Originally recorded December 7, 2016.
P&S ModCast 77 brings together Alex Hartmann, Rick Labistre, Matt Meckley, Tarrol Peterson, and Adam Wilson for an extended discussion on sniper employment, precision-rifle training, and the culture required to build capable teams.
This is not a gear-list episode or a discussion about simply shooting farther. The panel looks at what makes a sniper program work over time: selection, command support, trust, sustainment training, institutional knowledge, realistic standards, and the people willing to do difficult work without much recognition or support.
Part 1
The first half focuses on building and maintaining capability. The discussion covers the need to develop the right people, preserve lessons learned, and validate performance honestly. Dry practice, meaningful group sizes, confirmed zeros, walk-back drills, ammunition use, training venues, and funding all receive attention. The central point is straightforward: a rifle, a title, and a few impressive shots do not equal a capable sniper.
Part 2
The second half expands into mindset, practical accuracy, moving targets, equipment expectations, mental resilience, and the realities of military and law-enforcement precision-rifle work. The panel discusses competition and cross-training, the danger of risk-averse training culture, realistic standards for rifles and ammunition, and the importance of healthy coping skills. It also examines the difference between people drawn to the image of the role and those committed to its responsibility.
Together, these two parts remain a useful discussion for anyone responsible for developing precision-rifle capability—or for anyone trying to separate actual preparation from appearance.
Episode Sponsors
- Blue Alpha Belts — purpose-built everyday-carry, duty, and range belts.
- High Desert Cartridge — rifle, pistol, and revolver ammunition, including hard-to-find and custom options.
- PHLster — practical concealed-carry education through its YouTube channel and the PHLster Concealment Workshop on Facebook.