How Did FPS Russia Get His Guns?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

FPS Russia, real name Kyle Myers, obtained the majority of the firearms shown in his YouTube videos legally through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) held by his close friend and producer, Keith Ratliff. This gave them access to a wide range of weapons from handguns to rifles to shotguns that they showcased on the channel from 2010-2016.

Keith Ratliff‘s Federal Firearms License

As an FFL license holder, Ratliff was able to legally acquire firearms through wholesale distributors, gun dealers, manufacturers and importers. This included models ranging from:

  • Glocks, Desert Eagles, revolvers
  • AR-15s, AK-47s, sniper rifles
  • Shotguns, including full auto AA-12s
  • Even a Soviet-era RPG launcher

He would purchase these weapons legally, then provide them to Kyle Myers for use in videos under his supervision.

According to ATF regulations, an FFL license holder:

  • Must be 21 years or older
  • Pass an extensive background check
  • Receive certification from the ATF to deal firearms

So Ratliff was fully licensed and following all requirements to obtain this arsenal of weapons showcased on YouTube.

After Producer‘s Death, Kyle Myers Arrested on Drug Charges

FPS Russia‘s run came to an end after two tragic events in 2013. First, Keith Ratliff was mysteriously found shot dead in his own gun shop in January 2013. This case remains unsolved.

Then in August 2013, Kyle Myers himself was arrested on felony drug charges for receiving butane honey oil through the US mail. With his close friend and producer dead and his own legal troubles, Myers stopped producing videos for FPS Russia in 2016.

So while the operation began acquiring weapons legally through Ratliff‘s FFL, the channel collapsed under the weight of these events in 2013. FPS Russia serves as another cautionary tale of the volatile world of guns and drugs colliding, cutting short a wildly popular YouTube career.

By the Numbers: Guns on YouTube

Prior to his downfall, FPS Russia achieved huge popularity showing off unbridled weaponry to an enthralled YouTube audience:

  • 6.7 million total subscribers
  • 769 million channel views
  • 673 total videos

Clearly there was (and remains) a big audience for gun-related content on YouTube.

But in 2016, YouTube began restricting this type of content – including assault-style weapons, high capacity magazines and instructions for building firearms. Any violations would result in channel termination.

While exact numbers are unknown, this policy likely contributed to curtailing the world of guns on YouTube. Yet firearms videos remain popular in 2024, though under tighter restrictions.

The Laws Around YouTube Guns & Firearms Licenses

Obtaining access to such an arsenal of high-powered weaponry was made possible mainly by Ratliff‘s Federal Firearms License.

But what about creating content showcasing guns and explosives to millions on YouTube – is this legal?

The short answer is yes – creating videos shooting guns or blowing things up is not inherently illegal, assuming basic safety precautions are followed.

Additionally, the firearms themselves were obtained legally through Ratliff‘s valid FFL license. Manufacturing explosives like tannerite used on the channel can also be done legally with proper licensure.

However, YouTube has far tighter restrictions on firearms-related content as of 2016, resulting in many gun channels being demonetized or removed – though stopping short of blanket illegality.

So while Ratliff‘s FFL allowed them to legally purchase the firearms themselves, the content creation side exists in more of a grey area around YouTube‘s shifting policies in recent years.

Conclusion: Legal Guns Used Recklessly

In the end, FPS Russia‘s downfall serves as a morality tale about the destructive power of guns mixed with drugs and egregious internet fame.

While Ratliff‘s FFL license allowed them to legally purchase an outrageous arsenal of firearms, this weaponry was used to generate dangerous content for millions of viewers. The ensuing criminal charges and unsolved murder brought the chaotic series to an abrupt end.

Yet FPS Russia remains a fascinating case study on the early wild-west days of YouTube, where gun fanatics could achieve internet stardom with minimal oversight. This still persists today, though under intensifying scrutiny and regulations around guns on social media.

So "how did FPS Russia get his guns?" Legally at first, until foolish decisions and paid consequences turned firearms into felonies.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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