Student of the Gun Radio

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.

Charlie Kirk & The Role of Violence in Man’s Life | SOTG 1308 09/12/2025

Charlie Kirk & The Role of Violence in Man’s Life | SOTG 1308 Before anything else, we felt we had to address the Charlie Kirk situation, with what happened to him, why it most likely happened, and what kind of a man Charlie was. This was disgusting anf reprehensible, and we can’t just pretend that now is the time for love and togetherness with our foes… Wanna hear the FULL Episode? Book Announcement Professor Markel announced that Nick Orr’s new novella, "Mockingbird," in the Pipe Hitters Novel series, is available for pre-order on Amazon Kindle and will be released on September 15th. The conversation ended with the introduction of the show and its co-hosts. Firearms Training Home Study Program The professor explained the home study program, which provides structured learning materials including written, video, and testing content to prepare students for in-person firearms training. He emphasized that the program allows students to learn safety rules and techniques before arriving at the range, maximizing the time spent on practical training during the live session. Jarrad highlighted that the home study course covers specific techniques and tactics used in the training, giving students a head start on understanding expectations and allowing them to absorb instruction more quickly during the live session. Gun Safety and Emergency Training The meeting focused on a discussion about responsible gun ownership and emergency medical training. Professor Paul Markel shared his experience hosting a radio show with Tom Gresham and discussed his book "Beyond the Boo Boo," which covers traumatic medical training for citizens. John, a retired physician, called into the show to discuss the importance of stop-the-bleed training and shared his experience as a certified instructor. They emphasized the need for quick action in emergency situations and the simplicity of stop-the-bleed techniques, suggesting that anyone can learn to help save lives in the event of a shooting or other traumatic incident. Battery vs. Tritium Optics Discussion The discussion focused on the benefits and drawbacks of battery-powered versus nuclear-powered (tritium) optics, with Professor Markel explaining that while tritium sights offer perpetual power without battery changes, they are more expensive initially and have a limited lifespan of 8-9 years before needing professional refurbishment. Sonny Puzikas and the Role of Violence in Man’s Life Jarrad sits down with the great Sonny Puzikas for a long discussion on life, faith, and what place that violence has in the world, as well as in a man’s life. This is a fantastic interview that you don’t wanna miss, and only members of the Grad Program will hear the full, uncut thing. So consider signing up today! TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: | UNIVERSAL SAFETY RULES POSTER! Pre-Order Today [0:00:00] Charlie Kirk was shot in Orem, UT [0:19:15] How does the Home Study program work, and is it different from in-person training? - Eric Ask us a Question: [0:33:48] Boo Boo book discussion on Gun Talk Radio [0:46:16] EOTech Talk - TOPIC: Battery Power or Nuclear Power? Pros & Cons [0:56:52] Warrior of the Week - TOPIC: Sonny Puzikas Interview Wanna hear the FULL discussion? ! /episode/index/show/studentofthegun/id/38176010

Run, Hide, Fight & Hurricane Katrina 20 Years Later | SOTG 1307 09/05/2025

Run, Hide, Fight & Hurricane Katrina 20 Years Later | SOTG 1307 Wanna hear the FULL Episode? Training Courses and Overpenetration Myths The hosts discussed upcoming training courses in Mount Enterprise, Texas, including a basic pistol class (P201) and an advanced course (P301) scheduled for October 3-6. They clarified that the basic course is their flagship core course, while the advanced course includes advanced techniques like low light shooting and team tactics. The main discussion centered on the myth of overpenetration in home defense, where they explained that most handgun rounds, including rifle rounds, will penetrate typical home construction materials, and that controlled expansion 5.56 bullets are actually less likely to overpenetrate than slower, heavier handgun rounds. US Army Rifle Procurement Controversy The discussion focused on concerns about the US Army's decision to purchase a new, expensive battle rifle with a dedicated round that is three times more expensive than current options and only produced by one company, which the professor characterized as corruption. Jarrad then shared news from Guns.com about LMT Defense winning a $93 million contract for 6.5 Creedmoor carbines in AR-10 configuration for Special Operations Command, while Black Hills Ammunition was awarded a $40 million contract for 17,367,760 rounds of 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition for the Navy and Marine Corps. The conversation concluded with a reflection on how the 6.8mm SPC cartridge, once hyped as the future standard for M4 rifles, never materialized despite initial promises. Christians Under Attack and Gun Control The professor discussed a recent attack on Christian children by a 23-year-old man who identifies as transgender, emphasizing the importance of recognizing evil and the futility of gun control in preventing such acts. They highlighted the absurdity of left-wing priorities, comparing the perceived severity of gun control versus murder, and criticized the double standards applied to different crimes and societal issues. The conversation also touched on the inefficacy of laws in preventing illegal activities, using examples like drug prohibition, and questioned the sincerity of those advocating for stricter gun laws. Preparedness and Heroism in Danger They next focused on discussing the importance of preparedness and action in the face of danger, using James' advice to "run, hide, and fight" as a guiding principle. The professor emphasized the four possible outcomes of such situations: living hero, dead hero, living coward, and dead coward, urging listeners to prioritize protecting innocent lives. Jarrad provided details on how to join the grad program, which offers the full show content, and clarified that only hosts and co-hosts can hear the recording notification. ----- TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: | [0:13:21] EOTech Talk - - TOPIC: LMT Wins $93 Million SOCOM 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Contract [0:28:54] Warrior of the Week - - TOPIC: James Yeager [0:39:25] SOTG Homeroom - - TOPIC: Minneapolis shooting live updates: Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, ID’d as students killed /episode/index/show/studentofthegun/id/38082390

