The Modern Day Sniper Podcast is your ultimate source for insights and discussions on the sniper lifestyle, from active duty to life beyond the uniform. Hosted by Caylen Wojcik, join us as we explore the art and science of precision shooting, the mental and physical discipline required, and the ongoing journey of self-improvement and mastery.Caylen began his professional journey as a rifleman in the US Marine Corps, where he served as a Scout/Sniper and instructor. He trained Marines, soldiers, and Navy operatives in marksmanship and urban combat tactics. After sustaining severe injuries in 2004, Caylen passed his experience to new snipers before leaving active duty. Since then, he has taught precision rifle skills to hundreds of military, law enforcement, and civilians.
MDS Episode #0140 | Dr. David Bach - Inside the Shooter's Brain
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Caylen Wojcik sits down with Dr. David Bach — Harvard-trained physician and neuroscientist, serial entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of Optios, a neuro-technology company built on over $350M in DARPA-funded research into elite human performance. Dr. Bach breaks down the neuroscience of what's actually happening in the brains of expert marksmen versus novices — why the expert's execution is almost entirely automatic, why the novice's head is full of noise, and what that means for how shooters should think about training, flinch response, and the conscious versus unconscious mind. He unpacks neuroplasticity, the flow state, and why trusting your training rather than consciously managing your shot process is the scientific — not philosophical — path to peak performance. Caylen and Dr. Bach dig into the pre-shot routine, "quiet eye," wobble management, and how the proprioceptive system works in your favor when you stop chasing the reticle. They explore the neuroscience behind visualization — why Lanny Basham mentally winning the Olympics 100,000 times wasn't mysticism but measurable brain training — and what deliberate practice actually means versus just putting rounds downrange. The conversation closes on the role of pre-shot timing consistency, why incorporating a stage timer will make you worse before it makes you better, and why that discomfort is exactly the point. MDS Club members can catch the continuation of this conversation in the exclusive Fireside Chat episode. 🔗 Dr. David Bach / Optios ⚡️ Website: https://optios.ai/ ⚡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bach-md-0b81b29/ Modern Day Sniper ⚡ Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/ ⚡ Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events ⚡ Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/16202640/page Follow Us ⚡ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/ ⚡ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MODERNDAYSNIPER ⚡ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper ⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper
MDS Episode #0139 | Frank Green - The Barrel Maker
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Caylen Wojcik sits down with Frank Green of Bartlein Barrels—one of the premier precision barrel manufacturers in the country and a lifelong shooter with roots in high power rifle competition dating back to the late 1980s. Frank traces his path from competitive shooting and gunsmithing to co-founding Bartlein Barrels in 2004, where the team brought single-point cut rifling into the modern era with CNC-controlled precision. This is the first installment of a multi-episode series, and Frank breaks down the fundamentals every shooter should understand about how barrels are made—covering cut rifling, button rifling, hammer forging, and broach cutting—and why no shortcut in barrel manufacturing goes unpunished. Caylen and Frank dig into the details that matter most for long-range precision: residual stress in barrel blanks, what to look for as your barrel ages, the truth about cold bore shots, and how heat, mirage, and optical illusions can shift your point of impact by several minutes of angle without you ever touching the gun. Frank also walks through his personal cleaning protocol—what products to use, what to avoid, and why using a brush with abrasive compounds is one of the fastest ways to ruin an otherwise excellent barrel. Members of the MDS Club can also catch Frank in the exclusive Fireside Chat episode, where he takes direct questions from the community. 🔗 Frank Green / Bartlein Barrels ⚡️ Website: https://www.bartleinbarrels.com/ ⚡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartleinbarrelsinc/ Modern Day Sniper ⚡ Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/ ⚡ Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events ⚡ Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/16202640/page Follow Us ⚡ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/ ⚡ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MODERNDAYSNIPER ⚡ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper ⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Caylen Wojcik sits down with Ryan Bertrand—founder of Longtucky Supply and seasoned product developer with a background spanning product design, precision rifle competition, and backcountry hunting. They trace Ryan's path from identifying real pain points on the range and in the field to building a binocular pouch and fanny pack from a kitchen-counter paper prototype, growing a small brand inside a tight-knit precision rifle community, and learning hard lessons in inventory management, social media, and small business along the way. Caylen and Ryan dig into the crossover between military sniper kit and backcountry hunting gear, the philosophy that good gear should enhance