22 tcm hickok45 biography

Greg Kinman, known online as Hickok45, is an American YouTuber and retired English teacher who specializes in creating videos that demonstrate the operation, accuracy, and handling of various firearms, both modern and historical.^[1][2] His content, produced primarily on a private shooting range in Tennessee with assistance from his son John, emphasizes safe firearm use, responsible ownership, and entertainment without political commentary or sensationalism.^[3]Launched in January 2007, the Hickok45 YouTube channel has amassed over 8 million subscribers and billions of video views, earning creator awards including the Gold Play Button for reaching 1 million subscribers.^[4][5] Kinman's approachable, grandfatherly demeanor and precise marksmanship have cultivated a dedicated audience interested in practical firearms knowledge, distinguishing his channel as family-friendly amid a niche often marked by more aggressive or ideological presentations.^[6] He also serves as a reserve deputy sheriff, aligning with his focus on law-abiding gun enthusiasm.^[1]

Biography

Early Life and Education

Greg Kinman, professionally known as Hickok45, was born on July 11, 1950.^[7]Kinman grew up in Florence, Kentucky, and graduated from Boone County High School in 1968.^[8] Details regarding his childhood, family background, or pre-high school education remain largely private, with Kinman focusing public discussions on his later professional and firearms-related interests rather than personal history.

Newspapers and magazines, such as Harper's New Monthly Magazine, would claim that Hickok was responsible for the deaths of numerous men, further embellishing his persona as a fearless gunfighter. The infamous event solidified his legendary status in American folklore, particularly due to the hand he was holding at the time – a pair of black aces and a pair of black eights, now famously known as the “dead man’s hand.”

Hickok's untimely death underscored the precarious nature of life on the frontier, even for a figure as legendary as he.

In some of his videos, Hickok45 spoke about his views on hunting; his channel was banned from YouTube several time, as his content allegedly violated the rules of the network, however, thanks to his fans, Hickok45 was able to get his channel back.

Hickok45’s Career as a Teacher

Prior to becoming a YouTube sensation, Hickok45 worked as an English teacher at the Franklin Road Academy, in Nashville, Tennessee; according to his students, he was one of the best teachers they have ever met, and had an average rating of 4.95 points on ratemyteachers.com, with many students stating that working with him was a “wonderful experience” and adding that they would do it again.

Private life and social media

Hickok45 has one son, named John, occasionally featured on his videos.

He tends to prefer Glock pistols over those of other manufacturers. Despite his fame, Hickok became consumed by the card games he played at Nuttal & Mann's Saloon in Deadwood.

Birth of a Legend: Iconic shootouts and fame

Wild Bill Hickok's rise to legendary status began with a defining moment during the McCanles Massacre in July 1861, which took place in Rock Creek, Nebraska.

Despite these financial ups and downs, Wild Bill Hickok's legend as a gambler endures. He made his YouTube debut with the video entitled “Colt 45”, which has been watched by more than a million people as of today, and then followed by releasing videos on a similar theme, such as “Glock 20”, “AR 15 Bushmaster” and “44 Magnum”, with all having been watched by a large number of people.

Hickok's life was a whirlwind of excitement, danger, and the pursuit of adventure.

Hickok’s earnings from gambling were closely tied to the highs and lows of his luck and skill at the card tables. With his back to the door, a young drifter named Jack McCall approached him from behind. His early videos often showed him shooting Old West weaponry and wearing cowboy outfits.