This was an event that will not soon be forgotten, by anyone who was in attendance!
Saturday morning started off wonderfully, with temps in the low 80's, bright sunshine, and a fantastic breeze cooling everyone off.
Starting with the safety briefing, and an advisory to remain hydrated, Sly223 offered an enthusiastic retelling of the 1st Strike Of The Match. With the tone for the weekend set, and our students eager to begin learning the fundamental skills of rifle marksmanship, we began.
Starting with the "Hits Count" (Redcoat) target, our students showed obvious signs of unfamiliarity; few were able to make consistent hits on the 100yd silhouette, let alone make the 'Virginia shingle shot'. Much work to be done!
Undeterred by our students inability to 'hit the broad side of a barn, from the inside', the instructors began by working out the kinks in the first of three shooting positions- Prone. Having demonstrated the 'proper' prone position, introducing the students to the "Steady Hold Factors", we put them into their 'preparation period', and started working with them one-on-one. "get that elbow under the rifle; pull your trigger knee up; stop dragging wood!" Phrases that haunted me after my own first Appleseed are sure to be still echoing in our attendees ears...
By achieving a solid prone position, and through use of the sling as an aid to accuracy, our students quickly started to experience improved marksmanship... These folks had definitely brought their teachable attitudes!
By adding the elements of Natural Point of Aim, and an introduction to the "Six Steps to Firing The Shot", the marksmanship ability of our students was really cooking. Shooters who had been unable to achieve 'minute of target backer' were now putting down a solid 6-8 minute of angle group, and there were some who were already maintaining the Appleseed Standard: 4MOA or better!
Observing that there were still some issues to be worked out individually, but not having the time to do so one-on-one, it was decided to introduce to them the "ball and dummy" drill- each student had the opportunity to coach a fellow student through a demanding course of fire- keeping an eye out for the 'common firing line errors', such as blinking, flinching, bucking and jerking. Having drawn out, diagnosed, and eliminated many of these errors, our students 25m groups really improved.
After a brief respite from the firing line for lunch, wherein Sly223 presented the 2nd Strike, our students were introduced to the various sitting positions. Always a treat on a full stomach! They also caught their first glimpse at what would later be introduced as the AQT; for now, they only knew it as 'those darn small targets that I can barely hit from this position". Getting them used to the idea of "Rifleman's Calisthenics" (Transitions) and helping them become adept at magazine changes, they were ready for their third, and final shooting position: Standing.
It was at this very moment that Mother Nature decided that she had been nice enough to us. As I was in the middle of preparing the shooters for their first standing course of fire, the heavens unexpectedly let loose. Clear, bright skies turned black in a heartbeat. The dull, constant breeze became a 35-40mph wall, intent on blowing down everything in its path. The skies opened up, unleashing a torrent of horizontal rain that ensured that EVERYTHING became thoroughly soaked. Our only source of shelter, the canopies kindly donated by volunteers and fellow Appleseeders, attempted to take flight; the modest 'tent stakes' intended to secure the canopies were no match for the awesome fury of Mother Nature, and it was all we could do to hold them, and ourselves, to the ground.
Seeing that the current situation was unsustainable, and that either our strength, or that of the canopies was going to give out, I directed the hasty disassembly of the canopies' legs. As we lowered the canopies to the ground, we quickly took shelter under the roof sections. (this would have been hilarious to watch, I'm sure, as both attendees and instructors alike pulled the legs off the canopies, then lowered the canopy tops down on top of themselves- seemed like a good idea at the time!) As we were sitting there, huddled close to one another, in the confines of the canopy, thunder was heard, and it was CLOSE. Instantly, our shelter from the effects of rain, with its steel support members, became a serious detriment- nobody wants to be hanging on to a lightning rod in a thunderstorm! Briefly ensuring that all rifles were safely arranged under the canopy tops, students and instructors took shelter in the (thankfully) nearby vehicles. Watching the progression of the storm via live weather radar, and by observing the conditions of the range rapidly devolve, (the target backers had all decided to take flight, most rifles were now under water, and the radar showed nothing promising for at least two hours) I decided to cut short the day's marksmanship instruction. After the worst part of the storm (as signified by a blood-red blob on the weather radar) had passed, I advised the students to QUICKLY gather their gear, starting with their rifles, and then proceed to the relative safety of the campground.
Once gear and rifles were stowed, vehicles parked, and dripping wet students gathered round, Sly223 proceeded to deliver the 3rd Strike Of the Match. We then held a brief discussion on how to properly deal with the effects of a rifle that had literally been under water.
