Modern Day Sniper Podcast

What happens when solitude meets the backcountry? In this episode, Caylen Wojcik sits down with longtime hunting mentor, guide, and adventure photographer Luke Carrick to talk about the medicine of the mountains, the lessons only hardship can teach, and how solo hunting became a path to healing, grit, and deeper purpose.We dive into stories from decades in the wilderness—grueling solo trips, sheep hunts in British Columbia, and adventures that pushed limits physically and emotionally. Luke shares how hunting shaped his identity and offered a way through some of life's hardest seasons.This episode is for anyone craving real talk about hunting, suffering, and why going deeper into the wild often leads to a deeper connection with yourself.Topics Include:Solo hunting as a rite of passageLessons from failure, storms, and solitudeTransitioning from state job to self-made guide and photographerHow wild spaces create mental resilienceThe backcountry as a mirror for lifeWhether you're a seasoned hunter or someone drawn to the mountains for reasons you can't quite explain, this conversation will speak to you.Follow Luke Carrick:Instagram: @luke_carrick_photographyWebsite: www.lukecarrickphotography.comFollow Caylen Wojcik & Modern Day Sniper:Instagram: @caylen_wojcik  @moderndaysniper (link) Online Training + Courses: www.moderndaysniper.comJoin the Community: www.moderndayrifleman.com

In this first installment of our historical series, Caylen Wojcik is joined by assistant instructor and lifelong rifleman Nate Humbard for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation tracing the roots of American sniping—from the frontiersmen of the 1700s to the modern-day warrior's mindset.They discuss the origins of riflemanship, the powerful role of mentorship, and the timeless warrior values passed down through generations of American marksmen. You'll hear stories of legendary figures like Lewis Wetzel, Daniel Morgan, Jack Hinson, and Billy Dixon—along with hard-earned wisdom for young men seeking discipline, purpose, and legacy in a world that often overlooks them.What You'll Learn:Why sniping is deeply woven into America's identityThe sniper's historical role in shaping key battlesThe importance of struggle, self-awareness, and mentorshipWhat history teaches us about honor, focus, and quiet masteryHow to avoid the “Peter Principle” and align your path with your natureWhy preserving the sniper's legacy matters—now more than everFollow us at Instagram: @moderndaysniperYoutube: @ModerndaysniperJoin Our Community Today!https://www.moderndayrifleman.com

In this episode I sit down with Landen to discuss some debrief points from the last two Law Enforcement Sniper Skills clinics we've taught together. These classes are going really well and the curriculum has developed substantially over the years of teaching it. We touch on why we don't call things “advanced” anymore - and this isn't necessarily a bad thing either, it's just my philosophy. Some of the topics you'll hear a lot about are rifle setup and equipment. They're still big points of discussion out there as we're making attempts to shift the normal to that of modernized approaches to precision shooting. That takes time and patience, but I feel like we're well on our way.Want to train with us at an In-Person class this year? There's nothing quite like an in-person class experience, and we've got some awesome places to train this year! Check out our schedule, I'm sure we're close to you somewhere!https://www.moderndaysniper.com/eventsCan't make it into an in-person class? No sweat, we've got you covered with the best online training programs out there today. Monthly subscription services and digital masterclasses - those are our jam, come see what we've got to offer and get 14 days FREE with your membership.https://www.moderndayrifleman.comLooking for Community? Check out our FREE online community at the Modern Day Rifleman Network. At 10,000 members, it's the fastest growing community out there that's focused on long range shooting. You'll find mountains of free information, articles, informative posts, and people like you that are dedicated to progress.https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/Check out our YouTube page too - we're just getting started, but there's a lot of great information there already.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_e_PUcPUM8G-RGHDsZEKTgAs usual, our social media pages are also places you can follow us for information, inspiration, and notices on new stuff.IG - @ moderndaysniper

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Landen Jones. Landen Jones is a former US Army Sniper, a current Cowlitz County Deputy Sheriff, and the lead sniper for the XXX regional SWAT team. Landen comes to Modern Day Sniper with the same goals and vision as what drives us - evolve and expand, and he wants to bring that to law enforcement sniper training, nationwide. I wanted to sit down with Landen and get to know him a little better, and explore the reason(s) that he got himself into the world of sniping. Landen is a guy who's passionate about his craft, and dedicated to building himself into an effective and efficient communicator. We discuss Landen's background, some of his combat experience as a sniper in the GWOT, and how he found himself in his current role at his day job, and where he's at with us at Modern Day Sniper.Want to train with us at an In-Person class this year? There's nothing quite like an in-person class experience, and we've got some awesome places to train this year! Check out our schedule, I'm sure we're close to you somewhere!https://www.moderndaysniper.com/eventsCan't make it into an in-person class? No sweat, we've got you covered with the best online training programs out there today. Monthly subscription services and digital masterclasses - those are our jam, come see what we've got to offer and get 14 days FREE with your membership.https://www.moderndayrifleman.comLooking for Community? Check out our FREE online community at the Modern Day Rifleman Network. At 10,000 members, it's the fastest growing community out there that's focused on long range shooting. You'll find mountains of free information, articles, informative posts, and people like you that are dedicated to progress.https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/Check out our YouTube page too - we're just getting started, but there's a lot of great information there already.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_e_PUcPUM8G-RGHDsZEKTgAs usual, our social media pages are alos places you can follow us for information, inspiration, and notices on new stuff.IG - @ moderndaysniper

