Gunwerks' New Lead Shooting Instructor is Phillip Velayo

by
posted on May 15, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
velayo1.jpg

Gunwerks recently announced they are adding talented precision long range shooter Phillip Velayo as their new Lead Shooting Instructor. I recently had the chance to meet and receive some instruction from Velayo, he is one of the most knowledgeable instructors I've ever met. After just 30 minutes working with him, I already felt more confident in my precision long range abilities.
Phillip Velayo
Velayo is a 10-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran having served his whole career in the Scout Sniper community. During his time in the Marine Corps, Velayo completed four overseas deployments and served in all billets available to a Scout Sniper, including: Scout Sniper Team Leader, Chief Scout Sniper, and Scout Sniper Instructor. His last three years in the Marine Corps were spent at the 1st Marine Division Scout Sniper School as the Primary Marksmanship Instructor. Velayo has attended all follow-on formal Scout Sniper courses, graduating with honors and recognized as "High Shooter" from all of them.

In 2016, Velayo was nominated for Scout Sniper Instructor of the Year for his meticulous instruction that resulted in institutional changes in the training of Marine Scout Snipers in both formal schools and unit level training. Velayo is a nationally ranked precision rifle competitor in the Precision Rifle Series and National Rifle League circuits.

“We’re excited to welcome Phillip to our team.” said Aaron Davidson, Gunwerks founder and CEO. “Phillip has a lot to offer, bringing his in-depth experience as a USMC Scout Sniper and Instructor to our team. He’s a perfect fit to be teaching our Long Range University Courses, not just because of his experience, but his personality and teaching style are what set him apart. We couldn’t be happier to have him on board.”

Velayo will be leading the instruction for Gunwerks Long Range University courses taught this May through October in Cody, WY. You can visit www.gunwerks.com/store/long-range-university for more information.

Latest

Masters Parabiathlon2026 1
Masters Parabiathlon2026 1

Milan Cortina 2026: Team USA’s Masters Defends Paralympic Biathlon Title With Perfect Shooting

Oksana Masters defended her Paralympic biathlon sprint title with flawless shooting at Milan Cortina 2026, with teammate Kendall Gretsch taking silver.

MidwayUSA Foundation Sends $7.5 Million to 995 Youth Shooting Teams Across 46 States

MidwayUSA Foundation concludes its February grant cycle with more than $7.5 million paid to youth shooting teams nationwide, funded by endowments that allow teams to draw 5% annually in perpetuity.

2026 NSCA Championship Tour Opens in March With Eight Stops and Expanded Winchester Ladies Cup

The NSCA Championship Tour, Powered by Winchester returns for 2026 with eight stops, $40,000 in added Ladies Cup payouts and 120 cases of ammunition for women competitors.

Westin Anderson Wins Junior HOA Title at 50th Spring Grand American

Westin Anderson wins Junior HOA and Singles champion titles while Ziggy Tkaczenko sweeps the wheelchair division at 50th Spring Grand American in Tucson.

Revolver Trailblazer: Beth Willoughby’s Journey from Bullseye to Steel Challenge Grand Master

Beth Willoughby, the first woman to make Grand Master in Steel Challenge OSR, shares her path from bullseye shooting to breaking women’s revolver world records.

ATA Great Lakes Satellite Grand Returns to Michigan in May

The Amateur Trapshooting Association’s 38th Annual Great Lakes Satellite Grand American runs six days at the MTA home grounds in Mason, Michigan, with 16 events across singles, handicap and doubles.



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.