Thank you for coming by The Everyday Marksman. This site and its community are a labor of love. I hope you stick around for a while, and maybe even join us.
-Matt
Martial Marksman Drill #3: Pair of Queens
Inspired by a long-running challenge on a 1911 enthusiast forum, this drill is about balancing speed and accuracy in a repeatable format. You can run it with either a handgun or a long gun, and I've provided variations for both- along with a simple method for practicing and training for success. So let's get into the Pair of Queens drill.
Project Hoplite: Introduction to a Tactical Fitness Experiment
Recently, I mentioned that I was going to run in a Spartan Race Super 10k at the end of October 25. To train for success, I've organized a 25-week training program covering all aspects of physical success for the event. This is the first part of a series of posts where I'll share how training is going, and lessons learned as a 40-something guy attacking Tactical Fitness in a way I haven't really tried before.
State of the Marksman: Q1 2025 (and Other Housekeeping)
Let's take a look back at Q1 of the year and where I'm at with several projects for myself and the site. There's a lot of content coming, and I'm having a blast digging into pistol shooting. Let's get started.
The Gamut Challenge Might be the “Perfect” Competition
Caleb recently completed The Gamut Challenge, which is a bit like a "Run & Gun" on steroids. Here's how it went, what he learned, and why you should consider getting in on the action.
Shield AMS Pistol Dot: The Raw Truth Review
Continuing my mission to experiment with more pistol dots and experience the options, today I'm looking at the Shield AMS. I was sufficiently impressed with the SIS2 that I wanted to go another route with Shield, a British company that often gets overlooked in the market. The AMS is their enclosed dot designed for full size pistols.
Shoot This! January 2025 Postal Match Course of Fire and Results
Over the first part of 2025, we ran a friendly postal match in the Everyday Marksman community. It's all wrapped up, and here was the course of fire as well as the results. Thanks to everyone who participated, and stay tuned for the next one!
You’re Either Shooting or Loading: Green Ops Shotgun AAR
Given the opportunity, Ross was able to jump in on a recent shotgun course put on by Green Ops Training, who Matt has interviewed a couple of times. The weather was cold and wet, which added an extra challenge to the day, and here's how it went.
An Ode to the Old Ways: Returning to a 1911 Journey
Time goes on, and as I get older I find myself drawn more to the allure of all-all metal hammer fired pistols. The feel in the hand, the art of the lines and machining, the work of craftsmen. Perhaps one pistol more than any other stands out as the epitome of this mindset, and I'm spending a lot more time with it.
It’s 2025, What Do I Think of Pistol-Mounted Red Dots
I was having a discussion recently about my experience with pistol red dots so far. It seems that nearly everyone is talking about them these days, and assume that it's the new "standard." I'm not sure we're there yet, but we're getting close.
How to Use the Martial Marksman Physical Calculator
I'm a nerd at heart, especially a data nerd. Over the course of a year, I built calculator out of a spreadsheet. This calculator encompasses all of my physical fitness goals from strength levels to body composition, cardio conditioning, and science-driven aesthetic targets. It also provides goal body mass targets, cardio zone targets, and ideal rates of fat loss or mass gain for cutting and bulking throughout the year. I've been testing it with others for a while on a small scale, and now I'm ready to release it to you. And it's free. I don't even need your email.
2024 Retrospective & Review; Updates for 2025
Here at the end of the year, it's time to look back across 2024 and grade myself on how I've done (pretty mediocre, to be honest). I'm also setting the main targets for 2025, which ties back directly to what you can expect next year.
Fairfax Pistol Action Challenge Dec 2024 AAR
Given my focus on pistol shooting, it was high time I entered a pistol match. On December 20th, 2024, the Fairfax Rod & Gun Club hosted their monthly 2-Gun Action Challenge, but this one was pistol-only- a great fit for me in both gear and timing. Here's how it went.