your ability to do the job—not dictate it—and the importance of listening to what people complain about to identify the problems worth solving. Then, the cat's out of the bag: Modern Day Sniper is acquiring Longtucky Supply, integrating its designs into future MDS gear projects built for competitors, hunters, and warfighters alike—with a vinyl harness, fanny pack, and split-front chest harness just the beginning of what's coming. Longtucky customers can expect to hear from the MDS team soon. Modern Day Sniper ⚡ Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/ ⚡ Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events ⚡ Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/16202640/page Follow Us ⚡ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/ ⚡ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MODERNDAYSNIPER ⚡ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper ⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper
MDS Episode #0137 | Nick Gebhardt - PRS Tac Class Champion
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Caylen Wojcik sits down in Choteau, Montana with Nick Gebhart—PRS Tac division national champion, Dustoff Black Hawk pilot, founder of ScopeChaps / CanChaps, and reticle designer for Zero Compromise Optic. They trace Nick’s path from small‑town Montana and self‑taught .308 reloader to deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, and into the optics industry with Kahles and ZCO. Nick shares how aviation, checklists, and mental management (inspired by Lanny Basham) shaped his approach to precision rifle shooting, match prep, and time management on and off the range. Caylen and Nick dig into the mental game vs. technical skill, the difference between training and practice, and why shooting Tac/.308 can fast‑track fundamentals like recoil management and wind reading. Nick breaks down the origin story of ScopeChaps and CanChaps, his reticle design philosophy at ZCO, and his run to the PRS Tac National Championship at the Geissele finale—including how a high‑profile cheating scandal unfolded in real time. 🔗 Nick Gebhardt ⚡️Scope Chaps: https://www.scopechaps.com/ Modern Day Sniper ⚡Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/ ⚡Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events ⚡Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/16202640/page Follow Us ⚡Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/ ⚡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MODERNDAYSNIPER ⚡Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper ⚡LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper
MDS Episode #0136 | The Beginning of the Untold
Send us Fan Mail This episode is a true fireside conversation—recorded in the field during a multi-day training evolution while the MDS Team is in Arizona. Caylen is joined by Juan Ospina, Chris Lajczok, and Rafael De Hoya—three Marines from the Modern Day Sniper mentorship team—for an unfiltered discussion on identity, hardship, and what it actually means to do hard things. The conversation moves beyond rifles and ballistics and into the deeper layers of performance—land navigation as a metaphor for life, the internal “voice” that makes people quit, and the reality of mentorship versus gatekeeping in high-level training environments. They unpack what it means to get off course, how people lose themselves after leaving the military, and why discomfort, adversity, and self-awareness are non-negotiable for growth. This is a raw look at the transition from operator to mentor, the responsibility that comes with leading others, and the balance between discipline and guidance. It’s not about tactics—it’s about the mindset behind them. Modern Day Sniper ⚡Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/ ⚡Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events ⚡Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/16202640/page
MDS Episode #0135 | Francis Colon - The Rifle Reveals What The Mind Conceals
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Caylen sits down with Francis Colon for a recap of the MDT Barrel Burner 2026 PRS Pro Match held at The Leadfarm in Washington State. They dive into the realities of high-level precision rifle performance, unpacking what it actually takes to compete, improve, and stay consistent under pressure. Their conversation moves beyond surface-level tactics into the mental and procedural side of shooting—covering everything from disciplined training habits and long-term decision-making to managing gear, building effective target reference points, and navigating rapidly changing wind conditions. Through detailed match breakdowns and candid reflections on both successes and failures, they highlight a central theme: performance is built through intentional focus, structured practice, and the ability to adapt in real time. Whether discussing the pitfalls of overcomplicating equipment, the importance of stress inoculation, or the value of maintaining a positive, growth-oriented mindset, this episode offers a clear look at the grind behind mastery—and what it truly means to evolve as a rifleman. Follow Francis Colon ⚡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franciscolon ⚡️MDT Sporting Goods: https://mdttac.com Modern Day Sniper ⚡Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/ ⚡Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events ⚡Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/16202640/page Follow Us ⚡Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/ ⚡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernDaySniper ⚡Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper ⚡LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper Train with purpose. Develop the mind, body, and rifle.
