A small, but excellent event!
This event was an attendee's dream - only 11-12 shooters and four experienced instructors, mostly sunny skies and a nice breeze. Thems who considered attending this event, but did not - you missed out for sure. There were brave women who were easy on the eye and all you can eat ribs - OK, the ribs were at Sonny's BBQ.
But seriously, it was a stellar event and a total of four Rifleman were revealed, an unusually high % I must credit to the caliber of the attendees and the grit that they displayed.
Tim and Matt were first of 11 to arrive on Saturday and they were to set the tone for the day - everyone got there early, allowing us a "jump" on the day. After a brief opening speech, I offered the true story of one Lt. John William Finn, in honor of Memorial day. Several attendees were already aware of his passing. Funny, when I mentioned him at a BBQ on Memorial day, not a single person had ever heard of him. It just goes to show how great Appleseeders are.
For thems not already familiar, LT Finn died on May 27th, 2010, just one month shy of his 100th birthday. He was the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor awarded to the men who fought in the attack on Pearl Harbor. LT Finn was a hero. Like all other heroes, he wasn't born that way - he was revealed in a time of crisis. He took 26 different wounds that day. LT Finn placed a high price on Liberty and on December 7th, 1941, he paid dearly. May he rest in peace.
The safety rules and line commands came back verbatim in short order thanks to the close attention paid and in no time we were assigning targets and posting Redcoat targets. The results thereof showed room for improvement, so we all forged forth in the tradition of our storied ancestors.
It was warm, but Lady Liberty offered us some cloud cover and a cool breeze - something Floridians pray for in the summer. After some solid demos, 1" squares were engaged. The groupings were encouraging. We had a retired pilot named Debbie who was shooting a 1022 with factory sights and it didn't take long to see that she is an excellent shot. Michelle had returned, deeetermined to get her patch. She also brung her dad, Gene, and it was great to meet him (He was one of the ones who knew about Lt. Finn).
Hornblower, AKA Dave, brung two fine Patriots with him - Gary and Carole. Way to 7th step HB! 70 years old, but still a Marine at heart, Dave toughed out the Florida heat and shot very well - it's like riding a bike right?
ThaiFighter got his "little" brother Stuart to come back out and it was great fun watching the two of them engage in sibling antics, such as TF declaring that he had to "lead" his brother with his BB gun when they was kids! :---
By Saturday afternoon, Michelle scored 218 and immediately declared that she would don the orange cap in the service of Liberty - God bless you Michelle!
As we were finishing the second AQT on Saturday Afternoon, the skies began to darken - Lady Liberty had held off the rain as long as she could and it was about to pour. The shoot boss could be seen scurrying about like a squirrel before a winter storm!
ItsanSKS was driving the line hard. He had the shooters post their Redcoats in a medium rain and just when it began to pour cats and dogs called "Shooters! Your prep period begins now! The shooters looked at their line boss with disbelief. He's joking right? No, he's not! He expects us to shoot in the rain! Of the eleven brave souls on the line, only two would get down into full prone position and suffer the ravages of Mother Nature's full fury. Were they hairy-legged men? Were they battle-hardened veterans or X-Special Forces soldiers, well accustomed to adversity?
No, they were both women - Michelle and Kaye. Both very lady-like women actually. I rather doubt that they could even see their targets clearly in that rain, but they were in prone - soaking wet and not a complaint from either of them. In the words of "Bama", an Applseeds instructor from, well, you know where he's from: "I'm proud as a game rooster to have rode with ya". Ya'll have grit and I'll never say diffrnt. O0
Now all of them shot their Redcoats mind ya, but they did so in standing to stay as much out of the rain as they could. They still got wet, but Michelle and Kaye got a lot wetter. I was proud to offer my shooting jacket to Michelle as she began to shiver. Could the line boss have let up and called a break - sure, but would our ancestors have done so - no way! In the end, the shooters survived the challenge and as we all know - adversity breeds character - something Appleseeders seem to have in spades!
Sunday dawned with a very wet target line and so some repairs were in order and quickly made. There was less cloud cover and breeze, but still a nice day. After we were about to start, Kaye's friend Eric showed up to take another crack at that wask-a-wee AQT. We got him signed in and on the line PDQ.
After a brief review of all of the basic points of instruction, we set into practicing for our final exam - the storied AQT. Squares and proper prone position. Sitting and more squares. Transitions! Will it ever end? The rounds went down range and the water bottles were emptied - the shooters kept up the pace despite the heat.
