MDS Episode #0134 | Erik Cortina - Believe the Target

Send us Fan MailIn 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.comModern 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/pageFollow 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-sniperTrain with purpose. Develop the mind, body, and rifle.

Send us Fan MailThis 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/pageFollow 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-sniperTrain with purpose. Develop the mind, body, and rifle.

Send us Fan MailIn 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/@MindfulHunterInstagram: @mindfulhunterModern Day Sniper Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/eventsModern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernDaySniperFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniperLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniperTrain with purpose. Develop the mind, body, and rifle.

Send us Fan MailIn 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 ColonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/franciscolonMDT Sporting Goods: https://mdttac.comTrain With UsModern Day Sniper App / MDS Club: https://www.moderndayrifleman.comIn-Person Training & Events: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/eventsFollow Modern Day SniperInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper

Send us Fan MailIn 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.

Send us Fan MailIn 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 PeakWebsite: https://www.northwestelite.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vince.peak🔗 Modern Day SniperIn-Person Training Events: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/eventsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper🔗 Join our community – The MDS Clubhttps://www.moderndayrifleman.com

Send us Fan MailIn 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 ChallengeDonation Page: https://runsignup.com/keepthepromisechallengeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldmanyago8541🔗 Modern Day SniperIn-Person Training Events: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/eventsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper🔗 Join our community – The MDS Clubhttps://www.moderndayrifleman.com

Send us Fan MailIn 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 ResearchWebsite: https://nomadicresearch.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadicresearch🔗 Modern Day SniperIn-Person Training Events: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/eventsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper🔗 Join our community – The MDS Clubhttps://www.moderndayrifleman.com

Send us Fan MailIf 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 riskEthical long-range hunting: capability vs. probability vs. consequence“Flirt with your limitations” in training—stay inside your capabilities in the fieldA real look at public land behavior, spectrum ethics, and cultural hunting differencesJack Hinson: neutrality, occupation, loss, and the birth of a one-man warObservation as the real foundation of sniping (the part people skip)Fort Henry / Fort Donelson, Union occupation, guerrilla warfare, and falloutThe 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-trainingFollow Us On Instagram & Youtube! https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniperhttps://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.

Send us Fan MailCaylen 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 USModern Day SniperWebsite – https://www.moderndaysniper.comMDS Club & Community – https://www.moderndayerifleman.com YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/ModernDaySniperInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniperThunder Beast Arms CorpWebsite – https://thunderbeastarms.com