OCCAM Defense Rifles & The Root Word of Gun Control | SOTG 1306 08/29/2025

OCCAM Defense Rifles & The Root Word of Gun Control | SOTG 1306 Wanna hear the Full Episode? Occam Defense Pistol Discussion The discussion centered on the Occam Defense OD-1775 pistol, which Jarrad described as a smaller version of the rifle, featuring walnut wood and a powerful 10.5-inch barrel. The professor explained that the OD-1775 is considered the "Cadillac of AKs" and noted that Occam Defense also makes accessories for various rifles, including a magwell for Ruger American Ranch rifles. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the evolution of military optics, particularly the adoption of EOTech holographic weapon sights and magnifiers during the Global War on Terror, with the professor having recently published an article about pairing the EOTech XPS2 with a 3x magnifier. Challenges in Mechanical Offset Calculations The discussion focused on the challenges of calculating mechanical offsets in shooting, particularly with high risers on optics. The professor expressed concerns about the trend of using excessive risers, noting that it complicates shooting and training. Jarrad explained that learning to calculate offsets takes time and practice, even in controlled conditions. The conversation also touched on the influence of social media on gear choices, with the Professor warning against buying unnecessary accessories before mastering current equipment. Good Samaritan Stabbing Case Update The group discussed a story about an American "Good Samaritan" stabbed in Germany after intervening when two men were harassing female passengers on a tram. The attacker was arrested but later released due to lack of sufficient evidence linking him to the stabbing, despite having previous charges. Jarrad shared details about his Occam Defense pistol, including its specifications and customization options, and mentioned that deposits are currently being accepted for the firearm. Gun Control's Futility and Absurdity The discussion focused on the futility of gun control measures, using examples from England, Australia, and other countries where disarmament has not reduced violent crime. The professor emphasized that gun control is ultimately about control and that left-wing ideologies, including communism and socialism, seek to disarm citizens to increase state power. The conversation concluded with a discussion of Australia's recent ban on machetes, highlighting the absurdity of such restrictions and the failure of gun control to address the root causes of crime. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: | [0:04:51] Paul and Jarrad discuss their OCCAM Defense rifle/pistol [0:10:16] EOTech Talk - TOPIC: HWS / Magnifier Combo discussion [0:29:02] Warrior of the Week - TOPIC: American good Samaritan stabbed after confronting Syrian immigrant in Germany when he stepped in to stop harassment [0:45:00] Australian state rolls out machete ‘disposal bins’ ahead of ban /episode/index/show/studentofthegun/id/38000600

Beyond the Boo Boo After-Action & Beware Counterfeit Tourniquets | SOTG 1305 08/22/2025

