The first shoot of the year in N.Dakota ran well, even with several 'hitches'.
High and variable winds, light to heavy rain and several of the usual equipment failures didn't diminish the resolve shown by those in attendance. Several families with young shooters made this a memorable event. And, the net result was improvement across the board and two Riflemen. HUZZAH!
Saturday ran well with the fundamentals taught and drills of various types used to get folks ready for the AQT's to follow. By late afternoon it looked like things were changing at a rapid pace as the weather came in, I mean it really came in! Mats with equipment were lifted from the wind and then the rain began. Due to the time of the day and well soaked participants the day wound down with a redcoat target. Tomorrow would the start of the AQT grind.
Sunday started cloudy but cleared throughout the morning and after the am redcoat and a tune up on several squares the shooters were introduced to the AQT. By late in the day two Rifleman emerged from the ranks. Bill, a repeat RM made it again with a 215 for score and also committed to taking an orange hat, thanks Bill! North Dakota can use the extra help.
Pete, a return shooter made RM with a 214 for score using a pump rifle. He followed up with another RM score to show it wasn't a one time incident.
All told there was improvement seen thru the weekend and everyone involved enjoyed the experience. Some of these folks traveled from Colorado and Minnesota to attend.
A big thank you to the Bornemann family for the use of their property, holding a dinner on Saturday evening and just having everything ready and in order for a successful event. It made life a lot easier from the instructor's perspective.
It was great to meet the IT crew including AFTREMATH, MrFixit and roantansy. MrFixit has been leading the charge in ND and now with some newer IIT's has a good start on getting the word out. AFTERMATH made the shoot late Friday after working late and getting a flat tire on the way. It was good to meet, sir.
There are 2 ND events listed for this year and there are capable hands to make them run.
A Rifleman persists.
Yes this definitely was a memorable event! I was able to pass my IPC and take a red hat, and we also had the largest attendance at a ND event to date! 28 shooters on the line Saturday!
Thanks again to our Instructors who traveled long distances to help make this all possible. We sure do appreciate it!
I am attaching a few pictures from the event, more to come shortly.. Also you can check out the album on FB here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.903503899675915.1073741836.634529913239983