I was not sure what to expect, never having been to this location. And carrying all the shoot supplies on the plane took me back to the early days of the program, long before "shoot boxes".
Bates City, pop 245, is but a bump in the road out to the range, which was a very nice facility way out in the country.
We were located 175 yards downrange on a 200 yard "bay" with room for prob 2-3 times the 27 who showed up Saturday in superb weather - temp in 70's and a cloudless sky.
The local club not only provided a professionally-maintained range with a 20+ foot backstop, but club officials were very supportive of the program. At lunch we adjourned to the shade of the covered firing line 175 yards back up range.
The folks who showed up for this AS were dedicated to one thing: Learning to shoot.
In the AS tradition, we worked 'em pretty hard, both days, and five of 'em (at least!) made rifleman (HectorFuego, if you have an "official count of Riflemen" I hope you will post it). At one point Sunday, we were giving out rifleman badges so fast I was somewhat worried we might run out!
But I didn't hear any complaining, and what I saw was people really working to improve their shooting, which is about all the reward any instructor can ask for.
Actually, for instructors, the real reward is those we reach with the Story of April 19th, 1775, so let's see how many we connected with who will volunteer to help us out in this program. There were some definite nibbles at the event. O0
If any participants reach this far on the forum, I hope you will post your impressions and comments (and pictured, if you have them), both good and bad, on this Appleseed. Did we work you too hard? Did you improve too much? >:D
Are you thinking of getting out of that proverbial "deck chair", and helping us save this country?
I agree with the new Rifleman count of 5. I've been at every shoot we have had at Pioneer Gun Club, and I have to say that overall this was the best group of shooters I've seen. After seeing what they did on the squares, I was a little surprised that we only handed out 5 patches. Still 20% is a pretty good success rate.
One new Rifleman brought his son who looked to be 10-12 years old. That young man shoot every string of fire just like the adults...no bi-bod or artifical rest, just sling up, get into position and shoot. While was not quite able to qualify, he was shooting some seriously respectable scores.
Congratulations to everyone there. You all worked very hard, and you all showed improvement.
Hector
It was an awesome shoot! Instructors rocked, the program rocks! One always learns at an appleseed, and feels fresh at the end of it, probably because they have been in the company of patriots. The antis are always trying to eliminate the "gun culture" by separating us from our roots. One reason shooting ranges are under attack, but that post probably belongs in the Missouri section.
But feedback? LOVED it! :D
There are no antis, just folks who haven't been to an Appleseed yet! O0 glad you had a good time!