Dunbarton NH, July 27/28, 2013 AAR

[Luigi]

What a great shoot!

First, we sold out! 19 enthusiastic shooters from teenagers to seniors, and several families turned out for a weekend of marksmanship and history.  It was great to see fathers, sons, and grandsons, husbands, wives, and sons shoot together and learn something about our heritage as Americans.

The weather was perfect; sunny and in the 80s. Pretty warm, but not HOT, like it had been just a few weeks prior.  Plenty of ice cold water and sunscreen, along with two large shade canopies, kept folks going throughout the day. We hung one side of the canopies with Revolutionary War flags both to honor our founders and provide a modicum of sun blocking.

After the safety brief everyone brought their rifles to the line, and in no time we were taking aim at some Redcoats. We got into the heart of the instruction for the rest of the morning, learning positions with their Steady Hold Factors, the 6 Steps of Firing The Shot, NPOA, and IMC.  Each point was demonstrated, then practiced by the group on a target. We ensured our sights were adjusted using what we learned. By lunch, everyone had "drunk from the firehose" of instruction.

Pioneer Sportsmen, and in particular Jeff Cummings, were outstanding hosts.  They made us all feel at home, ensured we had everything set up and ready to go with some of the best target backers Project Appleseed NH has ever seen, and provided a delicious lunch both days.  They have set the standard for host clubs.

During Lunch, Ninsho gave us the First Strike of the Match, the story of April 19th 1775 up to the Battle at Lexington Green.  After lunch, we set upon the AQT, interspersed with drills like Ball and Dummy, Buddy Finger, and Carding the Sights.  Before too long  we had made our first Rifleman of the weekend.  Ian, who had come so close on two prior Appleseed events, got a 218 and his grin could not possibly have been any wider.  Dad, brother, and Grandfather were as proud and happy for him as could be.  Two more made Rifleman before the day was out.  Gary, a veteran Appleseeder, showed us he still had it after a year and a half hiatus.  Mike, a club Director, got exactly 210 and in true Project Appleseed tradition when folks get exactly that score, got "christened" during the awards ceremony - thanks for being a good sport Mike and congrats to all!  We heard a very fine 2nd Strike of the Match from NHLibertas - the Battle of Concord.  When everyone had their fill of shooting for the day Luigi told the 3rd Strike, gave a benediction handed out awards, and we were ready to go home and practice our prone positions for the night.

Sunday saw 7 returnees, including one-day shooter Jonathan who apparently enjoyed his first Appleseed event so much that he signed on for a second day.  This proved to be an especially good decision, as he proceeded to make Rifleman, the fourth of the weekend - congrats!  After more AQTs and more drills like Happy Finger, we broke down and went for another delicious lunch courtesy of Pioneer Sportsmen and Jeff, and got a lecture on Known Distance.  Afterwards, we applied what we learned at the 100 yd. range, both on the large silhouette and a smaller one that simulated a 400 yd. target at 100 yds.  We heard about Dangerous Old Men and Women - Hezekiah Wyman, Samuel Whittemore, David Lamson, Mother Batherick, and Prudence Cummings Wright are true inspirations to us all.

If you like what you experienced this weekend, please come to another Appleseed event.  Please also spread the word to your friends, family, co-workers, associates. We grow the program by word of mouth, and appreciate your support. We have 5+ more shoots in 2013, so there are plenty of upcoming opportunities. We will be sending you our newsletter that gives tips and details of upcoming events - if you'd rather opt out just say the word!  On behalf of the entire Instructor crew this weekend, it was a pleasure meeting and teaching you all, and I hope our paths cross again.  As I said this weekend, I am sincerely impressed with the choice YOU made to come to an Appleseed event.

In Liberty,
Luigi (Lou)