The Weapon Hunter

I have to respond to the two negative reviews here. I think Paul has done an amazing thing, not being a historian or a TV personality he managed to pitch and have a TV show produced and broadcast for two season. His passion for his subject matter is authentic and sets his show apart from others.

BTW, he is not some gun lovin' redneck, he is in fact Canadian! Which a simple Wiki search or observing the Canada Telefilm funding emblem at the end credits would have easily revealed.

Most documentaries about weapons are very dry. This man who oozes love for the subject shows you how the weapons worked under battlefield conditions and also visits some really stunning private collections.

I'm not a gun nut as such but I have a great interest in military history and this show certainly brings it to life.

I really hope there is a season 3.

Follow the journey of Paul Shull as he travels the continent in search of collectors and armaments in order to interact with them. His enthusiasm for the arms is tempered with a combination of fear and respect - the respect also extending to past soldiers (or Cops) who, on the business end of that fear, had to perform their duty. Emotions may also extend to other victims of such weapons such as the flame thrower. The need to use such things is a tragedy unto itself.

A complex show emotionally, despite the 'Idiot who loves guns' label that some may apply to it. Unfortunately, that may be its undoing. With 200 channels to chose from, It's the label that keeps the complex individuals away ... and the Neanderthals want to see more people with Southern accents doing stupid s*** and blowing stuff up.

With so many scripted "reality" shows concerning firearms, 'The Weapon Hunter' is a breath of fresh air! Paul Shull demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm and respect for these weapons and the people that used them (as well as collect and restore them). No politics or fake drama here, the focus is on the weaponry and how they made history.

Shull himself is also a great presenter, a down-to-the-earth guy whose passion and zest for military history is clearly evident, which makes the show even more enjoyable. His enthusiasm becomes the viewer's enthusiasm, and those who watch the show can experience what it is like to operate these weapons vicariously thru him.

Shull is also no prima donna, he is not only willing to get dirty or even risk life and limb; but is also not beyond embarrassing himself a little in the process if that is what it takes. However, what is really appealing is that Shull clearly makes weapons the star of the show, not himself.

The Smithsonian Channel has a real winner in 'The Weapon Hunter' and Shull, I eagerly look forward to the next season and many more beyond that!

The show is generally interesting and well put together. The super weird hair cut is distracting though ...