7.2 /10 1 Votes
7.7/10 TV Opening theme Tallahassee Original language(s) English First episode date 10 October 2011 Theme song Tallahassee | 6.6/10 IMDb Theme music composer Swamp Cabbage No. of seasons 2 Final episode date 17 December 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Starring Rich WyattRenee WyattKurtPaige Cast Rich Wyatt, Paige Wyatt, Renee Wyatt, Kurt Wyatt Similar | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
American Guns is a reality television series that aired on the Discovery Channel. The series centers on the blended family where patriarch Rich Wyatt, his wife Renee, and his step-children run Gunsmoke Guns, located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. They specialize in gun manufacture, trade, customization, and instruction.
Contents
On December 17, 2012, Discovery announced the cancellation of the series.
Wyatt Family
Rich and Renee have 2 younger children who are not involved in the show due to their age.
Gunsmiths & Sales Team
Episodes
Two seasons have gone to air.
Reception
The New York Times reviewed the show in the wake of the 2012 Aurora 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.
Music
The opening theme music is “Tallahassee” performed by Swamp Cabbage.