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Athens, OH April 17/18

Started by DryFire, April 19, 2010, 09:54:23 AM

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DryFire

What a weekend!!! We had great weather and a a great group of shooters. I am thankfull to all who came out to shoot and hear of the incredible history and sacrifices made on that fatefull day. Sylvia congrats on your rifleman's patch, you stuck it out all weekend continuing to improved and just snuck in there with that 210.  O0 I am amazed that we didn't have more patches given out, so many were shooting in the 180s 190s and even the 200s being just a couple of points shy. Then fatigue began to set in and it got the better of so many. If you guys practice dryfiring at home mix in a little live fire and I am sure you will have it the next go around. I have to apologize to those that had their afterhours time cut short on Sat. that stupid mistake of mine cost you guys some trigger time and I am sorry for that, btw it only took 6 stiches  ;) .
My instructor core although young in age is certianly wise in knowing what they are about. Thanks to Ishy, Goldfish (cheezit), Green Light, and Lyberty (who pushed her self so hard on Saturday). George T, Nurse Ratchet, RedNekEngr, Rimfire, RPD you guys have got a great thing there in Athens, and I am sure that you will be self sufficent by next year. Of course that doesn 't mean I won't still make that 3 hour drive for the great fellowship we have out there at Athens, it really feels like family.
I have so much more to add but being at work I will leave this to get it started. Thanks again to all and please post your comments and photos.  :~
"I believe there is great need for such a book, a book which will help to make us again what we were a century ago before commercialism and life in cities robbed our young men of most of their primitive virtues -- a Nation of Rifleman.
Maj. Townsend Whelen
The American Rifle

GoldFish

#1
I believe that this shoot was very much worthy of being a April 19 weekend shoot.  Although we only ground out 1 Rifleman, which turned out to be my first time rifle shooting mom ^:)^, we will have more being that many who shot in the 200s will be coming back.  
Saturday's weather created a great setting for teaching, learning, and shooting!  We shot 4 redcoats that day, one of which was right after DryFire did the 1st and 2nd Strikes.  During this RC we had a drummer summon muster (a long drum roll) while shooters were in prep and shooting the target.  ..:..  
DryFire said he would stay after hours to watch the line while students and instructors shot squares and an AQT or 2.  However, on the square target, DF decided accept an invitation to shoot a .338 Lapua rifle that was on the line.  As he was taking up the "trigger slack," (there was none because the trigger was so light) the trigger broke without him having a cheek weld, and the scope SLAMMED back into his forehead, tearing his skin open pretty nice, pretty deep.  An ER trip, 6 stitches and a few hours later, he was as good as new, except a good lookin' scar on his forehead.  $$-0  :cool2:

Sunday was also a beautiful day, and we got into the AQT grind right after the opening redcoat.  Shooters shot a total of 6 or 7 "scorable" AQTs.  We also did the ball-and-dummy drill as well as a team 60 second star shoot later.  

DryFire's History was INCREDIBEL!  George T said that it was the best he had ever heard, seriously.  I just might have to agree.  RedNekEngr told the DOM segment of History down at the line in the late afternoon and also did a great job.  

The weekend shoot promptly ended fairly close to on schedule at 1700 hours Sunday evening.    

DryFire did a great job as SBing for his first shoot solo, and other IITs did a good job as well.  O0  

One shooter told me this, and she told me to tell all of the other instructors this as well: "This weekend, I was humbled.  I thought I could, you know, shoot a rifle.  I found out that I certainly did NOT know how.  Thank you very much, and me and my husband plan on coming back soon.  Thank you all so much!"  
"Freedom is preserved by those who die for it, but it will not survive unless people are willing to live for it."
-Boba Fett (The RWVA Instructor, not the Star Wars Bounty Hunter)

'Yes, I am a Rifleman, but I'm also a Ninja....and a Jedi.'

"Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do."

"Remember, my opinion on the totem pole of life is somewhere below whale s***..." -Chris Costa

"The more you care about something, the deeper the fight will come from within."  -Travis Haley

42          ΙΧΘΥΣ           كافر           MOÉ...ΩN É...ABE         αδάμαÏ, 

Merc, Mr. Fishy, Goober, Achmed, Cornflake, FBC, Tabilasco, Mowhawk 1 Alpha

What we do in life echoes in Eternity

GoldFish

#2
My sister took 173 pix while she was there on Sunday.  I will not post them all, but here's the cream of the crop.  8)

"Freedom is preserved by those who die for it, but it will not survive unless people are willing to live for it."
-Boba Fett (The RWVA Instructor, not the Star Wars Bounty Hunter)

'Yes, I am a Rifleman, but I'm also a Ninja....and a Jedi.'

"Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do."

"Remember, my opinion on the totem pole of life is somewhere below whale s***..." -Chris Costa

"The more you care about something, the deeper the fight will come from within."  -Travis Haley

42          ΙΧΘΥΣ           كافر           MOÉ...ΩN É...ABE         αδάμαÏ, 

Merc, Mr. Fishy, Goober, Achmed, Cornflake, FBC, Tabilasco, Mowhawk 1 Alpha

What we do in life echoes in Eternity

GranTorino

After following this forum for the last 12 months I expected my wife and I would have a good time at our first appleseed. "Good time" was the understatement of the year. The professionalism of DryFire and all the instructors was unbelievable. The history presentation by all involved was great. DryFire was amazing in this aspect. Two + hours of history with no notes or mistakes proves the amount of passion he has for this project. He would put a college history professor to shame.
The professional marksmanship training brought my score from the 130's to the 190's in just a couple of AQT targets. I'm sure the other participants had similar success story's. Although we had a large crowd, I never felt like I was being overlooked by any of the instructors. Sunday was fast paced but safety was never sacrificed because of this.
I had a great time talking with the other participants and picked up a lot of tips and info from all.
I know that rule #7 will be followed by me to the T. You can plan on having at least a platoon of Warren county cooks attending AS in the near future as well as some younger cousins nephews Aunt's and Uncles. Thank you to all involved.
Steve Hall

Ratchett

WOW! Another fantastic Athens Appleseed. Dryfire you are just amazing, one observed the "fire in his gut" for the history you gave. What a privilege for all of us to share in your first solo shoot boss ^:)^ We even have a "third eye blind" story of our own. :D The shooters were just awesome, so receptive to instruction from the youngest to the oldest. THANK YOU to each and everyone, you are what make our Appleseeds! Congratulations to Momma Driscoll, a Madame Yotnottin Purple Rifleman' s patch at your first shoot---how sweet is that?!?! I'm thinking there may be a need for a new rifle in that household ^:)^ So much I have in my heart from this shoot, I am still singing praises. Cannot wait for the next shoot and hope to see familiar faces on the line. ---Oh yeah, you 5.56 shooters I will be watchin' for those white knuckles  ~~:) ;) ;D

Blessings to you all. Stay safe til we meet again!
In His Grip,
Ratchett
Remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN ARMED FORCES.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom-Unk

"The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained."---Geo Washington, 1789

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.---Isaiah 40:31

A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention.---Prov15:18

"Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach." --P. Wheatley

Ratchett

My Bad!! Most importantly, I forgot to thank GeorgeT, Rimfire (Bill), Frogger (Bekka), Vic, Rich, Doug, Carrie, and Ralph for keeping everything running smoothly and keeping us well fed (physically and spiritually)!! Without our support crew life would not be easy, couldn' t do it without you all.

THANK YOU!
Ratchett
Remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN ARMED FORCES.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom-Unk

"The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained."---Geo Washington, 1789

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.---Isaiah 40:31

A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention.---Prov15:18

"Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach." --P. Wheatley

Ishy

What an honor it was to be helping instruct a shoot in memory of April 19, 1775.  The sacrifices of our ancestors were constantly on my mind during the weekend.  DryFire nailed the history on the head and had everyone thinking about what's really important as a citizen of this great country.

I had the pleasure of working with some new shooters: Breanna, Nathan, and Katie as well as some former Appleseed attendees: Rachel (my sister) and Rimfire.  Each is well on his/her way to obtaining that rifleman patch and I hope to see them at the next Athens shoot.

The weather was almost perfect.  A little chilly in the mornings and windy on Saturday, but much more bearable than pouring rain or snow.   :)

I will post pictures soon.