In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast we've brought on Galen Shea for a conversation on rifle cleaning solvents, more specifically, CLR. Galen Shea is a dedicated local shooter in the Pacific Northwest. He frequents NRL 22 matches, as well as many of the club and regional centerfire PRS matches. Galen's professional expertise lies as a chemical engineer for the gas and oil industry, so I wanted to bring him on the podcast to talk about the cleaning solvent that initially took the precision rifle world by storm, but just as quickly fell out of favor due to lack of understanding of what the chemical is, and what it does to rifle barrel steel. By no means am I attempting to re-open a can of worms - aways follow your chosen rifle barrel manufacturer's recommendations and instructions - I'm simply curious about the “why” so I wanted to talk with a chemist and learn more. Our conversation flows into discussing some competitive shooting mindset, and Galen's goals for the upcoming season. I hope you enjoy this one!Want to train with us at an In-Person class this year? There's nothing quite like an in-person class experience, and we've got some awesome places to train this year! Check out our schedule, I'm sure we're close to you somewhere!https://www.moderndaysniper.com/eventsCan't make it into an in-person class? No sweat, we've got you covered with the best online training programs out there today. Monthly subscription services and digital masterclasses - those are our jam, come see what we've got to offer and get 14 days FREE with your membership.https://www.moderndayrifleman.comLooking for Community? Check out our FREE online community at the Modern Day Rifleman Network. At 10,000 members, it's the fastest growing community out there that's focused on long range shooting. You'll find mountains of free information, articles, informative posts, and people like you that are dedicated to progress.https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/Check out our YouTube page too - we're just getting started, but there's a lot of great information there already.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_e_PUcPUM8G-RGHDsZEKTgAs usual, our social media pages are alos places you can follow us for information, inspiration, and notices on new stuff.IG - @ moderndaysniper

Carbon Fiber Barrels: What You Need to KnowIn this conversation, Caylen Wojcik and Colton Bagnoli discuss Colton's diverse experiences in the outdoors, including his transition from law enforcement to becoming a fly fishing guide and a writer for firearms publications. They delve into the importance of connection to nature, the challenges of teaching outdoor skills, and the intricacies of rifle barrels, particularly carbon fiber barrels, and their performance in various shooting scenarios. In this conversation, Caylen and Colton discuss the intricacies of rifle accuracy, the critical role of barrel quality in rifle building, and their experiences hunting with 22 caliber rifles in Africa. They emphasize the importance of understanding ammunition effects, the ethical considerations in hunting, and the performance of different bullet types on various game animals. The discussion highlights the evolving perceptions of rifle effectiveness and the significance of proper shot placement and bullet composition. In this conversation, Colton and Caylen delve into the intricacies of ethical hunting practices, emphasizing the importance of shot placement and understanding bullet performance. They discuss the significance of experience in hunting, particularly in tracking wounded animals and the challenges that arise. The conversation also touches on the evolution of hunting knowledge, the impact of modern technology, and the necessity of returning to legacy skills in the face of changing hunting environments.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Adventures 02:00 Colton Bagnoli: Background and Career 05:31 Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Writing 09:05 The Life of a Fly Fishing Guide 15:54 Connection to the Outdoors and Teaching 16:15 Rifle Barrels: A Deep Dive 21:27 Carbon Fiber Barrels: Performance and Expectations 31:08 Understanding Rifle Accuracy and Ammunition Effects 37:30 The Importance of Barrel Quality in Rifle Building 46:57 Experiences with 22 Caliber Rifles in Africa 58:08 Hunting Ethics and Bullet Performance 01:02:22 Ethical Hunting Practices and Shot Placement 01:04:45 Understanding Bullet Performance and Construction 01:06:48 The Importance of Experience in Hunting 01:08:52 Impact Velocity and Bullet Expansion 01:10:21 Tracking Wounded Animals and Recovery Challenges 01:12:50 Legacy Skills in Modern Hunting 01:16:45 The Evolution of Hunting Knowledge and TechnologyHere's some of the publications where you can find Colton's work:https://www.shootingtimes.com/https://www.petersenshunting.com/https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/review-pof-rogue-1375-inch-rifle/497151https://www.petersenshunting.com/editorial/rimfire-training-to-improve-hunting/500889Find Colton on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/papwinkle/

