It’s not every day you get an offer to be on one of America’s most popular TV shows, seen by 10 to 16 million viewers each week. It’s also not every day you turn them down.
But that’s what I had to do. Let me fill you in. But first, a disclaimer . . .
I don’t do what I do in the pursuit of fame.
In fact, I find the idea of being famous rather unnerving. I produce shooting videos, write for this site (and others), and work in various venues, all to spread a positive message about guns.
I seek to bring the fun, challenge, and joy of shooting to a mainstream audience.
So, a few months ago, NBC’s America’s Got Talent (AGT) stumbled across my videos. The producers asked me to attend one of the auditions held around the country. Sounded like the perfect opportunity to get my message to people who are either anti-gun or ignorant of its pleasures, right?
Well, I was on the fence about it. I did some research on the web. I discovered that the studio owns all rights to everything they tape. More importantly, they can edit the footage however they like. More than a few artists complained that their work was completely misrepresented. I worried that they’d leave my pro-gun message on the cutting room floor.
So the last auditions rolled around and between working, filming, editing, keeping up with YouTube, social media, and traveling around the country for other gigs…I kinda let it slip through the cracks. Maybe I’d convinced myself that the risks were too high. Didn’t matter. AGT put together a reel from my YouTube channel.
The producers chose me for the show without my even having to show up. Awesome!
AGT called me and told me they’d love to have me on their show. There was only one small little problem: my talent. I shoot guns. Could I be a peach and just, you know, change my talent to something a little more media friendly? Maybe something like a bow or a crossbow?
Now, before you dash off flaming emails to AGT or decide to spend your weeknights watching something else from now on, keep in mind that this wasn’t a nasty or contentious conversation. In fact, I’ve dealt with this a lot in the past few months with other networks. The larger entertainment industry plays to the biggest and/or loudest crowd. For some reason, even though they use them constantly in their shows and movies, guns are the red-headed step children of the entertainment industry (and I can say that because my mom is both a red-head and a stepchild.)
The entertainment industry bias against showing guns in any other way then in shoot-em-ups isn’t always personal.
On a recent movie set, a well-known Hollywood director whipped out pictures of his new pride and joy: his grandfather’s gun collection. He shared the images with as much fervor as a kid showing me his favorite baseball cards. The rest of the crew shared similar stories of their secret love of shooting. So there are those in the entertainment industry who actually like guns. Really like them. To me, that’s incredibly hopeful.
Back to the AGT conundrum . . .
They really wanted to make it work. Thinking it was an issue of “danger,” I asked if I could use a competition air rifle instead. I explained that the pellet would just squash on thin steel backing and it’s leagues safer than a crossbow if something bad happened. Excited, my contact checked with his lawyers.
*Cue disappointed music here*
“Nope. No guns” the lawyers dictated. I assume if I wanted to shoot a Nerf gun, the answer would still have been no. A Nerf crossbow? We’re good!
I had a choice. I could cater to AGT by adapting my shooting to a dang crossbow or recognize this is bigger than just “would you please shoot a crossbow because our lawyers’ panties are in a twist?”
That kind of bias is exactly what continues to keep people in the dark about firearms.It’s what I set out to change in the hearts and minds of the uninformed.
To buy into this just to get on a network TV show would be diluting that very message, the reason I started doing what I do.
So I turned them down.
Maybe it will prove a point to them. Or maybe they’ll just go on drinking their coffee and pick the guy who trains monkeys to do heart transplants. I dunno. In any event, I can’t pander to anti-gunners just for some measure of fame. I’m doing this performance shooting thing to prove a point:
Whether you’re anti-gun or pro-gun, guns shouldn’t be symbols associated with fear. Shooting is fun, it’s also an art form, and guns are simply a tool.
We need a positive image, showing what already exists, and I’m here to do my bit.
So there goes 10-16 million views an episode worth of positive impressions. But that’s how much this matters to me, and I know this matters to you, too.
Will I consider their show if AGT changes their tune next year? Sure. I wish them well, and appreciate the opportunity they gave me and how they tried to make it work. But I’m not waiting around.
