The Elite Panel at GunCon 2026 brought together prominent voices from the firearms community for a candid discussion on civil rights, historical context, and the future of gun technology. Moderated by John Patton of The Gun Collective, the session featured Mike from Mr. Guns N Gear, historian Ashley, firearms coach Kevin Dixie, Kurt Holstrom of VSO Gun Channel, Sean Herren of We Like Shooting, and Jared of Guns and Gadgets. The conversation highlighted how content creators have evolved into influential advocates and educators within the Second Amendment space.

Key Insights from the Panel

• Kevin Dixie described his pivotal realization that the Second Amendment functions as the foundational civil right: “It is the right that backs up all the other rights.”
• Ashley emphasized the long-standing diversity of gun ownership, noting that women owned cannons in colonial America and that modern demographics build on centuries of participation.
• Panelists recounted moments of unexpected influence, including videos entered into the congressional record and a federal judge affirming YouTubers as members of the press.

Industry Outlook and Advice

Looking ahead, Mike and others predicted continued innovation through hybrid casings, progressive rifling, and advanced metallurgy, suggesting the next five years will see meaningful performance gains across cartridges. When asked for advice to their younger selves, panelists stressed practical lessons such as using external microphones and building organizational skills early. The session concluded with audience questions on cannabis policy and content monetization, underscoring the panel’s role as both community leaders and citizen journalists.