The Hunting Mishap That Changed Gun Care Forever with Heather Pleskach from Otis

Are you looking for an easier, more organized way to clean and maintain your firearms? In this episode recorded live at the 2026 SHOT Show, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese speak with Heather Pleskach of Otis Technology. Heather shares how Otis was started 41 years ago by a 16-year-old female hunter who needed a simple way to clear barrel obstructions in the field. The conversation covers the growth of the shooting sports industry, raising kids with respect for hunting and firearm safety, and the long-standing support Otis provides to female-focused organizations. Heather gives an exclusive preview of the Otis Flex system, a modular cleaning platform launching in August 2026 that stacks, locks, and nests to fit any shooter's setup. To check out the new modular cleaning kits or get in touch with customer support, listeners can visit otistech.com or call 1-800-OTIS-GUN. Mentioned Links 03:34 - Otis Technology (41-year-old firearm maintenance and cleaning product manufacturer) 05:16 - Babes with Bullets (Female-focused shooting sports camps and events) 05:16 - WOMA (Women's Outdoor Media Association) 06:40 - Ron Spomer Outdoors (YouTube educational content on firearm care and hunting) 18:23 - NSSF / SHOT Show (National Shooting Sports Foundation trade show at Venetian & Caesars Forum) 21:47 - otistech.com (Official company website for product details and orders) 21:47 - cs@otistech.com / 1-800-OTIS-GUN (Customer service email and toll-free phone number) Key Takeaways Otis Technology was founded 41 years ago by a 16-year-old female hunter who created the breach-to-muzzle cable system after a mud-clogged barrel ruined a family hunt. Otis has a long history of supporting women in shooting sports through partnerships with organizations like Babes with Bullets and WOMA. The upcoming Otis Flex system (launching August 2026) offers over 70 configurations featuring stackable, lockable, and nesting modular storage cases. Introducing children to hunting and range maintenance early builds self-sufficiency, safety awareness, and respect for natural resources. Specialized cleaning supplies, like lead-removing hand wipes, are essential for reducing heavy metal exposure after target shooting. Keywords Used Amateurs and Experts Podcast, SHOT Show 2026, Otis Technology, Heather Pleskach, Erica Chin, Maggie Reese, Otis Flex, Gun Cleaning, Breach-to-Muzzle, Babes with Bullets, WOMA, Whitetail Hunting, Lead Wipes, Modular Storage.