Gunbusters: Veteran Vices

We spend a lot of time talking about veteran-owned spirits in this column. But a truly relaxing, rewarding end-of-the-day drinking experience involves more than just good booze. Fortunately, this issue’s Veteran Vices column has you covered. Glenn Yench, former electronics technician, weapons rate, comes to this column all the way from Down Under. Glenn served for six years in the Australian Navy in the aforementioned role, roughly equivalent to a gunner’s mate in the U.S. Navy — the primary difference being the Aussie version doesn’t deal with small arms. Instead, he maintained shipboard weapon systems like 5-inch deck guns, Harpoon missile systems, and torpedoes. He served on ANZAC class frigates, including participating in the 2008 RIMPAC security joint exercise that allowed him to “cross-deck” to a U.S. Navy destroyer. 

Glenn now runs Gunbusters, a company that produces a Navy-themed bar set fit for an admiral. It consists of a 1:1-sized replica of a 5-inch deck gun projectile that actually opens up into several segments, revealing a set of rocks glasses and a decanter. There are a couple variations available, but ours came with BenShot glassware, featuring actual 308 projectiles embedded in both glasses and the decanter. When we asked Glenn about what got him into this unique memento business, he said:

“I was always highly cynical of the gifts that people organized or received for a career milestone or unit departure/retirement from the military. The original concept started from a small idea that ended up as a concept that got enough attention to really push me into making a business out of it. It took almost three years of constant work, learning, and frustration to even get the first product developed. Even more time to learn the many other essential tasks that are required to get this product out — graphic design to laser etching and sand carving.”

While Glenn’s business is still in the startup phase, his goal is to be able to support charity organizations that work directly with veterans and first responders in the areas of PTSD recovery and suicide prevention. He also plans on expanding the mini-bar gift set line to include land-based projectiles like 105mm and 155mm artillery rounds. Unfortunately, none of these variations can be delivered to you by cannon. Regardless, we look forward to following Gunbusters and strongly recommend them for the barware connoisseur who thinks he’s already seen it all. 

URL: gun-buster.com

More Veteran Vices on RECOIL

• Drinks
  • Green Feet Brewing
  • Railhouse Brewery
  • American Freedom Distillery
  • Merica Bourbon
  • Ranger Candy Coffee
• Smokes
  • Line of Duty Cigars
  • BAMF Cigars
• More
  • Bottle Breacher
  • Grill Your Ass Off

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.

You want this. Trust Us.