I was initially disappointed in the low registration numbers for this shoot. The Patriot's Day weekend historically has always been one of our most popular events. However, that disappointment didn't last long for this group of 16 was truly a memorable event. One couldn't ask for folks with a more teachable attitude.
The day started with the Red Coat Qualification Target and one shooter actually cleaning the first Red Coat. I forgot who that was, but I'm guessing it was Josh, Grissom, or Bob. If not, sorry, that's what you get when the Shoot Boss doesn't write stuff down. All shooters made good progress throughout the day, and the ending day one Red Coat had 14 of 16 shooters qualifying compared to 8 in the morning. Expectations were high for awarding multiple Rifleman patches on Sunday.
Sunday started the day with 3 less shooters and we were sorry not to see them come back. Jeff, who shot really well on Saturday, and I had the expectation that he would earn a RM score Sunday, had to leave at noon for a family emergency. Jeff, my heart and prayers go out to you. I look forward to seeing you again on the line for that patch, and the opportunity to talk you into an orange hat.
We had more center fire rifles than I've encountered in quite a while, 7 of the 16 shooters. ITSANSKS volunteered to teach an unplanned KD session, and since the range wasn't busy was able to utilize the Rife line for some 100 to 300 yard shooting. Hopefully, we won't get any Club member complaints about using the non-scheduled range.
Great weather was had, hopefully no one got sunburned on Day 2! It was great seeing old shooter friends again: Grissom, Bob, Ken. Ken shot multiple RM scores for his first patch, and Bob repeated with the high shoot score of 228(?). Bob ran all Day 1 with a lever 30/30, next to Grissom with his AR-10. Lots of noise on that end on the line! But the prize for the sound of liberty has to go to new shooter Verne who sported an enviable 30.06 M1. I think because of his M1, I signed more CMP training certificates than I have even at way more attended shoots!
We had several shooters knocking on the ole Rifleman door. Mandy, one of our new students was cracking 180 regularly with an AR. A RM patch is certainly in her future. Incredible progress. Reina shot more consistently than I've ever seen her shoot. Multiple scores over 205! So, so close. I think if we added your top 4 target scores, you would likely have been the number two shooter, only falling to Ken. Keep it up, you are almost there. Reina's brother Luke shot a 211 to earn his patch. I still remember their Dad shooting a 210 and getting a bucket along with his patch. Luke joins his Dad, Mr. Clean, in the Appleseed Program as he volunteered for an Orange hat. Huzzuhs for our new and repeat Rifleman!
For my Junior shooters, Curtis and Aidan, work on those six steps during dry fire to up your skill level and make it repeatable. Of course dry fire is the answer for everybody, there is no better (or economical) way to practice your steady hold positions factors, and those pesky transition stages. You can PM (personal message) me (eert) on this Forum for a good Dry-Fire Appleseed article, pdf targets, sling instructions, etc.
I hope to see many of you again. I was pleased to note that Mandy is already signed up for our next shoot in May up at Farragut State Park. We must be doing something right!
Lastly, thank you Instructors, it is always a pleasure working the line with you. Sensorguy, our newest IIT came up from Walla Walla to join us. I forgot to allow him to relay his version of the Intolerable Acts, so you all have me to blame for that. You'll just have to keep coming until you get to hear it! BorderRun, Mr. Clean, Roland, Sensor, and our guest Instructor ITSANSKS did a great job of interacting with the students to help them progress as shooters.
Since tomorrow is Patriot's Day, how about everyone who attended tell at least one person some of our April 19, 1775 heritage!
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when the known dist class was going on this was above the berm on the hill. all photo taken from equip line.
up at the known dist line
more KD
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the hike
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per request
Hats off to EERT and crew, you guys ran a great event. I'm happy to have been able to help out.
First, I'd like to talk about the range. The Fernan Rod and Gun Club (http://www.frgc.org/) has multiple bays, offering shooters opportunity to try out many different disciplines. Nestled in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, FRGC is surrounded by absolutely gorgeous scenery. Not as gorgeous as Alaska, mind you, but gorgeous nonetheless. :P
This weekend, students and instructors alike were able to enjoy fantastic weather for this outdoor event, with temperatures ranging from low-to-mid 50's in the morning, warming up to mid-70's in the afternoon, with clear skies throughout.
When I arrived at 0730 on Saturday, I found the Shoot Boss, EERT, already had things well in hand. An 'old hat' at this, Pat was busy getting a registration table set up, certain that more than a few of our students would arrive well before the scheduled start time. Meanwhile, his son, known as Roland here on the forum, and "Mr. Clean", were busy putting their well-deserved Red Hats to work, coordinating the construction/assembly of the target line. I fell in under the direction of these competent instructors, ensuring that our targets would be placed at the requisite 25m (82'), and that the firing line was ready to receive students.
