The Gun Rack

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

The Gun Rack is a leisure podcast hosted by Sonoran Desert Institute, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Sonoran Desert Institute hosts The Gun Rack, a leisure show with 100 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #217

  The Gun Rack - The Ethics of Restoration

  Sep 9, 202643 min

  Should you restore that vintage firearm, or is it better left untouched? In this episode of The Gun Rack, host Christian Sequerra is joined by SDI's Bart Miller, Rick Casner, and Owen Chambers to break down the complex world of firearm restoration ethics. From balancing intrinsic collector value against sentimental family history, to the golden rules of gunsmith-client communication, the crew explores what it really takes to resurrect an old firearm without destroying its story. Whether you're deciding what to do with your grandfather's shotgun, looking to practice your wood and metal refinishing skills, or wondering when a gun should simply be safely converted into a wall hanger, this episode covers the fine line between preserving history and "polishing a turd." Learn more about programs and hands-on gunsmithing education at SDI: https://sdi.edu/ytlearnmore/

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  Episode #216

  The Gun Rack Podcast - The Art of Firearms Diagnostics

  Jul 20, 202650 min

  Ever pull the trigger only to hear a disappointing click? In this episode of The Gun Rack Podcast by SDI, host Christian Sequerra sits down with SDI Director of Marketing Steve Ross, Program Director of Firearms Rick Casner, and Firearms Specialist Bart Miller to break down the exact diagnostic frameworks used by professional gunsmiths to solve the trickiest firearm malfunctions. From diagnosing intermittent issues out in the field to understanding how specific operating systems dictate your troubleshooting checklist, the team shares decades of bench-earned wisdom. You'll learn why the diagnostic process always begins with the customer—not the firearm—and why you should absolutely never shoot someone else’s reloads. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Customer as the Witness: Why extracting minor, seemingly insignificant details from a customer at the counter can save you hours of troubleshooting on the range. Symptom vs. Cause: A deep dive into an elusive over-under shotgun misfire that only occurred when shooting at a specific vertical angle. Operating Systems & Malfunctions: How understanding blowback, gas, manual, and recoil systems immediately narrows down your checklist. The "Big Four" Failures: Why almost every firearm malfunction boils down to four primary actions: Feed, Fire, Extract, or Eject. Why Modern Firearms are Shifting: A look at how contemporary polymer-frame designs and modular manufacturing are changing the landscape of repair versus replacement. The Golden Rule of the Bench: "Prescription before diagnosis is malpractice."

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  Episode #215

  The Gun Rack Podcast - The Legacy of Gun Digest

  May 2, 202653 minS0

  <p>In this episode of The Gun Rack, Christian Sequerra is joined by SDI co-hosts Steve Ross, Jarred McNeely, and Rick Casner to welcome Jim Schlender (Group Publisher) and Luke Hardell (Editor-in-Chief) from Gun Digest.</p> <p>The group dives into the enduring legacy of Gun Digest—which has been a staple in the firearms community since 1944—and discusses how the industry has transitioned from traditional print to a multi-platform digital world. Jim and Luke share their personal career paths, from writing catalogs at Cabela's to managing some of the most influential titles in the industry, including Recoil and Off-Grid.</p> <...

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  Episode #214

  The Gun Rack - How Custom Holsters Can Add Value To Every Sale

  Mar 4, 202652 minS0

  <p>This week Christian sits down with Steve Ross and SDI grads Owen Chambers and Talon Jayne, and we’re joined by Brandon Golob from Freedom Protective Gear and HolsterSupply.com. </p> <p>If you’ve ever walked a gun show and seen a guy making holsters in real time — talking, selling, adjusting retention, and running what looks like a one-man assembly line — that’s Brandon. </p> <p>In this episode we cover: • How he built the business straight out of high school • Running 200+ events a year and what actually makes a show profitable • Making holsters off the customer’s firearm (and why f...

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  Episode #213

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

  Feb 7, 20261h 6mS0

  <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>You’ll also hear insights on suppressor growth, accessory-driven retail trends, supplier show...

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