At Really Right Stuff, we don’t just create gear; we champion the stories of those who redefine what’s possible in the field, on the hunt, and behind the lens.  Our #myRRSstory film series celebrates the inspiring journeys of photographers, hunters, and adventurers who rely on RRS gear as they push the boundaries of their craft. In this installment, we’re honored to feature Phil Velayo, a former Marine Corps Scout Sniper whose journey from military service to precision shooting excellence embodies resilience, precision, and passion.

Phil Velayo’s journey from a self-described "Average Joe" in Anchorage, Alaska, to one of the nation’s leading precision shooting instructors is a remarkable story of dedication, skill, and a unique teaching philosophy. Phil didn’t grow up around rifles; in fact, his first experience with shooting came when he joined the Marine Corps at 18, firing an M16A2 rifle.

By chance, he was offered a tryout for the sniper platoon, marking the start of a decade-long career that would transform his life. From 2008 to 2018, Phil served as a Marine Corps Scout Sniper, completing four overseas deployments and rising through the ranks to take on key leadership roles such as Chief Scout Sniper and Scout Sniper Primary Marksmanship Instructor. 

Velayo credits his success to the structured training and solid fundamentals instilled by the Marine Corps. His drive led him to not only hone his own skills but also to refine training techniques to help other Marines excel. His final three years in the Marines were spent as an instructor at the Camp Pendleton Scout Sniper School, where he earned a reputation for his commitment to advancing marksmanship training. He received special recognition in 2016 when he was nominated as Scout Sniper Instructor of the Year. His dedication to teaching set him apart—Phil focused on explaining the “why” behind every tactic, empowering students to build a deep understanding of marksmanship beyond traditional methods.

Leaving the Marine Corps in 2018, Phil set out to bridge the gap between military and civilian marksmanship, eager to bring his expertise to a broader audience. His first step into the civilian world was as the Lead Instructor at Gunwerks Long Range University, where he spent two years sharing his knowledge of precision rifle shooting. Phil has since become a nationally recognized competitor, winning major competitions like the 2018 Precision Rifle Series Finale and earning a devoted following in the precision shooting community.

In addition to his role as a skilled precision shooter, Phil uses his platform to inspire other snipers to enter the competitive shooting world. Phil is currently pursuing a degree in digital cinematography, further refining his storytelling skills. As a digital content creator and cinematographer, he documents his experiences with RRS tripods, which he relies on to stabilize both his rifle and his camera. Phil’s content showcases the technical and mental rigor of competitive shooting, encouraging his peers to bring their expertise to this arena and expand their skills in a new and challenging environment. Through his work, Phil emphasizes the value of competitive shooting as a way for snipers to refine their craft and connect with a community of precision shooters.

Phil’s journey reflects a relentless pursuit of mastery and a desire to give back to his community. His time in the Marines gave him an unparalleled foundation in marksmanship, discipline, and resilience—qualities he brings to every class, competition, and speaking engagement. Today, Phil’s work continues to inspire new generations of shooters, embodying the spirit of innovation and excellence we celebrate at Really Right Stuff.

Through the #myRRSstory series, we aim to honor the experiences of exceptional individuals like Phil, whose stories remind us that skill, dedication, and resilience are the hallmarks of true craftsmanship. Join us as we follow Phil Velayo’s journey from the military to becoming a leader in precision shooting, and see how he uses RRS gear to take his expertise to the next level.

Check out all the gear that Phil uses on a daily basis and in the film: 

• TFCX-13 with Anvil-30
• Ascend-14 PF with BH-30 SCR
• USR-240mm with M-Lok hardware kit
• TFCT-34L with Anvil-30
• TVC-33 with BH-55 SCR

If you want to read more information about the film series and the other participants, head over to our film page.