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SHOP NOWClassic Firearms marks Kaya’s final video with stories from the team and reflections on three years of work, travel, and filming together. Colleagues share memories, humor, and appreciation for his impact on the channel.
Ryan introduces the video with Kaya at the Classic Firearms bench, acknowledging that viewers already understand from the title that this is a goodbye. They describe it as a sad but important new chapter for both Classic Firearms and Kaya. Ryan talks about mixed emotions: excitement for Kaya’s future and disappointment about seeing him leave after working together almost every day for about three years. Kaya thanks him and notes how unusual and meaningful it is to share that much daily time and effort with the same teammate. Both emphasize that change is part of life, even when it means leaving behind a place and people that have become important.
Kaya recalls joining Classic Firearms a little over three years ago, after first knowing Ryan and some of the team through playing Call of Duty online. He explains that he initially did not take the idea of working at Classic seriously when Ryan mentioned it during a gaming session. That changed quickly when he moved from Chicago to North Carolina and began working at Classic Firearms. From that point on, he and Ryan worked closely together almost every day. Kaya describes it as a privilege to join the company, build friendships with people in the industry and behind the camera, and become part of the organization. He says leaving is heartbreaking, even though good things are happening in his life.
Ryan and Kaya reflect on how their working relationship developed into a strong partnership. Ryan notes that collaborating daily requires effort and care, and that they managed to build something that felt more like family than a typical workplace. Kaya talks about how much he has learned from Ryan, especially given that Ryan often works behind the scenes and does not always get public recognition for his knowledge and attitude. Ryan mentions the running joke of calling Kaya “one take Ka” because he usually needed more than one take early on, and how satisfying it was to watch him grow into someone who could confidently deliver segments in a single take. They agree that this growth involved not just comfort with the audience, but also deeper trust and ease with the entire crew.
Matt joins the conversation and talks about the playful adversarial roles he and Kaya often portrayed in videos. He clarifies that this tension was only for the camera and that Kaya is generous, talented, and an excellent shooter. Matt shares a favorite memory of beating Kaya during a range session with .22 LR AK-style rifles, joking about the excuses that followed. He also recalls his first company trip to Indianapolis for an NRA event, when he still smoked. After stepping outside for a cigarette, they entered the hotel elevator and Kaya immediately asked if anyone smelled smoke, which impressed Matt and led to jokes about Kaya’s observational skills. Matt fondly remembers playing Kaya’s “angry interpreter” in videos and reading comments about looking like Kaya’s protective dad. He emphasizes that there was never real conflict behind the scenes and that he will miss Kaya a great deal.
Kaya responds by saying many of his favorite videos involved Matt, estimating that most of his most enjoyable filming experiences were with him. He explains that their on-screen rivalry worked because they trusted each other and could speak freely without worrying about causing offense. Kaya praises Matt’s personality, steady attitude, and deep knowledge of firearms history, especially regarding AK platforms. Matt then presents a humorous farewell gift: a small figure meant to represent a “new Kaya,” joking that it matches Kaya’s skin tone and the quieter personality he had when he first started on the channel. The team laughs about details like the height and shirt, underscoring the camaraderie and lightheartedness that have defined their time working together.
Eliza steps in as one of the newest members of the Classic Firearms team and shares her perspective. She explains that joining Classic was a major step for her in terms of learning and career growth. She is grateful that Kaya helped her adjust to being on camera, which she finds more intimidating than speaking to a live audience. Kaya’s support made the filming environment feel less stressful and more fun. Eliza recalls a memorable day on the range when Kaya brought a cigar, and they shared it together after wrapping up a shoot. She jokes that she is sad for Kaya because he will no longer have the chance to beat her in an outdoor video, and she mentions holding on to a win from an outside-the-warehouse segment. The exchange highlights both the friendly competition and the respect between them.
Kaya thanks Eliza and offers his impressions of her short time on the channel. He notes her strong attitude, significant knowledge, and dedication to training, pointing out that she holds a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. He emphasizes that achieving that rank requires years of discipline and consistency, qualities he believes will carry over into her work at Classic Firearms. Kaya expresses confidence that she will do very well at the company and likely surpass him and others over time. He mentions her youth and potential, reinforcing his belief that she will continue to grow. Throughout these closing remarks, Kaya reiterates his appreciation for the team, his intention to remain in touch as a friend, and his gratitude for the experiences and relationships built during his years with Classic Firearms.
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