Lexington Park, MD Jan 17-18 2015

[MostlyHarmless]

Sanner's Lake Sportsman's Club of Lexington Park MD hosted yet another terrific Appleseed this weekend. Sanner's always is a fantastic host for us, and has become a favorite location amongst both instructors and shooters for Appleseeds in MD!

The weekend started early on Saturday. The weather was clear, cold and bright. Several shooters had gamely hoped for worse, knowing that this time of year the coveted Winterseed patches might be possible. But such was not to be, as it turned into a surprisingly fair winter's day. A mix of nine first time and repeat Appleseeders showed. Most were after their rifleman's patch, but several had come with a more lofty goal.

A productive day of learning led to some dramatic improvements in shooting. Positions were tweaked, rifles were fitted. But when the smoke had cleared from the Afternoon's AQT, only Joe emerged with a Rifleman's score, re-qualifying with a 245. Joe then did what he had set out to achieve for the weekend, when he asked for and received an IIT's orange hat. A distinguished CMP marksman, Joe will be a terrific asset and the Maryland instructor cadre welcomes him enthusiastically. He was immediately followed by John, who did the same and became the second new MD IIT of the year.

But this intrepid group of shooters was by no means finished. Often when Sunday dawns, a shooter or two will be missing from the lineup- but not here. Despite the day starting with torrential rain, every one came back for more learning, and more chances to become riflemen. After an hour's review in a dry clubhouse, the shooters did not hesitate to return to the range and have at a line of soaking redcoats. The fall of the rain was nearly as deafening as the rifle fire, yet our shooters all persisted. Positions and techniques were further perfected, and many a black square was pierced. A break for lunch and history and the torrents finally subsided- our shooters were ready to get down to the task of the day as the AQT grind started. The skies slowly cleared as the temperature dropped, scopes fogged and boots leaked- but determination shone through. When the last rounds of the day had been sent and the range fell quiet, an amazing six of our nine shooters were now riflemen. Better still, Dave and Bill also asked for and received their orange hats- Maryland starts the year with four new IIT's.

Well done to Joe, John, Dave, Bill, Kevin, and Chris as they grow Maryland's ranks of Riflemen. And a hearty Huzzah!- for our new instructors as the Southern MD squad of instructors builds.

[ShiguChan]

Thanks for this great write-up, MostlyHarmless!

Congratulations to all of our new and re qualified riflemen, and welcome to the cadre - Joe, John, Bill, and Dave!

[MostlyHarmless]

Cold Winter's morning




A warm sunny spot




Are we having fun yet?




Nice 'fro, Larry




At least the rain melted the snow




"...See, I told you you could fall asleep in this position."




"...years."




Caroline looks pleased as her army of minions grows




More pics-

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BxT3dg1kPb6CbVJCUlM0b2RWbjQ&usp=sharing

[Infidelz]

Thank you all for your time and expert advice. This is truly a worthwhile project.

/r
Chris

[Cold Warrior]

... Most were after their rifleman's patch, but several had come with a more lofty goal.

Maryland starts the year with four new IIT's.

Well done to Joe, John, Dave, Bill, Kevin, and Chris as they grow Maryland's ranks of Riflemen. And a hearty Huzzah!- for our new instructors as the Southern MD squad of instructors builds.

Huzzah!

Thanks for the nice write-up!

Huzzah!

Dave K