Sons of Guns Season 2

Discovery Channel takes us back to Louisiana for another visit to Red Jacket Firearms in Sons of Guns: Season Two. Keeping the same consistent formula which made the first season so popular for gun owners and enthusiasts alike, we are given an inside look into the daily lives of Will Hayden and the crew as they create and test some of the most ambitious and deadly firearms, which in turn they sell to customers willing to fork out the cash for them.

Season Two of Sons of Guns sees Red Jacket’s staff tackling some of the biggest projects they’ve ever had the pleasure of working on. Take for instance the “Meat Chopper”, in which the team has been asked to combine four MG 42 machine guns (really big guns) into a modern recreation of a World War II artillery weapon, just so the customer has “something to show his guests” when they come to his house. It’s this kind of attitude towards guns in America that makes you both want to detest it and be fascinated by the culture, and the show finds a great balance in between, ensuring you’re never against what the Red Jacket Team are doing.

The show is backed by impressive cinematography that all Discovery Channel reality shows are known for. Seeing a gun being fired in extreme slow motion is still a highlight, and the huge array of guns on display in the shop is quite a sight. The sounds of the various guns and rifles are well demonstrated, with decent audio production giving all the weapons a big beefy sound.

Where the show fails is its attempt at creating emotional depth within its staff. Stephanie, Will’s daughter and fellow business associate, has come under a lot of pressure since the show has taken off, with her email inbox being flooded and increasing her workload. Also, her own popularity on the show has caused Stephanie’s relationships with men to become complicated, affecting her at work. While these are serious issues, Sons of Guns is barely watchable in these scenes because they just feel extremely scripted and unnecessary. If the show’s target audience is interested in guns, it needs to show them guns, not lacklustre drama they can easily get from a soap opera.

Sons of Guns is quite an enjoyable show to watch, thanks to the fun and easygoing nature of the show. It’s easy to get a joy out of watching Will and the guys succeed with their projects, and with some moments of remarkable production you can somehow find yourself completely engrossed in it, if you ignore all the unwanted drama.