Macon, GA 17-18 Sep 2016

[brianf31]

Marion Road Gun Club in Macon, GA hosted a two-day Appleseed on 17-18 Sep 2016. Saturday featured typical Georgia high humidity and temperatures, but it was no match for the enthusiasm of the 18 shooters that came to participate in the only sport endorsed by the founding fathers.

After the safety briefing, we shot our first redcoat target to gage shooter starting proficiency at distances up to 400 yards. Several placed all three shots on the scaled-down  100 yard and 200 yard targets but there were no takers on the 300 and 400 yard targets. We had work to do if we were to hit those 400 yard targets. 

We wasted no time getting right into instruction. Sling use and steady hold factors in the prone position were taught and the lesson was immediately followed with a 5-shot drill on 4 MOA squares.  We continued to build on the foundations of rifle marksmanship by learning and drilling the Six Steps of the Shot. Right behind that followed presentation and practice of the third leg of marksmanship and the rifleman's secret: Natural Point of Aim (NPOA). Shooters were soon rewarded with shrinking groups.

Throughout the day, shooters were treated to accurate telling of the Three Strikes of the Match, those incidences that occurred on April 19, 1775 at Lexington and Concord. We were all reminded that we descend from a people jealous of their liberties, and many that day made The Choice to defend them.

The afternoon included teaching and practicing rifleman's cadence and shooting from the seated and standing positions. After instruction was concluded, we shot an Appleseed Qualification test (AQT).

Congrats to Nate who shot a 215/250 on his very first try! This is no easy feat as any rifleman will tell you. Many more were knocking on the door with scores in the 190s and above. Andy was very close with a 202. Most showed marked improvement, evident by a final redcoat target. 3 shooters got all three hits in the 400 yard target and returning rifleman Greg cleared the redcoat. Huzzah!

It was a privilege to have six youth at this shoot. All had a great attitude and were eager to learn.  Keep practicing, young men!

13 shooters returned Sunday and were awarded with cloud cover. After initial sighters, we held reviews of steady hold factors and NPOA, where we showed what it really means to relax into the sling. After everyone was suitably loosened up, we shot another AQT. Greg shows that a rifleman persists by shooting a 220/250- with a bolt action! Young Daniel, experienced well beyond his years, shot a 199. So close!

After assessing AQTs, we ran some drills to work on NPOA shifts, rifleman's cadence, focusing on the front sight and magazine changes under the clock. A second AQT was then shot early in the afternoon after hearing about Dangerous Old Men, Brave Women and Gallant Children.

We then discussed what it takes to make the shot at full distance. We put it to practice by backing up to 100 yards and applying Inches Minutes and Clicks to get our come-ups. After sight adjustments were made and the shooters were dialed in, we verified before we moved on to shooting steel.  Many hit 5/5 on medium sized steel, with a few shooters going 4/5 on 4 MOA steel. The instructor cadre was suitably impressed.

Thanks to MRGC for being a faithful and gracious host. It was an honor to shoot with you all and we're glad you spent your weekend doing something for liberty. We hope to see you on the trail again. Bring friends with you next time and practice perfectly until then.

[DrJohn]

Congratulations to the gallant group of shooters who attended the Marion Road Gun Club at Macon. So wish I had been able to join you, but I was needed elsewhere.  Looking at the pictures afterward showed me what a wonderful event it was, and how fortunate Marion Road Gun Club is to have Brian and all his superb group to work the event at Macon. Huzza, all, and, and my Liberty increase forever!