MDS Episode #0134 | Erik Cortina - Believe the Target
Send us Fan Mail This episode features a deep dive into precision shooting, ballistics, and the mental aspects of marksmanship. Caylen Wojcik and Erik Cortina share expert insights on rifle setup, trigger control, wind reading, and the importance of mental focus for shooters of all levels. This episode features expert insights into precision shooting, focusing on fundamentals, mental strategies, and training techniques to improve long-range marksmanship. Learn from seasoned shooters about optimizing performance, understanding wind, and developing consistent habits. In this comprehensive discussion, expert shooters delve into wind calling, equipment choices, mental strategies, and systematized training to elevate PRS shooting performance. Learn practical tips, mental models, and system approaches to overcome challenges and achieve consistency. Learn More from Erik Cortina ⚡Website: https://www.shootsmallgroups.com/ ⚡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ErikCortina ⚡Instagram: @erikcortina ⚡Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikcortinaproshooter/ Modern Day Sniper ⚡Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/ ⚡Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events ⚡Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/16202640/page Follow Us ⚡Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/ ⚡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernDaySniper ⚡Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper ⚡LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper Train with purpose. Develop the mind, body, and rifle.
MDS Episode #0133 | Jay Nichol - The Mindful Hunter
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen sits down with Jay Nichol—backcountry hunter, outfitter, and the mind behind The Mindful Hunter —following his time in our Long Range Skills Progression course in Yakima, Washington. This conversation goes well beyond rifles and ballistics, diving into the mindset behind skill development, the realities of modern hunting, and the gap between perceived proficiency and true capability. Jay shares his experience stepping outside his comfort zone, confronting weaknesses, and reframing training as a lifelong process built on exposure, feedback, and intentional practice—not quick fixes or gear purchases. We also explore the parallels between hunting, competition, and personal growth—covering everything from managing pressure in critical moments to the importance of structured training and honest self-assessment. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, competitive shooter, or just beginning your journey, this episode highlights what it really takes to build confidence and consistency when it matters most. Stick around to hear more about our 2026 training schedule, upcoming opportunities, and how to continue your development inside the Modern Day Sniper ecosystem. Learn More from Jay Nichol – The Mindful Hunter Website: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Mindful Reviews: https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulHunter Instagram: @mindfulhunter Modern Day Sniper Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/ Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/ Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernDaySniper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper Train with purpose. Develop the mind, body, and rifle.
MDS Episode #0132 | Francis Colon - The Game Within
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen sits down with Francis Colon for a wide-ranging conversation on precision rifle competition, mindset, training, and the deeper process of becoming a better shooter. What starts with stories about brutal mountain passes, wind, and match prep quickly opens into a thoughtful discussion on how competitors actually improve over time—and what separates surface-level performance from long-term mastery. Francis shares his evolution from a self-taught hunter and competitor into one of the most respected shooters in the precision rifle world, breaking down how he approaches training, speed, recoil management, visual processing, target acquisition, and the mental game of competition. Together, Caylen and Francis dig into everything from first-shot wind calls, simplicity in training, and the value of 100-yard practice, to imposter syndrome, gear selection, controlling what you can control, and why high-level performance often feels effortless only after years of intentional work. This is a deep episode for shooters who want to sharpen both their technical skillset and their mindset—and better understand the game within the game. Follow Francis Colon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franciscolon MDT Sporting Goods: https://mdttac.com Train With Us Modern Day Sniper App / MDS Club: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com In-Person Training & Events: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events Follow Modern Day Sniper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper
MDS Podcast Episode #0131 | Meet The Mentors
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen sits down at Nail Spring Ranch with mentors Aaron Martin, Juan Ospina, and Landen Jones to kick off their newest masterclass, Rapid Engagement Techniques, taught by Landen. Recorded during an immersive training week at the ranch, the crew dives into mindset, shares stories from the field, and talks about what it means to grow as a modern rifleman and mentor. Caylen also teases upcoming classes across the United States—including immersive courses at Nail Spring Ranch in Southern Oregon, skills progression camps in Yakima, Washington, and law enforcement sniper clinics nationwide—as well as big developments inside the Modern Day Sniper Club, like the ongoing Cold Bore 40 Challenge and the launch of their new Fireside Chat series featuring guests such as Francis Colon. Tune in for a blend of community, training insight, and a look at what’s coming next for Modern Day Sniper.
