The Antihero Podcast - Episode: Chris Blau (1911 Syndicate) Release Date: May 5, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Antihero Podcast, host Tyler and co-host Brent Tucker welcome Chris Blau, a prominent figure from the 1911 Syndicate channel. Chris brings a wealth of experience from the gun industry, military training, and real estate, offering listeners an in-depth look into his multifaceted career and perspectives on various topics within the firearms community.
Chris Blau’s Background
Chris Blau opens up about his lifelong passion for military, law enforcement, and firearms. Growing up with aspirations to become a cop, Chris faced obstacles, notably failing a polygraph test which thwarted his career aspirations in law enforcement. Reflecting on his early challenges, Chris humorously shares:
"Like, I grew up loving military, law enforcement, gun stuff. Like, wanted to be a cop forever. Shocking. Can't pass a polygraph, so never get hired." [00:00]
Despite setbacks, Chris's dedication to his interests led him to pivot into the gun industry. While initially studying physical therapy, he found his true calling behind the gun counter, immersing himself in firearm knowledge and training.
Building the 1911 Syndicate Channel
Chris recounts how his fervor for firearms and continuous training laid the foundation for the 1911 Syndicate YouTube channel. A pivotal moment was meeting Jake Ogden during a firearms training class, which sparked the collaboration that would eventually establish their influential online presence.
"When you smoke cigars, do you ever, every now and again, just bring a little bit in the lungs or do you fold? No lungs." [01:05]
Their partnership emphasizes authenticity and expertise, distinguishing their channel in a saturated market. Chris emphasizes the importance of genuine content over superficial engagements:
"We're paying for the video. I'm paying for the ammo. You're getting free marketing." [34:48]
Maintaining Integrity in Reviews
A cornerstone of Chris and Jake's approach is unwavering honesty in their firearm reviews. They consciously avoid accepting free products without compensation to ensure their assessments remain unbiased. This ethical stance has earned them respect within the industry.
Chris shares his commitment:
"A lot of YouTubers will get paid a check to, like, do a positive review. Yeah, bro, I'm sorry, man. Like, my thing is, before I got into this, I would watch videos. Some guy would say, Special Operations or YouTuber, hey, this gun product is worth your money. I'd buy it and it'd be, well, I just worked two and a half days to afford this thing that you got free that you told me was good." [35:34]
This dedication to authenticity contrasts sharply with many content creators who compromise their integrity for financial gain.
Challenges with YouTube Recognition and Monetization
Despite their substantial subscriber base, Chris and Jake face hurdles in gaining official recognition from YouTube. With over 220,000 subscribers, they have yet to receive the coveted subscriber plaque.
"We're at 220 right now. [...] So YouTube wouldn't give you your, what, you've doubled your hundred thousand subscriber plaque because you're gun related?" [19:35]
Monetization has been another challenge, necessitating a strategic approach to securing sponsors and leveraging alternative revenue streams to sustain their content creation efforts.
Gun Industry Conventions: Shot Show
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around major gun industry events, particularly the annual Shot Show in Las Vegas. Chris describes it as a bustling, international trade show akin to "Times Square New Year's Eve," highlighting its role in networking and witnessing the latest advancements in firearms technology.
"It's an international trade show for the firearms industry, [...] There's an absolute sea of never-ending people." [75:27]
They discuss the logistical challenges of such large-scale events and the opportunities they present for meeting industry veterans and showcasing new products.
Gun Terminology and Educating Consumers
Chris and Brent delve into the importance of accurate terminology within the gun community. Misnaming parts, such as referring to magazines as "clips," is a common issue that can alienate newcomers and perpetuate misunderstandings.
"Like, bro, first off, the gun industry is the worst at bringing new people into it because of that. [...] We're talking about something that you have zero context to talk about." [39:54]
Chris emphasizes the responsibility of industry professionals to educate consumers without belittling their lack of knowledge, fostering a more inclusive and informed community.
Perspectives on Gun Legislation and Second Amendment
A heated discussion ensues around gun control, the Second Amendment, and the potential implications of red flag laws. Chris and Brent express strong pro-Second Amendment stances, debating the balance between gun rights and public safety.
"The right to bear arms shall not be infringed. [...] Shall not be infringed." [47:08]
They explore scenarios where legislation might impact gun ownership, particularly concerning mental health and the fear of governmental overreach. Chris admits to evolving his views over time, advocating for responsible gun ownership and training rather than blanket restrictions.
"I do believe so. [...] I think we should be able to go in and buy firearms. That does not mean that you are now some ghetto gunfighter and you're there to like protect life." [49:25]
Advances in Suppressor Technology
Suppressors, or silencers, are another focal point of the episode. Chris provides an overview of the technological advancements in suppressor design and manufacturing over the past few years, highlighting the role of companies like Pew Science in refining the science behind suppressors.
"Suppressor ownership in tech has skyrocketed. [...] There's a lot of suppression tech development because of this." [56:06]
They discuss the balance between functionality and maintenance, noting how improved designs have enhanced reliability and performance, especially in high-round-count scenarios typical of military and law enforcement operations.
Future Content and Endeavors
Looking ahead, Chris shares his plans to diversify content on the 1911 Syndicate channel. He aims to incorporate more interview-style segments and on-range discussions, blending his expertise with real-time firearm handling and training insights.
"I'm going to do this because it's what I'm interested in. I want to also see him shoot how good he shoots, how maybe not good he shoots." [84:18]
Additionally, Chris contemplates launching his own channel to further explore niche topics within the firearms industry, ensuring a broader and more specialized reach.
Humorous and Personal Stories
Interspersed with serious discussions, the episode is peppered with light-hearted banter and personal anecdotes. Chris shares a humorous childhood memory involving his sisters tampering with his experience watching the Super Bowl:
"Tried to watch the super bowl once. Each one of my sisters, like, sat on one limb and then they tickled me till I peed my pants, took the remote and changed the channel." [102:12]
These stories add a relatable and entertaining dimension to the conversation, showcasing the camaraderie among the hosts and guests.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Chris Blau reflecting on his journey through various industries, from dog training to firearms and real estate. His commitment to integrity, continuous learning, and community engagement underscores the values that The Antihero Podcast champions.
"I cry a lot. I cry a lot." [104:06]
As Chris prepares to embark on new content ventures, he leaves listeners with a blend of insightful discussions and personal reflections, promising more engaging content in future episodes.
Notable Quotes
-
Chris Blau:
"I grew up loving military, law enforcement, gun stuff. Like, wanted to be a cop forever. Shocking. Can't pass a polygraph, so never get hired." [00:00] -
Brent Tucker:
"The criminal or cops. And I just. It so brief as it doesn't play out in society." [54:37] -
Chris Blau:
"I'm a wealth of useless knowledge." [83:59] -
Brent Tucker:
"Somebody commented on... just hold the cigars, and you're like, 'nerds'." [37:53] -
Chris Blau:
"Armed society is a polite society." [53:16]
Key Takeaways
- Authenticity Matters: Maintaining honesty in firearm reviews fosters trust and respect within the industry.
- Continuous Learning: Chris's dedication to training and education highlights the importance of expertise in the firearms community.
- Navigating Gun Legislation: Balancing Second Amendment rights with public safety remains a contentious and evolving issue.
- Technological Advancements: Suppressor technology has seen significant improvements, enhancing both performance and reliability.
- Community and Camaraderie: Building a supportive network through events like Shot Show and fostering meaningful connections is crucial for growth and collaboration.
This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of Chris Blau's multifaceted career and the broader dynamics of the firearms industry. Through candid discussions and personal stories, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of operating within this niche community.