We were well ahead on time and so it was decided that we would do "ball & dummy" prior to lunch. As I stood there and listened to an entire line of 22s plinking away, it occurred to me. How are these fine Americans expected to develop a flinch, buck, jerk, or blink shooting 22s? I could stand it no more! I gathered up a .30 caliber rifle and let five rounds go in a hurry (Too large a hurry as I pulled a 5MOA group and that sharp-eyed pilot, Debbie caught me! - worse, when I was listing off my excuses I used the word "about" and she caught that too - Note to self: never match wits with a woman who is smarter than you are).
Well, owing to the 16" barrel and muzzle break on that .30 - there were plenty of flinches to be seen. It was a cruel trick >:D, but mission accomplished. All of the shooters now know the sound of a HP rifle and what it can do to your concentration. Next time I'll pay closer attention to making my shots count as well as making noise.
An instructor handed me a target - it was a Rifleman score! TF's own brother had made the grade - 'course it's not like TF was going to tell him so. He'd let him sweat it out - that's what big brothers do right?
About 2:30, two shooters were culled from the main line to shoot full distance. TF and ItsanSKS took Stuart and Gary off to offer them some advanced instruction prior to shooting at 100 yards (the max distance that MG&A offers on the area 51 range - they go out to 1000 yards on their public line). They shot at 4" squares and then stage four targets from prone. Both of them shot well and much was learned.
As the day wore on two more Rifleman were revealed - even besting their own scores! Stuart shot a 220 and Eric a 219, with Gary coming in at 217 - three more Riflemen for a grand total of four out of 12 shooters - possibly the best % I have seen to date. Outstanding gentlemen!
Kaye, one of our brave women from Saturday had been shooting very well on Sunday and turned in a score of 209 - ouch! She was crushed - especially when she was informed that anyone who shoots a 209 must go into the nearest body of water! To make matters worse, the nearest body of water was quite blue in color and smelled, well, pretty bad. The instructors felt duty-bound to let Kaye off the hook just this once and she promised to attend the shoot in July to finish what she started. 8)
Near the end of the day, it did sprinkle a bit, but nothing like the day before and after eight AQTS, all were well exhausted. That BrownBess is always my first choice for Sunday PM line boss - he's the king of the "AQT Grind"! And so after a brief benediction to remind us all of our greater purpose - to maintain the traditions of thems who came before us, we all said our goodbyes and headed for our vehicles.
This was the smoothest event that I can recall and I will place the full credit for that on the fine instructors and most excellent attendees that were in attendance. Every shoot boss dreams of an event like this one and I pity the poor souls who missed it. :wb:
To all who were smart enough to take advantage of this great day and fine event - it was an honor to work with you. Spending time with ya'll gives me hope for our future - that's why I Appleseed. To Willorith, ItsanSKS, and ThiaFighter - you are the best! To Michelle - welcome aboard. Please PM me with you contact info so that I can offer you some study materials and possible dates for working events.
Ranting and raving about what ails our great nation is pointless - Appleseeds is the cure for what ails us. Come on in - the water's fine! O0
Sincerely,
PHenry
PS: Pictures to follow
Thanks again to all the instructers. Couldnt have asked for a better event, with a better group of people. Sorry I missed the downpour on saturday, but just as PHenry said, yall were troopers O0
Thanks again guys, see yall soon.
-Eric
Wow, PHenry, I was there . . . but your telling of it sounds even better! I can hear your voice in your writing.
Thanks so much to all of the red hats for the excellent instruction. 209 is the best I have done yet, but is the worst place to end up on a Sunday afternoon. So close, and yet so far.
I will be practicing, and I will see whomever shows up at the Fort Lauderdale event on July 3 & 4th. That wouldn't be such a bad weekend to earn my rifleman's patch.
About shooting in the rain: It was raining so hard that I could barely hear the line commands of ItsanSKS. His voice really projects, so that should tell you how loud the rain was. No one was on their mats, so I looked down the line and yelled to anyone/everyone "Can I go?" I was so afraid that I was jumping the gun (pun acknowledged), because no one else was on their mat. My brain didn't realize that the other shooters were staying out of the rain until after we finished that target. Good times, good times.
I have all kinds of burns and scrapes and sore body parts, but it was a great time, and I can't wait until next time!
We had a great group of instructors and a great group of Appleseeder's.
The weekend was very well organized and really moved along.
PHenry did a great job as Shoot Boss and was ably assisted by ItsanSKS, BrownBess, Willorith, and Thaifighter.
Willorith did the First Strike and it was a fantastic presentation.
The instruction was great and BrownBess was most helpful to me.
PHenry recited from memory, some of the great speechs made by Patrick Henry and other Founders.
It was hot, and that really got to me.
We had some great gals in the group, and they really stuck it out.
