From Firearms to Felonies: The Shocking Reasons Behind the Cancellation of ‘Sons of Guns’

“Sons of Guns” was a reality TV series that aired on the Discovery Channel from 2011 to 2014.

The show centered around Red Jacket Firearms LLC, a family-owned gun shop based in Louisiana, specializing in manufacturing custom firearms for security companies, law enforcement, and private collectors.

Will Hayden, the founder of Red Jacket Firearms, was the main star, supported by his daughter Stephanie Hayden Ford and her husband Chris Ford.

The series featured military-style weapons, including rifles, cannons, and even bazookas, while also showcasing the personal relationships within the Hayden family.

Despite its focus on firearms, “Sons of Guns” emphasized safety, with each episode beginning with a warning about the dangers of guns.

While the show gained popularity among firearm enthusiasts and viewers alike, unsettling activities were occurring behind the scenes.

As allegations of illegal conduct began to surface, public pressure mounted on the Discovery Channel to cancel the series, but it continued until Will Hayden was arrested on sexual abuse charges in August 2014.

This pivotal event prompted the network to immediately pull the plug on the show.

Before his rise to fame on “Sons of Guns,” Hayden had a long-standing passion for firearms, starting his journey with a zip gun made from junk at a construction site during his childhood.

At 16, he dropped out of high school to enlist in the U.S. Marines, where he earned his GED and served for five years before returning to Louisiana.

In the late 1990s, Hayden opened a refrigeration business, but in 1999, he decided to expand into the firearms industry.

After a robbery devastated his initial gun shop before it even opened, Hayden faced significant financial challenges.

Determined to keep his business afloat, he worked multiple jobs to pay off debts and eventually reopened his store, focusing on manufacturing firearms instead of reselling.

In 2009, he caught the attention of Discovery Channel producers who were developing a reality series about American gun culture, leading to the creation of “Sons of Guns.”

The show premiered in January 2011, bringing an influx of customers to Red Jacket Firearms and showcasing the team’s innovative weapon-building techniques.

As the series gained popularity, however, troubling allegations began to surface regarding the cast’s illegal activities.

In 2012, reports emerged that Hayden had surrendered his federal firearm license after government officials discovered numerous missing weapons under suspicious circumstances.

A routine inspection by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) revealed that ten of Hayden’s guns could not be accounted for, prompting significant scrutiny of his operations.

While Hayden’s lawyer later claimed that the missing guns were either stolen or discarded due to defects, the scandal tarnished the show’s reputation.

Another controversy erupted in September 2011 when Hayden parked a rental truck filled with pyrotechnics and automatic weapons outside Dallas International Airport, causing panic and an FBI investigation.

Despite these incidents, the most damaging scandal was the sexual assault case against Hayden, which led to the show’s cancellation.

On August 9, 2014, he was charged with molestation of a juvenile and crimes against nature.

Hayden denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated by a vindictive ex-girlfriend.

However, the investigation revealed that the alleged abuse occurred from March 2013 to July 2014 against an 11-year-old girl, who reported that the assaults happened daily but initially did not come forward due to threats from Hayden.

After being released on a $150,000 bond, Hayden was re-arrested later that month on new charges and ultimately sentenced to two life sentences plus an additional ten years for incest.

During the trial, Hayden testified in his own defense, but the jury took only an hour to convict him.

In September 2014, his daughter Stephanie came forward with her own allegations, stating that she, too, was a victim of her father’s abuse.

In an emotional interview with Dr. Phil, she described how Hayden had manipulated and controlled her life, revealing that she had been assaulted at the age of 12.

Stephanie also shared that she was pressured by her father to publicly defend him against the allegations, highlighting the toxic dynamics within their family.

Following Hayden’s conviction, further legal troubles emerged for the cast of “Sons of Guns.”

In November 2014, Stephanie and her husband Chris Ford were arrested on charges of cruelty to juveniles, stemming from allegations that Chris had struck Stephanie’s son with a belt.

Although the charges were eventually dropped due to lack of evidence, the incident added to the series of controversies surrounding the show’s cast.

In May 2016, reports surfaced that Hayden was ordered to pay over $130,000 in damages to former business partners due to unauthorized licensing agreements he had entered into while incarcerated.

Despite the fallout from Hayden’s actions, the remaining cast members of “Sons of Guns” attempted to distance themselves from the scandals.

Joe Moe, a frequent feature on the show, opened his own gun shop called Moe Guns and Ammo, while Chris and Stephanie Ford launched their own business, Ford’s Firearms.

Stephanie also established an airsoft range, expressing a desire to move on from the drama associated with their past.

As for Will Hayden, he is currently serving time in Louisiana State Penitentiary, reportedly struggling with depression and weight gain during his incarceration.

Discovery Channel has completely disassociated itself from “Sons of Guns,” and the series is no longer available for viewing on cable or streaming platforms.

The abrupt cancellation of the show serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fame can turn to infamy, especially when serious allegations come to light.