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If you care about rifleman-ship, this episode is about more than history. It’s about discipline, limits, ethics, and what happens when skill spreads faster than wisdom. In this episode: Why the “old world” of precision shooting felt earned (and why it’s gone) How YouTube + gear + free ballistic charts created a new kind of risk Ethical long-range hunting: capability vs. probability vs. consequence “Flirt with your limitations” in training—stay inside your capabilities in the field A real look at public land behavior, spectrum ethics, and cultural hunting differences Jack Hinson: neutrality, occupation, loss, and the birth of a one-man war Observation as the real foundation of sniping (the part people skip) Fort Henry / Fort Donelson, Union occupation, guerrilla warfare, and fallout The importance of primary sources, and why we recommend the book 🔥 Train with Modern Day Sniper 🎯 Join the global rifleman community: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/ 📺 Explore digital masterclasses: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/online-training Follow Us On Instagram & Youtube!  https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper https://www.youtube.com/@MODERNDAYSNIPER 👉 If you enjoy these history lessons, like, subscribe, and share with a fellow rifleman. Your support helps us keep alive the lineage of the American Rifleman.

Caylen Wojcik sits down with competitive shooter, match director, and Thunder Beast Arms Corp shooter Sam Carlson for a long, thoughtful, and refreshingly transparent discussion about the places where precision rifle shooting, personal growth, trauma, ego, and self-awareness intersect. What begins as an exploration of ayahuasca, psychedelics, and healing quickly unfolds into a powerful conversation about what it truly means to pursue mastery — not just behind the rifle, but in life. Sam shares his journey from military service to addiction, recovery, and eventually finding structure, purpose, and accountability through long-range shooting. Caylen discusses the parallels between inner work and marksmanship: intention, presence, humility, and the willingness to face what’s really going on under the hood. Together, they break down how shooting becomes a feedback loop for identity — revealing your mindset, exposing your blind spots, and sharpening your awareness one trigger press at a time. The conversation evolves into an in-depth look at the competitive shooting world, match culture, mentorship, and how community becomes a stabilizing force for people rebuilding their lives or searching for their next mission. From there, Caylen and Sam get technical: recoil science, gas flow, the development of the Thunder Beast Magnus suppressor line, how brake-integrated cans changed the game, spotting your own impacts in hunting, cartridge selection, barrel life, and why tracking your round count matters more than most shooters realize. Sam also shares the origin of the Barrel Burner app, a tool he and Thunder Beast engineer Curtis developed to track barrel life, brass, components, suppressor maintenance, and overall rifle system data — born directly from real-world needs, not theory. This is more than a rifle conversation. It’s a human one — about drive, discipline, intention, and the communities that help us stay grounded. Whether you’re a competitor, hunter, student, instructor, or someone who just loves honest conversations about growth and performance, this episode will leave you thinking long after it’s over.   CONNECT WITH US Modern Day Sniper Website – https://www.moderndaysniper.com MDS Club & Community – https://www.moderndayerifleman.com  YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/ModernDaySniper Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper Thunder Beast Arms Corp Website – https://thunderbeastarms.com

Former Marine Scout Sniper and Instructor Owen Mulder joins Caylen Wojcik in the Modern Day Sniper studio for the first time — a conversation that dives deep into the art and science of reading the wind, training intuition, and performing under pressure. From sniper school ranges to mountain hunts and competition stages, this episode connects the dots between brain science and bullet science — and shows why the best shooters aren’t just technicians… they’re artists with data. In this episode Owen’s return to Yakima and the evolution of Modern Day Sniper training grounds Why wind was once the silent killer of qualification scores — and how better teaching solved it The 4-step Wind Reading Blueprint: Range → Raw Wind → Working Wind → Apply the Hold Mirage and perception: how your brain creates illusions (and how to train past them) Building intuition that replaces math when your adrenaline is spiking Movers & mountains: how to read compound angles and build visual acuity Cognitive load, stress, and why the brain switches from thinking to feeling Tools vs. technology: using Kestrels, Calypso, and wind arrays as teachers — not crutches Preserving the legacy of the Marine Scout Sniper community for the next generation Key Takeaway Wind reading isn’t about guesswork or math — it’s about connection. Learn how to turn raw conditions into intuitive feedback that survives stress, time, and terrain. “You don’t need more math under stress — you need intuition on demand.” — Owen Mulder Resources & Links 🎯 Train Smarter with Modern Day Sniper: https://moderndaysniper.com 📘 Wind Reading Blueprint Masterclass: https://wind.moderndaysniper.com 🎧 More Episodes + Community: https://community.moderndaysniper.com Follow Us 📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/moderndaysniper ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ModernDaySniper 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/moderndaysniper

