MDS Podcast Episode #0080: Erik Cortina

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!