Why?
Because the time is now. And this message matters. Millions of people in America and around the world practice the art of shooting in a positive and empowering way. We aren’t alone and we’re in this together. It’s about sharing freedom, joy, challenge, and fun. The art and truth about guns.
This shooter is sticking to her guns.
Are you with me? What would you have done in this situation? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!
You can follow on Youtube, Facebook & Instagram. If you’d like an even more personal touch, join the newsletter! See you there 🙂
Very well said Kirsten! Glad to see you “sticking to your guns” in more ways than one!
I have worked in entertainment for many years, and I understand how the politics can be around the subject of firearms. I’m 100% with you about taking a stand and doing our part to change that. It’s a shame you were not able to get on such a huge show so America could see your talent, but I strongly believe you did the right thing in telling them no. You stuck to your guns, and I know I’m not alone when I tell you that this gun owner is proud of you! Keep up all the great work and positive message about the fun sport of shooting.
Well now….. first off…. 10 to 16 million views hunh? ……………and you turned it down?????
REALLY!!!!!!!
To say I’m disappointed is an understatement Kirsten….. shoulda been at LEAST 20 to 30 mil.
To say I am infinitely PROUD of you would be an understatement I am ECSTATIC that you turned AGT down 🙂
sticking to your guns is what this sport is all about and you may consider me a friend and ally in the shooting community for the remainder of your life
whoever showed you about guns, I’d like to shake their hand
Thank you for what you do for our community
all the best
Roger
This makes me really happy! Thanks Roger
🙂
I loved your positive approach in refusing the offer.
Stand Dtrong
Great choice
Kirsten, sorry this is off topic…but inquiring minds want to know: the pic of your younger self with the background of state flags. Was that a PCP pellet gun? What make and model?
Its a feinwerkbau p700 competition air rifle
I have a Feinwerkbau 700 myself and have it for about 12 years. I just bought a 800 model. I am 74 years young and enjoy this type of shooting competition. I watch your Utube channel almost every day. I’m proud of your choice to say NO to AGT. I still compete in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and in other competitions myself. GBY!!!
Absolutely the right choice!
Hi Kirsten. It is good to see how solid you are. We who love the sport and the hunting will put up our hands for you. Keep up the fantastic videos and being your self.
All the best from Iceland
Iceland! Thanks Orn 🙂
Thanks for taking a stand with us. Continue the great work.
Glad to stand with you
No loss. I haven’t turned on my tv in a couple of years! I would much rather pick what media I watch and support than to have to watch only what the censors and the networks want me to see. Since Hollywood is out of ideas maybe it is time for a reboot of the “Rifleman”, only this time it is the modern “Riflewoman” starring KJW!! Throw in a cute dog sidekick and this is ratings gold!!
Haha! Let’s do it. If only for the cute dog side kick 🙂
Nice Kirsten! Love your videos….keep up the great work.
Jeff
It takes courage to stick to your principles. Know that there are many that are proud of you for doing so. Good job!
You responded exactly as I would have hoped/expected. Good for you, and good for us. Bravo!
Now let’s see more of that fancy shootin’ missy!
Are you sure that show is not run by the government.
You looked at it and evaluated the situation. You made the right decision based on facts. You chose integrity and standing up for the right. We are always with you and will always support you. Your videos are great and fun to watch. Keep up the good fight.
Absolutely the right thing to do. This sort of thing shows why most of us “average folks” hold both lawyers and the entertainment industry in complete contempt.
I have never watched AGT. Not that it is a terrible show, I just have better things to do with my time. I have now subscribed to your channel though because I do believe in supporting people that are willing to take the right path even when it gets difficult.
Good job young lady. May something better be just around the corner for you.
Kirsten,
I recently told my boyfriend I wanted to own a rifle. Being a woman of short stature, I thought it would be hard to find anything that would fit my size. I thought I would suck. I thought I would be laughed at because I’m a goofy shooter.
My boyfriend started showing me some of your videos on YouTube and I have to say, I love what you do. I’m a woman in this sport and it’s so hard to see a woman sharing such a positive way!