Beyond the Boo Boo After-Action & Beware Counterfeit Tourniquets | SOTG 1305 An After-Action report from the beautiful city of Vernal, UT, fake Rapid Tourniquets, and Jarrad is gonna be at AMM-CON! All that and more during this week's episode. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: | [0:07:30] Beyond the Boo Boo Class After-Action [0:31:00] Jarrad speaking at AMM-CON [0:34:43] EOTech Talk - TOPIC: Gun Locks and Gun Boxes: Good, Bad, Neutral? [0:49:19] Warrior of the Week - TOPIC: Yuval Levin - Episode Summary Enhancing Bleeding Control Training Professor Paul Markel shared a personal story about conducting a Beyond the Boo Boo course (BB101) class in Vernal, Utah. He discussed how Americans often avoid trauma training until an emergency occurs, noting that corporate first aid training is typically limited to CPR and basic life support due to insurance discounts. The class highlighted the importance of proper bleeding control techniques, contrasting with common first aid knowledge that focuses on CPR, which is ineffective for severe bleeding situations. Counterfeit Tourniquet Awareness Discussion The group discussed counterfeit rapid tourniquets, identifying them by their flimsy metal parts, lack of authenticity markings, and poor quality compared to genuine products. They advised against purchasing tourniquets from suspiciously low-cost sources and recommended buying from authorized retailers like ShopSOTG.com. Self-Defense and Cultural Institutions The meeting discussed a defensive gun use case in Texas where a homeowner used his firearm to deter an intruder with a machete, highlighting the importance of gun ownership for self-defense. The group also touched on recidivism rates and the manipulation of crime statistics in Washington, D.C. Finally, they introduced the "Warrior of the Week" segment, featuring a speech by Yuval Levin on the importance of institutions in addressing cultural conflicts. Rebuilding Trust in Institutions The meeting focused on a speech by Yuval Levin at BYU, discussing the decline in trust towards institutions in American society. Levin argued that institutions are failing to form trustworthy individuals, instead becoming platforms for performative behavior. He emphasized the need for a mindset change, where individuals take their institutional roles seriously and ask, "Given my role here, how should I behave?" Levin concluded that healing society's divisions requires small, constructive steps towards rebuilding trust in institutions. /episode/index/show/studentofthegun/id/37882895

Ruger American Ranch Rifle & Disarmed Soldiers? | SOTG 1304 08/15/2025

Ruger American Ranch Rifle & Disarmed Soldiers? | SOTG 1304 Ruger American Ranch Rifle Review The professor discussed his experience with the Ruger American Ranch rifle, highlighting its features such as flat dark earth stock, matte black barrel, detachable magazines, and picatinny rail. He reviewed the rifle's performance using a Voodoo X-ray scope, noting its effectiveness in shooting desert varmints in Wyoming. The professor also mentioned that the rifle uses standard AR-15 magazines, which he considers ideal for a bolt-action rifle. Jarrad confirmed he had shot the rifle and remembered Jason using it in a precision rifle class. The discussion concluded with an update on the availability of the "Virtues of a Warrior" posters, which are now available for purchase on the shop SOTG website. Gun Ownership and Media Perspectives Jarrad shared a video about the importance of institutions by Yuval Levin, which Professor agreed to include in next week's bonus segment under leadership or as a "Warrior of the Week" segment. They discussed upcoming events at Student of the Gun University, including classes in Kentucky, Texas, and Nevada. Professor played a segment from John Stossel's show highlighting how Hollywood often portrays armed civilians negatively, while real-life examples show that guns can effectively stop crimes. They praised John Stossel for his shift from liberal views to presenting more balanced perspectives on gun ownership. Voodoo X-Ray Marketing Discussion The meeting involved a discussion about various topics, including the publication of an article on the Voodoo X-ray, interactions with Jim Shepherd regarding the "chicken wire," and the marketing of products featuring the Voodoo X-ray. Jarrad and Professor discussed the differences between quiet and silence, and the challenges of producing juice with a high waste rate. They also talked about the sale of a scarce pre-World War II Belgian Browning and the regulations around selling Nazi memorabilia online. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: | (NEW) Less Yackin’, More Cackin’ Patch [0:14:55] EOTech Talk - TOPIC: Gun Review; Ruger American Rifle [0:30:09] Warrior of the Week - TOPIC: Making Military Bases Gun-Free Zones Was a Really Bad Idea /episode/index/show/studentofthegun/id/37811845

