Marion Road Gun Club in Macon, GA hosted a two-day Appleseed clinic on 7-8 April 2018. Rain in the forecast did not dissuade seven stalwart shooters, who came out to hear some American history and learn traditional rifle marksmanship.
After introduction and a safety brief, students shot their first redcoat to gage skill level. Results indicated that we had a little work to do. We rolled right into instruction, teaching steady hold factors, six steps of the shot and natural point of aim, each lesson put into immediate practice with a drill following. These shooters learned their lesson quickly; many placed the majority of their shots "in the black" by mid-day.
Throughout the day, shooters heard the true story of April 19th, 1775 through the telling of the Three Strikes of The Match. The history of Paul Revere's ride, Lexington and Concord was told to share the fact that we are all inheritors and stewards of liberty and freedom that was purchased at such high cost.
Lessons were given on talking targets, Inches, Minutes and Clicks and firing in rifleman's cadence. Targets paid the price as shooters learned and applied the fundamentals of shooting in seated and standing positions.
The Appleseed Qualification Test (AQT) was shot Saturday afternoon. We had those among us who knew what they were about. Andrew T. shot an impressive 214/250 to earn his Rifleman patch. Not to be outdone, Ryan F. shot a 210/250. With 210 being the minimum qualifying score, Ryan earned a bath of North Bridge water. Congrats gentlemen!
Six shooters returned Sunday for continued practice. After a brief sighter period, we rolled right into the first AQT of the day. A review of Saturday's instruction was given and specific drills were ran to work on natural point of aim, transitions to seated and prone, magazine changes and the six steps of the shot. After a second AQT, we saw a few shooters get oh-so-close to that qualifying score.
Lunch was followed with tales of Dangerous Old Men and Brave Women before we headed back to the firing line. One more AQTs was shot Sunday afternoon in rapid fashion. This time, Randy L. brought home the fabric with a score of 218/250. Huzzah! Young Cayden L. got so close, shooting a score of 198. This was a good group of shooters.
Full distance shooting was taught, where students learned how to apply come-ups and deal with wind at extended range. The lesson was put into practice as we backed up from 25 meters to 100 yards. After an initial string of fire, students applied Inches Minutes and Clicks to get their hits on target. With zeroes confirmed, we engaged in a little friendly team competition on a series of steel targets. Randy took first place, winning the much-desired Appleseed coozie. 2nd and 3rd place were awarded to Andrew T and Cayden L., respectively, after a 3-way shoot off at 9 MOA steel in the standing position.
Thanks to Marion Road Gun Club for being such a faithful and hospitable host. Thank you all, shooters, for your teachable attitudes and enthusiasm. It was an honor and privilege to work with you. We hope to see you again.