On a chilly Texas morn., we set out at 5:30 a.m. to traverse the 3 hr. jaunt to Davilla from Arlington. The previous day we had completed our 15+ hr. drive from central Illinois, getting temporarily waylayed in Joplin, Mo. due to the Christmas Blizzard of 2009.
Not knowing exactly the place, and stopping to grab a Subway on the way, we arrived a bit late to the range as the shooters were heading to their vehicles to get their rifles. But we were excited to be in Texas and to have our two sons attend an Appleseed together. One lives in Grand Prairie and the other flew in from Arizona. Good thing I had my gloves, extra jackets and sweatshirts as it was quite chilly with the wind but I was thankful for the warmth of the sun.
The shooters were attentive and persistent throughout the two days. Instruction was helpful to allow them to "read their targets" and make adjustments toward achieving Rifleman. Perfect practice makes perfect. The instructors were wonderful and Scout did a great job teaching the Three Strikes of the Revolution. Dinky Dao did a superb job not only with the DOM and DOW talks but helping me sight in my new AR-10T which had not been shot before that day. Appleseed instructors are so helpful and very knowledgeable!! Pop, Steve and Castle Mountain took turns calling the line. Great job all!!! ;D
We had three Riflemen reveal themselves during the 2nd day. I am happy to report that our sons, James and Johnathan were two of the three and Steven's brother, Philip, who is schooling in Illinois, made the third. :--- :--- :---
It was great to meet Scout, Dinky Dao, Pop, Marna and hubby, Sally, Still Will, Cap't Moore and Steve and everyone else "Deep in the heart of Texas"!!! Thanks, Scout and Mrs. Scout for the terrific Texas chili and hot dog lunches. :) Having something warm to eat really saved the day!! Dang, it was cold!! :o
I'll be getting the pics I took online soon. They're a bit fuzzy as they're from my cell phone. I'm having trouble getting them out of Adobe to be able to attach them. Hmmm. Still trying to get them into my pics folder. Still learning. Stay tuned... :D
Patriot Gal
~~~ "By George, I think I've got it!!!"
Great write up and pictures Patriot Gal. Thanks to all who braved the cold to make this event a good one.
Patriot Gal,
We all enjoyed meeting and shooting/instructing with you and your family. You sure made that AR-10 look good. Castle Mountain's .338 was impressive as well. I didn't realize that both sons shot Rifleman. Good Job. O0
In all fairness to Texas, and to Davilla, the weather was great. You folks from North Texas should know that. Sunshine and no wind. Temperature is of no consequence. Of Course, I can say that because I have not shot up in your neck of the woods this time of year.
But, I will. ... Next year.
See you on the trail.
POP
BTW, I thought the weather was great for a shoot also. Just that "brisk" breeze Y'all have down there was a bit of an issue. Afterwards, I thought, "Man! I got some sun on my face even with my hat on the whole time". Later, I decided that some of it was WIND BURN!!!! **)
You're welcome spmcpeek. I'm glad I finally got the pics online and in the correct position.
I look forward to shooting the AR-10 again, now that (I think) I've got it sighted in. Just got my sight tool in the mail so next time will be easier. Won't need that .223 shell. Altho' it did work quite well!! O0
Pop, anytime you're in our neck of the woods, you're welcome to stay w/us. We'll just move the rifles off the bed in the guest bedroom and you'll be all set! ;D :D
Stay warm, all!
Patriot Gal
More Pictures
Hello all:
I had a question, but first thanks. Thanks to Scout for the generous use of his land, and Marc & Kevin, Will and all the the other instructors who taught at the Davilla Appleseed for us.
My son, Connor & I did the one in Mid November, and my he shot rifleman at 222, which we were told was high score that weekend.
What a great testimony to your program. He only started shooting last year - we've been maybe 6 times to the range before your shoot. You took a novice to a Rifleman. I laid the foundation, but Appleseed 'finished the building'. BRAVO. (I shot 209, so it's back to AQT drawing board for me!)
OK, my question is: Are there any more Davilla Appleseed Shoots planned ? Or even closer to us, College Station ?
I didn't see them on the Schedule, so I figured I would ask here. Thanks, Texas Minuteman (David)
Davilla will have an April 17-18 event.
Great thanks for the info, and to making it there mid-April.
Texas Minuteman
great report patriot gal and nice pix.
I would love to try and get to Davila for an AS but need to find time (probably hafta take vacation... :cool2:)LOL!
I also gotta get to CS again 1st. :wb: