Holderness, NH April 20/21, 2013

[Luigi]

One of the best Appleseed shoots we've had at Holderness occurred this past weekend!  This was our special, annual April 19th rememberence shoot.  Eleven shooters showed, and proceeded to take in the instruction with good humor and rapt attention.  The weather threatened to rain upon us at first, but got progrsssively clearer as the moring and day went on until it was pleasant (if breezy) in the mid-50s.   After the safety brief, rifles were brought to the line and the first batch of Redcoat targets met their demise.  After positions, 6 steps, and NPOA instruction, and rifle zero-ing, we repaired to the Pemigewasett Fish and Game clubhouse for some delicious chili in a breadbowl, while Paniolo and NHLibertas treated shooters to the First and Second Strikes of the Match.  After lunch shooters got introduced to the AQT, alternating with some drills: Ball and Dummy, and Buddy Finger.  We briefed Talking Targets, and explained the corresponding handout to help shooters self-diagnose the next time they hit the range.  We paused at around 3:45 while the volley was explained, and NHLibertas read the background on each name.  Promptly at 4, we volleyed 13 rounds in rememberance of the brave people who stood tall and sacrificed all for liberty 238 years ago.  Everyone seemed moved by the ceremony, knowing it was happening simultaneously across the nation with thousands participating.   After Luigi gave the Third Strike, we had the evening benediction including awarding John (another) Rifleman patch, and his Orange hat!  Thank you for stepping up John!!

On Sunday, ten returning shooters got to try a sunrise AQT, followed by a redcoat, more AQTs and drills.  It was noticebly cooler, and much breezier; even double staples / pins were sometimes not enough!  We did 3 more drills before lunch, to work on our skills: Happy Finger, Carding the Sights, and a 2-part NPOA drill on the Squares target.  Scores improved noticably by the last redcoat.  After zeroing any new rifles shooters brought for the afternoon KD, we cased our rifles and went to lunch. While we ate (delicious wraps, again courtesy of Pemi F&G) Luigi gave the Known Distance lecture while Bob Anderson, a Pemi Club member, had his impressive collection of M1 Garands, M1As, and a BAR on display for all to peruse.  When lunch was finished Paniolo and Zeus (John) had already set up the KD targets, which we proceeded to shoot at both 100 yards and 200 yards.  Shooters got a taste of the stage-by stage AQT that non-New England Appleseeds employ, via shooting the 100 yds target standing and 200 yds sitting/kneeling, each individually timed - after we did our sighters at each distance.  After Paniolo told the stories of Dangerous Old Men (and Women) we did our final benediction, and the day was done.  Thanks to Pemi Fish and Game for being such great hosts - Appleseed really appreciates the support.

Thank you all for coming, you were a great group of shooters and it was a pleasure to be your instructor!  If you liked what you experienced, please come back - and feel free to bring a friend and/or relative; that's how we spread the word about our program.  And always remember: a Rifleman persists!