Student of the Gun Radio

Student of the Gun

Being a Student of the Gun is not about being a novice or beginner. Student of the Gun represents a life's journey of education, enlightenment and the enjoyment of firearms. Each week Student of the Gun will introduce our listeners to all manner of firearms related topics be they sport, recreation or personal defense. Unlike the television format, through the magic of digital radio, we will have the opportunity to explore topics more deeply rather than just give them a quick glance. Discussions will address both that which is current news in the firearms world as well as traditions and foundational principles. Student of the Gun, a beginner once, a student for life.

  1. 4D AGO

    I Lost My Dot & Start with Baselines | SOTG 1329

    In this episode, we take a wide‑ranging journey through leadership, training, personal growth, and the pursuit of a healthier, more capable life. The conversation kicks off with stories of nostalgia and lessons learned the hard way, then shifts to a thoughtful look at how simplicity—whether in firearms instruction or leadership—creates better students, better teams, and better outcomes. We're joined by Connor Darnbrough, co‑founder of the SmartFit method, who shares his personal fitness journey and how it led to the development of a science‑based, AI‑enhanced training system built around one goal: improving healthspan. Connor breaks down the latest SmartFit developments, including a study with Arizona State University focused on measurable improvements in longevity and performance. Together, we dig into what actually matters in training today—strength, cardiovascular capacity, mobility, and recovery—and how tools like body scans, biomarkers, and adaptive modulators can give individuals a clearer picture of their absolute baseline. Connor explains why sustainable progress requires balancing catabolic and anabolic stress, why 90‑day programs often create the fastest transformation, and why enjoyment and gratitude are essential parts of any long-term health strategy. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | Blackout Coffee | Spike's Tactical [0:11:06] EOTech Talk - EOTechInc.com TOPIC: "Losing" Your Dot [0:20:56] Coffee Corner - studentofthegun.com/blackout TOPIC: Read Kaufman's Art of War https://amzn.to/4qlVafx [0:32:03] SOTG Homeroom - SOTG University TOPIC: The Evolution of Firearms Training: FEATURES Gun Review: Tisas PX-9 Gen3 Duty Pistol: www.shootingnewsweekly.com [0:47:52] Connor Darnbrough - Interview Part 1 Hear the Full Interview: Join the Grad Program

    1h 33m
  2. JAN 30

    Post-SHOT Show Talk & SPORTS feat. Louis Caras | SOTG 1327

    Wanna hear the FULL Episode? Sign up for the Grad Program today! Welcome to a brand new episode of Student of the Gun Radio. We are glad to have our correspondent, Louis Caras, back from the SHOT Show to give us an update about what he saw there. During our Tech Talk from EOTech Inc. Louis will give us his take on the new EFLX CE optic having looked at a sample during SHOT.  Also, Professor Paul will consider zeroing the optic on your pistol. What is the best distance to zero?  We have a Coffee Corner for you from Blackout Coffee. Please use promo code STUDT20 when ordering to support our show. We have more recommended reading for you.  Paul's new book, Guns of the Cold War, is now available from us at SHOPSOTG.com.  For our SOTG Homeroom this week, we will continue with our evolution in firearms training series. This week we will consider the acronym SPORTS and how it is applied to clearing a stoppage in your rifle. Is SPORTS the best way or does it fall short? TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | Blackout Coffee | Spike's Tactical 2026 NRA Board Member Ballot - Reminder to Vote www.electanewnra.com for more information [0:08:35] EOTech Talk - EOTechInc.com TOPIC: What distance should I zero my red dot? [0:40:27] Coffee Corner - BlackoutCoffee.com TOPIC: Guns of the Cold War ShopSOTG.com Use Code: STUDT20 [0:42:45] SOTG Homeroom - SOTG University TOPIC: The Evolution of Firearms Training = SPORTS

