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
The Marksman Challenges are about taking action and practicing what we preach. Each month, look for a new challenge touching upon one of the topics we cover here at The Everyday Marksman. Completing challenges earns each member a badge displayed in their profiles as well as points towards community ranks and perks.
Workout of the Month: Mountain Tactical Institute Burpee Beep Test
Did you know the Air Force added new fitness test component, the high aerobic multi-shuttle run (HAMR? You might know as the beep test, which estimates VO2 max more efficiently than traditional runs. MTI has a spin off version with burpees that I think makes a perfect workout of the month entry. Let's go.
Martial Marksman Drill #2: The Modified Jason Drill
Marksman Drill #2 stems from the work of John Simpson, a sniper instructor and author I've interviewed several times. The goal is using a consistent sized target, 5 shots, and decreasing amounts of time. Let's dig in.
Martial Marksman Drill #1: Fast and Accurate Enough
This is the first of several "official" drills here at The Everyday Marksman. This one is about focusing on speed while maintaining a minimum accuracy standard at any distance with any weapon platform.
The Devil’s Mile Sandbag Challenge
This marksman challenge is about grit. It's about pushing through pain, discomfort, and exhaustion to reach a goal. Our tool of choice? The humble sandbag and a pair of shoes.
The Paper Plate Pistolero Challenge
I'm reposting this challenge with a few updates. In light of recent events, I think it's an important reminder that you should regularly train with your handgun out to 50 yards. Most people are content with 7-10 yards because it's fun, "go-fast," and the close range often hides errors in marksmanship fundamentals. At 50 yards, though, it becomes a different proposition and you never know when you just might need to take that shot.
Rifle Marksmanship Standards for Everyday Marksmen
Today we're defining the Everyday Marksman minimum rifle standards. This is a two-part test of both speed and marksmanship fundamentals. I want to outline the test itself, why I defined this requirements, but also what I left out.
Minimum Capable Handgun Skills Challenge
During last week's live stream with USPSA Grand Master Josh Shaw, I broached the topic of standards that every capable citizen should aspire to. He provided two simple tests, and now I'm turning them into a challenge for you.
The MEC Marksman Challenge: Better Think Fast
This marksman challenge is something I'm calling the "Make Effective Choices" challenge. Like the pistol shooting drills that inspired it, you must balance speed against precision and decision making. Let's dig in.
Tackle the Kettlebell Mile Challenge
This Marksman Challenge is a test of strength and endurance. Like rucking, but with an added twist. The short version: pick up a kettlebell and carry it one handed for a mile. The devil is in the details.
The 12-Mile Ruck Challenge
If you've been around The Everyday Marksman for long, you know I'm a fan of rucking. It's a foundational skill of light infantry work as well as a fantastic builder of strength and endurance. I thought it was time to have another challenge about it. As I write this, we are still amidst the COVID-19 struggles. It's difficult to get together in groups, either indoors or outdoors, and ammo is hard to come by due to the panic. So let's do something that requires no ammunition, range time, or social contact.
Overnight Outdoor Challenge
This marksman challenge is about spending a night in the wilderness. What good are all of the knot tying, fire-making, and other outdoors skills if we don't put them to use. Take this chance to get out there and enjoy a bit of nature.
The Everyday Knot Tying Challenge
This Marksman Challenge is all about the art of tying knots. I've long observed that experienced outdoorsmen learn to tie a few reliable knots extremely well, and use them for just about everything. Knowing knots also means you can carry less stuff. So let's get on to the challenge.