Bullets n Bourbon Podcast

Sergeant Major Chris Singley on Hunting and Leadership

In the latest episode of the Bullets n Bourbon Podcast, Chris Singley, the current SgtMaj of the Warfighting Lab, shares insights from his life and career. Originally from a small town, Chris discusses his journey into hunting, a passion he either grew up with. He details the extensive preparations required for significant hunts, like his upcoming trip to Colorado, emphasizing the meticulous planning and equipment checks involved. Chris talks about his comfortable engagement distances with a rifle, amongst other things.
Chris's love for turkey hunting shines through as he recounts his early season success and the challenges of staying motivated when the hunt doesn't go as planned. He shares a memorable hunting experience, highlighting what made it particularly special. As the first SgtMaj at the Warfighting Lab since 2009, Chris elaborates on the unique environment and his role in the grand scheme of things. He also discusses the Marine Corps' recent focus on wargames and the state-of-the-art Neller Center, which aims to enhance training for all ranks.
Reflecting on his 26-year Marine Corps career, Chris talks about his journey and any unexpected turns along the way. Despite the current challenges of limited direct interaction with young Marines, he outlines his strategy for influencing positive change throughout the ranks. Finally, Chris leaves listeners with some parting thoughts, encapsulating his experiences and the wisdom gained over the years.

Rob Hewins

Rob Hewins, known for his infectious positivity, shared insights into his journey in the shooting sports and martial arts. Despite his parents’ attempts to steer him towards football and basketball, Rob found a deep connection with the independence and personal challenge offered by individual sports. He emphasized the importance of having a competitive outlet in his life, which not only fuels his passion but also supports his professional growth. Balancing competitive aspirations with social engagement in the sport, Rob highlights how being outgoing and well-known in the region enriches his experiences. Famous for his phrases and sign-off word "grateful," Rob explains that gratitude keeps him grounded and positive. As he prepares to graduate with an MBA after years of distance education, he reflects on the lessons learned in balancing personal, professional, and academic responsibilities, offering advice to those considering further education. Rob remains focused on his goals and looks forward to a busy summer match schedule, feeling optimistic about the upcoming Carry Optics Nationals.

Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition Revamp

Stephen Corson identified several issues with the old MCMC format, including limited capacity, inconsistent quality of instruction, inefficient time use, and location constraints. Inspired by his own distance learning experience and the wealth of competitive shooting resources available online, he proposes overhauling MCMC to incorporate distance learning. Corson envisions Marines regularly utilizing MCST’s Moodle materials to stay prepared under the new format. Although no changes in locations or frequency for MCMCs are planned for the upcoming fiscal year, he emphasizes that institutional change, while challenging, can be driven by effective communication and writing skills. This allows arguments to be persuasive beyond face-to-face interactions, a critical approach as he steps into his role as a newly promoted GySgt, aiming to influence positive progress.

Dave Ankeny

David Ankeny, a former Marine and current DELMARVA match director, shared his journey from military service to competitive shooting. He highlighted the resilience of Marine Corps culture and how USPSA helped him reconnect with a community post-service. Ankeny, praised for his stage designs at the 2023 VA State and 2024 DELMARVA matches, advised new designers to learn through competition. He stressed the importance of early planning and the inclusion of fundraising for the Post Traumatic Stress Foundation in DELMARVA. Reflecting on the event, which hosted over 300 shooters despite bad weather, Ankeny expressed gratitude to the volunteers and community members who made it possible.

2024 Lauchheimer Champion Payton Garcia

The Marine Corps Championships presents a unique challenge due to its week-long format and diverse range of disciplines. Mental preparation for such an event differs significantly from condensed formats, requiring sustained focus and endurance. Between matches, adjustments and adaptations become essential, as competitors navigate various disciplines and conditions. Each shooter's approach varies based on their strengths and weaknesses in different disciplines, necessitating strategic adjustments. Despite the use of stock military-issue weapons, shooters must mentally and physically adapt to optimize performance. Winning the Lauchheimer demands consistent excellence throughout the competition, akin to other sports' series or tournaments. Confidence in repeated success depends on the shooter's ability to maintain peak performance across multiple iterations of the Championships.