MDS Podcast Episode #0130 | Vincent Peak
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the podcast we traveled to Spokane, WA and spent a day with our newest addition to the Mentorship Team at Modern Day Sniper, Mr. Vincent Peak. Vince and his wife Morgan own and operate Northwest Elite, a therapy spa center. Vincent and his wife Morgan have dedicated their lives to understanding the human body, how it functions, and how to optimize its performance on every level. This is a deep episode - Vincent shares his beginnings from early childhood, to joining the Marine Corps and becoming a Scout/Sniper, and how those events transformed his life into what he lives today. This is a fantastic episode filled with stories of personal resilience, meaningful connection and a drive to always perform at your best while staying grounded and centered. 🔗 Vincent Peak Website: https://www.northwestelite.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vince.peak 🔗 Modern Day Sniper In-Person Training Events: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper 🔗 Join our community – The MDS Club https://www.moderndayrifleman.com
MDS Episode #0129 | Keep the Promise: Romeo Santiago on Brotherhood, Loss, and Carrying the Weight
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen Wojcik sits down with Romeo Santiago for a grounded and meaningful conversation centered on service, sacrifice, and taking responsibility for those we served alongside. The discussion covers Romeo’s military background, lessons learned during deployment in Ramadi, and the long-term challenges veterans face after combat. A major focus of the episode is the Keep the Promise Challenge, an upcoming endurance effort where Romeo will run 34 miles a day for five consecutive days to honor fallen comrades and raise awareness and support for veterans through organizations like Semper Fi. The conversation highlights the importance of remembrance, accountability, and building better support systems for veterans long after the mission ends. 🔗 Keep the Promise Challenge Donation Page: https://runsignup.com/keepthepromisechallenge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldmanyago8541 🔗 Modern Day Sniper In-Person Training Events: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper 🔗 Join our community – The MDS Club https://www.moderndayrifleman.com
From Combat to Creation: Dagan Van Oosten on Leadership, Life After Service, and Nomadic Research | MDS Episode #0128
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen Wojcik sits down with Dagan Van Oosten for a wide-ranging and candid conversation that spans military service, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after the uniform. Dagan shares lessons learned from his time in the Marine Corps, the transition into contracting and the evolution of the Global Response Staff (GRS), and how adaptability and mission planning translate far beyond combat environments. The discussion also dives into podcasting and content creation, family legacy and service, teaching and leadership development, and the realities of balancing demanding work with family life. Dagan also talks about launching his outdoor gear company, Nomadic Research, and his involvement with the nonprofit 22 Jumps, which supports veterans through extreme sports and purpose-driven community. 🔗 Nomadic Research Website: https://nomadicresearch.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadicresearch 🔗 Modern Day Sniper In-Person Training Events: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper 🔗 Join our community – The MDS Club https://www.moderndayrifleman.com
Jack Hinson: The Birth of American Guerrilla Warfare | MDS Episode #0127
Send us Fan Mail 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.
Precision & Purpose: A Deep Dive with Sam Carlson of Thunder Beast | MDS Episode #0126
Send us Fan Mail 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
Wind, Intuition & the Science of Precision Shooting | MDS Episode #0125
Send us Fan Mail 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
Snipers of the Revolution: Daniel Morgan & Louis Wetzel | MDS Episode #0124
Send us Fan Mail 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 saga Daniel Morgan’s rise from bar-fighting teamster to Revolutionary War hero Morgan’s legendary “Riflemen” and the myths vs. reality of their marksmanship The battles of Quebec, Saratoga & Cowpens—how snipers shifted the war Leadership parallels for today’s Marine Scout Snipers, Recon, and SOF Timeless truths: autonomy, trust, surprise, speed, violence, and precision This 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.
Modern Marksmanship, Wind Reading & Law Enforcement Sniper Lessons | MDS Episode #0123
Send us Fan Mail 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 time The truth about recoil anticipation and how ball-and-dummy drills expose it Training value of .22 LR vs. centerfire rifles under stress Wind cone effects, terrain lift, and reading conditions from 800–1,200 yards Heavy bullets, free bore, and F-Class lessons in precision loading Law enforcement sniper realities: permissive environments, hides, and decision-making under stress Why even seasoned shooters need a hard reset in the basics Nate 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 Progression Maricopa County, AZ: Intro + Skills Progression Details & registration: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/event/intro-to-long-range-class-maricopa-az-120625 Coming Soon Wind Reading Blueprint – our most comprehensive digital masterclass yet Coming Soon!! Connect with Modern Day Sniper IG: @moderndaysniper | @caylen8541 Community: Modern Day Rifleman – mindfulness meets marksmanship https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/ Podcast archive & resources
MDS Episode #0122 - How A PRS Champion Trains for Elite Rifle Competition w/ Corson Piper
Send us Fan Mail 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.
MDS Episode #0121 - Death Wind – The Untold Story of Lewis Wetzel w/ Nate Humbard
Send us Fan Mail 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
