Salem, OH July 31/Aug 1

[DryFire]

What a weekend!  Thanks to all who came out. We had some great weather, some awesome shooters, and a bunch of fun instructors.  We introduced Appleseed to a new club and even found  a rifleman within the club ranks.    Details will follow later in the mean time please post pics, thoughts and experiences.

DryFire

[Hoover]

The weekend was indeed spectacular!  Included here are a few pictures to help preserve the memories.

Nestled amongst the rural woods in Salem, OH is the Salem Hunting Club.  Driving down a small lane, we reach the club and beckoning range.  Their hospitality was outstanding--offering breakfast and hot lunches for the weekend.  We felt right at home at the very beginning.  Many thanks to Jake who would see that things ran smoothly and that our gear would be transported by tractor to and from the range.

Pictured here is the front of the club house sporting our Appleseed flags and banner.



Sunday morning starts with history and safety review.  We then move on to the range for an overview of the fundamentals learned the previous day.



Yes--that's natural shade on our line.  A welcome sight on this first day of August!



Sharing the experience!



Birdman and WY_not present prone steady hold factors.



After a redcoat and a couple of AQTs, we move on to the "ball and dummy" drill--where students learn through helping each other.







Lots of work and improvement on AQTs eventually result in time for lunch and a lesson from Shoot Boss DryFire on Known Distance (KD) fundamentals.



But, the break is fleeting and it's back to the AQT "grind".  Starting with Stage 1--standing.



Then, Stage 2--seated.



As we move into the heat of the day, the constant barrage of hot brass leads to innovative solutions. Ummm... nice idea, but that's going to get awfully warm from the afternoon sun (not to mention a safety problem; yes, we're in prep)



Ok, that's better. (Marital bliss does not extend to hot brass)



It's getting later on in the afternoon; so, time for a short break and some history from Nurse Ratchett--shown proudly sporting a  Brown Bess bayonet (she's not overly fond of "folders").



We also want to recognize our latest Rifleman!  Way to go, Ken!! (on left; SB DryFire on right)



And, now, it's time for a team-work drill inspired by Nurse Ratchet's recounting of David Lamson and his men.



It appears that one of the team's star target has been summarily "erased".  The back berm now features an extended gopher hole.

[MeanStreaker]

A very successful 90% sold out shoot at a brand-new location!  Congrats everyone on a successful event!

[Tube Sniper]

As always A/S was great.  The collection of Patriots and Instructors was well matched. 
The Salem Range was more than could have been asked for... Thanks to Jake and the rest of the Salem
Hunt Club for the warm reception and outstanding hospitality!!!!!!!
Hope we're invited back soon for another A/S event.

...the Center-Fire activity--that was inspiring!!

I enjoyed working with my fellow Red and Orange Hats (this was a very informative weekend for me!!)
I appreciate the opportunity to become more involved and the instruction that
was offered to me from the other instructors.
I am very much looking forward to my next event!!

Thanks to All that attended the Salem Shoot.

Keep the Faith--Pass on the Tradition,
TS

[Ratchett]

THANK YOU SALEM HUNTING CLUB!!!! What a beautiful range and the hospitality of the club members was top notch. Thanks to Jake and his kitchen crew for lunch each day and the ice cold lemonade sure hit the spot out on the firing line those hot afternoons.

Mike and Vi keep practicing with those ARs, I think you are on your way to the Rifleman patch. Vi, remember that pistol grip is a nice firm hold, not a "hang on for dear life grip"---hehehe

Jonathon you were right there knocking on the door, very nice shooting. Matt says 'Hi', he really enjoyed working with you.

Steve, Este, Brian, and Rick it was awesome to see family and friends out on the firing line shooting together. You guys sure can rock those centerfires; Este included! Best wishes to Brian and Tiffany.

Nancy, sorry I didn' t make it to your end of the line Saturday. Missed you Sunday, I hope it wasn' t due to illness. See you on the Appleseed trail again.

Jim & Lisa, my dear friends, you are improving so so much! I am so proud of the improvement you each have made since the New Philly shoot! Keep practicing those position changes and dry firing! Lisa, no finger popping Matthew will be watching

Ken, Salem Hunting Club's first Rifleman and has set the stage for more to follow. You rocked that AR, without a sling in off hand---a-w-e-s-o-m-e! Congratulations

Dave, great improvement all weekend and you persevered through equipment malfunctions. Hope to see you on the line again!

Thanks to DryFire, Hoover, Birdman, WyNot, and TubeSniper for working with Matthew and helping him get started on his Orange Hat trail. He really enjoyed the shoot even though he was ill. BTW, he ended up in the hospital Monday night finally got to come home tonight
It is always a pleasure working with you guys! I look forward to seeing each of you on the trail again soon, shooters and instructors.

In His Grip,
Ratchett