Gunfight

My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America

By: Ryan Busse

Narrated by: Ryan Busse

A former firearms executive pulls back the curtain on America's multibillion-dollar gun industry, exposing how it fostered extremism and racism, radicalizing the nation and bringing cultural division to a boiling point.

As an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and conservationist–all things that the firearms industry was built on–Ryan Busse chased a childhood dream and built a successful career selling millions of firearms for one of America’s most popular gun companies.

But blinded by the promise of massive profits, the gun industry abandoned its self-imposed decency in favor of hardline conservatism and McCarthyesque internal policing, sowing irreparable division in our politics and society. That drove Busse to do something few other gun executives have done: he's ending his 30-year career in the industry to show us how and why we got here.

Gunfight is an insider’s call-out of a wild, secretive, and critically important industry. It shows us how America's gun industry shifted from prioritizing safety and ethics to one that is addicted to fear, conspiracy, intolerance, and secrecy. It recounts Busse's personal transformation and shows how authoritarianism spreads in the guise of freedom, how voicing one's conscience becomes an act of treason in a culture that demands sameness and loyalty. Gunfight offers a valuable perspective as the nation struggles to choose between armed violence or healing.

Critic reviews

“Ryan Busse presents a fascinating, clear-eyed account of the gun industry’s slide into extremism. Gunfight is an important book for anyone seeking to understand how our country’s debate over the role of guns and gun laws in our society has become so bitter and fraught. I was left with a sense of hope that there is a path forward; one where the majority of Americans, including the majority of gun owners, stand up to the gun lobby's bullying and demand lasting change.”—Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords

“Ryan Busse is a gun enthusiast, conservationist, and defender of our Second Amendment. This is a must-read book for anyone who wants to understand how a wholesome part of America was twisted to radicalize wide swaths of our country, and its all wrapped up in a wild-ride story that you can't put down.”—Steve Bullock, two-term Montana Governor

“Gunfight is a riveting account of how special interests have perverted the Second Amendment to create a culture of gun extremism that's radicalized a vocal minority. But gun owners like Ryan Busse are taking back the narrative from extremists who are trying to use guns to undermine our democracy.”—Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action

“Woven through this riveting personal story is a message for millions of reasonable Americans who are not happy with being branded and manipulated by the political extremes. Gunfight reveals the truth about the roots of our national division, and many people will see themselves in Busse’s resistance to extremism. Ryan Busse is ready to lead that fight.”—Jon Tester, three-term Montana Democratic Senator and author of Grounded: Lessons from Rural America

“Busse’s story is an incredible read, but it also shines a light on how guns have been used to divide this country. This is not a gun book, but rather it is the enthralling personal story detailing how our nation came to be divided.”—Martin Heinrich, two-term New Mexico Democratic Senator and former congressman

“Gunfight is a wild ride you can’t put down. More importantly, it is an illuminating, insider account of the 25-year radicalization of much of the Republican party with guns - and the myths the industry sells about them - at the center of the story. Anyone concerned about the rise of extremism that brought about the January 6th insurrection should read Ryan Busse's brave book."—Jennifer Palmieri, former White House Communications Director, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Dear Madam President

Great Perspective from an Insider

As a gun owner and hunter who also believes in responsibility, this book struck a chord with me. Definitely a recommended read/listen on my list.

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, my dad was a geologist and an avid hunter. My brother and I grew up with guns and he drilled us at an early age about proper handling and gun safety. He was also a long-time NRA member up until the mid 90s, when he left the organization believing they had lost their way. I sometime wonder what he would think if he were still around today to see what the NRA has become.

IRA shocking

A must read to understand how the IRA is destroying our country. Also very sad

Entertaining with a powerful message

Listening to Ryan Busey discuss his life story and relationship with the NRA was like sitting with an old high school chum at a bar and listening to what they’ve been up to for the past 20 years— An enjoyable read that delivers a very powerful message.
I have read many stories on Wayne LaPierre and the NRA, but this angle of the NRA story appealed to me as an individual. This should be one of those mandatory reads in high school that are being banned by the Republicans.

Excellent. Well written and read. Eye opener.

Encourage those who are not aware of the power and sway of the NRA to read this book. I could not stop listening. Insightful. What an ugly industry that has created and promoted divisions in our country.

Most Memorable Moment

"...so we're not selling guns here are we?"
Thank you Ryan Busse. Deeply important revelations.