I was fortunate to have recruited three of my friends, Debbie, Gary, and Carol.
Gary shot Rifleman at his first Appleseed, and Debbie shot a Ruger with factory sights, and shot it very well.
She can shot the eye out of a squirrel at 100 yds!
Carol also did well, and I was proud of all of them.
Me, I need a lot more dry fire and shooting position practice.
My contribution was 33% of the class!
I am going to wait for cooler weather before my next Appleseed.
I sure would like a November/December Rifleman's Boot Camp.
I am going to keep going until I get that Rifleman badge and that Orange Hat.
Dave
Thanks PHenry, crew, and attendees. I love reading these after action reports!
Well, what a hot weekend, at least for the shooters who were banging away the big scores, everyone was making great progress even with the heat and rain......and bugs......here are a few images from the event....and that watermelon on Sunday, almost like a picnic.....thanks Itsansks........
Well, Ole' Woody made it out to another Appleseed this last Memorial Day weekend.....the weather was mighty hot, so I stayed in the shade most of the time, and when it started down pouring, I had to get outta that as my old joints really swell up if ya know what I mean....How about those persistent shooters literaly swimming to shoot their Redcoat target. And our good friend Ruth who showed she could clear the 200 yard Shillouete, notw that is one persistant woman. Debby and her bone stock 10/22 was really amazing also, I don't think I have ever seen someone shoot so well with stock sights, Great Show Mame...Kaye, 1 more point and you would have been there, good thing you went swimming the day before, We all know you will be able to break out of that 209 bracket, great show to all, and Dave, just do more dry firing and streches at home and you will be able to get into some of those sitting positions. Well, that is enough for now, be seeig you at the next Florida event, but I am bringing an umbrella this time and a big Fan or two......
Woody
Added a few pictures I shot at my low vantage point...hope you like
Whoops, almost for got Kaye!!!!
One ShootBoss Scurrying like a Winter Squirrel
Great replies, but I would have expected nothing less from such great students and crew. Hope to see everyone of ya'll agin soon!
PH
Sounds like a great time! Wish I could have been there.
Congratulations to ReagansMom--that orange hat looks good on you!
RickB
Rick B, we did miss having the Oldest Redhat, there.....see you soon.....Bess
Thanks for the pictures! Didn't someone take a photo of me right after the rainy redcoat while I was soaking wet? PM me if it's too awful to put up on the forum. ..:..
OK, I wrote a long beautiful piece about the sense of camaraderie shared amongst our group, how great it was to be with my dad, how i wished my husband was there to see me don the orange hat, many thanks to ALL the instructors for their patient diligence... yada yada yada... and then i lost my connection and it's gone! :wb:
so here's some pictures instead ....
Quote from: RickB on June 02, 2010, 02:40:37 PM
Sounds like a great time! Wish I could have been there.
Congratulations to ReagansMom--that orange hat looks good on you!
RickB
Indeed, orange and purple bring out the best in her. I think we all felt a surge of pride the first time she barked out "WHOSE RIFLE IS THIS!!!!"...
at her dad no less! **)
What made this event so rewarding to me was the overall improvement of all the participants. A high percentage of riflemen scores is great, but seeing everyone progress in leaps and bounds is the real reward.
For those who did not score rifleman I would like to
tell you to get your butts back on your mats and drive the &@$*#% rifles like we know you can! offer you my deepest heartfelt sympathies... ++)
It was a pleasure meeting everyone and seeing old friends join us again. It was a privilege to work with an instructor crew that had such depth as this one. As always, you all remind to remain humble as I have much to learn.
I thought I'd be stoked to have my first weekend off in awhile, but I find myself restless to get back on the trail. Starke looks well staffed for such a small line. I might have to make my way up to watch, spend some time honing my short distance shooting on the 300 yard line and cook up some ribs for the crew. O0
LOL - I forgot about that....it just came out so naturally!
I'd like to see the "after the rain" pics too... probably taken by some hairy-legged man too girly to get down on the matt... :-[
I'd like to have you in Starke, Wiley. I could arrange to bring a mess 0' ribs, if you are cooking.
Eric ducked and shoved while I was snoozing and I landed in Shoot Boss for Starke. I would welcome another Red Hat on hand. Mo Red Hats is mo bettah
It was good to once again work the line with so many dear friends. Seems forever since we've had such an opportunity. Judging by the progress made in our students, it is something that we should strive to achieve as often as is humanly possible.
Many thanks to Manatee Gun and Archery Club for allowing us to hold this fine event. They have proven to be quite an asset to the Florida Appleseed Project, and are deserving of a hearty Thank You from all of us.
