NRL Hunter Idaho Pro Am 2026 | Complete Match Review & Lessons Learned

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Precision Through Chaos

Join us as we break down the mental side of precision rifle competition and get real about what it takes to step onto the line and grow as a shooter. Phillip Velayo is joined by Jon and Ian Miner for an honest conversation about managing expectations, overcoming the fear of failure, and why ego is the number one thing keeping shooters from ever signing up. We cover the importance of calling your shot, troubleshooting positions in real time, and how local matches are one of the most underrated tools for building consistency and confidence. Whether you're a hunter, competitor, military, or law enforcement — if you've ever talked yourself out of signing up for a match, this episode is for you.

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Precision Through Chaos

Some guys shoot. Some guys teach. And then there are the rare few who've done both at the highest level and can actually explain why it works.

He took everything he learned in the military, brought it to the competitive shooting world, and came back a better instructor for it. This one's for the active duty sniper trying to sharpen his craft, the precision shooter who wants to understand the fundamentals at a deeper level, and anyone who's serious about the long game in this community.

We get into Caleb's path from infantry to the Recon Sniper Course, what separates a recon sniper from an infantry sniper, and why competitive shooting changed how he thinks about weapon systems, data management, and diagnosing problems under pressure. There's also a real conversation here about the current state of sniper platoons — the inconsistencies, the challenges, and what it actually takes to build capable homegrown instructors from the ground up.

No fluff. No gear flexing. Just three guys who've been in the schoolhouse talking honestly about what it takes to get better.

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🎧 Listen on: Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU 

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Precision Through Chaos.

Join us as we break down what it takes to compete at the highest level and dive deep into separating performance shooters from advanced riflemen. Phillip Velayo and special guest Will Ormes explore the critical distinctions between advanced and performance competition classes, covering essential topics from equipment selection to competition mindset. We discuss common gear mistakes, the truth about zeroing distances, BC truing myths, and why factory ammo might be your best friend as a developing shooter. Then we shift gears to discuss training philosophy: What does it really mean to be "performance ready"? We explore systematic practice techniques, the importance of filming yourself for analysis, and why sticking with one bullet combination builds better intuition than chasing ballistic solver solutions.

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Precision Through Chaos

Join us as we break down the latest innovations from SHOT Show 2025 and dive deep into what separates foundational shooters from advanced precision riflemen. Steve shares his first-time SHOT Show experience, covering game-changing gear from Proof Armory, Manners folding rifles, Vortex's new rangefinding binos, and Leupold's impressive spotter scope. Then we shift gears to discuss training philosophy: What does it really mean to be "advanced"? We explore the systematic approach to precision shooting, the importance of making fundamentals subconscious, and why having a process matters more than having the latest gear.

Timestamps:

0:00 - SHOT Show Review and Initial Impressions 

1:50 - Long Range Shooting and New Products (Proof Armory rifle) 

4:55 - Folding Rifles and Hunting Applications (Manners system)

 8:25 - Pistol Red Dots and Thermal Imaging 

9:36 - Vortex Products and Rangefinding Binoculars 

14:19 - Leupold Spotter and Advanced Shooting Techniques 

19:31 - Foundation and Advanced Shooting Courses Defined 

23:49 - Advanced Course Expectations and Metrics 

1:13:53 - Hunter's Perspective and Tripod Shooting 

1:14:12 - One-on-One Coaching Challenges

 1:15:18 - Importance of Controlled Information Delivery 

1:15:56 - Upcoming Classes and Events (California & Utah) 

1:17:35 - Developments at Brave Lizard Facility 

1:19:51 - Class Dates and Shooting Capabilities (March 22-27) 

1:22:45 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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Your questions answered: bag riders vs. light downward pressure, carbon vs. steel barrels, moving targets, barrel break-in, and the biggest mistakes we made when we started. Plus our take on the PRS/NRL drama and why fundamentals will always beat gear upgrades.

In this Q&A episode, we dig into the questions you've been asking on Instagram and break down the technical details that actually matter. We cover input pressures and touch points, why your reticle might be jumping irregularly, the truth about carbon barrels, and whether weapon-mounted rangefinders are worth it. Jon shares a game-changing demonstration on the bridge technique, and we get honest about the mistakes we made early on—so you don't have to repeat them.

Whether you're just getting into precision rifle shooting or you're looking to tighten up your fundamentals, this one's packed with practical advice you can apply at the range tomorrow.

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Systems beat styles. Fundamentals beat trends.

Keep your face on the gun.

#longrange #precisionrifle #scoutsniper #sniper #precisionriflepodcast #precisionthroughchaos #thecadre

Phil and Jon answer YOUR questions in this jam-packed Q&A episode covering everything from attending your first PRS match to the eternal chassis vs. stock debate.

IN THIS EPISODE:

First Match Survival Guide - What you actually need to bring (hint: it's less than you think), managing expectations, and why focusing on your process matters more than your score

Wind Reading Demystified - Stop overthinking it. Phil breaks down the 4-step process every shooter needs and why "hard dope is king"

Top 3 Student Struggles - What new shooters consistently get wrong in classes (rifle setup, recoil management, and trigger control)

 Chassis vs. Stock- The honest pros and cons of each, why KRG Whiskey 3 is Phil and Jon’s go-to, and when stocks actually win

Barrel Length & Competition - How to choose the right setup for PRS, NRL Hunter, and hunting applications

🔭 Tripod Recommendations - The "buy once, cry once" options that are actually worth your money

TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & Tech Struggles 

5:12 - Tips for Your First PRS Match 

24:50 - Barrel Length for Different Applications

29:10 - Top 5 Matches We're Shooting This Year

 34:29 - Teaching Kids Precision Shooting 

41:43 - Wind Reading Secrets (Stop Overthinking!)

 52:12 - Top 3 Things Students Struggle With 

1:08:01 - Best Tripods for Starting Out 

1:15:22 - Chassis vs. Stock: The Complete Breakdown

EQUIPMENT MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

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Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training

Join former Marine Corps Scout Snipers and Instructors, Phillip Velayo, John Bumpus, and Matt Solowynsky as they introduce The Cadre podcast and their mission to transform precision rifle training. Learn their why for building a community that serves both beginners and top competitors through standardized, high-quality instruction.

Find out more info about us at www.thecadretraining.com