The Gun Rack - SHOT Show 2026 - Industry Trends, Grads, and Program Updates
About this episode
The episode discusses industry trends and updates from SHOT Show 2026 with insights from various guests including SDI graduates.
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. 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. You’ll also hear insights on suppressor growth, accessory-driven retail trends, supplier showcase innovation, and why relationship-building at events like SHOT Show still plays a major role in hiring and career development—especially for SDI graduates. Learn more about SDI programs: https://www.sdi.edu/ytlearnmore/
People in this episode
Hosts: Christian, Steve
Guests: Rick Casner, Bart Miller, Owen Chambers, Talon Jayne
Topics covered
- industry trends
- SHOT Show
- firearms education
- hands-on training
- career development
- suppressor growth
- accessory-driven retail
Keywords
- SHOT Show
- firearms programs
- hands-on training
- suppressor growth
- career development
- machining
- booth culture
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: SDI, MAC 150
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