Resilience and Self-Discovery in the WildernessIn this conversation, Caylen Wojcik and Mark discuss a range of topics from their backgrounds in metal fabrication and military service to the importance of wilderness experiences and self-discovery. They explore how challenging situations can lead to personal growth, the significance of teaching skills to younger generations, and the need for rites of passage in modern society. Mark shares insights from his experiences on the show 'Alone' and emphasizes the value of resilience and gratitude in life. In this conversation, Caylen Wojcik and Mark discuss the importance of rites of passage, personal growth, and the transformative experiences offered by the Silent Operator Program. They explore how challenging outdoor experiences can foster resilience, confidence, and teamwork, ultimately leading to profound personal change. The program aims to equip individuals with essential skills while emphasizing the significance of community and shared experiences in overcoming life's challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Audio Setup03:05 Wine Taps and Metal Fabrication05:51 Skills and Experiences in the Wilderness08:53 Mark's Background and Military Experience11:57 Transitioning to Teaching and Business Ventures15:00 The Impact of Wilderness Experiences17:53 Self-Discovery Through Adversity20:47 Raising Resilient Children24:00 Rites of Passage and Masculinity28:05 Rite of Passage and Personal Growth31:01 The Silent Operator Program Overview36:04 Transformative Experiences in Nature43:00 Building Confidence and Overcoming Fears50:02 Teamwork and Community in Challenging Environments56:01 The Impact of the Silent Operator ProgramInterested in the Silent Operator Program? Find out more information below:https://www.thesilentoperator.com/Visit Mark's social media:https://www.instagram.com/markdambrosio_official/Learn more about Modern Day Rifleman and our growing community:www.moderndayrifleman.comCome experience an in-person Modern Day Sniper training class! Our 2025 Schedule is UP!https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events

For 2025 and beyond, I'd like to bring you guys a new style of podcast for me - solo-casts.    I haven't been 100% comfortable in the past with sitting by myself in front of the camera. It felt a bit on the arrogant side, and for me arrogance is a tough nut to crack. I do believe that there's a balance to it though, it's delicate, but nonetheless a balance. So, I'm going to use this style of delivery to get comfortable with what once was - uncomfortable!   In the future you can expect to see these solo-casts on the regular as I sit and discuss topics that I'm seeing, experiencing, and coming to understand. It's what you guys are after-raw, and real talk about the stuff you're looking to find answers for.    Some of it might be inflammatory, but hey, that's on you to navigate for yourself - only you are responsible for your emotions and reactions to them.    This is me, unplugged.

In this episode, Caylen sits down with Tim Parkhurst, President of the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation, to discuss the mission of preserving the legacy of Marine Scout Snipers. Tim shares fascinating historical insights, the foundation's efforts to build a lasting memorial at Quantico, and the monumental task of uncovering lost history and honoring fallen snipers. They dive into the challenges and triumphs of the sniper community, the evolution of the program, and how listeners can support through initiatives like an exclusive rifle raffle, which ends Wednesday evening, November 27th, and a brick paver program. Learn how the foundation is ensuring the sacrifices and contributions of scout snipers are never forgotten. Visit scoutsniperheritage.org to get involved!

In this in-depth conversation, Caylen Wojcik and Owen Mulder uncover the science behind elite shooting performance. They explore the neurobiology and psychology that influence a sniper's mental game, discussing key concepts like sight wobble, the startle response, and the all-important trigger control. Learn how managing stress, refining your focus, and building automaticity through structured practice can elevate your shooting skills. From archery to firearms, this episode dives into the cognitive and emotional aspects that top shooters must master to perform under pressure. Topics Covered: - Managing burnout and mental stress in high-stakes shooting - The psychology of sight wobble and the startle response - Why mastering trigger control is the key to success - How cognitive rehearsal builds muscle memory and automaticity - Expert tips on troubleshooting your shooting techniques - The emotional dynamics of shooting: staying calm under pressure Want to join our sniper community? Explore exclusive training content, events, and a thriving community at Modern Day Rifleman. Whether you're looking to enhance your marksmanship or connect with fellow shooters, we've got you covered! Join the community: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/ Access Expert Sniper Education & Events Modern Day Sniper is dedicated to providing high-quality education, mentorship, and live events to help you master precision shooting. Check out our upcoming courses, live sessions, and educational resources. Visit our education portal: https://www.moderndaysniper.shop/ Reloading Evolution Event: https://www.moderndaysniper.shop/events Follow Us for More Precision Insights: Instagram: @ModernDaySniper Join the conversation, elevate your shooting, and be a part of the Modern Day Rifleman community!

Welcome back to a new episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast! During this episode I sat down with two of my great friends, David Cantu and Ken Smith. David and Ken are precision rifle competitors and hunters here in the Pacific Northwest and I've had the pleasure of training and watching them grow as shooters here for the last decade. David's entry into the sport was not by fire, but by ice, as his first experience was a frigid four days in the eastern Washington no-man's land, and Ken's initiation wasn't too far off. Both of these individuals have taken to this sport with an incredible desire to progress, and adhere to the foundational principles of marksmanship the whole way. They didn't just throw gear at the process - they committed themselves to learning the fundamentals and then added the assisting bits and pieces along the way. It's been a pleasure to watch them both grow in this sport and their progress is a testament to their dedication to the mastery of the basics. It was a great conversation with lots of nuggets of information in there, so make sure you're present and take notes! This episode is available on all of the mainstream audio podcasting channels, along with a video version hosted on our YouTube channel. We hope you enjoy the show, and please make sure to leave us feedback on what you think. We read all of your comments and take them to heart! If you're not already a member at the Modern Day Rifleman Network, make sure you cruise over and get yourself a profile. With your membership, you get one month FREE access to our Modern Day Rifleman Advantage program, which is our monthly subscription service, PLUS access to our content vault with over 200 hours of high-quality and relevant content that you're looking for. https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/ No sense not to come over and check that out, it's like nothing you've experienced before with online training…. Come train with us!

