The Gun Rack

Sonoran Desert Institute
  • 4.3 (14)
  • HOBBIES

Join us for an upbeat, exciting podcast covering all things firearms including industry news, firearms history, and school events!

  1. FEB 7

    The Gun Rack - SHOT Show 2026 - Industry Trends, Grads, and Program Updates

    Christian and Steve are joined by Rick Casner (Program Director), Bart Miller (Firearms Specialist), and SDI grads Owen Chambers and Talon Jayne to break down industry trends, booth culture, and how SHOT Show continues to function as a meeting point for manufacturers, retailers, educators, and working gunsmiths. The conversation also covers recent updates to SDI’s firearms programs, including expanded hands-on training and the addition of MAC 150: Introduction to Manual Lathe, a course built around practical, gunsmith-specific machining rather than general machinist theory. You’ll also hear insights on suppressor growth, accessory-driven retail trends, supplier showcase innovation, and why relationship-building at events like SHOT Show still plays a major role in hiring and career development—especially for SDI graduates. Learn more about SDI programs: https://www.sdi.edu/ytlearnmore/

    1h 6m

  2. 10/04/2025

    The Story Behind Rare Breed Triggers

    The Gun Rack | Innovation, FRTs, and the Fight That Shaped a Case This week Christian and Steve sit down with SDI’s Chief Academic Officer, Jarred McNeely, and Lawrence DeMonico of Rare Breed Triggers. We cover the origin of forced reset triggers, why Rare Breed planned for a legal fight from day one, what the court ruling actually requires for an FRT to be lawful, and hard-won lessons for innovators in the firearms industry. Not legal advice, informational only. Chapters 00:15 Intro and guest lineup 01:09 Rare Breed backstory and prep for the fight 05:17 Litigation realities and venue strategy 16:58 Settlement basics and what changed 23:22 Product development mindset and due diligence 31:24 What the Texas ruling requires for an FRT 39:23 OEM interest and what may be next 43:58 Manufacturing scale, quality, and MIM vs machining 49:59 Advice to students, finding your niche, market fit 52:49 Availability, impostor sites, where to buy 55:01 Wrap Guest Rare Breed Triggers — official site: rarebreedtriggers.com Mentioned Learn more about SDI’s programs: https://www.sdi.edu/ytlearnmore/ Sonoran Desert Institute homepage: sdi.edu Key takeaways Innovation needs legal and engineering rigor, not just a cool idea Read the ruling, understand mechanical requirements, test for reliability Find a niche, protect IP, and build for the long game Disclaimer Views are those of the guest. This episode is for education and discussion. Nothing here is legal advice. Hashtags #TheGunRack #SDI #RareBreedTriggers #ForcedResetTrigger #FirearmsEducation #Gunsmithing #2A #AR15 #Manufacturing #Innovation

    55 min

  3. 08/22/2025

    The Gun Rack - Prep Your Shop For Hunting Season

    In this episode of The Gun Rack, SDI’s Rick Casner and Bart Miller join Christian and Steve to talk all things hunting prep—from a gunsmith’s perspective and a retailer’s. Whether you're helping clients get their gear field-ready or stocking up your store before the seasonal rush, this episode covers: • Common mistakes hunters make (and how to help them avoid disaster) • How to prep your gunsmithing shop for the wave of walk-ins • Retail strategies to keep your shelves stocked and customers coming back • Real-world stories of lost rifles, elk revenge, and rusty regrets • The value of communication, workflow, and setting expectations Get insight, advice, and a few laughs while gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Learn more about SDI's gunsmithing programs: https://www.sdi.edu/ytlearnmore/  Here you go Lonnie! Sorry for the wait!

    1h 2m

  4. 07/23/2025

    The Gun Rack Podcast Season 2 Episode 2 - Your First Firearm

    Everyone starts somewhere. Whether it was a rusty old .410 passed down from family or a brand-new High Point off the shelf, your first firearm says a lot about your journey. On this episode of The Gun Rack, Christian and Steve are joined by SDI Firearm Specialist Bart Miller—who brings over 30 years of gunsmithing experience—to dive into stories from the SDI community and share what makes a first gun memorable. We’re talking BB guns, shotgun picks, AR-15s, and everything in between. If you’ve ever wondered what other folks started with—or want some advice on where to begin—this is the episode to watch. Explore SDI’s online firearms programs: https://www.sdi.edu/ytlearnmore/

    56 min

  5. 07/08/2025

    The Gun Rack Season 2 - Episode 1

    The Return of SDI’s Official Podcast. Mauser rifles, military stories, and what it really takes to teach gunsmithing online. We cover it all in the debut episode of The Gun Rack. Christian and Steve sit down with SDI’s Chief Academic Officer, Jarred McNeely, for a wide-ranging conversation about firearms education, student success, and why learning online doesn’t mean learning alone. Also in this episode: • What a century-old bolt gun can still teach us • How SDI trains hands-on students from across the country • Why communication and customer service are part of the gunsmithing skill set If you’ve ever wondered how SDI works or what makes it different, this is the episode to start with. YouTube link: https://youtu.be/7xErz61-3Ns?si=JVmUT6gFYu6p3ZIn

    52 min

  6. 07/19/2024

    Episode 200: 200th Episode Special!

    We've made it to 200 episodes of The Gun Rack! On this very special episode, Drew reminisces on some of his favorite moments, Joey shares his essential firearms from his collection, and they share some very important info—all this and so much more on this commemorative edition of The Gun Rack. - Be sure to send your thoughts on the kinds of content you want on The Gun Rack to marketing@sdi.edu.  - The Gun Rack is Sonoran Desert Institute's (SDI) School of Firearms Technology's official podcast. For more information about how you can get your start in the firearms industry, check out our website at www.sdi.edu.

    23 min

  7. 06/21/2024

    Episode 199: Ultimate Survival Guns (According to Others)

    Last week, we took a look at what Guns.com had as their picks for the ultimate survival guns available. This week, we are talking about the survival guns that you and other websites picked as your ultimate choice. - The Gun Rack is the official podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute's School of Firearms Technology. For more info about how SDI can help you get your career in gunsmithing started, visit our website at www.sdi.edu.

    19 min

  8. 06/14/2024

    Episode 198: Ultimate Survival Guns (According to Guns.com)

    Say that you're stuck in the unknown wilderness and you could choose any firearm to aid you in hunting and self-defense. What firearm do you choose? That's the question that Alexander Reville of Guns.com is tackling and we're here to talk about it. Be sure to comment on what firearm you would choose in that scenario! - Article source: https://www.guns.com/news/2024/05/29/what-is-ultimate-survival-gun - The Gun Rack is the official podcast of Sonoran Desert Institute's School of Firearms Technology. For more info about SDI, head over to our website at www.sdi.edu.

    18 min
See All (101)

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Join us for an upbeat, exciting podcast covering all things firearms including industry news, firearms history, and school events!

Information

  • Creator
    Sonoran Desert Institute
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Gun Rack

You Might Also Like