American Guns

Staff

[[The Wyatt Family (American Guns)|Wyatt Family]]

• Rich Wyatt — Founder/Owner, Firearms Instructor
• Renee Wyatt — Co-Owner, Business Manager, Rich's wife
• Kurt — Engraver, 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.

Gunsmiths & sales team

• Brian Meidal – Head gunsmith
• Gary — Gunsmith/welder
• Joe — Machinist
• Jon — Gunsmith/painter
• Scott Van Dorsten — Van Dorsten Custom Firearms
• Bob — Gun historian
• Ben — Sales associate
• Chris — Machinist, sales associate
• Brian — Sales associate
• Doug - Machinist

Episodes

Season 1 (2011)

Season 2 (2012)

Reception

The New York Times reviewed the show in the wake of the 2012 Aurora, Colorado 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.

Ratings

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

On March 10, 2017 a federal jury convicted Rich Wyatt on ten felony counts related to conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion. The jury found that Wyatt had failed to report 1.1 million dollars to the IRS. Furthermore it was revealed Wyatt had negotiated a deal with Discovery Channel when in fact he never did have federal firearms license, though instead used a straw license through Triggers, a gun store in Castle Rock. Wyatt was sentenced to 78 months (6.5 years) in prison.

Music

The opening theme music is “Tallahassee” performed by Swamp Cabbage.

References

References

1. Brantley, Amy. (16 June 2012). "Kurt Wyatt of American Guns Discusses Engraving". [[Yahoo]].
2. Miller, Victoria Leigh. (6 June 2012). "'American Guns' Star Renee Wyatt Talks Parenting and Life as a TV Family". Yahoo! Voices.
3. Hale, Mike. (26 July 2012). "Discovery's 'American Guns,' After Aurora". New York Times.
4. Kondolojy, Amanda. (26 April 2012). "'American Guns' Up 50% With Second Season Premiere On Discovery". TV by theNumbers.
5. (26 April 2012). "'American Guns' Premiers to Big Ratings on Discovery". The Futon Critic.
6. Nellie Andreeva. (December 17, 2012). "Discovery Series 'American Guns' Cancelled". [[Deadline Hollywood]].
7. Harnick, Chris. (18 December 2012). "'American Guns' Canceled: Discovery Pulls Series In Wake Of Newtown Shooting". Huffington Post.
8. Nguyen, Kim. "IRS raids Gunsmoke gun shop, store formerly featured in reality TV show 'American Guns' on Discovery". ABC Channel 7, Denver, CO.
9. Roberts, Michael. "American Guns' Gunsmoke Guns: Did Wyatt family rip off the I.R.S. for years?". Denver Westword.
10. Roberts, Michael. "Wylie Newton charged with stealing antique gun from museum, trying to sell it on TV". Denver Westword.
11. (10 March 2017). "Star of "American Guns" reality TV show convicted on 10 felony counts – The Denver Post".
12. "Rich Wyatt of Discovery Channel's American Guns Sentenced to Prison - Westword".
13. "Swamp Cabbage Lands Theme Song for American Guns".
14. According to the ending credits of the show.