Rob Gearing, the Founder and CEO of Spartan Precision Equipment, makers of ultra lightweight carbon fiber bipods, tripods, and shooting sticks, featuring quick-attach with MagnaSwitch Technology, joins host Michael Waddell on the latest episode of The Michael Waddell Podcast, presented by Spandau Arms and in partnership with Folds of Honor, Cigars International, The Texas Trophy Hunters Association and Spartan Precision. The fast friends tackle a wide range of topics, some that might be considered quite controversial, and prove in the end that hunters often see the world in very similar ways, regardless of politics or where they come from, and that hunting culture does cross international boundaries. Gearing, a native Scotsman and citizen of the United Kingdom, shares the revealing story of how a mentor changed his life and how a lifelong passion for mountain climbing ultimately formed the philosophical foundation for designing and building the world's most precisely engineered firearms accessories.
The Michael Waddell Podcast is produced by Outdoor Sportsman Group and is available widely on Outdoor Channel YouTube, MyOutdoorTV, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and OutdoorChannel.com, to name a few.
In this episode, Rob Gearing talks about the troubled state of hunting and firearms ownership in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe, and while he has strong praise for hunting opportunities in the United States and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, he also has strong warnings against growing complacent. "Like many of the things in the U.K., and you really need to listen to me on this one," Gearing pleads, "Don't lose those freedoms and rights that are so precious to you over here, because we're 20 years down that track curveā¦and it's sad to me because I grew up shooting pistols and doing so many other things, and I'm not allowed to do that anymore. So, these rights are gradually being taken away from us, and it's a sad, sad thing."
While Gearing didn't grow up in a hunting community, and it was difficult to get started on his own, he was fortunate to be mentored in his mid-20s by an exceptional hunting friend, Jim Creighton, who also introduced him to rifle shooting and to marksmanship. "Jim and I started pushing the boundaries," Gearing shared, "getting out beyond 300 yards and getting the right results mostly, and I told Jim, 'We're getting pretty good at this." But the straight-shooting mentor replied, "No we're not; the gear is getting better." Gearing never forgot that, and the poignant reminder became the burning ember that ultimately sparked the creation of the many accuracy enhancing products Spartan Precision Equipment is building today.
Gearing's other lifelong enthusiasm is mountain climbing, and Waddell leads him on a captivating sidebar discussion regarding the allure, challenge, and accomplishments of that adventureous pursuit. While Gearing's highest mountain peaks may be behind him, he still climbs for recreation and enjoys high-country hunts around the world. "The DNA of Spartan is always in the mountains because that's my happy place," he shared.
"I'm deeply thankful for the opportunity to have Rob Gearing on the podcast and to learn more about Spartan Precision Equipment's excellent products," said Waddell, "but more than that, I cannot tell you how much easier it is to get behind and support great gear when you get to know the truly good people behind that gear. We come from very different places and backgrounds, but as hunters we think alike, and I just might be joining Rob on one of his future hunting adventures across the Atlantic!"
The Michael Waddell Podcast releases new episodes every other week.
Waddell's story began in the backwoods of Booger Bottom, Georgia, where he grew up surrounded by nature, family, and a love for the outdoors. A self-proclaimed "rowdy redneck," his passion for hunting and storytelling led him to win a Realtree turkey-calling contest, which launched his career in the outdoor industry. From guiding and filming hunts to creating hit shows like Realtree Road Trips and Bone Collector, Waddell has become a beloved figure in the outdoor world.
About Outdoor Sportsman Group: Outdoor Sportsman Group is comprised of the world's foremost media and entertainment brands for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It includes four leading multichannel networks: Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, and GAME & FISH TV, a dynamic new Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channel dedicated to sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Additionally, Outdoor Sportsman Group operates Sportsman Channel (Canada) and MOTV, the world's leading subscription streaming platform created for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. The Group also consists of numerous established publishing assets, including 14 outdoor magazines such as Guns & Ammo, Game & Fish, Petersen's HUNTING, and In-Fisherman, along with 20 top websites. Outdoor Sportsman Group also includes television production operations through Winnercomm. For more information, visit www.outdoorsg.com.