    1h 2m
  3. JAN 9

    1 Million Pound Challenge & Speed Rocking | SOTG 1324

    Wanna hear the FULL Episode? Sign up for the Grad Program today! Happy New Year and welcome to another season of Student of the Gun Radio. As we consider where we are and where we would like to be during this new year, Professor Paul has some advice and encouragement. He details what we are calling the 1 Million Pound Challenge. Is it even possible to lift a million pounds of weight in a year? Listen louder.  We have a late Christmas present for you and you need to do is listen. Also, will the change of the calendar, during our Tech Talk from EOTech Inc, the Professor has some practical advice to offer.  For this week's Coffee Corner, from Blackout Coffee, Paul has another installment of recommended reading. This week it is The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi. Which of the several versions should you purchase?  During our SOTG Homeroom from SOTGU, we are going to consider firearms training. Specifically, Paul will discuss how training has evolved and changed over the past forty years and why we do not do certain things that once seemed practical. For today's episode, we will take a look at the Speed Rock. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | Spike's Tactical | Blackout Coffee [0:07:13] Student of the Gun Official Song Sneak Preview [0:09:50] EOTech Talk - EOTechInc.com TOPIC: New Year, New Batteries? [0:21:33] Coffee Corner - www.studentofthegun.com/blackout TOPIC: Read Book of 5 Rings by Stephen F Kaufman www.patriotbookshelf.com  Discount Code: STUDT20 [0:29:49] SOTG Homeroom - SOTG University We Don't Do that Anymore: Speed Rock  [0:47:51] 1 Million Pound Challenge www.shootingnewsweekly.com

    1h 6m
  4. 12/19/2025

    Pennsylvania Machete Attack | SOTG 1322

    We've got a lot to cover today, and not all of it is fun, but it's all important. We have a long discussion about the shooting that occurred in Australia, despite their intense gun control laws, and there was a deadly Pennsylvania Machete Attack, but it wasn't in somewhere like Philadelphia, like you may think. Wanna hear the FULL Episode? Sign up for the Grad Program today! Just a Civilian?  Professor explained his recent article titled "Are You Just a Civilian?" which was published on Shooting News Weekly on December 14th, discussing how Hollywood portrays civilians with guns as incompetent and dangerous. Navy Firearms Training Safety Initiative The meeting focused on addressing issues with the U.S. Navy's handling of firearms training and safety. Professor and Zach discussed a recent incident where the Navy shared photos of poor firearms practices, which led to the creation of a promotional code "GONAVY" for a 15% discount on training materials at ShopSOTG.com and SOTGU. Jarrad confirmed that the P201 Home Study Cohort could help improve military firearms training skills. The group decided to offer this discount as a positive step to support Navy personnel and encourage better firearms training practices. Red Dot Myths and Training The discussion focused on the myths and realities of red dot sights on handguns. The Professor explained that red dot sights are for human shooters, not to increase gun accuracy, and emphasized that proper training and muscle tension are crucial for accurate shooting. Jarrad noted that while red dots don't make guns more accurate, they can help shooters identify movement during firing. The conversation concluded with Jarrad suggesting that honest self-reflection and seeking professional coaching can lead to improved shooting performance with red dot sights. Coffee Corner: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell The discussion then shifted to a new feature called The Coffee Corner, sponsored by Blackout Coffee, and the introduction of a new book review. The professor shared his experience with a broken coffee maker and how he used a French press as an alternative. Finally, he recommended the book "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell, which he discovered through research on the UK Special Air Service. Scranton Machete Attack Investigation The group discussed a machete attack in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where two women were killed and another was critically injured. The suspect, Michael Woods, was apprehended by police who arrived quickly, though the professor questioned whether the response time made a difference given the severity of the attack. The discussion highlighted that violent incidents can occur in smaller cities like Scranton, challenging assumptions about crime rates in different locations, and emphasized the importance of being prepared for potential threats regardless of location. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | Blackout Coffee | Spike's Tactical The US Navy is at it again, posting embarrassing photos of sailors shooting. USE Promo Code: GoNavy to save 15% at SOTGU & ShopSOTG.com [0:20:08] EOTech Talk - EOTechInc.com TOPIC: If you are having trouble with your red dot, try covering it up www.shootingnewsweekly.com [0:40:43] COFFEE CORNER - Blackout Coffee TOPIC: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell Promo Code STUDT20 for 20% Off your order at studentofthegun.com/blackout [0:57:20] SOTG Homeroom - SOTG University TOPIC: Two women and a service dog killed in machete attack, police say www.wsmv.com

    1h 10m

About

Being a Student of the Gun is not about being a novice or beginner. Student of the Gun represents a life's journey of education, enlightenment and the enjoyment of firearms. Each week Student of the Gun will introduce our listeners to all manner of firearms related topics be they sport, recreation or personal defense. Unlike the television format, through the magic of digital radio, we will have the opportunity to explore topics more deeply rather than just give them a quick glance. Discussions will address both that which is current news in the firearms world as well as traditions and foundational principles. Student of the Gun, a beginner once, a student for life.