Students were eager to divest themselves of soaking wet clothing, and being the 'nice guy' that I am, I released them to their vehicles, after asking that they return at 8:00am, so that we could get an early start- we had to make up that time somehow! >:D
Sunday morning started much as did Saturday, with bright, clear skies, and a fantastic breeze that kept the felt temperatures into the low 80's. After her tantrum the day before, and the effects that it had upon the canopies, I decided that the canopies should not be utilized- with no sure way of securing them against an instant thunderstorm, I felt that 'better safe than sorry' was the prudent course of action...
Making up for lost time is always a fools errand, though we *may* have succeeded at it. The 'set in stone' Course of Fire was thrown out, and we briefly recapped the previous days' instruction, starting early with the fire-hose of marksmanship instruction. Covering all the points of instruction in record time, though ensuring maximal understanding among our students, we were able to begin the "AQT Grind" at a record-setting (for Florida, anyhow) 10:00 AM. With 4 AQT's under our belt by lunchtime, I decided to introduce our shooters to a 'readers digest' version of the Advanced Marksmanship Techniques. Two of our center-fire students were selected to go to the Full Distance line, to try their new-found skills at a range that offered shooting out to 500yds. As these two rapidly discovered, their groups at 25m really did equate to their group size at distance.
With ammunition being depleted at an amazing rate, and this only being eclipsed by the rate of energy decay, it was decided to end the weekend on a high note, firing the last course of fire- the "Hits Count!" target. Eager to prove their abilities had improved, our shooters made NPOA adjustments, fired in cadence, and when required, made smooth magazine changes, firing 13 rounds at five different targets, all in under two minutes... These folks were at the top of their game, and the scores proved it- many students were now solid 2, and 300 yard shooters, with one only missing clearing the target by a fraction of an inch!
On behalf of the RWVA, and the Instructors present at this event, I would like to thank everyone in attendance. Your perseverance through adverse conditions, the instant camaraderie shown by all, and the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone, all serve to refresh my confidence in today's America. With folks like you getting out there, making a difference in our communities, it won't be long before this country once again becomes "A Nation of Riflemen".
A special thanks to the Baden Family, without whom this event would not have been possible. By opening your hearts and home to the Mission of Appleseed, you are serving to ensure that the liberties, freedoms, heritage and traditions of our founding generation are instilled within the current generation, thus preserving it for our posterity.
In Liberty,
ItsanSKS
PS: To those who were seen snapping photos at the event, please be sure to post them up, for all to see! If you have difficulty uploading them, please feel free to send them to my email: RWVA@Live.com
PPS: As Sly223 said, our only payment for services rendered is the feedback we receive; be sure to let us know what you thought of this event, good, bad, or ugly!
Right you are: an event that I will not soon forget! This was my 3rd or 4th Appleseed, and although my scores were poorer than usual, I learned a great deal: not only about my heritage and rifle marksmanship, but what I was about.
Before I get into anything else, I would like to first address the actions taken by Appleseed Staff during a rapidly evolving crisis situation. Quite literally, the weather degraded from, "Appleseed doesn't stop for a few drops!" to, "Shooters, your next course of fire will beHOLY S**T!!!"
As ItsanSKS mentioned, he was quite literally halfway through a sentence when the heavens opened: Winds gusted instantly to 40 miles per hour or more, and a torrential rain started seconds later. In seconds, the attendees moved as one, securing the legs of our shelter as the sheer force of Nature maintained its initial fury. Immediately, ItsanSKS saw the danger posed to personnel and property (the wind was blowing our shelter towards the attendee's POV line) and commanded and realized the removal of the legs, assisted by his IITs who moved and acted with the force of purpose. Not seconds after that was accomplished, lightning and thunder that had not previously been present made themselves known to us, and ItsanSKS promptly ordered the attendees out from under our metal shelter, only after ensuring all rifles remained safe. The IITs mettle was tested as several attendees briefly considered staying in place, but Appleseed Staff quickly convinced them otherwise, and the worst of the storm was ridden safely out in our vehicles.
I cannot stress enough the actions of Appleseed Staff: every correct decision was made and realized at the right moment to ensure the safety off all involved in what could have been a terrible event. I cannot offer praise high enough to the staff, and their actions, that day!
