Las Cruces, NM Scoutseed, March 10, 2012

[TaosGlock]

The second one for Troop 66. This event would be described as Appleseedish.
The shoot was instructed by TaosGlock, BlueFeather and Jerry Hall.
20 Boy Scouts showed up to learn the fundamentals of marksmanship. This was one of the requirements to earn their Rifle Merit Badge.
We used the lessons learned from last year to streamline the process. Per their requirements we adapted the COF for 50' bench shooting.
Jerry Hall made the rests from an old water bed frame that worked superb!
We ran them thru the COF in 2 groups of 10. They used A-32 targets. The requirement is to shoot what amounts to about a quarter size group. We snuck history in as short bursts as this was fast paced with but a short break for lunch. The event was 7th stepped quite frequently with the kids and the dads that showed up to watch.

The weather turned from 28 degrees and windy to rain, sleet and snow, more rain and finally clearing up about quitting time at 4:00 when their rides came.
These guys never missed a beat, literally ran to the benches for prep and dry fired. Each COF was nearly a simultaneous boom after the fire command. So no shot fussers as they were on target and waiting for the line boss!
When time to go downrange they ran "quickly" I might add.  Their enthusiasm was contagious and our our Founders would be proud.

It was a cold, blustery day with full value winds that greeted the Scouts at the Butterfield Range.


BlueFeather hands out eye/ear protection.


The 6 Steps to firing a Shot explained by BF. Rifles were mostly single shots with open sights.



BF and Jerry Hall on the line.




The skies darkened as Nature prepared to make the conditions more of a challenge.



But forge ahead we did. Jerry Hall instructs as the Gunsite Hills start to disappear in a shroud of snowy clouds.


more later....

[TaosGlock]

Jerry Hall instructs... and stays warm and dry.


The cold winter drizzle pounded the shooters.


The Scouts learned one of the first duties of a Rifleman is to protect your equipment. After the line was cleared, the rifle actions were covered over and the seats were folded up, as they became water catchers. 
Keep your powder dry boys!
Jon Davidson, Scout leader, had these nifty pink/green soap  boxes to keep the ammo "dry".



The water piled up on the benches, but the Scouts simply kept the lead going downrange.
The water has covered the spent brass.


A Rifleman persists....

Even when it looks hopeless.
These guys kept on and never missed a beat.



My original Montgomery Wards single shot 22 from the 60's is a still a most capable rifle to learn the fundamentals.
It got a nice work out today. I cut the stock down to better fit our youth. It is a solid 3 MOA rifle.


A big thanks to the instructors, Scouts, their parents and Jon Davidson, Scout leader who made this event possible.
Thanks Jon for bringing the grill and a warm lunch!

And a huge thanks to out Founders who paid the price to secure our liberties.