On this episode of the podcast we invite Jeff “Skully” Escalderon and John Spurling to the show to discuss their perspective on their time serving in the Marine Corps as Scout/Snipers and as instructors. These guys hold nothing back on the podcast as they provide a candid and captivating look into the world of Marine Corps Scout Snipers. Through their personal experiences and recollections of former Scout Sniper, you'll be taken on a journey that explores the unique culture, training, and missions of this largely misunderstood fraternity of men. From the rigorous selection process to the high-stakes operations, this episode offers an unparalleled insider's perspective on the life of a Marine Scout Sniper. Listeners will be immersed in the camaraderie, challenges, and triumphs that defined this specialized community, gaining a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and skills required to excel in this demanding role that unfortunately no longer exists within the United States Marine Corps.   Don't forget to check out our community at www.moderndayrifleman.com ! It's free and there's over 8 thousand members in there just like you sharing up to date information on the topics you want to know about!   Check out Modern Day Sniper's In-Person Class Schedule too! Come train with us!   https://www.tickettailor.com/events/moderndayrifleman   Modern Day Sniper's Social Media Channels:   IG: @moderndaysniper YouTube: https://youtube.com/@moderndaysniper?si=8GC2mEc0Ia9acdjg

In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen Wojcik welcomes Aaron Martin, a new addition to the Modern Day Sniper and Modern Day Rifleman cadre. They discuss Aaron's background as a precision rifle instructor and former Marine, including his time in the Scout Sniper community. They also cover topics such as the importance of understanding recoil management, the psychological aspects of shooting, and the challenges of teaching students with varying skill levels. Additionally, they touch on the recent events involving former President Trump and the need to approach such situations with caution and professionalism rather than speculation.   Check out Aaron's website and social media channels    Website: https://tensecondprecision.com/ IG: @tensecondprecision YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tensecondprecision?si=mQQ19gtG4AafmI2g   Don't forget to check out our community at www.moderndayrifleman.com ! It's free and there's over 8 thousand members in there just like you sharing up to date information on the topics you want to know about!   Check out Modern Day Sniper's In-Person Class Schedule too! Come train with us!   https://www.tickettailor.com/events/moderndayrifleman   Modern Day Sniper's Social Media Channels:   IG: @moderndaysniper YouTube: https://youtube.com/@moderndaysniper?si=8GC2mEc0Ia9acdjg

In this episode we welcome Tony Blauer of Blauer Tactical Training Systems. Tony Blauer explores the vital role of fear management in personal safety and self-defense, critiquing traditional training methods in favor of understanding the psychology and physiology of fear. He stresses self-awareness in navigating violent situations and discusses how fear affects shooting and decision-making, linking neurobiology to marksmanship. Blauer distinguishes between choking and freezing under pressure, emphasizing the need for coaches to address fear blocks in students. Overall, he advocates for using fear as a catalyst for bravery and emphasizes the importance of enhancing mental speed and self-awareness in optimizing performance and safety.   Takeaways - Understanding and managing fear is crucial in personal safety and self-defense. - Self-awareness plays a key role in navigating violent encounters and making effective decisions. - Fear management is essential in shooting and marksmanship, as the neurobiological response to shooting can impact performance. - Improving self-awareness enhances critical thinking and decision-making in various aspects of life. - Managing fear is crucial in various contexts, including self-defense and precision shooting. - Coaches need to understand and address fear blocks in their students to help them overcome performance obstacles. - There is a distinction between choking and freezing, with choking being a result of trained individuals not being able to access their skills under pressure. - Self-awareness plays a key role in managing fear and improving performance. Find Tony Blauer here: Blauer Tactical Training Systems: blauertrainingsystems.com Instagram: @tonyblauer YouTube: Tony Blauer's Channel Check out some awesome deals from Tony and get sweet discounts on his programs! 1) SPEAR System® Combatives Camp: Date: July 27 - 28, 2024 Location: Las Vegas, NV Registration Link: Register Here Course Outline: Click Here 2) Human Weapon System: Affiliate Link: HWS Program Discount Code: SNIPERHWS for $100 off 3) Know Fear® Seminar: Affiliate Link: Know Fear Seminar Discount Code: SNIPERKF for 50% off Don't miss these opportunities to train with one of the best in the field! This episode is brought to you by Really Right Stuff tripods, the best tripods for precision shooting and long-range hunting. Discover the stability and versatility of Really Right Stuff tripods to enhance your shooting experience. Learn more at Really Right Stuff. Train with us In-Person: Join Our Classes Join our Free Online Community: Modern Day Rifleman Visit our Website: Modern Day Sniper Follow us on Instagram: @moderndaysniper Enjoy the episode and until next time, evolve with every shot.