Welcome back to the Modern Day Sniper Podcast. In this history lesson, we close out the life of Louis Wetzel, the infamous frontier rifleman, and dive into the rise of Daniel Morgan, one of the most impactful American riflemen of the Revolutionary War. From Wetzel’s frontier legend to Morgan’s decisive role at Quebec, Saratoga, and Cowpens, this episode unpacks how early American riflemen reshaped the battlefield through grit, innovation, and precision. Along the way, we connect these stories to the modern sniper community—leadership, autonomy, and the timeless lessons of force multipliers. What you’ll hear in this episode: The conclusion of Louis Wetzel’s frontier sagaDaniel Morgan’s rise from bar-fighting teamster to Revolutionary War heroMorgan’s legendary “Riflemen” and the myths vs. reality of their marksmanshipThe battles of Quebec, Saratoga & Cowpens—how snipers shifted the warLeadership parallels for today’s Marine Scout Snipers, Recon, and SOFTimeless truths: autonomy, trust, surprise, speed, violence, and precisionThis isn’t just history—it’s a blueprint for riflemen. From the Revolution to the modern era, precision shooters have carried the weight of turning points.  Train with Modern Day Sniper Join the global rifleman community: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com Explore digital masterclasses:https://www.moderndaysniper.com/online-training If you enjoy these history lessons, like, subscribe, and share with a fellow rifleman. Your support helps us keep alive the lineage of the American Rifleman.

In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen Wojcik reconnects with competitive shooter Nate Humbard for an unplanned deep dive into the fundamentals of rifle craft. What started as a “History Lesson” recording turned into 60+ minutes of raw shop talk on the realities of marksmanship, recoil management, wind calls, competition prep, and law enforcement sniper training. We break down: Why fundamentals and process discipline beat gear every timeThe truth about recoil anticipation and how ball-and-dummy drills expose itTraining value of .22 LR vs. centerfire rifles under stressWind cone effects, terrain lift, and reading conditions from 800–1,200 yardsHeavy bullets, free bore, and F-Class lessons in precision loadingLaw enforcement sniper realities: permissive environments, hides, and decision-making under stressWhy even seasoned shooters need a hard reset in the basicsNate also shares highlights from his summer match season—rimfire, centerfire, and F-Class—while Caylen unpacks lessons learned from recent classes at Nailspring Ranch, including how shoot houses, trigger-cam AV setups, and diverse terrain make for some of the best training environments in the country.  Next Week: We’re back to the History Lesson series with a spotlight on Daniel Morgan—don’t miss it. Train with Us (last chances for 2025) Nailspring Ranch, OR (October): Intro to Long Range + Hunter Skills Clinic (NRL Hunter focused)Pig River, VA: Intro + Skills ProgressionMaricopa County, AZ: Intro + Skills Progression Details & registration: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/event/intro-to-long-range-class-maricopa-az-120625Coming Soon  Wind Reading Blueprint – our most comprehensive digital masterclass yet Coming Soon!! Connect with Modern Day Sniper IG: @moderndaysniper | @caylen8541Community: Modern Day Rifleman – mindfulness meets marksmanship https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/Podcast archive & resources 

In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen Wojcik sits down with Pacific Northwest shooter, craftsman, and all-around salt-of-the-earth human Corson Piper for an honest conversation on performance, pressure, and finding purpose behind the rifle. The episode opens with a comparison between skydiving and shooting—two crafts where experience compounds quickly when the reps are tight, the focus is sharp, and feedback is immediate. Corson breaks down how the curve steepens when you’re doing eight jumps a day or shooting hundreds of rounds over a few days, and how momentum accelerates mastery. From there, they get into Corson’s roots: growing up on commercial fishing boats in Homer, Alaska, working on oil rigs by the time he turned 18, and eventually racing motorcycles before immersing himself in the competitive precision rifle world. His blue-collar background and high-stakes life experience shine through in every lesson—whether it’s knowing how to manage fatigue, making fast wind calls, or being brutally honest about your mistakes. Topics Covered: How to train like a competitor, not just a shooter The dangers of practicing only what you’re good at Why stress inoculation matters—and how to build it How Corson shot over 12,000 rounds in one season and what he learned Mental stamina: how to stay in the zone for a 2-minute stage without burning out all day Why wind calls are less about speed and more about margin and memory The evolution of PRS and NRL Hunter and how each shape the modern marksman Ego vs. execution: showing up underprepared and owning your outcomes The therapeutic side of recoil, focus, and full presence in the shot Why positional shooting is undervalued and how Corson uses a set of dice to randomize practice You’ll also hear stories of helmet-smashing motorcycle crashes, broken fingers before big matches, and what it means to shoot for joy—not just trophies. Corson is proof that resilience, repetition, and showing up with intention matter more than any hack or gear upgrade. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just getting started, there’s something in this episode that will hit home. From mindset to mechanics, gear to growth, this one covers it all. Explore more: Modern Day Rifleman Network (Free community): www.moderndayrifleman.com Modern Day Rifleman Advantage (Membership): Access hours of exclusive video training, dry fire drills, and our content archive Modern Day Sniper Pro (For professional snipers): Mission-relevant training, sniper-specific Q&A sessions, and career support Leave a comment and let us know your biggest takeaway. We read every single one. If this episode made you think differently about your training—or your purpose—share it with someone who needs to hear it.