It was not long before students began trickling in, and the instructors made sure that everyone got checked in and assigned a slot on the firing line. As shooting mats, ammo cans and coolers made their way to the line, the feeling of anticipation began to build.
With all the necessary pre-event paperwork complete, Pat got the festivities started with a Pledge of Allegience to Old Glory, then began our morning safety briefing. Covering everything from the Four Safety Rules, to maintaining proper hydration, and how to make a rifle safe, the safety briefing was a whirlwind of information, an omen of what was to come.
After every student was able to express an understanding of the Four Safety Rules, they were released to their vehicles to bring rifles to the line. They were then introduced to their nemesis, the Hits Count! target (affectionately known as the Redcoat target).
The Redcoat target features four reduced size silhouettes, scaled to represent the US Army "D" silhouette at 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards, when posted at 25m. This target is used Saturday morning to determine a skill baseline, prior to any marksmanship instruction. Each silhouette requires three rounds, with the smallest target being all but impossible to see through iron sights.
By and large, your average fellow Americans are incapable of scoring three hits on any but the 100 yard silhouette. The students we had in Coeur d'Alene were decidedly NOT your average Americans. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but I distinctly remember being surprised at the number of students who were able to successfully engage not only the 100, but the 200 and 300 yard silhouettes as well! One fine shooter was able to successfully engage all four silhouettes, making ragged holes appear near the center of his targets.
Far from being satisfied with their above-average performance on the Redcoat target, our students were eager to delve into the marksmanship instruction, and we instructors were happy to oblige. Over the course of the next few hours (which really were a blur) our students were introduced to concepts such as using a sling to support their rifles, the Steady Hold Factors for multiple positions, (prone, seated/kneeling and standing) along with esoteric concepts such as The Six Steps to firing a shot, and Natural Point of Aim.
With their heads full of information, but their stomachs running on empty, the Shoot Boss called a halt to the festivities, allowing the first break in nearly 4 hours. As the students took a break to ravage their food supplies, Dirk and myself presented the first two Strikes of the Match- the story of the birthing pains our nation underwent on April 19th, 1775.
Our students learned of the true events of that fateful day, when the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired. In thoughtful silence, they learned of the lives lost, sacrifices made, all in the hope, that one day, the people of America would be free from the oppressive rule of tyrants. They learned that, while "taxation without representation" was a rallying cry for politicians, defense of Liberty was what motivated shopkeepers, farmers, blacksmiths and tanners to take up arms against the greatest military ever known- an act of pure defiance, without but a shred of hope, an Appeal to Heaven, for their success.
The remainder of the day was a blur of activity. Changing targets, performing Rifleman Calisthenics (transitions from standing to prone, or standing to seated), practicing magazine changes, all culminating in the introduction to their final exam, The Appleseed Qualification Target, or AQT.
The AQT is a timed and scored test, requiring mastery of the techniques taught at Appleseed. It has multiple targets, scaled to represent silhouettes at 100, 200, 300 and 400 yards. Each target has a scoring ring, and Only Hit Count. Shooting from field positions, at tiny targets, with ridiculously short time requirements, the AQT is the anvil upon which we hammer out Riflemen.
Our students first go at the AQT was lackluster at best. A full days worth of instruction had sunk in, but they were dog tired. Rather than belabor the obvious, that our students were exhausted, Pat ordered up the final target of the day, an opportunity to again engage the Redcoats.
Showing the same grit and persistence as their forefathers, our students made ready to do battle against their nemesis. Prepping mags, devising strategies, they each moved toward their rifles with grim determination.
As the dust settled and the smoke cleared, our students showed that they had certainly been paying attention throughout the day. Every single one of them were able to successfully engage at 100 yards, with the majority able to engage at 200 or even 300 yards. There were even a few who cleared the target, successfully engaging at all distances- no easy feat, even for a seasoned Appleseed vet.
I'd like to thank the students and instructor cadre for this wonderful experience. With my work schedule being what it has been, it is not often that I am able to make it to Appleseed events. This event reminded me of what I've been missing, rekindled the passion that I have for instructing. You've recharged my batteries, and I hope that in some small way, I was able to help you all as well.
Upon returning home to Alaska, I was disappointed to read that one of the early founders of Appleseed, Chris "The Guy" Gibb passed away this weekend. The Guy was an inspiration to many instructors, myself included. Working dozens of events every year, often times on back-to-back weekends. I fondly remember reading his posts on this forum, wondering where he drew his strength; how in the world could someone work so very many events in a single year?
I learned a little about that this weekend.
An instructor spends time away from family, friends and their home, but returns rejuvenated. The smiles, handshakes, the marked improvement in marksmanship, and most importantly, the better understanding of the ideals of our founders, make it all worthwhile.
An external tribute to The Guy:
http://www.gunssavelife.com/?p=20811
What a great crew of yellow,red and green hats! The range was in good shape.The weather was spectacular.What a lucky group of students we were.Thank you.