The day started with decent weather in store. Shooters were greeted and after the opening speech and safety info, rifles were taken to the line and a red coat was engaged. We learned about the Six Steps to Firing the Shot, and then performed a trigger exercise, followed by learning about sling use and the prone position. We then shot a couple of squares and learned the magic of Natural Point of Aim. We shot a few more squares and then learned about Talking Targets before breaking for lunch and hearing the First Strike of the Match. We shot some more squares, learned how to adjust our sights with IMC, and were taught Rifleman's Cadence before heading inside for a break and the Second Strike of the Match. We shot a couple more squares before learning the various sitting positions and then had a chance to try two of them. We then did an NPOA/mag change drill before taking a break to hear the Third Strike of the Match. After that we learned how to shoot in the standing position and shot our first AQT of the weekend. We then headed inside for an awards ceremony where one shooter received a Rifleman's patch. Congrats to Scott and his score of 214! We ended the day with Patrick Henry's speech.
Sunday came with the promise of rain, but almost everyone showed up for day two. We had two more Riflemen from yesterday's AQT! Congrats to Jeff with his 217, and Neil scored over 220! We then got to see an Orange Hat receive his Red Hat. Congrats 6Bones! After a quick review, we shot a red coat, a couple of squares, and an AQT while we were still fresh. During our lunch break we heard Dangerous Old Men stories, and then the rain hit....hard. So we went back inside and learned about Known Distance shooting, the Rifleman's Bubble, and the Rifleman's Dance. We wrapped up the day with a couple more AQTs, punctuated with an NPOA/mag change drill and a Ball and Dummy drill. We closed the event with another Rifleman score, a 215 from Robert V! Huzzah! We also had a couple of ladies knocking at the door with scores over 200! Congrats Cindi and Julie! Keep it up; I see a rifleman's patch in both of your futures!
Thank you again to all the shooters who came out. Remember, perfect practice makes perfect. Every one of you are capable of earning that patch. Get that stable position and shoot every shot by the numbers, following the six steps. Find your NPOA and trust it, shooting in rifleman's cadence. Listen to those talking targets and employ IMC when your groups are small enough. Come back soon and bring a friend with you. Check back here often as I am sure that many will post pictures from the event.
Saturday:
(https://i.imgur.com/C1xvDqV.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/YfmfIB4.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/cnFPxR3.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/xSsouXS.jpg)
Young Patriots:
(https://imgur.com/RAJUVIz.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/ojHULH0.jpg)
Scott's 214:
(https://imgur.com/1K1K8oU.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/TdHGfjk.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/8MSZml4.jpg)
Sunday:
Jeff's 217:
(https://imgur.com/D8c5rhQ.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/R4rdG4k.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/Nc3uOc3.jpg)
Neil's 220:
(https://imgur.com/gzsNymI.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/Oaf1X4n.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/Owip5VT.jpg)
An orange hat retired in style:
(https://imgur.com/vcOKOV6.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/dMv3tKC.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/VHy0ZPm.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/HSCTIrs.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/WLJLcHi.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/lS8uTmd.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/fPHBtMZ.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/ROG0ArE.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/E4m7NZu.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/v77eeVp.jpg)
*apologies to Robert for not getting a picture.
Had a great time shooting and learning with you guys. I'll definitely be back! Thanks again to all the instructors who gave so generously of their time and talents.