Will Hayden: Sons of Guns?
Who is Will Hayden?
Will Hayden is an American TV personality, businessman, and former gunsmith. He is best known for starring in the Discovery Channel reality TV series Sons of Guns, which aired from 2011 to 2014.
What is Sons of Guns?
Sons of Guns is a reality TV show that followed the daily activities of Will Hayden and his team at Red Jacket Firearms, a gun shop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The show focused on the production of custom firearms, as well as the personal lives of the shop’s employees and owners.
Controversies Surrounding Will Hayden
In July 2014, Will Hayden was arrested and charged with the rape of a 12-year-old girl, who was an employee at Red Jacket Firearms. Hayden was subsequently convicted of the crime and sentenced to 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole. This shocking development led to the cancellation of Sons of Guns, as well as a public backlash against Hayden.
Criticism of Sons of Guns
Before the criminal charges, Sons of Guns had been criticized for its portrayal of gun safety and responsible gun ownership. Many viewers and experts expressed concerns that the show’s emphasis on "big" and "bold" gunplay was irresponsible and glorified gun violence.
Rise to Fame
Prior to his involvement with Sons of Guns, Will Hayden had built a reputation as a skilled gunsmith and gun dealer in the Baton Rouge area. His shop, Red Jacket Firearms, had a loyal following among local firearms enthusiasts. Hayden’s passion for guns and his extensive knowledge of firearms mechanics helped to propel him to stardom on the TV show.
Impact on Gun Culture
Sons of Guns was notable for its impact on the wider gun culture and the Second Amendment debate. The show’s portrayal of firearms as a symbol of American heritage and freedom resonated with many viewers, who saw the show as a way to connect with their guns and their gun-owning community. However, critics argued that the show’s emphasis on firearms and gunplay normalized and desensitized audiences to gun violence.
What Did the Show Feature?
Sons of Guns typically featured a variety of firearms-related content, including:
- Custom firearms production: Hayden and his team would build and customize firearms for customers, often incorporating unique features and designs.
- Firearms repair and maintenance: The shop’s employees would perform routine maintenance and repairs on firearms brought in by customers.
- Gunsmithing tutorials: Hayden would often share his expertise with viewers, demonstrating various gunsmithing techniques and sharing tips for working with firearms.
Red Jacket Firearms Today
Despite the cancellation of Sons of Guns and Will Hayden’s legal issues, Red Jacket Firearms continues to operate and maintain a loyal customer base. The shop has been recognized for its commitment to quality firearms and exceptional customer service. However, it is likely that the reputation of Red Jacket Firearms will always be tied to the controversies surrounding Will Hayden and Sons of Guns.
Conclusion
Will Hayden’s rise to fame with Sons of Guns was a complex phenomenon that reflected the ongoing tensions between gun enthusiasts and Second Amendment advocates on the one hand, and those concerned about gun violence and the normalization of firearms in American culture on the other hand. While Hayden’s expertise and passion for firearms helped to make the show a success, his personal conduct and the controversies surrounding him ultimately led to the downfall of the program. As the gun debate continues to evolve in the United States, the impact of Sons of Guns and Will Hayden’s reputation will likely continue to shape the national conversation about firearms and gun ownership.
