Madison County Sportsman Club
Winterset, IA
July 17-18, 2010
We started Saturday morning whit twenty eight eager students. It was hot already when we fired our first Red Coat of the day, and it continued to get hotter and hotter. We made good progress through the morning, but were definitely ready for a break at lunchtime. Iowa-Mark told some of the First Strike, and then we were back out in the sun. The afternoon moved by fast. After a break in the afternoon for the rest of the First Strike we practiced transitions, and shot the first AQT of the weekend. Whisker gave the Second Strike before we fired our second Red Coat. Even though it was an incredibly hot day there was great improvement shown.
Saturday night gave us a great thunderstorm which dropped about two inches of rain. The puddles that dried up on Saturday were full again for Sunday morning. Thankfully the temperature was not nearly as severe. We only lost six shooters, and everyone came back ready to learn more. After some review and Ball and Dummy the AQT Grind began. On our first AQT of the day we got two Rifleman and a Riflewoman. At lunch Iowa-Mark told the Third Strike. After some more AQTs Whisker explained about Wind Doping and Trajectory. We acknowledged the third Rifleman of the day, and headed back to the firing line. It was time for my favorite part of Appleseed, the TV Target. Sunday finished with a few more AQTs and two Rapid Fire AQTs where another Riflewoman emerged. After the last Red Coat of the weekend we gathered in the shade for the last of the history and the Seventh Step.
It was another great group of Iowa Appleseeders. Even with the weather not being very pleasant there weren't any complaints. My four IITs, Ron, Bryce, George, and Vic did a tremendous job. Iowa-Mark and Whisker were a great help as well. I look forward to reading the article and watching the video that our guests from New York were putting together. It was a pleasure meeting you both. I am especially thankful to the Madison County Sportsman's Club for allowing us to use their facility. I hope we can find a space on the schedule to get back there again this year. Thanks again to the great group of students. I hope to see you all on the Appleseed Trail again soon.
Alex
As Alex pointed out it was HOT Saturday, I heard a heat index of 105-110 degrees! Everybody stayed hydrated and found a little shade when it was needed and we continued on. Normally I would have considered Sunday's temperature hot also, but after the previous days temperatures it seemed down right cool on Sunday. :cool2:
I believe we had 28 shooters and 6 made Rifleman.
This was my first Appleseed and I probably went into it with a little different perspective than a lot of people do; I have thousands of rounds of experience in position shooting and figured I pretty well knew everything there was to know about it, I was wrong. While I already knew and practiced all the 6 steps to taking a shot, having an experienced instructor there critiquing me and recommending slightly different ways to do it than I did was priceless. I can honestly say my shooting improved.
The thing I'm happiest about learning at Appleseed is not my improved shooting skills but my improved teaching skills. I'm confident I can now pass on the skills I've learned to someone else, the seed has been planted.
My son didn't make Rifleman but his shooting definitely improved, more importantly he's now excited about shooting and can't wait for the next Appleseed.
Thank you to all the instructors: Alex, Whisker, Mark, Ron, George, Vic and Bryce. I hope I didn't forget anyone, if I did it wasn't intentional. Thank you also to the Madison County Sportsmen's Club of which I'm a member. The club members are very excited about the event and we're definitely planning to host another Appleseed.
I don't like to brag but I feel if I don't mention it I would be doing a disservice to the instructors so, yes I made Rifleman. Thanks again.
This was my first Appleseed, and it was great to be a part of a group of hardy Iowans as well as a few visitors. Lots of sun and heat during the day, and a storm that threatened to take the tent away at night didn't seem to shut down the show.
I hope the guys from the New York Times enjoyed themselves and give a good report of the good people of Iowa.
I really appreciate all of the instructors. You guys showed passion in your speeches and the teaching was first rate. I've got a few new things to work on. I was focused so much on putting everything together and ignoring the heat and fatigue. I must say that when I finally scored Rifleman it was a relief. This is just the start for me. I want to practice, solidify and integrate my new skills.
I really liked the rapidfire on the TV target and the AQTs in 4 minutes. I got all of my shots on target in 3:45 with a bolt on the AQT. 100 rounds in less than 9 minutes! Now that was fun!! Oh, I just found out that bolt actions are supposed to be slow.
Seeing a teenage girl make rifleman was another highlight. As I told her before she qualified, her good shooting shows that she is teachable. It gives me hope for our youth!!
The breaks were sure welcome. A chance to cool off and hear about April 19. 1775. There were times the emotions stirred, especially as Alex concluded the talk on Sunday.
I am looking forward to more Appleseed activity in Central Iowa in the future.
Blessings,
Dave
"Show the bolt no mercy." (Jeff Cooper)
This was our (my wife and I) first Appleseed shoot. I appreciate all of the guidance that the instructors gave. Definitely educational and refreshing. I had taken a 'Basics of Riflery' course in college. I felt like the instruction and guidance that we received at Appleseed was more devoted and focused than the course that I had in college.
My only regret is that it wasn't closer! Maria and I left Sunday afternoon and missed out on some more shooting since we had to drive back home. Sounds like you all had quite a bit more fun.
I think I'll be picking up some Tech Sights soon. We'll be trying to make it back out with you guys. I definitely want that Rifleman patch! :---
Thanks so much! You guys were all great. We appreciated it.
Take care,
Gavin
Looks like a great shoot was had by all. From reading all the recent AARs, it sure sounds like the whole nation is getting quite a bit of hot, humid summer weather. We've certainly had our share in the deep south. Anyway, I certainly hope the NY Times treats you fairly. Please let all of us know when the piece will be aired, and maybe you could even provide us with a link to it. Best to all.
Dick
Yes, it was hot and sticky and miserable, BUT we had twenty-eight great Patriots who stuck to it, persaveared and learned both marksmanship and History. It was a pleasure and an honor to work with you all. And yes, Chris, you learned something about teaching, about passing on the Tradition, about helping others see what they can achieve. That's why you are going to look SOOOOOOOOO good under one of those Orange hats O0 ;D **).
The video of our event is up now.
http://www.nytimes.com/magazine/ (http://www.nytimes.com/magazine/)