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 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.
** Due to a gun industry safety bulletin, .17HMR semi-autos are not recommended. A waiver is available.
** Effective immediately the use of Smith and Wesson M&P 15/22’S at an Appleseed are hereby temporarily prohibited due to recent safety issues. This is still in effect as of 4/23/2019.