AAR: Bald Knob, AR - Jan. 14-15, 2017

[sticksnstones]

A Rifleman always persists, was the theme of the weekend. Wet and cold was the weather theme.
We started with 4 registered shooters, a walkon and a former IIT that I asked to join us again. We started with 4 instructors and ended the weekend with a total of six.
Saturday was really wet and cold but we didn't let it get our spirits down or even slow our pace. A fire would have been nice. By afternoon we had a new rifleman, Fred and Nathan, the former IIT, showed that he had skills. They both shot excellent scores and proved themselves worthy of a patch and three huzzahs.
Saturday ended with me guessing that we would shrink in size by Sunday morning. Boy was I made wrong when not only did everyone show up but we added two instructors to the mix. Valkrye25 and Nathan the brand new orange hat ( sort of). Their skills and experience helped continue the flow.
After refreshing everyone's minds with the lessons from the day before we added a few more and jumped right into the AQT grind. Unfortunately at mid morning break, Wayne noticed he was having some vehicle issues and had to leave. I'm confident that he was nearing a Riflemans score. An open spot on the line allowed room for instructors the opportunity to prove their skills and set examples for the shooters. Back to that in a bit. Clay had been with us at 3 shoots and even once to Louisiana to try and get his patch. Last event we offered him a blue hat which he gladly accepted, but made it clear that he was not satisfied until he achieved the 210 or better. When I saw that he had signed up as an attendee at this event I told him that it wasn't necessary. His reply was that it was a worthy program and he hadn't got his patch yet. Well he did it and his joy was only topped by mine. Erik another shooter that was with us once, about this time last year, also earned his patch. With his love of history and his shooting skills had me offering him a hat also, but he asked that we put that on hold for a bit due to his extremely busy schedule. I will keep after him.
This leaves only two attendees that didn't shoot a Riflemans score. Wayne who was forced to leave early and Laura. Laura was a great student and soaked up the info like a sponge. She only attempted one AQT over the weekend and was more interested in practicing Her newfound skills. She was a joy to have around.
Lastly KPUC and Buddy Love proved to all that they have the skills of a Rifleman. Quincannon celebrated his birthday by affirming his Rifleman status by shooting 3 patch-worthy scores (a high of 242) with 3 different rifle setups, including a bolt action and open sights.
Couldn't have asked for a better weekend

[sticksnstones]

More pics

[sticksnstones]

More again

[sticksnstones]

And more

[sticksnstones]

Last bunch

[Quinncannon]

A very fine weekend indeed! The shooters all displayed an excellent attitude, I was very proud of how they persevered through the inclement weather and soaked up the information and training like the rain falling upon them!

Congratulations to Clay, Fred, Erik on obtaining their Rifleman patches and to Buddy Love and Nathan for re-qualifying! Good on Laura for her good attitude as well!

As Nathan's Dad, I have to say I'm very proud of this young Army veteran and I'm glad he stepped up to reactivate as an IIT after being in the Army for three years.

Thanks Sticks for running a good shoot and for Edith and KPUC for pitching in and running the line! Nathan too!

[Clayk59]

Had a great time despite the weather.  Glad I got the monkey off my back.  Testament to good instruction and a willing attitude to do it their way.  Thanks to all

Clay

[KPUC]

GREAT JOB to all the new shooters.  I think that was an outstanding percentage of new, and returning, Riflemen.  I hope to see you all at the next one.  Chris

[Buddy Love]

What an amazing bunch of shooters this weekend! They braved frigid rain with a can do attitude and quickly embraced the lessons being taught. Many of the instructors were hoping the temperature would drop about 10 more degrees so we could have an opportunity for some winter seed patches. Persistence and perseverance were the keys to success. Always a pleasure working with the staff at VETS Shooting Center and appreciate their support of the program. Our newest IIT Nathan quickly grabbed the reigns and did a great job on the line. Look forward to seeing everyone at the next event!

Check out the photos at https://www.dropbox.com/sc/z2lkzo5t4xt8nmz/AAB8ztl4ihePui2NVcdbxu_Ea

[Rev.357]

Great student to instructor ratio. Amazing rifleman percentage. Keep up the good work. If you are ever in Arkansas, and someone with a rifle says "git."  Then you better git.