Hunt Fish Shoot: Can This Loadout Win The Mammoth Sniper Challenge?

Preparation for the Mammoth Sniper Challenge begins long before competitors step onto the range. For Mike and his teammate Colin, last year's experience shaped nearly every equipment decision for 2026. After completing the grueling event in 2025, the pair revisited their gear from top to bottom, trimming weight, refining their rifle setups, and making changes based on lessons learned during one of precision shooting's toughest endurance competitions. Let's check this video out.

Refining The Rifle Package

While both competitors retained the foundation of their rifle systems, they made several changes. Mike continues to use a Bergara Premier Series action with a Carbon Cure barrel chambered in 308 Winchester. He's using ammo loaded with Hornady 168-grain ELD Match projectiles, while Colin has transitioned from 6.5 Creedmoor to 6 GT to reduce recoil without sacrificing long-range performance.

Both rifles now feature MDT CRBN stocks, Area 419 scope mounts, Vortex Razor Gen III 4-24x optics, and custom TIGuard Technologies suppressors with the new Area 419 Maverick brake adapter. MDT's new Gen 3 CKYE-POD replaces last year's bipods and has earned praise for improved locking mechanisms and overall stability. Weight reduction was another priority (remember, there's over thirty miles of rucking). Mike alone shed about two pounds compared to last year's setup while maintaining the durability required for Mammoth's demanding terrain.

Building A Better System

This video extends well beyond rifles and covers everything they bring along. Success at Mammoth depends on every piece of equipment working together. Shadow Systems' pre-production Axio pistols replace last year's OA Defense 2311s. These pistols feature a flat recoil impulse and an excellent trigger, with enclosed Vortex Defender-ST red dots mounted on top. The enclosed version performs better in wet, dusty conditions.

Supporting gear includes G-Code holsters and magazine carriers, Vortex Fury binoculars, Vortex ACE weather meters running GeoBallistics, Armageddon Gear lightweight shooting bags, upgraded tripod systems from Tricer, and Stone Glacier and Mystery Ranch packs tailored for long rucks and backwoods hunts. Mike also explains why both competitors carry their own tripods rather than sharing one, noting that Mammoth often allows both teammates to shoot simultaneously, making duplicate support equipment well worth the added weight.

Lessons Beyond Equipment

Perhaps the most valuable takeaways have little to do with the gear. After battling foot injuries, dehydration, and exhaustion at last year's event, Mike and Colin placed renewed emphasis on comfort, efficiency, and teamwork. New boots, lighter sleep systems, trekking poles, revised meal planning, and smaller pack loads all stem from last year's experience.

Equally important is the team's philosophy of staying together throughout every ruck, helping each other manage fatigue, and refusing to leave a partner behind. Mike argues that Mammoth is ultimately won through preparation, mental toughness, and teamwork as much as through marksmanship—which makes this match truly unique. The right rifles and accessories certainly help, but they reach their full potential only when paired with sound decision-making, careful pacing, and the determination to keep moving when conditions inevitably become difficult.

Zooming Out

These are the types of videos I really appreciate. It's not so much the guns and gear as the why behind it all. Mike and Colin share their thought process behind their selections. But unlike last year, they are heading into Mammoth with some experience and perhaps a little wisdom. The question remains: will this loadout give them the winning edge?

For more videos like this, check out the Hunt Fish Shoot channel.