What to Bring to a Project Appleseed™ Event
This list was compiled from the experiences of past Appleseed attendees. It includes those things that did or would have made their experience more enjoyable. Keep in mind that not all items are absolutely necessary.
What Should You Bring?
Download a checklist which you can print and use.
** Very important things
Personal items
- A teachable attitude (most important thing) **
- Ear protection Muffs and plugs **
- Eye protection **
- Elbow pads or shooting Jacket
- Ground cover (Rug remnant will work)
- A hat
- Little notebook (those little 2.5 X 3.5 work well)
- Pen – not only for taking notes, but for marking your targets. A Sharpie marker is handy as well – and can mark your sights as well, so you won’t lose/forget your zero.
- Sun Screen
- Lots of water (Must stay hydrated)
- Light Lunch
- Snacks
- Folding Chair (not necessary but nice)
- Wet wipes
- Bug spray
- Necessary clothing for any kind of weather
Rifle Requirements
1. Legal fully automatic rifles are welcome at our events so long as they are only used in semi-automatic mode.
2. Legal suppressors (also known as silencers) are welcome on our lines.
3. Legal short barrelled rifles (SBRs) may be permitted on our lines at the discretion of the event Shoot Boss.
4. Pistol Caliber Carbines chambered in 9mm and 45ACP are permitted at our 25m events. No adjustments for the “.30 caliber rule” are needed as the rounds are already so large.
5. Pistol Caliber Carbines are not authorized at any Known Distance Event.
6. AR15-type pistols (with or without stabilizing brace) are NOT permitted on our rifle lines.
Shooters are expected to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws. We ensure our events are conducted in accordance with host range policies.
Rifle specific preparations
- See the Appleseed Liberty Training Rifle document: Word Doc or PDF
- Rifle preferably zeroed for 25 meters
- At least 500 rounds of ammo for a two day event
- At least 250 rounds of ammo for a one day event
- At least 250 rounds of ammo for a Known Distance event
- Sight adjustment tools
- GI style web Sling (as seen here at the The Appleseed Store)
- Two mags. 10 rds. each. Bring extra mags. if you have them. 20rds works well if State law allows
- Gun cleaning supplies and lube
- Instructions for your rifle (if you have them)
- Know your rifle
- Something to cover your rifle to keep blowing sand or rain off it.
- Staple gun, or thumb tacks, or push-pins.
- Staples
- Know the laws of the State you are going to and only bring that which is within the law
- Back-up rifle (if you have one)
Ready your equipment
- Be prepared for blowing sand and dust, rain, mud all those weather conditions a rifleman would have to generally put up with.
- In event of blowing sand and dust, you’ll need to totally degrease your rifle. Any lube should be a dry lube, like graphite. Be ready to protect your rifle with a plastic rifle bag or a simple waterproof wrap for the action.
- Be ready to protect ammo and mags from the same weather. Ziplock bags are great for this.
- Again, be prepared. You should function-test your rifle and, if possible, have it zeroed for 25 meters. Doing so will leave you properly sighted for the 25m AQT.
- It’s a good idea to get down into the prone position and dry-fire ten shots “by the numbers.” If you will do this three times a week, you’ll be way ahead of everyone else. Hey, while you’re at it, put a GI web sling on your rifle, and get it adjusted so it supports the rifle in prone, too.
- Practice at home is a GREAT way to prep for arriving at the range. By doing so your range time will be FAR more productive.
Special Equipment Considerations:
1. Due to a firearms safety bulletin, .17HMR semi-automatic rifles are not recommended.
2. We are pleased to announce that Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 firearms may be used at Project Appleseed clinics beginning August 1st, 2021. However, owners must comply with the Smith & Wesson Safety Alert. We will make every effort to have a S&W Bolt Inspection Gauge on-hand for owners to check their bolts for compliance. You are encouraged to check the following links to the Smith & Wesson websites for information about the issues and how to check the M&P 15-22 bolt to determine that it is within specification:
https://www.smith-wesson.com/mp15-22-consumer-safety-alert
https://www.smith-wesson.com/sites/default/files/MP1522_Alert_030619.pdf
See this video on how to check your S&W rifle.
3. An additional Liability Waiver will also need to be signed by any student at a Project Appleseed clinic who chooses to use a semi-automatic .17HMR rifle or a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 firearm.