Everything Guns — Episode 76: "Smoke & Mirrors"
April 27, 2026
Hosted by David and Jody Smith
Episode Overview
In this episode, David and Jody explore a range of gun-related topics. They cover recent and proposed firearms legislation, review select guns and gear, and dive deep into real-world self-defense scenarios, including the legal and ethical dimensions. The hosts debate defensive gun use laws—especially as related to property—and provide an update on Texas gun laws. The show is marked by their signature conversational, lighthearted banter, coupled with candid opinions on firearms legislation and gun culture.
Key Segments & Timestamps
- [00:08] Podcast Structure & First-Time Listener Overview
- [00:51] Gun News: ATF Registry, Federal Courts, and Assault Weapon Bans
- [05:03] Legislation: Special Operations Forces Carry Act & State Law Updates
- [10:14] Self-Defense Laws: Tennessee vs. Texas
- [18:16] Use of Deadly Force in Defense of Property—Debate & Ethical Dilemmas
- [21:48] Guns & Gear: Taurus RPC 9mm PDW, Zulu AR Stock, HTF Garment Bag
- [30:01] Use of Force Scenarios: Detroit Garage Shooting, California Home Intruder, Arizona Warning Shot Case
- [42:24] State Gun Laws: Texas Deep Dive
- [52:13] Next Episode Previews & Miscellaneous
Gun News & Legislation Highlights
ATF Gun Registry Concerns (00:08–03:58)
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The hosts critique the ATF for amassing firearm records, noting that “nearly 1 billion firearm records with 94% digitized” (00:53) could potentially be used in unconstitutional ways.
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David voices skepticism:
“You know, they’re making a database of that. Oh yeah, here’s a 98 probability chance that this person has a firearm.” (02:00, David)
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Frustration over lack of political action:
“I wish we would actually be conservative if we're going to say we're conservative.” (03:03, David)
Court Rulings & State Laws (03:06–10:14)
- 11th Circuit: Machine guns ruled as not protected by the Second Amendment, citing Scalia's Heller opinion (03:06).
- Updates on magazine bans in D.C. and Virginia’s broad “assault weapon” definition returning to the governor’s desk (03:37–04:20).
- Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act critiqued as elitist:
“They make this out like they're pro-2 advocates…Why does it have to be a special group?” (05:31, Jody)
- Wyoming’s failed attempt to reimburse lawful self-defense defendants for legal fees (06:33).
Notable Quotes
- “Any infringement is too, too much.” (03:58, David)
- “Everybody should have the right to carry wherever.” (06:03, Jody)
- “We shouldn't be making laws just for one particular group of people because they've gone through some military training.” (06:13, Jody)
Guns & Gear Review
Taurus RPC 9mm PDW (24:47–26:00)
- All-aluminum, roller-delayed action, suppressor-ready, MSRP ~$940, likely available for ~$750.
- Jody highlights its cool look, especially with brace and suppressor options.
Zulu AR Stock (26:43–27:18)
- Both hosts enthusiastic:
“There’s like no recoil at all.” (26:56, David)
- “Ought to be, they ought to pay us for this stuff. I love that thing.” (26:59, Jody)
HTF Garment Bag (27:26–29:38)
- Garment bag for discreetly carrying rifles, handguns, mags, and more—described as “a good way to carry your firearms pretty well openly…without anybody knowing.” (27:56, David)
- Retails for $189, available at SkinnerSights.com.
Use of Force & Self-Defense Laws
Tennessee vs. Texas: Defensive Property Laws (10:14–18:16)
- Tennessee aligns new self-defense standards with Texas, but the law is more “smoke & mirrors” than real reform.
- Key differences:
- Tennessee: No nighttime restriction, but cannot use deadly force if the person is “facing away.”
- Texas: Deadly force for property allowed mainly at night; reasonableness and recovery caveats.
- Sharp warning:
“This is going to get somebody in jail for the rest of their life because they think they can do it.” (14:57, Jody)
Debate: When is Deadly Force for Property Justified?