Alas my camera was eating batteries left and right, and so I was unable to take nearly as many pictures as I would have liked. Those that I did salvage are posted below, in slideshow format. (just click the picture of BrownBess) If anyone would like a copy of a picture posted here, please PM me for the original.
(http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/EngineBuilder/Myakka%20Appleseed%20May%202010/th_BrownBess.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/EngineBuilder/Myakka%20Appleseed%20May%202010/?action=view¤t=0e3cefb8.pbw)
This was my first appleseed..... what a fun couple of days! I appreciate the conviction of those who are involved, especially during this time in history.
I am humbled by my own long line of ancestry. My family represents the most revered pioneers of this country . After arriving in the Americas, they later settled into Central Florida where they overcame diversity and worked to build communities and a way of life as we know it today. They built farms, raised cattle and developed communities thoughtout this central region. Today, much of what was vast open prairie is now concrete with people moving here constantly from around the world. Still, our family is well grounded and remains strong thoughtout this area though our younger generations have not encountered the rugged conditions our early family members did.
I find the renewed appreciation of ancestry and heritage by Appleseed members to be up lifting.
The shooting program is simple. It's something that can easily be duplicated and this makes it a tremendous teaching experience. You become a better student when you "teach".... therefore, Appleseeds initiative to create instructors is our opportunity to become better, more accurate riflemen among shooters.
I enjoyed the individual characters between participants. The over all climate was positive where instructors worked to provide a regiment of shooting disciplines we could learn and become familiar with. Over time, the shooting steps, instruction and cadence became routine.... which enabled us to be more relaxed and shoot instinctively as well as using mental control.
Over all... this was a terrific learning experience.
I have only one negative concern; "To be a good and worthy leader, one must be responsible for those we lead, where and how we lead, keeping a constant eye to avoid unnecessary risks." ("JL Hollingsworth Jr. Major WWII") It is with this having been taught to me from childhood I would like to discuss one very serious issue. "Firearm Safety" was priority throughout our shooting element. Each instructor and participant took a portion of responsibility to keep our firearms safe and pointed in a safe direction. We did this because we worked to prevent accident or injury.
However, a summer lightening storm came along....the lightening was striking close as it rained heavily with water pooling on our shooting mats. Instructors insisted to "carry on".... instead of taking 15-20 minutes to allow the rain and lightening to pass... we were expected to lay (shoot in prone position ) in standing water, with a dangerous electrical storm dancing lightening within dangerously close distances all around us. The entire time we're under a steel framed canopy on concrete covered with water. I have witnessed death as result of these storms and went out of my way to discuss this with an instructor... at which time I was told "keep that to yourself".
I refused to partake in the experience....I lost respect for those who eagerly coaxed participants onto those mats as a good and worthy leader NEVER puts their followers in harms way if it's not necessary.
The storm arrived late Saturday afternoon during the final portion of the days activities. It would have been a reasonable call to simply pause in wait or stop for the day.... you see, within about 20 minutes the rain stopped, the lightening was much farther away and it was safe.
The instructors stood well under the canopy roof during the entire rain, while laughing at participants laying covered with water and enduring blowing rain. None could see their targets but they gave a gut wrenching "try". My question is... "to prove what"? To prove to an instructor they'll lay down in the water with lightening.... and for what significant reason?
If this had been for "necessity"... to save our country or to save a life... perhaps the risk would have been justified. However, for leaders to encourage such a ridiculous task and allow participants to expose themselves to that risk...leaves little doubt as to the poor leadership qualities that was used during that situation.
Appleseed is an awakening giant...it's is in its infant stages.... lets keep it alive without risking loss, that can be avoided.
flnativegal,
As you are unable to see the instructor section of the forum, you are not privy to the discussion therein that has addressed this lapse in judgment on my part. Within minutes of the last attendees departure this serious error was being debated in our after event de-briefing as well. The line boss got carried away and I stood like a bump on a log and did nothing. As the shoot boss for this event, I must and do take full responsibility for the potentially dangerous error. It won't happen again. On that you have my word.
While I would take issue with certain parts of your description of the events, I will not quibble over the details. You are right - better safe than sorry, and as a 50 year native resident of Florida, I am well aware of how dangerous the lightning here can be and should have stopped the COF. I appreciate your opinion and will heed your council in the future.
Fred says that running an all-volunteer organization is akin to herding cats. We do our best, we stumble, we learn and we improve. Regardless of our unpaid status - there is no excuse for exposing any attendee to undue dangers. Thus far the Lord has thankfully seen to fit to save us from ourselves and our myriad mistakes, and my gratitude thereof has no limit.