In this episode, Caylen sits down with Carl Taylor from In Motion Targets, an experienced figure in the precision rifle community. Join us as we dive into Carl's background, his contributions to the sniper community, and his journey through the Guardian Long Range match in Colville, Washington. Carl is one of the pioneers in the precision rifle sport, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Known for organizing challenging matches that test shooters' skills in locating, ranging, and engaging targets, Carl has been a significant influence in advancing the sport. Learn more about Carl's work at In Motion Targets. Topics Covered: Introduction to Carl Taylor and his history in precision rifle shooting. Insights into the Guardian Long Range match and its significance. Carl's experiences and contributions to sniper training in the Pacific Northwest. Leadership and marksmanship training tips from a seasoned expert. The evolution of sniper tactics and gear over the years. Support the Guardian Long Range: We highly encourage everyone to check out Guardian Long Range and support their events. It's a fantastic charity that does amazing work for kids across the nation. Find a match near you and participate to make a difference.   This episode is brought to you by Really Right Stuff tripods, the best tripods for precision shooting and long-range hunting. Discover the stability and versatility of Really Right Stuff tripods to enhance your shooting experience. Learn more about Really Right Stuff tripods here. Train with us In-Person: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/m... Join our Free Online Community: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com Visit our website: https://moderndaysniper.com Follow us on IG: @moderndaysniper Enjoy the episode and until next time, evolve with every shot.

In this episode Caylen talks with the legendary Jacob Bynum from Rifles Only. Jacob is a true pioneer in the field of precision rifle shooting, and we are always excited to have him on the show because he brings us back to the pure fundamentals of marksmanship. In this episode, we dive into: The essential aspects of marksmanship fundamentals that are crucial for hitting targets. Mindset techniques that are key for competitive shooting. An exciting new training opportunity in Leadville, Colorado, this August 19-20. Jacob and Caylen are teaming up for a collaborative class in this beautiful mountain town at 10,000 feet elevation. Practical advice for both beginners and advanced shooters on improving their skills. Real-world experiences and stories that highlight the importance of mastering the basics. This episode is packed with valuable insights for shooters of all levels. Don't miss out on this chance to learn from one of the best in the industry. Check out Jacob's website at riflesonly.com for more information on training opportunities. Enjoy the episode and until next time, evolve with every shot.   Register for the Leadville class:  Rifles Only Train with us In-Person: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/m...   Join our Free Online Community: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com   Visit our website: https://moderndaysniper.com   Follow us on IG: @moderndaysniper Enjoy the episode and until next time, evolve with every shot.

In this episode, Caylen sits down with his good friend, Len Waldron to discuss hunting in Africa and WWII. Len Waldron prepares for a hunting trip in Africa and reminisces about their previous adventures. They discuss the importance of ethical hunting practices and responsible management of animal populations. Len also shares stories about their grandfather's experiences as a pilot in World War II, highlighting the challenges and dangers of combat missions. The podcast concludes with a discussion of rifle marksmanship techniques, safety protocols, and the importance of proper rifle setup and maintenance for hunting in different environments. Find out What your Shooter Ability is here: https://survey.typeform.com/to/G3O65DID?typeform-source=www.moderndayrifleman.com Train with us In-Person: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/moderndayrifleman Join our Free Online Community: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com Find out more About Us: https://www.moderndaysniper.com Follow us on Instagram: Modern Day Sniper - https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/ Phillip Velayo  https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317/ Caylen Wojcik - https://www.instagram.com/caylen8541/

This episode explores the world of precision shooting and gunsmithing. Learn about gun design, intricate barrel making, reloading techniques, and the mental focus needed for peak accuracy. Caylen and JD Thomas share insights for both enthusiasts and professionals. Find out What your Shooter Ability is here: https://moderndaysniper.com/assessment Train with us In-Person: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/moderndayrifleman Join our Free Online Community: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com Find out more About Us: https://www.moderndaysniper.com Follow us on Instagram: Modern Day Sniper - https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/ Phillip Velayo - https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317/ Caylen Wojcik - https://www.instagram.com/caylen8541/  

In this podcast, host Caylen Wojcik and Competitive Sky Diver V Buck Prib converse about the realities of high-level extreme sports. They discuss safety measures, rigorous training, mental preparation, costs, and more. Caylen and Prib share experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of mastering basics and the role of visualization in performance improvement. They also share how to handle immense competition pressures and the importance of mentorship. They reflect on their mistakes as learning opportunities, underscoring the value of experience in skydiving and competitive shooting. This episode provides insight into extreme sports and valuable life lessons. Enjoy!