DownForce Media - Jeremy Bryner

Jeremy Bryner, a versatile photographer, shares insights into his journey from diverse backgrounds to the world of race photography. Despite his non-traditional path, Bryner discusses his passion for photography and his adaptation to shooting races, drawing on his eclectic skill set. With an eye for the perfect shot, he navigates the gear-intensive world of race photography, preparing meticulously for events like the Intergalactic Falling Steel Match. As he delves into the shooting sports, Bryner seeks to evolve his business while relishing opportunities to capture the beauty of various shooting venues across the country. Considering potential future involvement in shooting sports, Bryner leaves listeners intrigued by his dynamic approach and commitment to his craft.
 
https://www.downforcemedia.net/

The Gun Run with Ellis Domenech

Ellis Domenech, hailing from a military background, delves into his journey from armed services to the realm of competitive shooting. His venture into shooting disciplines led him to establish his own matches, cultivating a vibrant community reminiscent of early 3-gun days. Drawing parallels between music and marksmanship, Domenech reflects on the discipline required for both. His signature event, "The Gun Run," shrouded in secrecy, challenges participants with a 5-kilometer course, testing both fitness and marksmanship. Domenech's events defy conventional categories, fostering inclusivity. Beyond competitions, he imparts land navigation skills, catering even to novices. With upcoming events on the east coast and beyond, Domenech invites all to experience the thrill of run n gun matches, leaving enthusiasts with a sense of camaraderie and adventure.
 
https://thegunrun.us/

From Junior Shooter to Female Contender: A Conversation with Brittany Long

Brittany Long, a seasoned competitive shooter, shares insights into her journey and experiences in the shooting world on the Bullets n Bourbon podcast. Starting as a junior shooter, she reflects on the evolution of her approach to competition over the past decade. Brittany discusses handling pressure at a young age and navigating changes in her shooting career, including setting boundaries as an adult competitor. She delves into overcoming slumps and staying motivated, highlighting the supportive role of her family and her longstanding partnership with DoubleStar. As a co-organizer of the Mountain State 3gun Championship, Brittany takes pride in its growth and family-oriented atmosphere. Teasing upcoming stage ideas, she discusses the unique aspects of this match compared to others. Reflecting on the Blue Ridge 3-Gun Championship, Brittany offers insights into the distinctiveness of each event. In closing, she leaves listeners with her perspective on the sport and gratitude for the supportive community.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Frank and Matt's 1st Quarter Recap

In this episode, Frank and Matt sit down and discuss the matches they've shot to date in the 1st quarter of 2024 and the matches that they have coming up.

Dylan Kelley - Newest Addition to the Team

Dylan Kelley, a tracker stationed at Pendleton and the newest addition to the MCST’s Pistol Team, discusses his journey into competitive shooting with the Bullets n Bourbon Podcast. Growing up playing various sports, Dylan found that his skills translated well into competitive shooting. While he misses aspects of being part of a team, he finds liberation in competing as an individual. Dylan's introduction to marksmanship at MSAU paved the way for his success in competitive shooting.
Attending classes by David Wampler and Kevin Gorospe provided Dylan with immediate skills and insights, while reloading knowledge has enhanced his shooting capabilities. Despite uncertainties, Dylan's dedication led to remarkable achievements, earning silver pistol and interdivisional team pistol medals at Championships. Looking ahead, Dylan has set personal goals for upcoming competitions, including DELMARVA, Buckeye Blast, and Carry Optics Nationals.
Reflecting on his journey, Dylan offers advice to Marines facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness. As he continues his competitive journey, Dylan remains grateful for the opportunities and experiences that shooting has brought him.