Ishy
"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."  ~2 Chronicles 7:14

"The proof of desire is pursuit."  ~Kirk DeVinney

Ishy

"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."  ~2 Chronicles 7:14

"The proof of desire is pursuit."  ~Kirk DeVinney

Ratchett

Great pictures Ishy and Cristina!! Thanks for sharing, without you guys I would never have any pictures of Athens Appleseeds. I always forget my camera :wb:

You two are  @)

In His Grip,
Ratchett
Remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN ARMED FORCES.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom-Unk

"The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained."---Geo Washington, 1789

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.---Isaiah 40:31

A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention.---Prov15:18

"Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach." --P. Wheatley

cluck

We echo the thoughts of our fellow shooters this past weekend...Amazing experience, absolutely everything we hoped it would be, plus a whole lot more. Their passion and conviction was evident as our instructors took us back in time to 1775, retelling bits of history that we had never heard before, causing us to look at those events with greater understanding and a deeper awareness of the great cost paid for our independence and freedom.
When I arrived Saturday morning, I had only fired a rifle a couple of times before, and that rifle wasn't working, so I showed up with a rifle that belonged to my older son. I had never even held it before. I didn't know how to load the magazines, then I didn't know how to load the rifle. I didn't know know much of anything about rifles, obviously. By the end of Saturday, although I was firing the rifle, I wasn't doing as well as I would have liked, and I was getting pretty frustrated. I couldn't see through the raised sights, and I couldn't hold the rifle steady, especially since it wasn't set up with a sling. The instructors were patient with me though, and showed me how to pad the stock and reinforced the techniques they taught with quiet reminders.
On Sunday one generous family kindly supplied my husband and myself with more appropriate equipment, including rifles with slings. Although some frustration remained, as I now had to actually learn to use the sling that the previous day I had only seen demonstrated, and I now had another rifle to learn to use, the basic instruction I had been taught carried over fairly quickly, and I ended the weekend by shooting a 176...not bad for a true newbie.
I may still be a cook, but I'm learning to persevere, and I'm re-learning the truth that the best things in life often come only through hard work and sacrifice. In this case, our Founders provided the sacrifice...the least I can do is to work to carry on the tradition and help maintain the legacy they left for us to protect and pass on to our children.
Thank you all so very much for all your hard work and sacrifice to create this opportunity for us. Many people contributed and gave of their time and effort, and we are grateful to all of you. We truly look forward to seeing you all again at the May Appleseed weekend!
Citizen by birth; Patriot by choice!

Riflenut

My son Frank & I had a GREAT time re-affirming our heritage & tuning up our shooting skills.

It has been MANY years since I last shot for qualification, and Saturday brought back (sometimes painfully) the mechanics that go into rifle marksmanship. I highly recommend that even "experienced" shooters attend an appleseed with your children or grand children and have a great time!

We were all set to shoot an AQT or two late Saturday, when Dryfire had his unfortunate accident. Don't feel bad Dryfire - anyone who has done any significant benh firing of a heavy rifle will have to admit to some sort of injury at one time or another. Mine was with a .300 Win Mag - I took the scope hit in an eyebrow!

Frank & I were all set & ready to shoot AQTs Sunday, and were on our way to the range bright & early when my left front tire picked up a bolt of some sort and went flat. No big deal .... UNTIL I realized that another son (who will remain nameless) had removed the jack, tools & fourway from the truck!

A call into GeorgeT resulted in he and another member driving 40+ minutes round trip to get us back on the road - THANKS! We took the truck back to Athens to fill the spare up with air, and realized that we were 3 hours behind schedule. Not wanting to further disrupt the shoot, we decided to head north.

THANK YOU to all instructors & those who helped make the shoot such a great success. Frank & I are already planning to make another appleseed this summer - I just HAVE to qualify Expert again now that I'm 50 to prove to my four sons that the "old man" still has it!

Riflenut

Ratchett

Cluck,

Having you and Hubby on line for the weekend was great!! What perseverance you both showed from equipment malf. to bodies giving out. I know by Sunday night Hubby was in great pain, but never a peep about it. Thanks for all your help in clean up and the zucchini bread was deeeelicious! Can't wait to see you again on the line. Take care and may God Bless!

In His Grip,
Ratchett

PS--Been thinking about you & your new endeavor this week and hope all is going well for you!!




Riflenut,

Glad you guys had a good time on the line, it was fun helping you out! Getting those fundamentals fine tuned again and I have no doubts you will show those young whippersnappers what Pop can do!!! O0 O0 We did miss you Sunday, kept watching the gate for you to come in. You will have to bring the whole clan down and make it a friendly little family competition to see who can come close to Dad's AQT-- ;D :D  Glad you guys made it home safe, take care and God bless!

In His Grip,
Ratchett
Remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN ARMED FORCES.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom-Unk

"The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained."---Geo Washington, 1789

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.---Isaiah 40:31

A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention.---Prov15:18

"Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach." --P. Wheatley

Hooters Billy

Guess who?????????

LOL, sounds like you guys had a great time and a great shoot. As always wish I could have been there, but had to help out at a local shoot.

