Frequently Asked Questions

What is Project Appleseed?
It's a program designed to train people in basic rifle marksmanship using rack-grade rifles and surplus ball ammo; as well as a program to revitalize the tradition of the Rifleman. Once you become a Rifleman, you'll be able to, with an iron-sighted rack-grade rifle, make head shots at 250 yards, and body hits at 500 yards — all as a result of the 25m marksmanship training you'll receive at an Appleseed shoot, followed by battlesight zeroing at 300 yards.

Why "Appleseed?"
"Appleseed" comes from Johnny Appleseed, the American folk hero who toured the country, planting appleseeds so that future generations would benefit.

Why the "Nationwide Tour?"
Likewise, our crew will travel America planting the seeds of basic rifle marksmanship, so that future generations will benefit.

What's your real agenda?
We seek to do three things: teach marksmanship and respect for the tradition of such, and to preserve the knowledge of our Revolutionary War history. That's all we're about, plain and simple. We believe that if we teach it, it'll wake our fellow Americans...and an awake America is an America that cannot be defeated. We want freedom to ring strong. We want Lady Liberty to be safe.

Marksmanship means more than accurate shooting. It means a love of liberty, a respect for our forefathers, and an acknowledgement of the debt of honor we owe to them. We believe this debt can never fully be paid back, but we believe that by keeping the faith and passing our teachings on it will certainly reflect our ability to pay what we can.

What kind of rifle do I need? What kind of sights are allowed?
Appleseed is content-free, so in regards to sights: you can use any. Rifles? Well, you can use any safe firearm which can be accurately shot from the shoulder, from a .22 to a .32 (8mm). We're semi-auto and bolt-gun friendly. The important thing is that it works, so before you come to a shoot make sure you clean it, break it in (if need be), and lube it properly in preparation for the day.

What caliber is best?
In a nutshell: they all are. Appleseed is not caliber-specific. It doesn't matter to us if you use .308, .30-06, .223, 7.62x39, 8mm, .303 — they're all fine. Marksmanship and caliber are independent of each other. If you're a good marksman, you'll be able to hit with any caliber. So, if you have an AR-15 or SKS, please feel free to join us. And when you bring your kids (up to age 20 shoots free) .22 rimfire is fine.

Why military rifles?
Because they're fast and easy to reload. But if you have a hunting rifle, that's great too. Just be sure to practice loading it fast!

Do I need a sling?
Yes.

Can I use a bipod?
No. We teach a basic driving class, so we want you to learn to drive stick shift — that means with a sling, not a bipod. We also encourage you to use iron sights, but optics are okay.

Do I need a shooting jacket?
No. We do, however, encourage you to invest in a cheap cloth shooting jacket, like the USMC-type found at www.fredsm14stocks.com, so you have elbow pads, plus a pad on the upper sling arm to dampen heartbeat.

It is not required, but we believe it's certainly worth the investment — especially when you also get the Guide and AQT targets as part of the package. It's well worth it. Take it from Fred.

Do you have a checklist of things to do in preparation?
Yes. Click here and you'll find several articles of interest. We encourage you to show up prepared: rifle cleaned and lubed, and fully broken in (a few hundred rounds having been fired with it).

Hey Fred, I've got a friend who's not on the Internet...can they still sign up?
Of course! Simply send a check with a long SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) for $45 (1-day) or $70 (both days) to:

RWVA
PO Box 756
Ramseur, NC 27316

Is that all it's about? Learning to shoot?
Our purpose is to teach you to shoot a rifle, like your forebears. But more than that, the veterans of the Revolutionary War want you to understand the necessity of teaching others to shoot. We want you to be able to go back home and get others shooting "for God and Country," as they say. And we want you to do it stimulated, encouraged and inspired because of your attendence at one of our shoots.

Did you say "basic" class?
Yes, we did. But our definition of "basic" supercede's others' definition of the same word. If you persist in practice, you will be able to make head shots at 250 yards, and body hits at 500 yards — a basic feat for our forefathers. And you'll be able to do it using iron sights and a rack-grade rifle!

Does coming to an Appleseed shoot qualify as the marksmanship activity I need in order to obtain a CMP M1 Garand or 1903A3 rifle?
Yes. So, if you'd like to get a real piece of history, while at the same time learning to shoot it, sign up for an Appleseed shoot. While you're at it, sign up for a $20 associate RWVA membership to support Appleseed (and meet the CMP-club membership requirement).

Can I sign up and be squadded with my buddies?
Of course you can. You can even be squadded up with your Internet buddies that you've never actually met. If you are NoR or FALfiles, or any Internet group, simply put the info on your application, and we'll put you together on the line. So get together on the Net with your Internet buddies, get everyone fired up to come, tell 'em to mark their apps, and be confident that we'll make sure you'll have them on your left and right sides when the firing starts!

How far ahead can I sign up?
As far ahead as you want. You can sign up for an event in your state before an official event is scheduled. Your registration, entered on a computer, is safe with us.

Should I practice before I come?
It would definitely be a good idea to zero your rifle 3" high at 100 yards, then clean and lubricate it before your Appleseed. It would also be a good idea to get in the prone position at home, and dry-fire 10 "shots" 3 times a week to stretch your body out. That'd be one less thing to worry about on the day of the shoot.