AAR Lewiston, Idaho, January 22-23,2011

[Reformed Redneck]

To all,

We had a very encouraging shoot this weekend in Lewiston.

We had 11 shooters on the line on Saturday morning. Most were return Appleseeders who were on a quest for a Rifleman's patch and/or to improve their skill set. We had one participant who had never even handled a firearm before.

Weather was quite mild for this time of year, low 30's to low 40's, and only partly cloudy. Those who really wanted to pursue the 'Winterseed' patch were a little disappointed by this odd turn of events, but there is still plenty of winter time weather possible in this part of the country, and we have two shoots per month scheduled in Idaho through to the Fall.

Emily became a new Riflewoman. She had been creeping up on the patch, and was rewarded for her persistence and diligence with a 210 score. She was, however, spared the traditional dousing with water by the thoughtful consideration of the other participants and instructor staff. Splaticus shot another three Rifleman scores, with a high score of 246. I must mention that he did this with a bolt action rifle. He is very adapt at manipulating the bolt, and is within a whisker's distance of clearing the AQT with his rifle. His ability with his rifle has really inspired one of the young ladies who came to persist in getting her patch with her bolt action rifle. His example is reinforcing her determination to do so, as the signs are such that she is not terribly far from being able to accomplish this. He has also committed to becoming an IIT, and was welcomed into the fold as such.

One of the things worth mentioning here is that the newcomer of the shooters came as a result of the invitation of one of the other participants who had previously been to an Appleseed. Despite this, the new shooter expressed that she had personally held some apprehensions about what the event and instructors might be like. She said that she sort of expected a bunch of 'Rambo' types that would behave like military Drill Instructors. She was pleasantly surprised to find out that the instructors were just average folks, like her, who have a zeal for Liberty. Seventh stepping really works.

We had a great time with the KD segment of the instruction. It offered a very good opportunity to confirm our basic instruction points concerning distance shooting, and to offer the shooters to apply the mathematics of trajectory in a tangible manner.

I'm sure the Redneck publicity staff has some photos they are anxious to post here, so I will get this up and get out of the way.

Best regards,
Reformed Redneck

[Evenstar]

Being that I've been off the trail for a few months, it was certainly great to be out on the range again, though I was only present Saturday.

The best part of it for me was working with a brand new shooter. Katie had never touched a rifle in her life; told us that the closest she had ever been to one was on the drive to the range Saturday morning. Being able to teach her the basics of rifle Marksmanship was truly an awesome experience. She took in all the information, and was an eager student. On Saturday, Katie went from not hitting paper, to getting some decent groups in the evening. And she's definitely coming back as soon as she can. I'll be looking forward to working with you again!

I'd like to congratulate Splaticus on stepping up to become an IIT, and Emily for scoring Rifleman. Well done, guys!

Thanks to the Lewis-Clark Wildlife Club for hosting us once again, and for the excellent lunches they provide.

Now for some pictures.

[Johnnyappleseed]

30s --- do not qualify for winterseed? LOL
Good job Idaho 
JA

[Wheeler44]

30s --- do not qualify for winterseed? LOL
Good job Idaho 
JA

Hey Johhny...That Idaho crowd is pretty tough aren't they?  GoodGreat job Idaho....

W44

[OnlyHitsCount]

Hey Johnny-

Its really hard to tell a guy who lives in Idaho year-round that 30's-40's in January is winter.    Believe me we tried!  Even the snowflake cutouts weren't convincing.    But Emily came away with something just as special... a purple 'Madam Yotnotten' patch.  VERY cool!  

OnlyHitsCount

[Mark Davis]

Heck if it's up to the 30s the Idaho bunch would be thinking about planting tomaters, and mowing the lawn.

[splaticus]

Was amazing to head over to Lewiston with my wife and kids.  Thank you so much to Larry, Shawn and their family for putting on the Appleseed Shoot!  Everyone had a great time and we really appreciate the special attention that you gave to Rachelle and Liam (especially you Lesile)!  And thank you to Patrick for telling me about my blinking, I've been working on it hard since you informed me!  Every tip helps!  It was also a lot of fun shooting your M1 RR, looking forward to owning my very own someday!  Here are a few pictures that we took, hope to see you all in either Prosser or Bickleton in a few months!

[Earl]

But Reformed Redneck and Patman are Rambo types - with much better language and social skills - because the ladies are watching and they want to make them proud. Tim, M1A not M1, that sure looks like a fine rifle. 246 back to the cave, y'all too good. Thirty degrees but it is a dry cold...

[Roland]

Glad to see that your shoot went well, to our new riflemen and especially our new IIT. And good to see that Patrick still hasn't been relieved of parking lot duty .

See Y'all soon,

Roland

[splaticus]

But Reformed Redneck and Patman are Rambo types - with much better language and social skills - because the ladies are watching and they want to make them proud. Tim, M1A not M1, that sure looks like a fine rifle. 246 back to the cave, y'all too good. Thirty degrees but it is a dry cold...

When you told me in November that the CZ was a 'fine' rifle I had no idea!  The more I shoot it the more I like it!  Thanks for the correction on the M1A!  I am learning!    

[splaticus]

Five year old Liam getting expert instruction from Western Rose!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G0MKRVImkg

[Western Rose]

Thank you too all of the attendees who came out with GREAT attitudes and were such a blessing to be on the line with. I'm looking forward to seeing you each again.

Splaticus, thank you for stepping up and taking on the Orange Hat! Thanks for bringing out the young ones!!!
OnlyHitsCount, you did REALLY well on the line as an instructor for the first time! If I hadn't know, I would have never known it was your first!

To the Lewis-Clark Wildlife Club, thanks so much.
Bob, thanks for fixing us lunch!!!


Some favorite quotes (and pictures) from the weekend:

During IMC - "How many inches is 4 MOA @ 300 yds?"
From our 7 year-old shooter - "12!"

"Put your eyes and ears on"
"Hey Dad, we have got our eyes and ears, and heads!!!"

And hearing our "little line boss" was a lot of fun. 

[splaticus]

Thanks for posting the pictures and great quotes Western Rose!  Those made me laugh!  Good times and we are all looking forward to the next one!

[OnlyHitsCount]

Some favorite quotes (and pictures) from the weekend:

Western Rose, don't forget this one...

"Honey, I shot your target.  Did I mention you look lovely today?"  -Piper

[HalfPint]

That quote cost me my last two shots... I couldn't stop laughing long enough to get an NPOA!

Idgi

[Western Rose]

Wow... I wish I had have been able to hear that one!!!

[Evenstar]

Some favorite quotes (and pictures) from the weekend:

Western Rose, don't forget this one...

"Honey, I shot your target.  Did I mention you look lovely today?"  -Piper

Ah, that's great!