Hope to see you again on the trail,
PHenry
It is not my intent, nor do I look for ways to harm anyone... my remarks are to improve these events and prevent potential disasters. I appreciate the fact that lightening was "addressed".... you do recall "our discussion" of that.
On another note.... which type of TECH sight is the best for the Rugar 10-21? They show two... a TS100 and TS200.... one has a dual leaf flip aperture, the other... a single adjustment aperture.
The cost difference is no concern, I merely want the best... though I'm not familiar with either. If you, or anyone, has experience with these... I would like the most reliable, most adaptable to our type of shooting.... you see... that "210" is well within my sights!
Thank you,
flnativegal,
Please forgive me, but I do not recall the specifics of our discussion. However, your remarks were taken precisely as you intended - as constructive suggestions to improve safety. You see, Appleseeders are not allowed the luxury of ego. For anyone to be harmed by your remarks would require letting that old beast - ego - get in the way and while we are all human, as Appleseeders we do our best to keep that piece of gear stowed at all times. ~~:) As I am possessed of an enormous ego - I am forced to use chains to keep mine even partially confined - something I work on every day.
As I said - you were / are right and I was wrong. Mea Culpa. Thankfully no one was harmed by my poor judgment. The entire Florida crew will work to make certain that we never allow a COF to get in the way of safety agin, as I did last weekend.
As to tech sights - either model is fine. I chose the more expensive version as it allows windage and elevation adjustments in the rear sight. The less costly version is similar to the M16A1 rear sight, in that it allows only windage adjustments, mandating that all elevation be done with front sight. Not really a big deal either way.
What is a big deal with either model is the installation process. We have had many problems with the sights coming loose, primarily owing to the soft alloy of the 1022 receiver. It is what it is. Loctight is absolutely needed. I used the blue flavor initially, but the solvent that I use to clean my loaners broke it down and caused a failure that resulted in a stripped out screw hole. The simple solution to that problem was crude, but effective - permanently effective. I used a product called "JB Weld" - no more problems.
I must say that the instructor LTRs (Liberty Teaching Rifle) go through sheer hell, and you might well have zero problems on yourn. Mine have seen tens of thousands of rounds and are still very accurate and very reliable. We have one Florida SB who only cleans his LTRs after five events! Personally, I am afflicted with a mental disorder that precludes such treatment of any mechanical device. :-[
There is an LTR thread on the forum that contains what is surely the world's single greatest repository of 1022 info. Every modification imaginable is discussed in great detail. For me, I like box stock, other than the tech sights. A mag release or trigger job would merely rob the users of an opportunity to improve their character through adversity, and as well know - the American Rifleman thrives on adversity.! 8)
Hope to see you "on the trail" again soon,
PH
This message is to PHenry and Itsansks.... and anyone else who is able to discuss this topic with me.
I am currently working on building a youth camp here in Central Florida.... it will have a variety of activities including a top grade range for youth, it will consist of a complete with twenty station sporting clay course, rifle, pistol and archery berms and also, a full trap and skeet course.
I also have a private range at my farm where we may be able to hold AS events, providing it's suitable for my schedule.
Since I am the Youth Program Director and have the task of developing this from the ground up... I am interested in bringing only top shooting instruction on board with us. I am currently working with NRA shooting instructors who eagerly volunteer their time to assist with our shooting events... if "AS" would be willing to join me... I welcome you.
D
flanativegal,
We have our hands full, well, not really - we have our hands well more than full right now. I am having trouble keeping the events already scheduled properly staffed. It's not for lack of instructors qual'd to do so, but for lack of instructors willing to step and do so. As such, the lion's share of the work falls upon a small number of us.
Appleseeds instructs only in rifle marksmanship and heritage, however, our requirements for instructors are many times that of any other organization. If you want to git top notch instructors for your youth camp - send them to an event. I will see about comping their fee if their primary purpose is to work as a volunteer instructor for your youth camp. That would be a decent start.
If you really want the best - have them work their way up to red hat and then split their time between the two. You'd git great instructors and a high level of safety, as well as something only AS instructors can provide - the heritage and Applseeds would get a few more shoulders to the cart to help us save the country - win / win!
Another option would be a RBC - slated for later in the year. That's a week's worth of intense education aimed at creating instructors.
As for Appleseeds sending you instructors - we would if we had them to spare, as I am sure we all laud your efforts to create a youth camp.
That's my .02 - we'll see what ItsanSKS has to say,
PH
How about running Appleseeds when the camp is established?
Depending on the age of the "utes" you might be able to have a mixture with adults; thereby feeding the pool of potential instructors.
You might even get some of the parents of those attending the camp.
We certainly would welcome use of a range in SW Florida.
hb,
That's certainly a possibility.
PH