No Bear Spray & Long Range Gear

No Bear Spray! Most long-range shooting myths are just that—myths. What you really need to hit long-distance targets isn’t a fancy laser level or a digital wind meter; it’s practical knowledge, quality gear, and consistent training.
If you’re tired of wasting money on gadgets that promise perfection but deliver distraction, this episode is your wake-up call.

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Professor Paul dismantles the obsession with high-tech accessories, revealing how you can shoot confidently at a thousand yards with simple tools, like a solid scope, reliable ammunition, and disciplined practice.

No more chasing the latest “must-have” gadgets that distract from what truly matters. Instead, learn how to leverage real skill over shiny gear, and why the person behind the rifle is the ultimate variable.

We break down:

The truth about scope leveling and why analog bubbles and digital laser levels are often overkill
The matching importance of wind at the shooter and target, and how flags can deceive even seasoned shooters
How to avoid the trap of automatic reflexive firing by engaging your brain—because safety and accuracy depend on purposeful decisions
The misconception that extensive gear equals better performance and how training and mindset are the real game changers
Why you — yes, you — can shoot farther and more precisely than you think, with less money and fewer gadgets

You’ll discover the critical importance of mental focus, deliberate training, and understanding your own physiology—especially the role of the prefrontal cortex and habit formation—in long-range shooting success. Ignoring this leaves you vulnerable to complacency, missed opportunities, and even deadly mistakes.

TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE

Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | Blackout Coffee
[0:03:33] EOTech Talk – EOTechInc.com
- TOPIC: What gear do you truly need for long-range shooting?
- EOTECH Vudu 3.5×18 Professional Grade Wizardry www.shootingnewsweekly.com
- Central Fixation Bias: jov.arvojournals.org
[0:25:22] Coffee Corner – studentofthegun.com/blackout [Use Code: STUDT20]
- TOPIC: Train Your Brain to Make Ballistic Problem Solving Automatic www.shootingnewsweekly.com
[0:43:55] SOTG Homeroom – SOTG University
- TOPIC: No Self-Defense Allowed in Parks www.shootingnewsweekly.com

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The Shipping Ogre

The Shipping Ogre at Student of the Gun

Zachary Markel, affectionately known as the Shipping Ogre, is an intricate member of the Student of the Gun team. Zachary co-hosts the radio show, publishes the material for public consumption and produces Morning Mindset with Paul G. Markel. As the Shipping Ogre, Zach oversees the SOTG Gear store. He ensures that every package he touches is handled with care.