You don’t undress yourself, you don’t change who you truly are simply to get your message to travel into our minds, and I love it. It is so refreshing to see such a true spirit, and that’s what we need.
By turning down AGT, you turned down easy money and easy fame. You got your fame the hard way, worked for it everyday of your life and that’s why we love you so much.
Keep up with the amazing work and know that you made me believe I could simply do what I like: shoot my gun.
Cyndel, this comment means more to me than you even know. Thank you. I know what you are saying. Please, if you ever have any questions I’d love to help you out – seriously! I’m so happy to meet you here. Stay in touch!
Kirsten Thank you for upholding your standards. Being true to yourself comes first second to none. You have got the respect from AGT, NBC & ALL of us, especially me, that’s hooked on guns. You didn’t even water it down to use a “Supersoaker”!! Now on to your ride as the “Lone Sharp Shot Ranger” with the ear plugs in Silver’s ears, an a mighty “Hi O Silver Away!” Meet ya on facebook again soon…
Lol! “lone sharp shot ranger” Luckily I’m not alone in this, the sharp shots like you are with me too! 😀
I think a trick shot in AGT’s honor is in order… Something like shooting something of the end of a crossbow bolt!!
Thank You Kirsten for having the integrity to turn down such an offer and stick to what you believe in, not many other people out there would do the same. You are truly an inspiration and a great representative for getting out a positive message about firearms and the joy they bring to people around the world. Keep up the great work, keep having fun, and keep shooting. I wouldn’t be surprised if the the Outdoor Channel comes knocking to develop a show based on your concept for their Wed Night at the Range programming. You would make a great spokesperson for them and draw more women, young and old, to the shooting sports. Love your enthusiasm, humor, and of course, your amazing shooting skills!
As you stated, you never know just how they will portray your appearance. I do think that it was a great opportunity to get your message to millions of people, but what if they took the opportunity and turned it into an anti gun message?
When you are dealing with networks, they have a tremendous amount of political power and cater to the white house so that they will have access and we all know where they stand.
Maybe I am over thinking it, but not being in control of how the final product looks, can be risky business. I really wish that you could have done it, but completely understand why you chose not to. I am sure that you put many hours thinking about it before deciding.
Absolutely the right decision
. Integrity= leadership and peace of mind. Bravo-Zulu! Got your six sister!
There is no words that can express how proud and how much I appreciate what you did, I totally agree with Roger. Kristen thanks so much! HUGS!!!
I think you made the right choice. It probably would have difficult for you to continue to promote your message of the fun, challenge, and joy of shooting if you had signed up with AGT. I applaud you for sticking to your principles and what you believe in, even when faced with the prospect of fame and money. It is so refreshing to have someone like you sharing your passion of shooting in such a positive manner, especially since guns and shooting sports don’t normally get such positive exposure in the media and entertainment fields. I’ve shared your videos with others in my circles, and as a result, we’ve gotten inspired enough to make a concerted effort into improving our shooting skills and have even tried a few trick shots. Pure fun! Keep up the great work, have fun, and keep shooting. Oh, and thanks for everything you’re doing! 🙂
Thanks for sharing and spreading the message! It’s people like you taking action, that really makes a change. 🙂
Kirsten,
Thanks I think you made the right choice. Giving in to their skewed ideals would selling out your self and your passion. I don’t think for a second that it was completely a safety issue. I live in Connecticut and and I witness almost every day the liberal mind set and how they are threatened by this fantastic sport that we hold so dearly. Going on national television with a gun of any kind goes against their personal beliefs. Thank you for holding true to yours.
Wise move. I appreciate everything you do for the cause and it’s a blast to watch.
Hello…
Nice work Kirsten… Only few have the ability to read between the lines, You did not fall into the anti gun agenda’s trap. We all proud of you keep up the good work.
Pro Gun.
AA.
Kirsten, Wow, I’m so impressed that you stuck to your guns! Such integrity is too rare these days.
Wise choice. Under the current “leadership” in the entertainment industry, there is no way they would have let you portray shooting sports (or guns in general) in a favorable light. Better to pass on the exposure than let them manipulate the message – or manipulate your talents – as a sideshow for ad revenue.