In this second episode of the Modern Day Sniper History Series, Caylen Wojcik sits down with Nate Humbard to explore the raw and riveting life of Lewis Wetzel, also known as Death Wind—a legendary frontiersman, rifleman, and early prototype of what we now call a sniper. From escaping captivity at age 13 with a bullet in his chest, to mastering reloading while running, to single-handedly ambushing war parties with cunning, stealth, and precision—Wetzel's life is a blueprint of frontier warfare and survival. This episode covers: The violent context of the Border Wars (1760s–1790s) Wetzel’s insane escape-and-evasion stories Fieldcraft, deception, and land navigation as sniper skills The Pennsylvania Long Rifle and Lewis’s tactics Why this man was feared by enemies and revered by his people Ethical nuance and the cost of frontier justice How his skill set echoes in the modern sniper community  Join our community: Free Membership: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com MDS Advantage Program (monthly training & drills): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/advantage MDS Pro (for military & LE): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/pro  Follow us: Instagram: @moderndaysniper Facebook: Modern Day Sniper #americanhistory #riflemen #history #moderndayrifleman #moderndaysniper

In this raw and real episode, Caylen Wojcik sits down with Marine veteran, hunter, and lifelong student Chris Camren for a raw, honest conversation about the evolution of marksmanship, mentorship, and mindset. From early days in the Corps to navigating the backcountry with sons and students alike, this is a journey through what it means to remain teachable—no matter how far you’ve come. They dive into: The legacy and loss of Marine Corps sniper platoons Lessons from competitive shooting and backcountry hunts Rite of passage, mentorship, and raising resilient young men The balance between old-school skill and modern gear What it means to truly embody the role of a rifleman This episode is a reminder: Mastery isn’t a destination—it’s a decision to remain a student, for life. Connect with us: Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com Rifleman Network: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com Instagram: @moderndaysniper Podcast: Modern Day Sniper on Spotify, Apple & more For inquiries: [email protected] #podcast #moderndayrifleman #marinelife #backcountryhunting

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 passage Lessons from failure, storms, and solitude Transitioning from state job to self-made guide and photographer How wild spaces create mental resilience The backcountry as a mirror for life Whether 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_photography Website: www.lukecarrickphotography.com Follow Caylen Wojcik & Modern Day Sniper: Instagram: @caylen_wojcik  @moderndaysniper (link)  Online Training + Courses: www.moderndaysniper.com Join 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 identity The sniper’s historical role in shaping key battles The importance of struggle, self-awareness, and mentorship What history teaches us about honor, focus, and quiet mastery How to avoid the “Peter Principle” and align your path with your nature Why preserving the sniper’s legacy matters—now more than ever Follow us at  Instagram: @moderndaysniper Youtube: @Moderndaysniper Join 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/events Can’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.com Looking 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-RGHDsZEKTg As 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/events Can’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.com Looking 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-RGHDsZEKTg As 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/events Can’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.com Looking 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-RGHDsZEKTg As 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 Know In 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 Technology Here’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/497151 https://www.petersenshunting.com/editorial/rimfire-training-to-improve-hunting/500889 Find Colton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papwinkle/

Resilience and Self-Discovery in the Wilderness In 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Audio Setup 03:05 Wine Taps and Metal Fabrication 05:51 Skills and Experiences in the Wilderness 08:53 Mark's Background and Military Experience 11:57 Transitioning to Teaching and Business Ventures 15:00 The Impact of Wilderness Experiences 17:53 Self-Discovery Through Adversity 20:47 Raising Resilient Children 24:00 Rites of Passage and Masculinity 28:05 Rite of Passage and Personal Growth 31:01 The Silent Operator Program Overview 36:04 Transformative Experiences in Nature 43:00 Building Confidence and Overcoming Fears 50:02 Teamwork and Community in Challenging Environments 56:01 The Impact of the Silent Operator Program Interested 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.com Come experience an in-person Modern Day Sniper training class! Our 2025 Schedule is UP! https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events