20+ trying hard riflemen and women persisted through a weekend of very hot, extremely windy and a disproportionate number of equipment issues at the Palmerton Rod and Gun club this past weekend.
Saturday started with a mix of repeat and new shooters on the line. After the fundamentals were taught there was a significant amount of sight in problems for some but they were well underway for positions and an AQT by the end of the day. Very hot throughout the day made staying hydrated number one priority. By the time the evening redcoat was fired and totaled we had seen a significant improvement for many.
Sunday started overcast but cooler until the wind started to buffet the attendees. Steady 15-20 mph plus heavy gusts beyond that kept keeping mats and equipment in place very difficult. Even these problems did not diminish the attitude of those on the firing line.
Equipment problems plagued many, with functioning, loose and bad sights, zero problems, etc. I've not seen that many problems in one weekend that I can recall, but all weathered it with nary a complaint.
Although no Rifleman were made there were major improvements, like Ryan with a score in the low 200's. That and 2 of the shooters made the grade with cleaning the Sunday afternoon redcoat and receiving the 1st Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment award. Logan, a newer RM and IIT made it along with Tom, a Sunday only shooter who made Rifleman in the past. Great shooting!
The shooters were a great group to work with, all took the instruction well and no complaints about things that could not be fixed, like the weather. Kudos to you all!
All told it was a great weekend working with the Pa. crew of Chainsaw, Jesse O, Redcoat Rival, Arrigetch and Logan. Look forward to meeting up in the future.
The Palmerton Rod and Gun club did a great job making the grounds ready for hosting the event. A big thanks goes out to them.
A Rifleman persists.