After 18 incredible years, YouTube giant Matt Carriker, best known as the face behind Demolition Ranch, has officially signed off from his second channel Off the Ranch. In a rainy, reflective sendoff, Matt kept it simple—just him, a camera, and a whole lot of gratitude for the millions who followed his journey from small-town vet to one of the most influential gun YouTubers on the planet.
Matt didn’t just build a brand. He built a community. A movement. One that brought firearms, family, and faith in hard work into living rooms and gun ranges across the country. And now, he’s stepping back—not because he has to, but because he’s earned it.
“No big production,” Matt said, “just you and me.” That’s always been the Off the Ranch vibe—raw, relatable, and real. His farewell wasn’t about stats or success. It was about staying true to what got him here: being a regular guy with a camera and a deep love for freedom, family, and firearms.
He gave fans one last piece of advice: “Just start.” Whether it’s your own YouTube channel, a business, or picking up a gun for the first time—just start. Don’t wait for perfect. That’s the same attitude that built Demolition Ranch into the most-watched firearms channel online.
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Matt’s biggest fear? That we’d all realize he’s “just a normal guy.” Turns out, that’s exactly why millions subscribed. He never pretended to be Hollywood. He wore T-shirts, boots, and spoke the truth—on and off camera.
While Off the Ranch is done, fans still get one final video on Demolition Ranch (see above). And even if Matt won’t be uploading weekly, the ripple effect of what he built is already in motion. As he put it, “A young man works to make a living. An old man works to make a difference.”
Matt Carriker, you’ve made a difference. Thank you for the laughs, the lead, and the legacy. We’ll see you downrange.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
He’s off to retirement land with FPS Russia, couldn’t happen to a better guy
Watching Matt grow and be super entertaining over the years was great. But I could not help but notice the price of popularity. Just like Jim Carry said in “Jim and Andy The Great Beyond.” At some point when you create yourself to make it, you’re going to have to either let that creation go and take a chance on being loved or hated for who you really are, or you’re going to have to kill who you really are and fall into your grave grasping a character you never were.” I see Matt as having a lot of integrity, and it was getting just too big. He missed his family and he maybe wanted to stop having to entertain and “be there” for so many people. Maybe he just wanted to be a regular guy again.