This was a well-attended event at a very nice location in SE Kansas.
The line was almost full, even if the weather on Sat for much of the day was rainy.
Shooters showed remarkable improvement late in the day Sat on the two AQTs we fired, and on the final redcoat target FIVE put three shots on the difficult to see (and much less, hit) 400 yard redcoat.
Sunday was a nice sunny day, and we shot many AQTs. Late Sunday, some shooters went to the long-range for zero groups at 50 yards and 200 yards.
We had shooters show up in all grades of skills, with most trending toward the "total newbie" (which includes the "been so long, and so rusty, I might as well be a newbie").
I was too busy to take pics, but hopefully some of you who were there will post some, along with your comments, good and bad (we always want to improve the program, so honest comments, good and bad, are always appreciated).
Here's my AAR of the weekend. We had periods of steady rain mixed with drizzle and mist interspersed with the occasional dry spell. Towards late afternoon the sky lightened and at least let us dry a little before the sun kind of made an appearance the last 30 minutes. Temps topped out at about 72.
28 shooters with great attitudes showed up on Saturday. Ages ranged from 9 or so up to my dad at 71 years old firing his brand new Daniel Defense carbine at his first Appleseed and first organized shooting event since he left the Army after Vietnam.
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We had laid out enough targets for a double firing line (half shoot then clear rifles and step back, the other half fire then clear and everyone at once checks their targets). The forecasted foul weather killed what is typically close to 50/50 pre-registration/day of registration numbers. We had 31 pre-registered and expected a total of 40 - 50 shooters in good weather. Since the firing line can handle 30+ shooters we just shot as one relay all day.
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We still had a full-to-the-gills firing line with motivated shooters interested in saving their country and looking to learn the art of riflery while picking up some Revolutionary War stories never learned in school!
On to some more photos!!!
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0648.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0648.jpg.html)
The ladies of Appleseed!
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0647.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0647.jpg.html)
The kids of Appleseed!
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0645.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0645.jpg.html)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0640.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0640.jpg.html)
A solid line of patriots
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0621.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0621.jpg.html)
Checking out targets after a string of fire
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Fred regaling us with stories of Revolutionary War heroes
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Can you shoot like a girl?
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Yeah that's three rounds in less than an inch at 25 yards (two just out). Ignore the earlier sloppy rounds.
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My dad on the firing line.
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(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0592.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0592.jpg.html)
A short lecture on the principles of marksmanship
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(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0586.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0586.jpg.html)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0609.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0609.jpg.html)
Pairing off to do Ball-and-Dummy drills
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(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0632.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0632.jpg.html)
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0663.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0663.jpg.html)
On day two mid-afternoon we hit the 200 yard range to try and apply what we learned at 25. It's amazing how a 2" group at 25 yards turns into a large dinner plate at 200.
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0669.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0669.jpg.html)
Slung up tight, NPOA achieved, consistent respiratory pause and good trigger press mean hits on target!
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/bonecreekgunclub/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0686.jpg) (http://s190.photobucket.com/user/bonecreekgunclub/media/28-29%20Sep%202013%20Appleseed/IMG_0686.jpg.html)
Yeah that's 6 rounds (out of 10) in 4 inches at 200 yards.
By the end of the weekend we learned a lot about shooting and the sacrifices made to create this country. A new appreciation was gained for the risks taken and the blood shed.
If you haven't done an Appleseed you owe it to yourself to try!
Americans learning how to shoot and learn about their heritage, what a concept!
Wish I could have been there.
This was our first Appleseed. I took my son and my brother. We had a great time. My son shot a 202, using a bolt action, I shot 219 earning the rifleman patch. Can't really get into what my brother shot, just going to say you have to bring a teachable attitude. Both Fred and Lomshek were great instructors. It's really hats off and a round of applause to those guys. We are looking forward to the next Appleseed, where my wife a daughters will be attending. And thank you to Fred and Lonshek for putting on and instructing at this Appleseed, and hope to see you both again.
Thanks Flatlander! You guys all did great and it was a pleasure having you. Look forward to meeting the rest of the gang next time.