My attendance was in jeopardy due to the charming nature of my employment: as such, I was poorly prepared, both in terms of gear and mindset, and therefore preformed accordingly. This is NOT a reflection of the excellent instruction I continue to receive from those here in the Florida program! The points of instruction were clear as ever, and I can offer no suggestions for improvement in that regard.
The facility, however, does have a few sore spots: I am covered with no less than 50 insect bites of various type, several of them quite significant: we might kindly ask the property owner if he could spray the camp area and 25m line, it would be a fairly small amount of chemical. The terrain also posed challenges on the 25m line: twice I was forced to take a knife to a stubborn piece of undergrowth that created the lovely "balancing golf ball" effect on my support arm. A fresh mow, or even better, a nice piece of sod along the 25m line from a hardware store, would be wonderful.
No pictures this time, camera was left at home along with many other essentials! Hopefully another attendee will be along shortly with their work!
Thanks again to all the true professionals who put on this event!
what a great event excellent quality of people, Premeir venue. I think we got through to several people that showed marked improvement. I know I will see these faces again they were excited through the exuastion and adversity. Thanks for you kind words .PPTRanger. I would like to hear from some of our other patrons.
P.S. Thank you ItsanSKS, for a quality event and a great experience and learning opourtunity!
Just a short response here. The venue was terrific! Rocky Creek Ranchhas a great setup today, and will only get better as they continue to improve their facilities. The 25 meter range is huge, and they have no artificial restrictions that would limit how the instructors can teach of how the students can shoot.
The instructors were amazing. You can tell they all know what they are doing, and are passionate about what they teach.
But since they also asked us for suggestions on how to improve, I do have one idea. I think it would be helpful to have some signs on the area roads pointing people to the site. Rocky Creek Ranch is kind of out of the way, and it's easy to miss the road.
This was my 4th appleseed and first time at Rocky Creek. This is by far the best venue I have experienced ! Special thanks to Chris for the accommodations and smoked chicken Saturday night.
Words cannot describe the thunderstorm event but I will try. Out of nowhere 30-40 knot winds and torrential deffening rain. It seemed like everything was becoming airborn towards the cars. Through the chaos we hear clear concise instructions from ItsanSKS as to how to deal with the cannopies. Everyone responded immediately and worked like a swiss watch to remedy the situation. The effeciency of both students and instructors at this task was AWSOME. Keep in mind it was the first day so alot of us didn't even know each other yet they functioned like a well oiled machine and stayed calm while doing so.
I especially enjoyed the known distance range. Coming from south florida it was a real treat to shoot long distance as we have few if any ranges that long.
enclosed is a pic of the 300 yard firing line.
Thanks to all who helped ! I had another great weekend at Appleseed !
Hey everyone,
Last weekend was the funnest weekend I've had in months. I learned so much and really had things start "click" about halfway through. I've been telling a few of my buddies to go check it out (hopefully they'll go to the Myakka City event at the end of the month).
All me and Ly could do was laugh when we were in the truck waiting for the rain to die down a little bit. The weather couldn't have been anymore perfect as ItsanSKS was saying oh Appleseed doesn't stop for a little rain, the canopy lifts up and I'm holding it down. While Ly (my girlfriend) tried to hold it down also, it looked like it was going to take her for a flight.
I'm glad a few of us stayed to clean rifles after the storm (recovery ops never get completed after you've had a nice shower and the bed is a few feet away). I had to spend some time getting the water and mud off my rifle.
ItsanSKS: I liked the joke about guns have to enemies, water and politicians.
Sunday was fun, especially moving getting to take it out to 300 yards. (Ly got some good pictures). I can't wait to come back in October for the RBC, I'll be getting my dad a rifle and bringing him out for his first Appleseed event (tried to talk him into going to the Hernando event this weekend but instead were going down to Myakka City to practice a bit, and show off my new skills :--- )
Heres a link to the album: http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/floridafx4/Appleseed%2014MAY11/ (http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/floridafx4/Appleseed%2014MAY11/)
Next event I hope I can break into the 210 barrier
Cameron,
Nice to hear from you sir, you definitely posses all the skills, I think you were a little caught off guard at first as I was, you were also so excited that you were unable to relax, and convinced you could muscle your way through. Practice, (patiently) O0Dry fire it's no joke do ball and dummy at home with Ly. No Ball, just dummy and dry fire. One thing you may not have heard this weekend,Practice does not make perfect,Perfect practice makes perfect. An Honnor to work with you,Sir!& Ma'am! I also breathed with my lazer to help with step#3.
Cameron,
I'm having some trouble viewing those photos, the link doesn't seem to work...