What a great weekend to kick off the 2018 Appleseed season at Orwell. The first of three events at this venue for this year. :F
Saturday started off a little chilly, but no rain (and no snow, either). Sixteen shooters came ready to accept the challenge that an Appleseed event can present. Things had been a little wet during the week, so there was a bit of mud, but nothing that could get in the way of this group. We began the day with a solid discussion on how safe we would be during our weekend together, and the four safety rules, how to ensure that our rifles were made safe, and a high-level preview of the weekend.
The morning opened with the traditional Redcoat, and boy did we send them running for the hills. Of our sixteen shooters, nine showed proficiency at 100 yards, six at 200, four at 300 and two at 400. We even had three join in with Daniel Morgan and Calvin cleared the Redcoat, right out of the gate. :---
After instruction in Steady-Hold Factors, the Six Steps to Firing the Shot and Natural Point of Aim, we took on a few sighters, then moved to the clubhouse for lunch and the First Strike. The afternoon brought more practice and the Second Strike and, after another Redcoat, cleared by Calvin, Jeremy and Jeff, we ended the day, tired but "more learned", with the third strike and a benediction.
Sunday dawned bright, clear and cool, although not quite as cold as Saturday had been. After some refreshing refresher, presented by the CrazyDuckHunter, we were ready to return to the line. This time, there was no question that those Redcoats were on the run, as all scores improved from the prior day. Calvin wiped out his third Redcoat of the weekend, showing the team an example of just how tight a group can be. O0
After a drill on Carding the Sights and an introduction to the AQT, everyone was ready for the new challenge. With higher than expected attendance and a limited number of positions on the line, we were able to adapt and overcome by shooting in flights. By the end of the day, we had the opportunity to work in four AQTs and even had time for a little friendly team competition. With only three shots allowed per shooter (accuracy is a must when you only get three tries) Team 2 took home the prize. Congrats to all!!! ^:)^
Before the weekend was over, the names of four new Riflemen were added to the ranks. None had previously attended an Appleseed event. We also had two previous attendees, who were able to requalify.
Appleseed would like to thank the Orwell Gun Club for providing the range for our event, and we would also like to thank everyone who participated in our event.
Lastly, thanks to our instructor crew. Without you, the event could not have taken place. :bow:
One last thought...
:pics:
If you have them, feel free to post them...
What a way to start the event. A Redcoat on the run!!
Getting down to basics, with some solid instruction...
Taking it from the classroom to practice...
What a great weekend. A great big thanks to all attendees to this event at the Orwell Gun Club. The Memorial Volley for me was very sobering. What a great remembrance of our shared heritage and especially of April 19, 1775. That was a special moment for me.
Thank you to everyone for the assistance in set up and a great big thanks for the assistance with clean up on Sunday. Much appreciated.
Remember. We will do this again here at the Orwell Gun Club in June and September.
A little more study time, then back to the line...
All of the hard work pays off...
Then it's back to the basics with a Carding the Sights drill...
Then it was on to the AQT challenge...
By the end of the weekend, all of the hard work had paid off...
Team 2, with high average score...
Closing out the event by honoring our future...
Once again, thanks to Orwell Gun Club and all who participated in the event.
See you down the trail.
I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of the instructors for this weekend. There's a definite skill to not only providing a safe environment, but also instructing in a way that benefits everyone from seasoned shooters to newbies like myself. I signed up for this event primarily in the hopes of improving my marksmanship, and although I didn't achieve rifleman (this time) my targets simply don't lie in showing the positive results.
This being my first Appleseed; what I totally did not expect was how much I would enjoy learning about our countries heritage. Like many people I've heard parts of these stories over the years, but you all have definitely inspired me to learn more.
Anyway, thank you again; all the hard work is appreciated more than you know. I'm definitely coming back... and next time that pesky AQT is going down! :)
HUZZAH! What a great Patriot's Weekend at Orwell! Mike, Dan, Sarah, Calvin, Jeff, and everyone else, it was great having you step up to the line and drink from the firehose. I hope to see you all back on the line soon! Keep persisting and I see many rifleman scores happening. Jeff, congrats on stepping out on your first time and shooting score, even without me bumping you ;D
I must admit, the memorial volley gave me goosebumps. I hope it did the same for the rest of you.