Appleseeders from at least five states gathered this weekend near Hot Springs Arkansas to take the next step in the Rifleman's journey and master the Rifleman's Quarter Mile! Some drove from as far away as Michigan, Colorado, Texas and Alabama.
Before I report about the event, I'd like to give heartfelt thanks to the Mountain Valley Sportsman's Association and the incredible people who made this event so successful. Appleseed is fortunate to have the support of so many ranges throughout the country, but the Mountain Valley Sportsman's Association (MVSA) is truly special. Much more than generously making a range available for an event, the club really takes a personal interest in our mission. We had club members, board members and even the club president out all day Friday to help build out the target backers needed for the event and setting up the range. Members of the club made sure there were supplies for lunches both days even hauled a grill out to the range where the event was held. Then they were out with us on the range taking part in the weekend. Thank you MVSA and Ted and Jim for all your support
I also like to take a second to extend special recognition to Appleseed Shoot Boss Bright1. He was out at the range for days prior to the event, building, setting up, getting participants on and off the range to camp before, during and after and basically doing anything that needed to be done. Behind the scenes, he was the first one on the range each day and the last one to leave. He ran the grill while the rest of us enjoyed lunch and our time shooting. This would have been a very different Appleseed event without his efforts. Thank you sir!
It does not take a majority to prevail... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.~ Samuel Adams
The event kicked off with 16 shooters and 8 volunteers. Saturday was a wet one and we were forced off the range in a downpour with lightning. We huddled together in a dark conex container on the range and were regaled with some incredible history as told by none other than Maximum Ordinate himself - the Appleseed National Coordinator! I, for one, heard details from some stories that I had never heard before. Sunday's weather was better than expected and we enjoyed perfect conditions.
Out on the firing line, an abundance of talented Appleseed volunteers allowed us to run both a 25m and 400 yard firing line. Less experienced shooters made impressive progress over the weekend, starting with larger groups on the 25m line and progressing to confirming zeros and getting hits on target at 300 and 400 yards! The "Texas Crew" was again on hand to show us how to "work hard/play hard" while still making big gains on the range. This was only my second event in Arkansas, but John and his crew have been out both times and made for a memorable shoot. We had several range members come out and join in. Ron and Jim worked together on a set of rifles on both firing lines. Ron was seeing Appleseed for the first time and Jim was seriously in the hunt for his patch. If he hadn't been plagued by equipment malfunctions on the second day, I'm confident he would have been leaving the range with a patch. Ted had planned on shooting, but he was so busy with range "work days" and other events that he couldn't get out to the range until Sunday afternoon. And then without warmup or sighters he shot a couple of AQTs and just missed getting his 40 hits! Imppressive!
Several talented shooters also teamed up trying to qual or requal on the 400 yard range. By the end of the event, six shooters qualified expert on the full distance AQT and earned their Known Distance rocker. Swiftongal was the first, just missing distinguished by 1 shot! Quinncannon got behind his rifle and knocked out a perfect 50, and then, just to show it wasn't luck . . . he did it again - 50 out of 50! BuddyLove, Arc Eagle and Jayhawker showed they knew "what was what" behind the rifle and all put together qualifying scores. Not to be left out, on the final AQT of the weekend, Jon managed to not only qualify, but he also earned his distinguished rocker with 48 hits! Nice work!
If we should lose liberty in America, there won't be any free place left to escape to. ~ Mellow Yellow - Cuban Refugee/American/Appleseeder
Maximum Ordinate, in addition to driving 7 hours to help at the event, made this trip to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Rascal21. He personally awarded her Appleseed's 75 event pin! It's a small pin but it represents a giant accomplishment. Of the thousands of Appleseed volunteers who have their events documented in the records, she would be in the top 1 or 2 percent. It represents doing an event every weekend of summer . . . for over SIX YEARS! Congratulations on this milestone.
We also took a moment to recognize the MVP of the shoot. Texas John has been coming over to the Arkansas events for several years, but he doesn't come alone. He's always traveling with 4, 8 or even more shooters to introduce them to Appleseed. As much as any "hatted" volunteer in the program, what he does embodies the spirit and mission of all Appleseeders, to bring the message Liberty to every American and get them to an Appleseed. It was an honor to present him a One Ounce Copper Challenge coin with the Second Amendment engraved on it.
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated. - Thomas Paine
We also have a new orange hat! SticksnStones did the honors and welcomed Comfort to the Arkansas Cadre. Welcome aboard and thanks for joining us!
I only attended on Sunday, but my observation of this event, was that it was very well ran by the instructors! The firing line was ran in a safe, orderly and expedient manner. The KD AQT's were scored in a timely manner, then back to the firing line, in order to vacate and allow more shooters to fill the line.
I also could tell all who were in attendance, from instructors, old hands in Appleseed and new folks to the program were very enthusiastic about the event and very glad to be there, it's always enjoyable meeting old friends and making new friends, I've found that the people involved in Appleseed are the salt of the earth!
It takes a lot to make one of these events happen, so I would also like to extend my thanks to all who made the event happen, the instructors, the folks behind the scenes and MVSA.
Wow, the KD shoot was great, and it set the foundation for everything I want to learn about distance shooting. I came out of the gate feeling good after zeroing the first day and practicing a few 300 and 400 yard shots…. 47 of 50 my first time out. Sunday was frustrating. I was erratic and decided to change ammo. With adjustments made at 25m, I did the distance AQT 2 more times. I shot almost perfect at 100, 200, and 300 yards, only to have my ammo change totally drop out of the sky at 400! I was frustrated, but got some great tips from Quinncannon (as I always do when he's shooting). I can't wait to get out on my range and start calculating and taking some notes and practicing. Then…on to another KD!
Other folks were getting plenty of pictures this weekend and I'm sure we'll see some of them uploaded soon. Until then, here's a couple to wet you appetite.
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The dance that captured the hearts of America
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Congrats to Rascal21 - 75 Events!
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A rifle case for Appleseed . . . And beyond!
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SticksnStones presenting the "Arkansas" cadre patch
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Human weed wackers or chain gang?
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NPOA makes your rifle happy
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Comfort takes a hat - HUZZAH!
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BuddyLove gets his patch
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Jon - gets KD and Distinguished!!!
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This was a fantastic event.
Congratulations to the new and requalifying Rifleman, and welcome, Comfort, to the cadre!
A special thanks to Jim and the board at MVSA for your generosity and hospitality. You guys made this a very special weekend for everyone.
If you're still chasing the Rifleman patch or KD bar, remember: A Rifleman Persists! Dryfire, dryfire, dryfire! Then, come on out to the next event!
In Liberty,
MO
There was some shooting in the rain on Friday before the event. After setting up for the KD, some Appleseeders pulled out their pistols for an afternoon "Pistol Miniseed".
What more can I say, three new Pistoleer™s! These folks can shoot!
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Congratulations, you Pistoleer™s! I am ready for a Appleseed Pistol Clinic, I'm looking forward to attending one.
Also, while I'm at it, congratulations to the new KD Riflemen and the new Distinguished Riflemen. Shooting the reduced AQT is very enjoyable and a great tool to hone your marksmanship skill, but Known Distance AQT's are what does it for me.
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