Welcome to our 100th Episode! This is a big deal for us! Today Caylen and Phillip sit down to discuss the future of Modern Day Sniper and where we're headed for 2024 and beyond. The pair discuss the new in-person class naming convention and the reasons that they decided to make some adjustments to the curriculum. Caylen and Phil also give you the low-down on the NEW Modern Day Sniper logo and the reason behind the need to change it. We hope you all enjoy the episode and don't forget to come see up inside the Modern Day Rifleman Network! For those who prefer to watch podcasts, this is live on our YouTube.

In this episode, we sit down with one of our Modern Day Rifleman, James Wazeter. We dive into his systematic approach to precision shooting, his coaching experience in the fitness industry, and his passion for long-range bolt rifles. In our discussion, we cover a range of topics from parenting to precision rifle training, techniques, and competition. We explore the importance of focused training, breaking down skills into sub-units, and the psychological aspects of competitive shooting. James shares his experiences and insights on shooting competitions, and we discuss the overlap of skills between competitive shooting and hunting.

Welcome to the Modern Day Sniper Podcast Episode 98, where we have a heartfelt discussion with special guest Mike Lilly, a well-known figure in the PRS and NRL Hunter world. Mike and his wife run the successful YouTube channel, "Long Range with the Lilies." In this episode, we delve into some heavy topics related to the emotions and challenges veterans face when transitioning from military service to civilian life. We hope to provide some relief and understanding for those going through similar experiences. You can find more from Mike Lilly on his YouTube channel. Enjoy the episode!

In this podcast, Phillip sits down with the Director of PRS Ken Wheeler and Western Precision Rifle founder Peter Kneip. They discuss the integration of the PRS Regional Series with the Western Precision Rifle community in order to further grow the sport of precision rifle in the Wyoming, Montana and South/North Dakota areas.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram

The team sits down in Virginia after wrapping up our 4th year at Pigg River. We have John Carughi on this podcast also known as “Weapon Snatcher.” The team recaps the 4 days of training, some common trends as well as diving deep into the mental headspace of long range shooting and performance.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram

The Field Shooting Workshop   Phillip sits down with Matt Solowynsky from R&S Solutions to discuss creating opportunities. Despite still being an active duty Marine, Matt shares how he navigates his transition process with retirement on the horizon. They explore various topics such as the importance of networking, building a personal brand, and honing transferable skills. They also discuss the challenges that young snipers may face during the transition out of the military and provide practical advice on how to overcome them. Matt emphasizes the significance of setting goals, seeking mentorship, and taking advantage of educational resources. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of proactive planning and strategic thinking to ensure a successful and fulfilling transition into civilian life.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram

Caylen and Phillip have an in-depth discussion about their recent event at the Y.O. Ranch, a stunning location situated just outside of San Antonio, Texas. During their conversation, they touch upon the exciting prospects of providing training to individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. This includes catering to both aspiring snipers and non-snipers, accommodating a wide range of experience levels. From novices who have never handled a precision rifle before, to seasoned professionals attending the course for sustainment training, the event offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse group of participants. They briefly talk about the Scout Sniper community and its unfortunate demise. Lastly, they talk about the opportunity to shoot with movers and their thought process behind making an intuition base lead.    Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram

In this podcast, Phillip and Caylen discuss effective communication with students of all skill levels and shooting experience. They also provide tips on selecting the right tripod for shooting specific to their applications. Finally, they share their recent scouting and hunting experience in the mountains, offering insights into the challenges and importance of being prepared for hunting. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in precision rifle shooting and hunting!   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram

In this episode the MDS team takes a deep dive into what they're learning while developing and filming our upcoming Tripod Shooting Masterclass. This is a compilation of a lot of little tidbits of discoveries that the team has been uncovering while focusing on nothing but shooting from tripods in the recent weeks. Big topics of discussion here are the effects of pressures being put into the system and how those pressures affect both accuracy and rifle movement during the process of recoil.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram

In this episode, Caylen, Phil, and Ryan dive deep into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the firearm industry, offering their unique perspectives and insights on dealing with trolls and overall negativity that inherently comes with this job. Furthermore, the trio explores the concept of imposter syndrome, a phenomenon that affects many professionals in various industries, including firearms.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram

In this podcast episode, Phil and Ryan take a deep dive into their experience at the NRL Hunter in Utah competition that they recently participated in as a team. They go over the various stages they encountered, including some of the obstacles they had to overcome, the techniques they used to achieve success, and the lessons they learned along the way. Not only did they share the good moments, but they also delved into the bad ones and discussed how they could have done better. The discussion also covered the importance of preparation, teamwork, and communication in the competition. Furthermore, Ryan will be teaching Intro to Precision and Scoped Carbine at the same venue, so they took the opportunity to do some range reconnaissance and familiarize themselves with the surroundings. They talked about the significance of knowing the range and how it can help in better performance.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram    

In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Phillip and Caylen discuss various topics related to shooting, including the importance of balance in life, having a solid baseline in your career, different levels of awareness and mental approach to competition, and how to break the stress response in your body. They also talk about the difference between a PRS match and a general hunter, adapting your body to different tripod heights, and the benefits and drawbacks of heavy caliber rifles. At the end of the episode we share upcoming events and In-Person classes.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram    