Poor DryFire. I saw the pictures. Ouch!!!  :o Good news is that now all the other instructors and shooters know first hand'ish that there is more then 22's and rack grade surplus rifles and ammo out there so watch out. A .338 is one awesome round and the rifles set up to deliver that round down range are specialized for it. Most notable by a shooter is in the trigger area. A guess is that it had a trigger pull anywhere from 1.5 lbs to 2.5 lbs. VERY VERY light for those that never got to try one and you will get a super super surprise bang the first time you do if you don't dry practice with it first. This little tid bit was mentioned only to slide into some history. (We all like history, right???) When you hear some of the musket/flintlock shooters talk about how they have a "hair" trigger on them, they really really do. It is an analogy that is 100% correct. If you ever get the chance to see for yourselves, do so. The trigger pull on muskets/rifles that where carried in the hands of our Forefathers was as light as One to Two OUNCES. So light you almost can't feel it at all. It's really only as much weight as six sheets of paper. Sometimes less. Talk about not wanting to drop that flintlock or have a weed brush up against your trigger guard when it was cocked. The very light trigger weight did and still does a very good job of making sure your sights don't move while you start working on that straight back squeeze.

See you guys soon,

HB
"There is no greater evil then willful ignorance," ~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Advice on life from Fred himself to me on 6-21-09:
"If you hope to be a good looking corps, you better hurry up and die soon!"

CQ CQ CQ de KC9MTP

Ratchett

Hooters, we missed you too, but we have to share---I guess :P Thanks for the history tip, it will be worked into stuff I am putting together. I should have thought of that since I get to shoot one every now and again.

Miss ya and keep you in my thoughts. Take care and God Bless!

In His Grip,
Ratchett
Remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN ARMED FORCES.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom-Unk

"The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained."---Geo Washington, 1789

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.---Isaiah 40:31

A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention.---Prov15:18

"Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach." --P. Wheatley

RPD

I have to echo everyone's thoughts. 
Sylvia shot rifleman at her first Appleseed.  Took me two to get mine!  Her shooting form was perfect and she persevered through the grind using a loaned rifle (Thanks, DOMom!)

Weather was great (especially after the Nelsonville Mini "mudbath"), DryFire's history was inspiring, and RNE's DOM was edge of the seat exciting.  Many chuckles were heard when he related how Samuel Whittemore suffered such grievous wounds, surely fatal, and that he did die . . .18 years later at the ripe old age of 96.

Fortunately, there were some spare rifles to be loaned out for those who didn't have a sling on theirs.  Anne and Steve, and James all received loaners.  James persevered through bad ammo getting stuck in the chamber and other frustrations, but made steady progress throughout the weekend.  Seeing Steve suffering whenever he stood up, made me appreciate just how blessed I am with my mobility.  He was an example of courage in adversity.  There were quite a few married couples there this weekend, which is always gratifying to see.  Steve and Jennifer and Jake and Serenity shot side-by-side.  Steve and Jake were making great progress and Jake came within 3 points of rifleman.  They all said they had a great time and that they'd be back in May.  I look forward to watching as they both earn their rifleman patches in May.  There were so many great people there, Para45acp was able to bring his daughter, Harley, who sacrificed time with her grandmother to shoot at the Appleseed!

I invited a local attorney friend to the shoot and he and his daughter were able to make it Saturday.  They both enjoyed it and will likely be back in May.  He also loaned me the "infamous" .338 Lapua, that he hadn't fired because of his inexperience with firearms (fear of this particular firearm?).  Now I know why!  Suffice it to say that when fired, you KNOW that you have shot a special rifle.  HB, thanks for the history lesson about muskets.  Didn't have to worry about trigger jerk there.  Also gave good reason to ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE IN A SAFE DIRECTION.  HB,  Hope to see you soon!

Athens Fish and Game, Thank You for all you do to host the Appleseed.  The berm is always well maintained, the facility is spotless and the hospitality is overwhelming.    Kudos to George T, RimFire, Nurse Ratchett, Ralph, Frogger, et al !!!
*The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts.
*The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.
*Whenever separation is made between liberty and justice, neither, in my opinion, is safe.
-Sir Edmund Burke

Spanner


Ishy, great pictures.   8)

Hope to see all you guys in Athens again for Halloween.  I'll bring the pie crusts.   (Mmmmm.... pumkin pie.)  :o

" Decision-making is the supreme manifestation of human dignity. "  -Jouvenel