And it was not a safety issue, or Myth Busters (or Top Shot, or…) would never have aired an episode…as over-the-top as some of their “safety” measures are, they are likely dictated by insurance as much as anything. Unless “safety” was code for “we don’t want to spend the money on what the insurance companies insist on”…
Keep up the good work!
Stick to your guns, Kirsten (all puns intended). You’re a great role-model for the joy of shooting. I’ve subscribed to your channel…
Kirsten,
I really like the setup you have on your Saiga 12 and would like to do a similar build on a stock shotty that I have been sitting on. Could you give a quick rundown on the custom parts used on yours like the muzzle brake, forend, etc……. Thanks, Chris
You go girl. Thank you very much for all you do to get the message out, don’t change a thing. We all love you!!
Accidentally, I came across your video on Youtube, and came here .
Though I have’t caught the all meaninng what you said, I could enjoy it.
Specially, your eyes shining transparent (is it a right word?) which are likely to induce into something shining inside of you.
Recently, these years, I’m interresting in the culture of guns in U.S.A. ….from Japan…
Thank you.
I’m so happy you found the videos, and I’m happy to have you here. I visited Japan and studied there for a bit a few years ago. I enjoyed your country! Thank you for the kind words. I’m equally interested in the culture of guns in Japan. I know you have a shooting team, but I was told you don’t have the same freedoms of owning guns as we do. Feel free to ask any questions you may have here or on facebook too. The “Sharp Shot” community is great at helping others learn. If you sign up for my newsletter (which is to the right side of this page) I’ll be more likely to see your questions directly too. Take care!
Maybe they just thought a crossbow is more visual – you can see the projectile. And they have a long established history in trick shooting!?
But you probably made the right choice. I am very impressed, only other person I would think would do the same thing is myself ( I hate the entertainment industry)! 😉
I am very glad you are sticking to your guns
I am also glad you are sticking to your message, which would be lost if you were pandering to the masses and the anti-gun lobby
LOVE your site:
new to it and looking around
Hey Kirsten. I stumbled across your youtube channel just a couple weeks ago. I like your content. I watch America’s Got Talent, even though I’m from Canada. I’m very impressed to see that you turned them down, it’s like asking a motocross guy to come on the show to do tricks, but then telling them they have to use a bicycle instead. It’s kind of silly in my opinion. Even though I like the show for entertainment purposes, I don’t believe the show is 100 percent authentic, and this article kinda shows me 1 step where they try to control the show, instead of letting the contestants do their thing. Thanks for the article, your youtube vidoes, and keep up the great work!
just recently found your videos and have enjoyed watching them you are a brilliant shot but most of all you have a great attitude glad to hear that you turned them down but hope they ask you again but to do it on your terms useing your guns and show the message that you want to get across there is a saying that ignorance is bliss but in the case of guns ignorance is dangerous the media should be encouraging people like you to educate people on the joy that you can get from shooting and that guns are not dangerous if handled properly if everyone knows how to handle them safely accedents would be greatly reduced
way to go stuck to your guns & very polite about it thanks for your values stay safe.
As a Christian, I and others face these choices and, hopefully, do what you did…stick to our principles. God bless you. Love your videos.
