Bullets n Bourbon Podcast

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.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kenika Beck - Shooting for Success

Kenika Beck, known for his exceptional marksmanship skills, has forged a remarkable journey within practical shooting. Despite initial challenges in his interactions with competitive shooting, Kenita's perception of the sport has evolved positively over time. Transitioning from conventional training methods, he has honed his skills through two years of dedicated competition. Drawing inspiration from the II MIG shooting team, he emphasizes dry fire training and match attendance for optimal preparation. Kenita's approach to bringing newcomers into competitions reflects his commitment to mentorship and readiness for elite events like the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition (MCMC). Learning from mentors like Parker Tomasi, he acknowledges the importance of the mental game in complementing strong mechanics. Kenita's recent outstanding performance at MCMC East underscores his rigorous preparation and strategic mental approach. As he gears up for Champs, Kenita embraces the challenge with a blend of personal discipline and collective expectations, viewing competition as a pathway to becoming a better shooter and leader.

Col Greg Jones - Marksmanship Campaign Plan

The Marine Corps is embracing technological advancements to assess marksmanship skills under pressure. While upholding the legacy of "every Marine a rifleman," there's ongoing debate on modernizing marksmanship techniques. The overdue updates to the Combat Pistol Program are welcomed, but implementation challenges remain, especially in fleet settings. The Marine Corps Shooting Team faces comparisons with the Army Marksmanship Unit but maintains high competitive expectations. As the MCST undergoes restructuring, the debate continues on specialization and relevance. Overall, the focus is on evolving to meet fleet requirements and enhancing combat effectiveness through high-level marksmanship skills.