaching, handgun accuracy, speed and accuracy, shooting drills, law enforcement firearms, concealed carry, marksmanship, Second Amendment, defensive shooting, gun class, training tips, gun culture, New York gun laws, Virginia assault weapon ban, instructor collaboration, 2A community, tactical training, shot timer, B8 target, mindset in shooting, failure in learning, adult learning methods, range drills, OFT, Cougar Mountain Solutions, Ben DeWalt, Eric Gelhaus, The Gun Experiment

On this episode of The Gun Experiment, we chop it up with our regular in-studio guest, Frank Riess from Wallkill River Small Arms. We kick things off with some banter, dive into the latest 2A news (including Supreme Court rulings on gun rights and self-defense for marijuana users), and nerd out on everything from ballistic helmets to the fascinating history behind the Browning Superposed shotgun and military bayonets. We debate bathroom etiquette for dads with daughters, discuss defensive display laws, and talk about why America might just be the best place to live—especially if you love freedom, firearms, and good bourbon.

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 6. Ask us anything at AskMikeandKeith@gmail.com 5. Be sure to support our show sponsors; they are a big part of making the show possible.

• HSM Ammunition: American-made, reliable, accurate ammo for hunting, competitions, and tactical shooting. Find it at Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and more.

• Flatline Fiber Co.: Top-quality soft goods like slings, shooting bags, dump pouches, IFACs, and an unbeatable no-questions-asked warranty. Use code TGE10 for 10% off at Flatlinefiberco.com.

• Kings River Customs: Premium custom 1911 pistols with unmatched craftsmanship. Order yours at kingsrivercustom.com.

• Browning Superposed Shotgun: Frank delved into the history and impact of John Moses Browning’s last design, a revolutionary over-under shotgun that’s become a symbol of American gun craftsmanship.

• Ballistic Helmets: We got hands-on with new Spartan Armor Systems ballistic helmets, discussed helmet sizing, and features for hunting, shooting, and tactical use.

• Supreme Court Updates: The Supreme Court struck down the so-called "vampire rule" and ruled in favor of Second Amendment rights for marijuana users, setting important new legal precedents.

• Microtech Knives: Frank highlighted the popularity and legalities of Microtech out-the-front knives for NY hunting and fishing.

• Gun Shop Trends: Demand for some non-lethal self-defense options (like the Burner) has cooled, while collectors are currently all about revolvers, .22s, and specialty knives.

• American Culture: Guests from around the world visiting the U.S. for the World Cup are loving the freedom and friendliness of American life.

• Defensive Display Laws: We talked about the differences between menacing and brandishing, and why a defensive display could be a legal gray area.

Frank Reiss

• Owner of Wallkill River Small Arms, Hudson Valley, NY

• Expert in firearms history, retail, and tactical products

• Friend of the show and regular in-studio guest

Gun podcast, Frank Risss, Wallkill River Small Arms, Firearms history, Browning Superposed, Ballistic helmets, Supreme Court gun rulings, Non-lethal self-defense, Microtech knives, 2A news, Custom 1911, HSM Ammunition, Flatline Fiber Co.,Kings River Customs, Defensive display law, American gun culture, Concealed carry, Gun rights, Self-defense, Hunting and shooting gear

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"Technology will not make up for technique."

Welcome to another episode of The Gun Experiment! Big Keith and I are joined by the legendary Clint Smith—a Marine Corps veteran, former law enforcement officer, and foundational icon in the world of firearms training. In this episode, we talk about transitions in life, the importance of mental conditioning in gunfighting, what keeps Clint coming back to the range, and his philosophy on gear versus technique.

From lessons learned at Thunder Ranch to adapting to smaller, more intimate classes in Wyoming, Clint shares wisdom on being a lifelong student, the responsibility of gun ownership, and why our brains are the most important weapon we have. If you’ve ever wondered how to age gracefully in this industry, how to stay relevant, or what it really takes to prepare for the unexpected, this is a can’t-miss conversation.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share The Gun Experiment with your friends. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify to keep the conversation going. Drop us a review or comment, and let us know what topics or guests you want to hear next!

• HSM Ammunition: Serious ammo for serious shooters, made in the USA. Check out hsmammunition.com.

• OFT Firearms Training: Ben, Rachel, and the OFT crew offer top-notch training. Visit OFTLLC.us to find a class near you.

• Tool vs. Technique: Technology and new gear can’t replace solid fundamentals and continued practice.

• Teaching as a Lifelong Purpose: Sharing knowledge and seeing students’ lightbulb moments keep veteran instructors like Clint Smith returning to the range.

• Mental Conditioning: The most critical factor in surviving a violent encounter is the space between your ears. Practicing verbal skills, scenario planning, and keeping calm under pressure are just as important as marksmanship.

• Preparedness over Ego: Humility, logic, and self-reflection are vital both in life transitions and self-defense situations.

• Community Unity: The biggest threat to the Second Amendment is infighting and lack of solidarity within the firearms community. Stay united, whether your interest is sporting clays or AR-15s.

• Continuous Growth: There’s no room for laziness—keep learning, adapting, and contributing, no matter your age or stage in life.

Clint Smith is a Marine Corps veteran, former law enforcement officer, and legendary firearms instructor. He spent decades leading Thunder Ranch and now teaches in Cody, Wyoming through his Clint Smith Signature Series classes. Clint is also a prolific author, historian, and lifelong advocate for responsible gun ownership and training.

Find his current class schedule and updates at the Clint Smith Signature Series website (check the show notes for links).

• Clint Smith interview

• Thunder Ranch

• firearms training

• gun safety

• gunfight mental conditioning

• Second Amendment

• AR-15 training

• handgun training

• personal protection

• gun experiment podcast

• HSM Ammunition

• OFT Firearms Training

• gun self-defense tips

• responsible gun ownership

• Cody Wyoming shooting classes

• firearms instructor advice

• gear vs. technique

• situational awareness

• self-defense preparedness