Bullets n Bourbon Podcast

Starting a Shooting Team

If you are a Marine and want to start a command-sponsored shooting team, this is an episode you are going to want to listen to. Capt Frank Gao breaks down the processes he took to start his own shooting team aboard Camp Lejeune.
How did you convince your command to allow you to start a team?
Selling the concept to the right people
Winning your commander’s approval
What are the benefits of starting the team?
-marskmanship proficiency (ARQ scores for promotion, identity as Marines)
-leadership development (developing instructors)
-personal pride and motivation (CIAP medals, discipline, accomplishment)
What resources did you use in order to develop a process in emsuring you had all the logistical requirements?
The logistics- how many wpns does your unit have?
Security order 5300 series- ctrl f competition
Transportation of wpns and ammo
Ammo request
From a leadership perspective what are some obstacles and triumphs you have gone through and achieved during this process?
People are more likely to follow something with momentum and initiative
The institution does not make it easy to start new things
Lots of sticks in the mud and gatekeepers- you need to have done your homework. 
What kind of relationships have you developed and how have you utilized them along the way?
You will need good relations with: s4, s3
Find advocates- some conversations are better had at the right level, capitalize on existing relationships (comm to msb XO’s)
You still need to be good at your day job! Avoid bad Marines (poor performance, trying to get out of work, etc)
This will be extra work! Use friends, and expect to work some long hours
What resources did you utilize in order to get participation and develop interest from Marines?
Advocacy- email? Flyers? Social media? Talking to shooters at local matches?
Use commstrat
Face to face interactions are key- do a recruiting pitch, hold info sessions
email:
frank.gao@usmc.mil
Instagram:
@mfgundlach
@tankusthefrankus

Ian Norris

In this episode, we sat down with Ian Norris. He is an avid 3 gun competitor with years of experience behind him and gave a breakdown of how he trains in order to achieve his goals.
Introductions
Who you are.
What do you do for a living?
 
Talk about your time in the Marine Corps
Deployments you’ve been on.
The training you’ve received.
 
How would you describe your skills now, compared to when we served together?
 
What are your goals for this upcoming season?
 
How do you train?
Maximize time for live fire.
Dry-fire
What specific skills are you focusing on right now?
How do you train when preparing for specific matches?
What matches are you planning on being at this year?
Talk about your sponsors.
What matches are your sponsors supporting?
The impact they’ve had on the community.
What they’ve done for you.
Instagram:
@mfgundlach
@guns_up_0331

Kevin Kolenda from Phoenix Trinity Firearms

Today we sat down with Kevin Kolenda from Phoenix Trinity Firearms. We discussed everything Phoenix Trinity and what they offer the competitor and the direction they are looking at going.
Switch from Athlon to the opportunity you received at Phoenix Trinity.
Who is Phoenix Trinity?
What kind of company?
How long they’ve been around?
What do they offer?
1776 vs Morph?
Honcho’s
Options Available
Characteristics
What you get
Where is PT looking to go?
Who is currently representing PT in 3-gun?
What matches are you going to be at this year?
Any plans to break away from 3-gun and compete in any other disciplines?
Instagram:
@mfgundlach
@kilted3gunner
@phoenixtrinityfirearms

Battle for the South

In this episode, we spoke to Jason Byerly and Buddy Brown about the upcoming "Battle for the South" match at Gryphon Group in Maxton, North Carolina. 
Introductions of Jason and Buddy.
Where did you two get your start in 3-gun?
Zoo City Armory.
What goes into a good stage?
What to expect from Battle for the South?
What kind of stages can we expect?
Furthest shots/target size
Jungle Runs
Vendors on-site?
What kind of facility is Gryphon Group if you’ve never been there?
What are the rulesets for Battle for the South?
Where are some good locations to lodge and eat?
Staying on-site.
Hotels in the area
Food at the event
Places to eat around the area.
Let’s talk sponsors.
Awards ceremony.
Give them a follow at:
@zoocityarmory
@zoocity3gunchampionship
@buddybrown84
@mfgundlach

Team Update

It's been a bit of a break since our last podcast, but we're back. Alex Goking and I talk about what we've been up to since our last match, what the team has been up to, what the team is preparing for, and what matches we're most looking forward to.
Instagram:
@mfgundlach
@alexandergoking

Tarheel 3-Gun

In this episode I sat down with Donnie Flowe, the owner of Stage Zero Shooting Supply and Tarheel 3-Gun, and talked about all things 3-Gun in North/South Carolina.
Websites:
https://www.stagezeroshooting.com/
https://tarheel3g.com/
 

MCMC NCR Shooter Interviews

In this episode, I sat down with various Marines who competed in the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition National Capital Region and got their take on the experience from this year's match.
Instagram:
@usmcshootingteam
@mfgundlach

Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition National Capital Region

In this episode, Captain Scott and I discuss the results from the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition National Capital Region. We explained our roles during the 2 week period and how the competitors performed during that 2 week period.

2021 Microtech ProAm 3Gun Championship

In this episode, Goking and I have a lot of fun discussing everything we enjoyed about the 2021 Microtech ProAm, from the stages, the after-party, the purpose behind the ProAm, Jeremy Swofford's amazing cooking, and more. 
Instagram:
@mfgundlach
@alexandergoking
@microtech3gunproam
@tarheel3gun

Memorial 3-Gun Recap

In this episode, Capt Chris Scott and I conduct a recap of Memorial 3-Gun, talk about everything we've been up to between the last episode that was released up till now, and what we have coming up in the near future.
Instagram:
@usmcshootingteam
@mfgundlach
@crsscott92