Day one of the Macon event is behind us, but what a great day it was! We had a total of 20 shooters ranging in age from 8 to 65 and with experience levels from new to well versed. The weather was overcast skies, but moderate temperatures.
This was our first event of the year at the Marion Road Gun Club, a fine facility.
We hit the ground running this morning and had the first shots off on the Redcoat targets by 9:30. Instruction began shortly thereafter and the shooters were attentive and engaged, as was requested in the welcome speech.
By noon, we were seeing some impressive groups from the left side of the line and much improvement on the right side. At the same time, Mother Nature decided to deliver a shower. Thankfully, the rain was brief. We took the opportunity to break for lunch and hear Jambo's excellent presentation of the First Strike. DrJohn followed with the Second Strike. I was thrilled to see the shooters engaged through both!
We spent the afternoon further honing our skills and running a few drills to help the shooters learn time management and magazine changes. After hearing the Third Strike from brianf31, the AQTs began.
We made it through two AQTs and a final Redcoat. We had one shooter achieve a score of 212 on the first AQT and back it up with a 223 on the second! Congrats Paul and Huzzah!
Several Young Patriots were recognized for their participation. Eric, Daniel, and Joshua were attending their first Appleseed and persisted throughout the day. Joshua shrugged off an encounter with hot brass and was ready to get back to business! Way to hang in there! We hope to see all of you at another event soon.
McKinley was shucking her single shot bolt action all day like a pro. I can't wait to see what you can do with a semi-auto!
Mason continued to improve throughout the day.
Melanie pulled the skills she learned together to have a fantastic final Redcoat!
Don and Bob seemed to be challenging each other for smallest group all day. Watching you two shoot is a joy.
All the shooters improved and I appreciate your focus and effort. You asked great questions and kept up with the brisk pace.
Stay tuned for more....... :pop:
Photos to follow on Monday.
Day two at the Marion Road Gun Club began WET and cool. Rain moved into the area overnight and broke long enough for instructors to get a new target line setup that facilitated shooting from covered positions. Shooters arrived at the same time the rain resumed. With the bleak weather forecast, Instructors were pleased to see 12 Patriots arrive to continue their journey of improved Marksmanship and understanding their Heritage.
The shooters persisted through the rain and groups were looking excellent. We reviewed the shooting positions, six steps, talking targets, and inches/minutes/clicks. Shooters were able to shoot several strings at a squares target and a full AQT before lunch. At lunch, the shooters listened intently to stories about Dangerous Old Men, Brave Women, and Gallant Children.
Safety concerns caused the event to be concluded early when thunder and lightening moved into the area. Shooters were disappointed to not have another opportunity at the AQT, but were understanding of the situation.
Thanks to all the shooters for coming out today, efforts to implement the information presented, and attention. Remember to 7th Step! I look forward to seeing each of you at future events!
What an incredible group of dedicated and persistent students. My commendations especially to our young students Mason, Eric, Daniel, Joshua, and McKinley, who were not only persistent but also attentive and determined. And mentally tough. Joshua handled hot brass on his eyelid in an exemplary manner. McKinley handled her single shot rifle with great determination. And in spite of the predicted foul weather Sunday, we had an impressive number of students return and demonstrate the mental toughness that made America great. What a pleasure to work with such a fine group of people. It is my sincere desire to see all of you again soon. Huzza, all!
First pic - Jambo showing us Rifleman's Cadence.
Second pic - Jambo showing Rifleman's Cadence while brianf31 tells us about it.
Third pic - 76Patriot presenting Paul with his Rifleman patch. Huzzah!
Apparently the SBit needs to designate a photographer.......
Well done and a hearty "HUZZAH" to all!!
What a great group of shooters we had. I hope you all enjoyed the shott as much as I did.
Sorry, SBit I took some photos, but was just slow to upload.
Unfortunately, as Line Boss Saturday PM and with all the rain on Sunday I didn't get as many pictures as usual. (not to mention having to use my phone rather than the camera I didn't bring :wb:)
Jambo gave a fine First Strike
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Dixie Girl and Jambo laid down some awesome instruction on the seated position and Dixie Girl amazed everyone with her Cross Legged Prone position ;D )
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Joshua was a real treat to work with and might have been the safest person there. I look forward to seeing this future shoot boss again on the trail. He had to leave early so we held a small ceremony just for this gallant young man.
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Eric and Daniel showed some great improvement over the weekend and I look forward to seeing you young gentlemen on the trail again soon too.
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76 Patriot was honored to present a patch to Paul, a man who knows very well what he is about. Huzzah!!!
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Guardian did a great Benediction on Saturday and really wrapped things up nicely.
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Well done!! Congrats to everyone!
Roswell and brianf31,
Thanks for posting photos! I appreciate y'all picking up my slack.
Roswell,
QuoteApparently the SBit needs to designate a photographer.......
That comment was aimed at myself and the fact I only had 3 photos.
I know brother. I just like to have more and don't mind doing it. Kicking myself for not bringing out the camera. It takes great pics... when I bring it. :P Then Sunday was too wet to mess with either. I really wish I had gotten some of that river running through the range just beyond the awning on Sunday. It was tight enough as is though with everyone hugging cover (for good reason).
Great job, Red and Orange Caps - I learn something new about our heritage and marksmanship at each event - this one was no exception.
Too bad about the rain, Sunday - you'd think wearing a red cap would let you control the wx (ha ha). It seems scope mount problems got me again the first day. I remounted and tightened the scope in the hotel Saturday night, and it helped on Sunday morning.
Thanx to my fellow Appleseed shooters and instructors for another good event. See you next time.
Semper Fi, Don