Good Girl, luv your clean wholesome approach to the Anti-Gun Hollywood elitist (most of them are on some kind of Anti-Depressant Med’s), I can attest to this in a private Email. These people are hysterical droids devoid of anything that requires they think on their own. You would have had a hell of a time getting paid (ask me, I have personal experience)…
I just love Hollywood two faced B.S. if they have such a problem with firearms I would love to see them stick to their guns and operate a whole season without any shows using any firearms. They would go broke without some of that deplorable gun violence. Please keep talking to the people who you are most comfortable with because it is imposable to tell perfect people that there may be another opinion other then theirs Thank You for What You Do Tom
I’m rather proud of you “Sticking to your Guns” Kirsten. I do expect that the attitude of Americans is changing. Most Americans have had enough of Political Correctness, and further, they have had enough of Hollywood and the crap they keep churning out. We rallied together in this last Election to tell the Politicians we’re Fed-Up (pun intended). It was the Gun Crowd (as Donald Trump predicted) and the Christian Right that pushed the numbers over the top! That same crowd can (if properly motivated), make shooting sports take a predominant place, I believe you might be a part of that motivating force. Guns should be included in the Olympics, and we Americans should Demand proper coverage. In doing so, the Media & Hollywood would be forced to cover such events out of the fear of missing out on Advertising Dollars (even if only motivated by their greed). President Trump has shown us how to Relegate the Media to Non-Importance by simply exposing their lies and then excluding them from any sort of Press Conferences. I believe if we at the Grass Roots level begin covering our own shooting events, the Press will try to invite themselves. At this point, we Demand Proper Coverage or they do not get to participate. There are many fine Hunting & Gun Magazines that legitimately cover our stories of shooting events, leaving the Press out will make them Green with Envy, and perhaps open the door for future dialogue. We need to remove the negative stigma, by reintroducing NRA Sponsored Gun Safety, and shooting clubs to our youth. Start with the obvious low hanging fruit, and reintroduce .22LR competitions within Boy Scout Organizations, (Merit Badges), and Church Groups, etc. Of course, there will initially be a Media Backlash… we will probably even get accused of child endangerment. I do believe America is about Ready to tell the Media to “Pound Sand”, we’re doing this anyway, and will no longer will Law Abiding Citizens be stigmatized, or accept blame for the actions of Criminals using guns to commit their crimes. Carry on the fine work Kirsten, you definitely have got our attention and admiration. I still can’t shoot the erasers of of a #2 pencil… 😉 but I have a box of #2 pencils and a 500 Box of Ammo, so I’ll keep trying. ~
You have shown a lot of class, wisdom, and discretion way beyond your years. I hope you don’t mind, but I re-posted this on my corporate facebook page.
Ernie Shipman
Renaissance Firearms
Its an honor! Thank you (you have a nice webpage too)
Hi Kirsten! I just wanted to alert you that I have begun assigning a few of your videos as “homework” for my Introductory Rifle and Pistol classes. This is one that everyone gets, and now the offhand 300 yd shot at an egg is my newest. I already have a couple students who cannot wait to shoot 300 yds! I have been a fan of your video channel for a number of years and respect and admire your ongoing journey into firearms mastery, wisdom, and adulthood! Proud of you!
Wow! I’m honored!!
Kirsten,
I’ve only recently stumbled across your channel and wow… love the positive energy. In that egg shot video at 300 yards, I was literally as excited as you and kinda teared up when you got it in the end! lol.
I’m inspired you are leading the way with your heart. I’ve only started to shoot and although don’t do it often enough, enjoy every moment of the focus and concentration involved. Maybe it’s also the adrenaline rush.
Wish you the best in your aspirations and dreams.
Q
Ha! Thats great, thanks Q
I’m glad you made (the right) choice it’s a tool and nothing and not the problem
Kirsten, You are 100% correct in staying your course and causes and made the RIGHT and best decision.
You have always struck me as one of the most amazing mind of passion, justice and clarity of any “age”. As well as already having a solid grasp of the historic context of the struggle of freedom and natural rights. And you r doing you duty to defend, maintain and exercise such rights and freedom.
And that is your strength and true beauty!
Shooting is your journey and method, the the destination, while other persue via other routes and methods…
Anyone who does not find you an inspiration simply cannot.
I do, even though I practice several disciplines at competitive and professional level for about 10 times as many years, yes i m “acient”!
Any way, I wish you will always maintain yourself as who you are, and true to your passion, purpose and duty!
Your kind words mean a lot! Thank you for taking the time to write this. (p.s. I save great comments like this, just in case I need a shot of positivity! 🙂 )
I had no idea who you are. Never saw one of your videos.
All I know is you took a stand on principal that precious few would have taken. And that can’t be defined by just the shooting sports. That gives us a window into your character as a person.
I’m proud that there are still outstanding folks like you among us.
You made the right choice. Love watching you shoot and love it myself.