Parents' Guide to

American Guns

By Matt Springer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Macho but mild reality series set in a gun shop.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2011
American Guns Poster Image

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What's the Story?

Located outside Denver, Colorado, Gunsmoke is considered one of the premiere firearms facilities in the world. They sell every kind of gun you can imagine, from high-powered automatic rifles to antique pistols dating back hundreds of years. AMERICAN GUNS follows the Wyatts, the family owners of Gunsmoke, as they attend to the day-to-day business of buying and selling guns upon guns. Whether it's building a custom weapon for a high-end collector, talking a rich Texan out of his antique rifles for a song, or managing the sales team back at the store, this is a family that lives and breathes guns.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

American Guns belongs to a specific subgenre of reality series -- the family business show. Whether it's baking cakes, building custom motorcycles, or buying and selling firearms, the real story on each series is the family dynamic that fuels these unique businesses. American Guns actually strikes a good balance between moments of interfamily drama and the actual business they run.

When it comes to the business of their store Gunsmoke, there's no question that these are people who live and breathe firearms. Knowing the very real violence that is often committed with guns, it can be hard to relate to their enthusiasm. Fortunately there are angles explored beyond just the glorification of weaponry, whether it's the historical background of classic guns or the engineering challenges involved in building custom guns. Whether you're a pacifist vegan or a meat-eating hunter, the Wyatts' passion and knowledge for their business makes American Guns a compelling watch.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the show's depiction of its characters. Do they seem like stereotypes in any way? Why or why not?

  • Why do you think the Wyatt family agreed to do this show? What do they get out of it? Is there any downside?

TV Details

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