American Guns

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search
American Guns
Starring Rich Wyatt
Renee Wyatt
Kurt
Paige
Theme music composer Swamp Cabbage
Opening theme Tallahassee
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 2
No. of episodes 26 aired (list of episodes)
Production
Production location(s) Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Running time 60 minutes with commercials
Production company(s) Gurney Productions
Release
Original network Discovery Channel
Original release October 10, 2011 –
December 17, 2012
External links
Website

American Guns is a reality television series that aired on the Discovery Channel. The series centers on the blended family where patriarch Rich Wyatt, his wife Renee, and his step-children run Gunsmoke Guns, located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.[1] They specialize in gun manufacture, trade, customization, and instruction.[1]

On December 17, 2012, Discovery announced the cancellation of the series.[2]

Staff

Wyatt Family

  • Rich Wyatt — Founder/Owner, Firearms Instructor
  • Renee Wyatt — Co-Owner, Business Manager, Rich's wife
  • Kurt — Engraver,[3][unreliable source?] Sales Associate, Firearms Instructor
  • Paige — Sales Associate

Rich and Renee have 2 younger children who are not involved in the show due to their age.[4]

Gunsmiths & Sales Team

  • Brian Meidal – Head Gunsmith
  • Gary — Gunsmith/Welder
  • Joe — Machinist
  • Jon — Gunsmith/Painter
  • Scott — Gunsmith/Custom Rifle Builder
  • Bob — Gun Historian
  • Ben — Sales Associate
  • Chris — Machinist, Sales Associate
  • Brian — Sales Associate
  • Doug - Machinist

Episodes

<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>

Two seasons have gone to air.

Reception

The New York Times reviewed the show in the wake of the 2012 Aurora shooting, examining the American fascination with firearms. They described the show as combining the "haggling of Pawn Stars, the over-the-top customizing of American Chopper and a healthy dose of cleavage in a peppy package that resembles a hundred other small-business-based reality shows, except that the business in this case is the sale of deadly weapons". The reviewer notes that although some may be uncomfortable with the easy availability of guns in America, the audience of over 1 million viewers does not seem to have any such qualms.[5]

Ratings

The season 2 premiere (April 26, 2012) drew strong ratings, up 50% on the season 1 premiere.[6][7]

Cancellation and controversy

On December 17, 2012, Discovery announced the cancellation of the series. Discovery said the decision had been made earlier, it was only announced in December. A spokesperson said "Discovery Channel chose not to renew the series and has no plans to air repeats of the show." The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting is thought to have played a part in the decision.[2][8]

Additionally, in March 2013 Gunsmoke Guns was served a search warrant for the premises by the Internal Revenue Service as "part of an ongoing financial investigation" that had been underway for several years according to an agency spokesperson. This took place shortly after a reported February 27 burglary where twelve handguns and three rifles were stolen by thieves who broke in through the roof of the shop.[9][10]

There was also speculation in the press that the IRS investigation was the result of Gunsmoke operator Rich Wyatt's remarks regarding pending Colorado legislation regarding gun purchase and ownership.[10]

In the last episode of season one, a man identified later as Wylie Newton attempted to sell an antique Colt pistol that had been stolen from a museum in New Mexico. A fan of the show that was familiar with the robbery recognized the gun and alerted authorities.[11]

Music

The opening theme music is “Tallahassee” performed by Swamp Cabbage.[12][13]

See also

External links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. http://www.eujacksonville.com/story2.php?storyid=2362
  13. According to the ending credits of the show.