In this episode Ryan and Caylen are spending a week at the Mountain States Tactical officer's Association annual meetings and training week. This is our 5th year consecutively supporting this effort and we're always happy to be a part of it. In this conversation they boys turn on the mics for some after class chats about some of the trends they're seeing in the training world, the finer points of rifle marksmanship as they relate to the body's central nervous system, and some gas gun tidbits that stem from some projects that Ryan has been working on.    Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram  

The Modern Day Sniper team is in the United Kingdom doing a series of classes with the precision rifle shooters of Great Britain. They sit down with Andy Simpson and James Bass, who are attending the Intro to Precision Rifle Course to talk about their experiences with the class. Andy and James, along with Trez, are the leadership of the Precision Rifle Series UK. We discuss some training scars and “bad habits” developed over time as a result of the fast growth of the precision rifle sport and the lack of formal training courses out in the European theater.    Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram  

This was a great episode for us here at Modern Day Sniper because we welcomed Mr. Gary Larson from the Guardian Long Range series. The Guardian series of events is 100% non-profit and all the proceeds of these events go towards local organizations to assist with disadvantaged kids in the foster care system. The cause behind these events is beyond admirable, and supporting these events means direct, actionable change for kids out there that didn't have a choice to be where they're at in their lives. Please check out the Guardian series of events using the links below, and we hope to see you all at the Guardian's Washington state event this coming May.    https://guardianlongrange.com/   https://www.facebook.com/GuardianLongRange/   https://www.instagram.com/guardianlongrange/?hl=en   https://practiscore.com/2023-guardian-long-range-washington/register   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram  

Todays topic is on Scoped Carbine. Its a very loose term that possesses numerous connotations. Here the team discusses our opinions on the subject and how we define it along with our personal opinions on employment of such a rifle. As most of you know MDS is bringing Scoped Carbine to the course offerings and here's a taste of what you can expect if you attend. Thanks for listening!   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram  

Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram  

Phillip and Clayton catch up and talk about setting goals for the 2023 year. Clayton talks about his training plans, what matches he wants to attend and his new 7PRC build. This is a great episode for hunters who are wanting to refine their skills at being a rifleman.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     School House   Modern Day Rifleman    Modern Day Sniper   MDS Instagram  

Dan Newberry joins Caylen on the show to discuss all things Optimal Charge Weight and handloads. Dan Newberry resides in Virginia and is most well known for his Optimal Charge Weight load development process that he's been advertising for years. Dan also runs a shooting school in Virginia called Bang Steel, with an accompanying podcast series. Dan discusses his thought process on why this method of load development is ideal, and the further discoveries of patterns that he's noticed over the years.    http://www.bangsteel.com/   http://www.ocwreloading.com/   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     https://moderndaysniper.com/     MDS Instagram    

Always a pleasure, our proper British PRS counterparts have a long overdue catch up call to talk about their recent pilgrimage to the US PRS Finale, their PRS UK Finale, and the upcoming classes we've got scheduled with them this coming April. Our class slots are filling fast over there and our hosts give out some information on how to travel to the UK with rifles and ammunition, as well as the cut-off date for acceptance paperwork to be filed. Most notably, Caylen managed to get James' name correct.    To view and register for our classes in the UK, please visit: https://www.precisionrifleseries-uk.com/modern-day-sniper-training-courses/   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     https://moderndaysniper.com/     MDS Instagram    

On this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast we welcome Mr. Erik Cortina to the show. Mr. Cortina is an extremely accomplished shooter in the F-Class world and is known for sharing his knowledge of attaining extreme accuracy and precision with his loads. Mr. Cortina is also known for his research and development of barrel tuners. Erik and Caylen have a great conversation surrounding general precision shooting, Erik's background and how he got into shooting, and of course, we touch on barrel tuners. Enjoy the episode!   https://www.shootsmallgroups.com/   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     https://moderndaysniper.com/     MDS Instagram    

This episode Caylen invites a special guest as a subject matter expert to discuss the hot-topic item of barrel tuners. Aaron Hipp is an accomplished PRS competitor with over a decade of experience in the sport competing at a high level. Aaron's background in education and occupation is engineering, with his day job being that of a software engineer. Aaron and Caylen discuss the relevance of barrel tuners in the precision rifle discipline and most importantly where they're useful, and where they're not. Aaron discusses his point of view on scientific testing methods and compares that to what is currently available in the space regarding testing data surrounding barrel tuners.  You can find Aaron's product, the Adaptive Tuning System at his main website https://www.kineticsecuritysolutions.com/   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram    

In this episode, Caylen, Phil and Ryan wrap up the Advanced Competition Clinic at Pigg River and discuss some trends they see from the course. They dive into reticle choice and many other topics. Ryan asks some thought provoking questions that Caylen and Phil have to dig deep to give thoughtful responses.     Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram    

