Podcast Title: The Colion Noir Podcast
Host: Colion Noir
Episode: Is The YouTube Gun Community Becoming Toxic?
Release Date: July 16, 2025

Introduction

In this candid episode of The Colion Noir Podcast, host Colion Noir delves deep into the evolving landscape of the YouTube gun community. Joined by David, known as the Humble Marksman, the discussion unpacks whether the community is spiraling into toxicity. Through personal anecdotes, industry insights, and honest reflections, Colion and David explore the challenges and transformations facing gun-related content creators on YouTube.

Background of the Humble Marksman

David's Journey into Content Creation

David provides a comprehensive background on how his YouTube channels, Humble Marksman and Arrogant Marksman, came to be. Initially focused on storing and analyzing match footage from competitive shooting events like IDPA, David transitioned into content creation to share his expertise and experiences.

[01:19] David: "So back in the day when file storage you had to pay for on the Internet, so all the competitive shooters would use YouTube as a place to just like study their match footage."

He explains the origin of his channel names, highlighting the contrast between humility in his reviews and arrogance in his competition showcases.

[03:09] David: "But I mean, I do use the match footage, like, because I do mostly product review stuff. And I mean, there's not a better way to really learn the capability of something than try and run it hard in a match or training class or something like that."

The Reality of Content Creation

Balancing Passion and Practicality

Colion and David discuss the nitty-gritty of producing gun-related content, emphasizing the dedication required to maintain quality amidst growing competition. They touch upon the financial and logistical challenges, such as equipment costs, ammunition expenses, and the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation.

[21:47] Colion Noir: "What it is, it's a job. I don't care what anyone says. It may be a dream job for a lot of people, but it is a job and it, and you have to work your ass off."

David echoes this sentiment, highlighting the relentless nature of YouTube as a platform where consistency and volume often overshadow quality.

[22:01] David: "It definitely rewards like volume more than it like the quality versus quantity. Quantity wins by a lot right now because I mean you're dominating people's subscription feeds and every single time one of those videos gets out there, you know, it's another chance to find new eyeballs and bring a bigger audience in and as like it's like a snowball rolling down a hill basically."

Insights into Competitive Shooting

Beyond the Basics

The conversation shifts to the complexities of competitive shooting, shedding light on skills that go unnoticed by the casual observer. Topics like footwork, emotional control, and the physical demands of participating in matches are explored in depth.

[07:49] Colion Noir: "And I think people expect you to say this gun is good, this gun is bad. I think that's disingenuous and dishonest as shit because it's so subjective."

David adds that competitive shooting requires a multifaceted approach, where technical skills intertwine with strategic planning and mental resilience.

[08:36] David: "Footwork's massively important. Like hugely important. Like because you can only score so many points on a course and then it turns into a foot race after that."

Community Toxicity and Drama

The Rise of Negative Content

A significant portion of the episode addresses the growing trend of negative and drama-driven content within the YouTube gun community. David observes that videos focusing on critiquing or "carking on" others are garnering substantial views, raising concerns about the long-term health of the community.

[47:30] David: "Let me ask a question because I've started to see this at the YouTube spaces where I to was going. Going initially with the line of questions is it feels like there's like a rise in just like the overly negative, just like crapping on a thing type videos."

Colion and David debate whether this shift towards negativity is a sustainable trend or a fleeting phase, noting that channels indulging in drama often fade away after a short period.

[47:43] Colion Noir: "And I think largely because we've been in. Prior to where we are now. We politically, we've been in such a con, like a very contested state."

Managing Personal Passion and Monetization

Navigating Sponsorships and Audience Expectations

The hosts discuss the delicate balance between maintaining authenticity and monetizing their passion through sponsorships. They highlight the challenges of endorsing products and services that may not directly align with their core content or audience interests.

[51:12] David: "I know the video you're talking about now."

[51:24] Humble Marksman: "Like, all the sponsors he has, like, he genuinely uses them. He likes them."

They emphasize the importance of staying true to their values and selectively partnering with brands that resonate with their mission.

Emotional Connection with Shooting

Shooting as Therapy and Escape

Colion shares a deeply personal perspective on how shooting serves as a therapeutic escape, helping him navigate through challenging periods in his life. This emotional connection fuels his passion and dedication to creating content that is both honest and informative.

[65:56] Colion Noir: "But the process is fun. You know, I went through a process one time, my friend was like, at the beginning of my firearm journey, he was like, dude, all you do is buy and trade guns."

David echoes the sentiment, discussing how the focus and discipline required in shooting can provide a reprieve from everyday stresses.

[67:42] David: "You have to, gotta be safe with them. But then to do the things you're trying to do with them, like, it's not easy."

Conclusion

Fostering a Supportive Community

As the episode wraps up, Colion and David reflect on the future of the YouTube gun community. They advocate for a more supportive and authentic environment, where content creators can thrive without resorting to negativity or drama. Emphasizing the importance of passion and genuine engagement, they encourage fellow creators to stay true to their vision and contribute positively to the community.

[61:17] Colion Noir: "But I think people miss. Don't really understand that. Like, and it's like, no, I. I fully expect somebody to watch my video. And like, okay, let me go see what the humble market has to say."

[63:25] David: "It's like, really think about what you want from the thing, whatever it is you want."

Notable Quotes

• David: "If you ignore the comments and keep focusing on what you love, that's how you stay authentic."
  [54:36]

• Colion Noir: "I am a diehard. I am an affirmative capitalist. I found a passion and then down the road, I was able to monetize that passion."
  [50:28]

• Humble Marksman: "Understand that the comment section is just the minority and doesn't represent all your followers."
  [52:48]

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity Matters: Maintaining genuine passion and honesty is crucial in building a lasting and supportive audience.
• Challenges of Monetization: Balancing sponsorships with authentic content creation is a persistent challenge for gun-related YouTubers.
• Community Dynamics: The rise of negative and drama-centric content poses a threat to the overall health and unity of the YouTube gun community.
• Emotional Resilience: Content creators often use their platforms as outlets for personal growth and emotional therapy, highlighting the deeper connections beyond mere content sharing.

For those navigating the YouTube gun community or considering entering it, this episode offers valuable insights into the importance of authenticity, the challenges of content creation, and the need to foster a positive and supportive environment.