Dublin was the venue for an outstanding Appleseed event. In spite of an unfavorable weather forecast, we were favored by nearly ideal conditions and 15 enthusiastic students. We began by emphasizing safety and the purpose and mission of Appleseed and then heard an outstanding version of Strike One by Bolt212. Then we moved to the firing line and shot our first Hits Count! target. Next we covered all the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship in one block, including Sling Use and the Steady Hold Factors in prone, Natural Point of Aim, and the Six Steps. After carding all the sights to emphasize the technique and importance of Natural Point of Aim, we concentrated on the squares targets for most of the rest of the day, with teaching modules covering Rifleman's Cadence, Talking Targets, Inches-Minutes-Clicks, and finally Steady Hold Factors in the sitting-kneeling positions, Transitions, and Steady Hold Factors in standing or offhand.
The students had all brought their lunches and the day was beautiful, so we sat outside together and had lunch, then heard a fine rendition of Strike Two. We continued to focus on squares targets after lunch, even using them to shoot in Standing or Offhand. Then we did a few "drills" on the squares targets to show students how to use Talking Targets to reveal skills that need improvement, and we emphasized that students must make themselves into Riflemen by using the skills learned at Appleseed, then teaching those skills to others.
Saturday afternoon break was spent in hearing a wonderful Third Strike of the Match, before we returned to the Line and worked on the AQT targets. Although we do not emphasize the Rifleman patch, but rather the virtue and value of Liberty, we are always happy to recognize marksmanship achievement. Robbie H. achieved a score of 215 Saturday afternoon and was awarded his patch. Significantly, we also awarded a number of Young Patriot patches at the Saturday benediction, including Ryan H., Cameron and Andrew F., Asa L., Dylan M., Bradley E., and the very youngest Appleseed student of whom this instructor is aware, the very mature 5 year old Chase D. It was a special pleasure to work with such dedicated and enthusiastic young students, who are destined to be the leadership of this country in the coming generation. As a matter of fact, this group of students, both young and not so young, was among the safest, the most teachable, and the most enthusiastic group of students with whom this instructor has ever had the pleasure to work.
Sunday we began, as usual, with the safety briefing followed by the first Hits Count! or Redcoat target of the day. Then we reviewed all the teaching modules of the previous day, allowing our students to answer questions and teach most of the material themselves (did I mention before what a great group of students we had?). After a few squares target "drills", we began the "AQT grind". We again ate lunch outside together while we listened to a most moving recitation of Dangerous Old Men, Brave Women, and Gallant Children. Then we went back to the "AQT grind". Sunday afternoon break was spent learning our final Appleseed component, Actual Distance, before we all moved back to 100 yards and shot a 4 MOA target. Students learned that what works at 25 meters also works at 100 yards. We went to our targets and using the skills learned in Inches-Minutes-Clicks, made appropriate sight adjustments before shooting our final 100 yard target, making sure not to lose track of our Battle Sight Zero established at 25 meters. Significant fatigue having set in, we then conducted our Sunday Benediction. It is significant that Mark and Mandi F. shot Rifleman Sunday and asked for, and received, the Orange Hat. Their sons Cameron and Andrew shot well but not quite to Rifleman standards yet, but still wanted to enlist in the struggle for Liberty so asked for a Blue Hat, which was cheerfully awarded. John "Pop08" C. re-qualified over the weekend and was awarded the Orange Hat. Eric S. shot well but did not want to wait to get involved in the struggle for Liberty and received his Blue Hat, getting his initial orientation Sunday morning and working the administration table while the Line was adjusted to get closer to the berm. And Asa L. received his Blue Hat Sunday, making the whole family except the baby sister into Appleseed volunteers.
Sunday evening we all left the range having enjoyed the company of fellow Patriots and stalwart Americans. If the other participants feel the way this instructor does, we can't wait until our next Appleseed event together. Huzza!!
As DrJohn said, this was a wonderful AS top to bottom. Safe, enthusiastic students who seemed to enjoy the history and soak up the instruction.
That was quite a sight to see the 5 year old Chase reach into his pocket for a cartridge between shots!
And boy did the students ever step up. 7 hats given (nearly half the students!) show that there are folks out there who want to spread the message. Huzzah!
I've never seen a more attentive, dedicated group of shooters at one event. Very encouraging!
A great weekend indeed! I will repeat the previous comments about the shooters. They were outstanding! O0
It was an honor to present Robbie with his rifleman patch Saturday, and then Sunday, Mark and Mandi showed everyone that riflemen do persist!! ~~:) The husband/wife duo both scored convincingly in successive AQTs. Congratulations to the whole family for taking hats!
It was great to see the young shooters and their eagerness for the skills and the history. Little Chase was a joy to watch over on Saturday. I thought I would be babysitting the whole day but he had a determination and development well beyond his 5 years. I've seen a few teenagers (and adults) that could learn from this young man's behavior. Another Huzzah!! to all the young shooters. :---O0
Dublin is truly a great Appleseed venue. I urge all those in the area to 7th step and fill those lines for the next shoot! Get them to an Appleseed! Persist!!