While setting up on Friday afternoon with TomM1Thumb, DeadEyeRed, Rambo Granny, and Brian, the skies started looking really ominous. As we finished up and had everything staked down, the rain began. During the night we "enjoyed" heavy rains and gusty winds. By the next morning the range resembled a small lake. Thankfully, the actual firing line was mostly free of standing water although the rest of the range was very wet with large amounts of standing water. Our target line even began to sag a bit due to the soft ground but we managed to shore it up. Now, about our shooters: they were fantastic! On Patriot's Day we had 13 shooters on the line and it was apparent that it was going to be a very good day in America. The skies had cleared somewhat and a steady breeze kept folks cool. The soggy conditions were an annoyance but everyone took it in stride. After the first Redcoat target of the day, we got down to business and began hammering the foundations of rifle marksmanship: Six Steps, NPOA, and solid position. We had six ROTC cadets from Embry-Riddle University who were learning marksmanship in order to participate in a cancer fund-raising event in May and they soaked up the instruction like a sponge. The accuracy of all of our students rapidly improved and the extensive use of loaner rifles did not seem to matter in the least. By the end of our one day shoot, we had revealed a new Rifleman. Congratulations to Milton, who knows very well what he is about, shooting very solid Rifleman scores, not once but three times, with a high score of 241. Huzzah! Very close, but not quite enough, were the scores of Joel and David, who were heartbreakingly close. One more day and I do believe they would be sporting new Rifleman patches. There is always next time... To everyone, thanks for coming out to celebrate Patriot's Day with us. If you have photos, comments, or just want to add to the conversation, please chime in. Kudos to Rambo Granny, DeadEyeRed, TomM1Thumb, Tomblin, Gray Man, and Ridefun2 for making this a very successful and safe shoot. You guys rock!
Lest we forget, here are the Patriots who we honored with a Memorial Volley.
ROBERT MONROE-- age 63
JONAS PARKER-- age 53
SAMUEL HADLEY-- age 29
JONATHAN HARRINGTON-- age 30
ISAAC MUZZY-- age 31
CALEB HARRINGTON-- age 24
JOHN BROWN-- age 32
ASHAEL PORTER-- age 29
ISAAC DAVIS-- age 30
ABNER HOSMER-- age 21
JAMES HAYWARD-- age 26
JOHN RAYMOND-- age 44
NATHANIEL WYMAN-- age 59 (?)
JEDEDIAH MUNROE-- age 54
And, finally some photos by RG. How 'bout some more? Anyone?
Hello
I had an awesome time with some great people, and on a great day, 4/19/14. I had some great instruction to help me get my proper technique and achieve my score above 210. I was honored to able to achieve my patch on shuck a great day, a day I will never forget. Thank You, again and I can't wait to continue to participate in the project appleseed. Here are a few pic's
Milton
Mg427
Our Shoot Boss, working hard to make us better
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I may have to change my screen name to "Boots"... There are some things that you cannot un-see. Hey, it was a style statement. Mg427 nailed an AQT with a 241. Imagine what he could do when not coated in mud!
Haha Bruce, I mean Boots! ;D
I started laughing when I saw that picture of you at the target line. Looks like you all had a lot of fun despite the weather. Kudos to our new rifleman - I'm sure there would have been others had there been a second day! Wish I could have been there! Thanks for coming out to honor the patriots who went before us.
Minutemom
Rambo Granny that Orange hat is so faded you should think about a new one! ;)
Greetings to all. New to Appleseed, but not new to shooting. Great event at the New Smyrna range. I had never been taught in entry level unsupported precision shooting but the terms and instruction was very familiar and very well done. Enjoyed myself thoroughly, smiling even as I reached for the advil for sore muscles that evening, before cleaning my rifle. You'll see me again, as I work towards my qualification. Thanks for a great organization and a Saturday well spent.
This We'll Defend,
Rich