Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Two Australians who had never fired a gun decided to tackle one of America’s most complicated subjects.
Instead of interviewing a few politicians and calling it a day, Josh Janssen and Tommy Jackett spent a month driving across the United States. They met the people who actually live with guns, fear guns, sell guns, carry guns and have survived gunfire.
The result is In Guns We Trust, a 77-minute documentary released free on YouTube on October 22.
Directed by Janssen, the film was shot across the United States from September through November 2024. The filmmakers say they approached the project without taking a side. Their goal was to listen and let Americans explain their own relationship with firearms.
Table of contents
First Shots and Tough Conversations
Janssen and Jackett begin as genuine outsiders. Guns are not part of their everyday lives in Australia, and neither man had previously fired one.
Hollywood armorer Dutch Merrick starts them with basic safety and firearms training. The pair quickly discover that shooting can be challenging, controlled and, yes, pretty fun.
But the documentary does not remain at the range.
They speak with Autumn Bignami, a teacher who survived the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting. She describes being shot three times and living with the psychological trauma years later.
Michael Sodini, founder of Walk the Talk America, explains how the firearm industry can work with mental-health professionals without stigmatizing gun owners. His involvement began after the president of his family’s firearm company died by suicide.
That discussion leads to one of the film’s stronger themes: Americans cannot have an honest conversation about firearm deaths without discussing suicide, crisis intervention and responsible ownership.
From Dragon Man to Defensive Gun Use
The road trip also takes the Australians deep inside the 2A community.
They meet Mel “Dragon Man” Bernstein, the Colorado collector who says he owns more than 6,000 firearms. They speak with Texas Sheriff Parnell McNamara, visit a Utah gun shop and watch a first-time buyer select a firearm for self-defense.
Near Nashville, they meet Mychael Waller, who survived three defensive shootings. Waller explains the emotional weight that comes with taking a life, even when protecting himself and his family.
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The filmmakers also visit Kids to Kings near Atlanta. The program uses firearms education, mentoring and honest conversations about violence to help young men from underserved communities.
Other stops include a helicopter hog hunt, an ammunition vending machine and an Alabama classroom equipped with a ballistic safe room disguised as a whiteboard.
No Neat Answer
The film includes perspectives from constitutional scholar Adam Winkler, retired FBI agent Katherine Schweit and Johns Hopkins trauma surgeon Dr. Joseph Sakran. It also explores school security, active-shooter drills, gun ownership among women and the role fear plays in the national debate.
Some moments will make gun owners nod in agreement. Others may make them roll their eyes. That is probably the point.
In Guns We Trust does not wrap America’s gun debate in a neat little bow. It shows the contradictions, responsibilities, freedoms and consequences that come with a heavily armed country.
The filmmakers ultimately ask whether Americans can reduce violence while still respecting gun owners and the Second Amendment. They do not pretend to have a simple answer.
The complete documentary is available to watch free on YouTube (or see video above). The filmmakers recommend watching it with someone who views guns differently.
After watching, let us know what you think. Did these two Australians give American gun culture a fair shake? Did anything feel slanted or misunderstood? More importantly, could a film like this actually help people on opposite sides start talking again?
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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.