- David challenges: “Should there be like a value, hey, if property is valued at some certain amount, if somebody is stealing my car…?” (16:06)
- Jody: “Are we putting a value on the property or are we putting a value on life?” (16:46)
Notable Quotes
- “I agree that human life is worth more than a TV.” (17:21, David)
- “Are you willing to go to jail for your dog or are you willing to go to jail for TV?” (17:44, Jody)
Use of Force Case Studies
Detroit Garage Defensive Shooting (30:01–34:41)
- Homeowner shoots at burglars running from his garage—charged after video shows they were fleeing.
- Lessons:
- Don't talk to police beyond “I used force to stop the threat.” (31:17)
- Know state laws; property defense rarely justifies deadly force if suspect is fleeing/off-property.
California Home Intruder (34:54–37:29)
- Homeowner returns after break-in, confronts intruder; both injured.
- Hosts agree: Only return if loved ones are home, otherwise “let the police handle it.” (36:36)
Phoenix Warning Shot Case (37:43–42:12)
- Doctor fires warning shot outside, police shoot and wound him.
- Ongoing prosecution for reckless discharge—hosts say it serves no public good.
- “All this guy did was walk out and fire one shot in the air…and they want to put him into jail. Minimum 5 to 10 years minimum.” (40:21, David)
- Ethical: “He’s been through enough to know not to do that again.” (41:02, Jody)
Texas Gun Law Update
Permits, Carry Age, and Constitutional Carry (43:36–46:09)
- Texas is constitutional carry (since Sept 2021, 18+ allowed via 2023 court ruling).
- Still mid-tier for actual gun ownership; permits let you skip NICS.
- Current confusion over “duty to inform” officers—hosts promise a follow-up.
Signs and Property Rights (46:49–47:57)
- Effective signage prohibits carrying; consent required.
No Red Flag Laws, No Mag Limits (49:56–50:10)
- Texas has few major restrictions; preemption prevents local anti-gun ordinances.
Notable Quotes
- “We don’t have to take a test to do the First Amendment. We don’t take a test to do the Fourth Amendment or Fifth.” (45:14, Jody)
- “If you get anywhere like anywhere else, if somebody put a sign that says you can’t have firearms, you go in there and they tell you to leave…” (47:06, Jody)
Memorable Moments & Side Conversations
- Banter about the “rascal” scooters at the NRA show: “It was so many people running around, those little rascals.” (08:35, David)
- Jokes about staying at the hospital and mailing T-shirts—classic Jody/David antics. (22:18–23:50)
- Running gag about starting a fly fishing podcast: “We might have a new podcast called ca. So we goin’ have a new—well… Everything’s Fly Fishing!” (52:53, David)
Preview & Call to Action
- Next episode will revisit Texas updated for 2023 laws and cover Vermont gun laws (51:39).
- Listener giveaway: First five listeners to leave a 5-star review win a gear box (23:24).
- “Let us know if you want a YouTube version of this. Let us know!” (49:56, David)
Summary
Episode 76 deftly blends current gun news, critique of “smoke and mirrors” legislative moves, hands-on gear reviews, and powerful real-life use of force case studies. David and Jody’s relaxed, unfiltered approach gives listeners both practical advice and plenty to think about, from ethical quandaries to legal technicalities. Their message is consistent: Know your local laws, value life over property, and don’t be fooled by legislative fanfare. The episode is a must-listen for gun owners or those interested in American gun culture and law.
Notable Quotes by Timestamp
- “You know, they’re making a database of that…98 probability chance that this person has a firearm.” — David (02:00)
- “We shouldn't be making laws just for one particular group of people because they've gone through some military training.” — Jody (06:13)
- “This is going to get somebody in jail for the rest of their life because they think they can do it.” — Jody (14:57)
- “Are you willing to go to jail for your dog or are you willing to go to jail for TV?” — Jody (17:44)
- “All this guy did was walk out and fire one shot in the air…and they want to put him into jail.” — David (40:21)
- “We don’t have to take a test to do the First Amendment…” — Jody (45:14)
Next Time
- Updated Texas law analysis, Vermont gun law overview.
- Possible launch of video podcast format.
- More real-world self-defense scenarios and gear debuts.