In this episode we welcome Ryan D'Agostino to the podcast. We invited Ryan out to our classes at Pigg River this year to help out as an adjunct instructor. We had a great conversation with Ryan, getting to know him and his viewpoints on long range shooting and teaching styles. Ryan is a former infantry Marine, security contractor, and a firearms instructor who focuses on precision rifle as a passion, and is proficient in handgun and carbine employment.    Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram      

Welcome back to another episode! Caylen and Phil are back at it, and they have an overdue catch-up conversation discussing Phil's hunts so far this season, the upcoming Tripod Masterclass, some tidbits on reloading, and some discussion on mindset for the upcoming shooting season.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram      

Have you ever been gifted a second chance? In this podcast, Phillip is joined by his good friend and fellow Marine Scout Sniper, Matthew Solowynsky. They talk about who Matt “Solo” is and his journey in the Marine Corps. From being court martialed to having a successful career in the Scout Sniper community, Matt talks about his lessons learned and how he bounced back from second award Private to Gunnery Sergeant of Marines. They talk about their time in service together at 1st Bn, 4th Marines and while instructors at 1st Mar Div Scout Sniper School. We hope you enjoy this episode and can hear the passion we have as Marine Scout Snipers!   Bio: Matt has spent 17+ years in the Marine Corps infantry with four deployments between combat tours and MEUs. And has been a part of the Sniper community for 12 years and has served as a Team Leader, Chief Scout Sniper, and Platoon Sergeant. He has also held the positions of Chief Instructor for Pre-Sniper Course, Primary Marksmanship Instructor & Primary Field skills Instructor at Scout Sniper Course West, and Chief Instructor at II Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) Urban Sniper Course & Aerial Sniper Course. He has also assisted in instructing the II EOTG's Reconnaissance & Surveillance Course & Close Quarters Tactics Course, and has also contracted as a marksmanship instructor for SOF level 1 Sniper Courses throughout his career. He is also pursuing a bachelor's degree in Computer Technology with a concentration in Web Development.  He is a certified Breacher and has graduated Scout Sniper Course, Urban Sniper Course, and Aerial Sniper Course.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram      

In this episode Caylen and Phil welcome the boys from Precision Rifle Series UK, Andy, Trez, and John. With the PRS UK boys hosting four MDS classes this coming spring, the episode details all that will be covered in those classes, the venue we'll be using, and some tips on traveling to the UK with rifles and ammunition. The conversation also touches on some of the challenges the PRS UK has with developing a larger shooter community and the constraints that rifle shooters face in the UK's populated areas.    To register for our upcoming UK classes, find the links here:  https://www.precisionrifleseries-uk.com/modern-day-sniper-training-courses/   To register for our other stateside upcoming events, head over to: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/moderndayrifleman   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram      

Contrary to popular belief, we didn't completely fall off the planet! It's been a whirlwind of a summer for us at Modern Day Sniper and we're going to get you all caught up on what we've been up to and the pace that we've been moving at. Consider this a catch-up episode, but we take a couple turns to talk about wind and some reloading topics with detail. Enjoy guys, and we appreciate your patience!   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram      

Caylen flies solo on this episode to give his thoughts on the recent annual training week for the Mountain States Tactical Officer's Association. The MDS crew ran a Basic and an Advanced course concurrently and the team learned some valuable lessons from the experience. Caylen discusses thoughts on curriculum development, sniper skills, how to structure training, and the points witnessed during the class regarding proficiency, weapons, gear, and mindset.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram  

Phillip flies solo on this podcast while Caylen is in the mountains for a spring bear hunt. Phillip talks about his recent Intro to Precision Rifle course that just taught in Cody. Phil talks about some of the training takeaways from the class such as rifle and ammunition considerations when taking a class, equipment manipulation and management, and aerodynamic jump. He breaks down all four days of the class and the learning objectives of each day.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram  

Caylen, Phillip and Owen Mulder have a conversation with Zachary Burgart who is a former Reconnaissance Marine, and fellow HOG.    Zachary recently made a trip to Ukraine with the intention of providing aid to the people by means of medical support and training, basic infantry skills training, and logistical coordination for the newly established citizen army. Zach gives us his perspective on what he witnessed and provides valuable insight as to the morale of the Ukrainian people and the overall situation as he saw it.    If you'd like to provide any donations to the charity organizations that Zach represented on his trip, you can find those links below.   NFP - https://www.overwatchfoundationusa.org/   Training Company - https://www.slava.win/   Zachary's Website - https://zacharyaloysius.com/   Zachary's Instagram - @zacharyaloysius.artist   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network:     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram

With the topics of tripod shooting at the forefront of the mind, Caylen and Phil discuss the nuances of tripod shooting and the pros and cons of different techniques and under what circumstances those techniques should be used. The conversation switches to wind, and the visual processing speed of the mind to derive precise corrections under time and rapidly changing conditions.   Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network :     https://www.mdsschoolhouse.com     www.moderndayrifleman.com     Moderndaysniper.com     MDS Instagram