Saying Goodbye to Friends & CZ Shadow 2 EDC | SOTG 1303 08/08/2025

Saying Goodbye to Friends & CZ Shadow 2 EDC | SOTG 1303 The changes, they have arrived! We've got a packed episode for you folks today, like the CZ Shadow 2 Carry from CZ Firearms, the return of Warrior of the Week featuring our late friend; John Benner, SIG SAUER issued a Statement on the Safety of P320 Platform Pistols, and more! So listen up, hippie. Wanna hear the Full Episode? Gas Mask Filters and Shelf Life Jarrad and Professor discussed technical issues with microphones and audio setup, then explored gas mask filters and their shelf lives. They clarified that different filters have varying shelf lives, with some lasting up to 20 years in storage, and explained how gamma radiation dissipates over time due to sunlight and natural processes. They agreed to open future shows with questions to encourage audience participation. Radio Show: Wrestling and Planets The meeting began with a brief delay as Jarrad dealt with technical issues. They discussed wrestling events, including Brock Lesnar's return and the handling of past controversies. The group then prepared to record the radio show, addressing listener questions and discussing the definition of planets, including the historical classification of Pluto. They also touched on the International Astronomical Union's updated criteria for what constitutes a planet. Gas Mask Filters and Historical Verification The hosts discussed gas mask filters, addressing a listener's question about their shelf life. They explained that filter longevity depends on the type and manufacturer, and recommended checking with the manufacturer for specific recommendations. The conversation then shifted to historical perspectives on weapons of mass destruction and the challenges of verifying historical information in the modern age, with Jarrad noting that while people have more access to information now, determining its accuracy remains difficult. Firearms Industry Technology Trends The meeting focused on a tech talk segment discussing recent developments in the firearms industry. The Professor highlighted Eotech's acquisition of VK Systems, which provides technology for situational awareness and team tactics. They also discussed the term "uncommanded discharge" and its relation to the Sig P320, noting its recent coinage due to the gun's unique firing mechanism. Professor further explored the shift in the firearms market, particularly CZ's promotion of a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistol, the CZ Shadow 2, as an everyday carry option, which represents a departure from the prevailing trend of striker-fired polymer guns. This move by CZ suggests a potential shift in consumer preferences and industry direction. John Benner: Warrior of the Week The meeting focused on honoring John Benner, the founder of Tactical Defense Institute, as the Warrior of the Week. Paul Markel shared personal anecdotes about Benner's contributions to law enforcement training and his invention of the K-Bar TDI law enforcement knife. The discussion highlighted Benner's emphasis on practical training and the importance of providing trainers for law enforcement equipment. Jarrad and Paul also promoted SOTG University's home study courses and residency programs, emphasizing the availability of training resources for students. Self-Defense in Firebomb Attacks The professor and Jared discussed a recent incident where a Virginia city councilman was allegedly set on fire by a man who threw gasoline on him. They debated whether the councilman could have defended himself with a gun if he had been carrying one, and discussed the increasing number of firebomb attacks in recent months. The professor suggested that carrying guns could be a deterrent against such attacks, and mentioned a video by John Stossel that supports their perspective. Gun Ownership and Media Portrayal The discussion focused on the debate around gun ownership and the media's portrayal of firearms. Professor and Jarrad discussed how Hollywood often depicts armed citizens negatively, contrasting with real-life examples of defensive gun use. They also analyzed a situation where California Governor Gavin Newsom was unable to accept a gifted handgun due to his state's strict gun laws, highlighting the complexity and potential absurdity of such regulations. The conversation concluded with criticism of Newsom's hypocrisy and the need for leaders to practice what they preach. BPC-157: Fitness Supplement Insights The discussion focused on BPC-157, a peptide supplement that has gained popularity in the fitness community. Professor shared his personal experience with the supplement, which was recommended to him by Dr. Dan for muscle recovery. He noted that while it was initially difficult to find, it is now available on GNC's website under different names. The conversation also touched on the growing interest in peptides, citing recent mentions by Joe Rogan and Kevin James. Professor emphasized the importance of listening to experienced individuals in the fitness and health field, and encouraged listeners to check out a recent episode featuring Matt Reynolds and to read Nicholas Orr's book. Sig P320 Safety Concerns The discussion focused on safety concerns with the Sig P320 pistol, particularly regarding incidents where the gun has discharged while in holsters. The professors discussed how Sig Sauer released a formal statement addressing various incidents, but the statement did not satisfy their concerns about the gun's safety. As a result, they decided to ban the P320 from their training classes until Sig Sauer provides clearer guidance about what "ready to use" means in their owner's manual. Super Dave's Chili Legacy The professor shared a humorous story about Dave Harrington, known as "Super Dave," who was a military contractor and roommate. The professor revealed that Dave's favorite chili recipe was created by him in 2007, and Dave would eat all the solid ingredients, leaving only chili soup behind. Despite being angry at the time, the professor later included a note in a cookbook suggesting to double the recipe if Super Dave was coming over, as he would stand in his underwear next to the crock pot to refill his bowl. The professor concluded by remembering Dave, who passed away last Friday, and noted that he would have advised to "relax your brain" in response to any questions. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: | [0:24:10] EOTech Talk - TOPIC: CZ SHADOW 2 CARRY [0:49:11] SOTG Homeroom - TOPIC: Virginia city councilman set on fire by maniac who dumped 5-gallon bucket of gas on him /episode/index/show/studentofthegun/id/37702540