State of the Second – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, Kailey

and John sit down with Bill from PTR. Learn how PTR is innovating with

3D-printed suppressors, diversifying into shotguns, and preparing for

the future of gun ownership Plus, hear personal stories that reveal the

passion behind the Second Amendment community.

Whether you're a

first-time gun owner or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode is packed

with insight, history, and the unwavering spirit of the industry.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Langdon Tactical - Use code “LTTGOA” for $100 off any order over $1,000 on their website!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

Primary Arms - Check them out for high-quality parts for your build or EDC setup!

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Dustin from Derya Arms to break down how the brand went from startup to U.S. manufacturing in under a year. Dustin shares his journey into the gun industry, why the DY9 has become one of the most underrated value pistols, and how Derya shifted 95% of DY9 production to Jacksonville, Florida while keeping prices low through efficiency and vertical integration.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Langdon Tactical - Use code “LTTGOA” for $100 off any order over $1,000 on their website!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

Primary Arms - Check them out for high-quality parts for your build or EDC setup!

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Adam Ruonala, VP of Business Development and Marketing of CANIK/Century Arms. They dive into the evolution of everyday carry pistols, the GOA x CANiK MC9 collaboration, and why the PRIME is packed with race-gun features. Adam also shares insights on the billboard fight in Oakland, what tariffs mean for gun owners, and the future of surplus firearms.

Whether you’re new to firearms or a lifelong 2A supporter, this episode gives you insider access to the challenges and innovations shaping the industry today.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Langdon Tactical - Use code “LTTGOA” for $100 off any order over $1,000 on their website!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website! 

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Isaac Botkin of T.REX Arms to discuss freedom, firearms, and the future of innovation in the gun industry.

Isaac shares the story of how T.REX Arms grew from a small business into one of the most recognized names in the 2A space. From holsters as the “business card of freedom” to grassroots advocacy in Tennessee, and building the Citizen Defense Industry, he explains why mission always comes before profit.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Joel Pellici, co-founder of SOWW (Special Operations Wounded Warriors), a nonprofit transforming the lives of veterans through nature, brotherhood, and purpose. From wild pig hunts to life-changing service dogs, Joel shares unforgettable stories of resilience, healing, and the unseen battle many heroes still face.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of State of the Second, we sit down with Clay from Bullet Vault. He shares insights into his personal firearm preferences, his experience in the gun industry, and how his companies are responding to changes in the market.

Throughout the conversation, Clay opens up about the cultural and political challenges facing the firearms industry, the power of grassroots influence, and the untapped potential of the next generation of pro-freedom advocates. He also shares a bold vision of what it takes to push back against censorship, secure our rights, and expand the 2A community beyond the traditional gun owner.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode, Kailey and John sit down with Trevon Barber from Right to Bear to talk all things training, competition, and responsible gun ownership. Trevon shares his journey from wrestling to firearms competition, how he built a career teaching others, and why proper education is just as important as owning a firearm.

Trevon also discusses the top drills every shooter should practice and the best way to get started in competition shooting. They also discuss the common mistakes new gun owners make, why self-defense insurance is critical, and how personal responsibility plays into the broader 2A culture.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Desk Pop for an unfiltered conversation about gun culture, navigating restrictive states, and why the firearms community is seeing a cultural shift toward fun, welcoming, and engaging content.

From working behind the gun counter to launching a thriving YouTube channel, to being directly contacted by the ATF and pushed to get an FFL just to keep creating. He shares the challenges of living and advocating for 2A rights in Washington, how companies are responding to new restrictions, and why the next generation is key to protecting our freedoms.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

Join John and Kailey this week for a jam-packed episode as we sit down

with Mark from Vortex Optics to talk gear, hunting, and the Second

Amendment. From his favorite all-around rifle scope to wild warranty

stories, including optics run over by trucks and dropped off cliffs—Mark

shares insider knowledge and real-world tips for choosing the right

optic for your needs. We dive into why Vortex’s VIP Warranty is truly

bulletproof, how the next generation can get into hunting, and the

behind-the-scenes story of Vortex’s military contract win.

Whether you’re a hunter, competitive shooter, or just love good gear

talk, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and no-compromise 2A

conversation.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest

gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

Join us this week as John and Kailey sit down with Alyssa (aka @TheGunnyGal) and her husband Tanner for a conversation that blends guns, cars, CrossFit, and content creation into one unstoppable lifestyle.

In this episode, Alyssa shares her journey from being intimidated by firearms to becoming a confident 2A educator on YouTube. She and Tanner discuss how they transitioned from short-form to long-form content, and how their channel is helping new gun owners feel informed and empowered. They dive into the surprising crossover between car culture and firearms, especially in the overlanding space, and how their international connections have opened up conversations about 2A rights around the world.

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!