In this episode, Keith and I are joined in studio by our longtime friend Sean Martin, AKA Pink Shirt Tactical, media manager for Night Vision and pro shooter for Onsite Firearms Training. We dive deep into the world of competitive shooting, the crossover between defensive and performance skills, and how social media and gear trends impact gun culture. We talk bourbon collections, body armor, and run through some rapid-fire games testing Sean's opinions on overrated and underrated gear. We also chop up the latest 2A news, from NY anti-3D print gun legislation and USPS shipping rules, to geopolitical happenings like the Artemis moon launch and America’s defense might.

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Spartan Armor Systems—American-made, NIJ-certified body armor, with options for both steel and ceramic plates, and accessible pricing for responsible citizens. Check them out at SpartanArmorSystems.com

1. Sean Martin achieved Grandmaster status in USPSA—shooting from concealment with his everyday carry, not a race gun.
2. There’s real value in crossing over between defensive pistol training and competitive shooting; stress inoculation and skill development happen under pressure.
3. Social media drives gear trends—like grip tape and stippling—sometimes for function, sometimes just for aesthetics.
4. Just because something’s “cool,” like compensators or aftermarket triggers, doesn’t mean it’s always necessary.
5. Bigger issues like NY’s fight against 3D printed guns and cross-state shipping highlight how politicians try (and fail) to control gun...

Episode Maxim

"Purpose doesn’t end when you take off the uniform—find your next mission."

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I sit down with retired Green Beret and motorsports competitor, Nick Merrick. After a career built on strategic thinking and resilience in Special Forces, Nick Merrick decided to channel that same drive into motorsports—founding Green Beret Racing as a way to help fellow veterans rediscover purpose through competition. We dive into his military experiences, the transition to civilian life, why competition is key to wellness, and how racing parallels operating in high-pressure environments. Plus, we explore what it means to build a supportive community for veterans beyond service and the wild story behind lifted Crown Vics racing for the Battle of the Branches.

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Show Sponsors

Special thanks to tonight’s sponsors:

1. OnSite Firearms Training (OFT) – Top-notch instructors who keep your skills sharp. Find a class near you at OFTllcUS.
2. Modern Gun Trade School – Turn your passion for firearms into a career with flexible, online assignments. Learn more at MGS Edu.

Key Takeaways

1. Trust and teamwork are fundamental both in Special Forces and racing—put people in positions that let them succeed and empower them.
2. Competitive hobbies (racing, jiu jitsu, marathons) give veterans purpose and drive, helping with the transition to civilian life.
3. The ability to push past comfort and face adversity is what sets operators apart, but it’s also what helps anyone grow.
4. Veterans benefit from organizations that let them choose their path to wellness—competition, camaraderie, and having a mission matter.
5. Green Beret Racing is evolving beyond motorsports, introducing the Battle of the Branches and aiming for nationwide reach across all first responder communities.

Guest Information

Nick Merrick

Founder of Green Beret Racing, retired Army Special Forces warrant officer, and veteran outreach leader. Through Green Beret Racing, Nick creates opportunities for veterans to reclaim purpose, community, and challenge—whether it’s through off-road racing, competitions, or simply having something to wake up for.

1. Learn more: greenberetracing.org
2. Find Nick on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook: Green Beret Racing
3. Contact: nick@greenberetracing.org

Keywords

Green Beret Racing, Special Forces, Nick Merrick, veteran transition, motorsports, Battle of the Branches, purpose...

In this episode, Big Keith and I (Mike) sit down with Matt Little aka “Gray Beard Actual”—retired Army Green Beret, former SWAT officer, USPSA grandmaster shooter, and host of “The Way is Training” podcast. We chop it up about competition shooting vs tactical defense, decision-making under stress, how to physically and mentally train for gunfights, and what key habits can help you win in both shooting and everyday life.

We swap stories on Christmas gifts (from shotgun upgrades to custom sword canes), talk about building new training routines for the New Year, and geek out on topics from gunfight decision-making to the best ways to inoculate stress. Plus, we tackle recent Second Amendment news and the wild side of Florida Man shenanigans.

Whether you’re a competitive shooter, prepping for self-defense, or just want to level up your training mindset, this conversation has key tips, real talk, and tactical insight for everyone.

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 Twitter Youtube Facebook

4. Be a part of our growing community, join our Discord page!

5. Grab some cool TGE merch

6. Ask us anything at AskMikandKeith@gmail.com

5. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are a big part of making the show possible.

1. Swig: Fuel your training with clean, healthy supplements. Use code TGE20 for 20% off at swig.com.
2. New York Tac Defense: Prepaid legal defense for New York gun owners. Use code thegunexperiment2023 at newyorktacdefense.com for a discount.

1. Competition Shooting vs. Defensive Mindset: Shooting matches are fantastic for developing hard skills, speed, accuracy, and stress inoculation, but don’t substitute for real-world tactics and decision-making under unpredictable pressure.
2. Train for Adaptation: You need a baseline of speed and proficiency before decision-making skills can shine. Task stacking and random, complex drills help you build automaticity and slow your brain down, even as you move fast physically.