TGC Podcast 115 - SOLGW Mike Mihalski

Published on October 18, 2023
Duration: 60:52

Mike Mihalski, owner of Sons of Liberty Gun Works, discusses the company's philosophy of building hard-use, endurance-focused rifles designed for extreme conditions. He highlights the M89 rifle's robust construction, superior rail system, and attention to detail in materials and finishing, positioning SOLGW as a premium, yet accessible, AR-15 manufacturer. The brand emphasizes constitutional purism and a commitment to producing reliable firearms that can withstand demanding operational environments.

Quick Summary

Sons of Liberty Gun Works builds hard-use, endurance rifles designed for extreme conditions and long-term reliability, anticipating suppressed usage. Their M89 rifle, a 'combative rifle,' features a robust rail system, overbuilt construction, and tight tolerances for exceptional durability, often at an accessible price point for premium AR-15s.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Intro & Sponsors
  2. 01:06Guest Introduction: Mike Mihalski
  3. 01:39Origin of Sons of Liberty Gun Works
  4. 02:51Garage Beginnings & ATF Visit
  5. 03:07Brand Philosophy: Hard Use Rifles
  6. 03:21Inspirations: Noveske, BCM, etc.
  7. 04:02Suppressor-Ready Design
  8. 04:43No BS Hard Use Philosophy
  9. 05:05Building a Culture & Message
  10. 05:16Post-Sandy Hook Climate
  11. 05:29Operation Choke Point & Constitutionalism
  12. 06:12Company as a Platform
  13. 06:41Industry Silence vs. SOLGW Stance
  14. 07:04Market Size: American Citizenry
  15. 07:34Scale of Firearm Sales
  16. 08:01Enthusiast Culture Growth
  17. 08:32Turning Point & Stratosphere Launch
  18. 08:55No Marketing Budget Origins
  19. 09:06Component Machining Story
  20. 10:11Word-of-Mouth Growth
  21. 10:46Resonating Message
  22. 11:02Mike Jones (Garand Thumb) Collaboration
  23. 11:47Friendship with Mike Jones
  24. 12:32Building Performance Rifles
  25. 13:22Current Model Production
  26. 13:36Legacy Rifle (Entry Level)
  27. 14:00X03 Rifle
  28. 14:19M89 Rifle: Combative Platform
  29. 15:04M89 Qualifications
  30. 15:11Suppressor Use & Corrosion Resistance
  31. 15:33Receiver Extension & Rail Strength
  32. 16:19What Solidified SOLGW's Reputation?
  33. 16:41End User Feedback & Evolution
  34. 17:23Focus on Shootability
  35. 17:48Challenging Market Standards
  36. 17:55Competitor Rifles
  37. 18:34Price Point Comparison
  38. 18:47Price Range: Mid to Bottom
  39. 18:56Entry-Level Price Point
  40. 19:08M76 Line Discontinuation
  41. 19:39Evolution to M89/L89 Rail
  42. 19:57Value Proposition Under $1000
  43. 20:11Daniel Defense Price Comparison
  44. 20:25M76 Blowout Sale
  45. 20:31Commercial vs. Internal Standards
  46. 20:41Head-to-Head Competition
  47. 20:49Submitting Rifles for Contracts
  48. 21:13Impressive Rifle Build Quality
  49. 21:16Rocky Mountain Range Day Experience
  50. 21:29Solid Feel & Build Quality
  51. 22:00Brand Evolution & Tolerances
  52. 22:10Oversized Lugs & Press-Fit Barrels
  53. 22:27Tolerance Impact on Growth
  54. 22:47Finishing & Anodization Process
  55. 23:25Anodization Toughness
  56. 23:38Receiver Quality Variation
  57. 23:47Zombie Apocalypse vs. Real Choice
  58. 24:04Rifles Behind the Speaker
  59. 24:13Identifying Properly Built Guns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core philosophy behind Sons of Liberty Gun Works rifles?

Sons of Liberty Gun Works focuses on building hard-use, endurance rifles designed for extreme conditions and long-term reliability, anticipating suppressed usage. They emphasize a 'no BS' approach, ensuring their firearms are robust and dependable for demanding operational environments.

How does the Sons of Liberty Gun Works M89 rifle differ from other AR-15s?

The M89 is designed as a 'combative rifle' with a significantly stronger rail system, steel or titanium barrel nuts, and an overbuilt construction. It features tight tolerances, including press-fit barrels and oversized lugs, ensuring exceptional durability and a solid feel, making it suitable for harsh use.

What is the price range for Sons of Liberty Gun Works rifles?

Sons of Liberty Gun Works offers a range of rifles, with their entry-level models, like the Legacy rifle, priced under or around $1000. While they produce premium firearms, they aim for accessibility, positioning themselves competitively within the market.

What makes the finishing and anodization process important for SOLGW firearms?

SOLGW uses a bright dip anodization process, a chemical bonding method that enhances durability and corrosion resistance. This meticulous finishing, along with tight machining tolerances, contributes to the rifle's longevity and ability to withstand harsh environments.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from The Gun Collective Podcast

View all →