The YouTube channel Iraqveteran8888 has become a significant voice in the 2A advocacy community. This article delves into the origins, evolution, and core beliefs of the channel, addressing potential points of controversy and shedding light on the personalities behind the content.
The popular "Gun Gripes" series from Iraqveteran8888 is now in podcast form!
As one of the longest-running 2A advocacy shows on the internet, Gun Gripes is also available on YouTube in video format.
The Genesis of Iraqveteran8888
In the beginning... Eric and Chad became friends in high school by sharing a love of music.
They eventually discovered they shared a love of firearms as well.
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In 2008, Eric and Chad began to record their reloading days and trips to the range on a little Sony point and shoot camera - just for fun.
Eric uploaded these videos to YouTube and noticed that he started gaining subscribers.
YouTube invited Iraqveteran8888 to become one of the first 50 channels to become part of their new "partners" program - they wanted to place ads on the content.
Growth and Evolution
As a longtime customer of Moss Pawn and Gun, he was offered a job there in the gun sales department.
Ray, the resident gunsmith, recognized Eric’s affinity for firearms and took him under his wing as his apprentice.
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Over time, Eric began to incorporate Barry into the videos, creating episodic content such as Gun Gripes, Firearms Facts and Five Guns which became exceedingly popular.
Barry loved being in the videos and brought some additional flair to the channel until his unexpected passing in April 2014.
Eric and Chad filmed a "Final Farewell" Gun Gripe in Barry's honor and planned to retire the series, but the fans insisted the series go on.
(Barry is still missed by the Iraqveteran8888 family as well as all his fans.)
The amount of content that was being created started to overwhelm Eric, so Chad became more involved and took over filming and editing.
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Until one day... Chad started working at Moss Pawn with Eric, but they quickly realized that making content for YouTube was taking up more and more time.
Today... 88 Industries, LLC has grown to include YouTube channels Iraqveteran8888, ReelMen8888 (fishing content) and Guitarsenal (music content).
Addressing Misconceptions
A common question is: Do you own Moss Pawn and Gun? No.
Also, The "8888" in the name is not what some people may think.
When Eric was picking the name for the channel, he had his tour in Iraq on his mind as it was his biggest accomplishment at the time.
"Iraqveteran" was taken of course, so he added "88" - the number of his favorite race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr- but that was also unavailable.
He then added "8888" and it was available, and it stuck.
Core Beliefs and Stance on the Second Amendment
Gun Gripes 373: Is Pam Bondi REALLY Pro Gun?
Everyone at Iraqveteran8888 strongly believes that the right to self-preservation is a fundamental human right.
Those that would disarm others are evil at heart and only wish to remove a person’s ability to defend themselves.
The 2A lifestyle is one that must be lived every day.
Sport shooting, hunting, self-defense - as well as potentially fighting an invading force foreign or domestic - are all cornerstones of the original concept.
Eric, Brandy and Chad are pro modern rifles, pro black rifles, but also love shooting black Powder and vintage military rifles.
The 2A is not a bargaining chip.
It’s a simple and basic statement but a bold statement.
The words “shall not be infringed” are very clear.
Our 2nd Amendment is clearly worded and very simple to understand.
Iraqveteran8888 will always fight for a zero-compromise stance on the 2nd Amendment.
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tags: #Chad
