As another Appleseed Season draws to a close, once again the Gibsonburg zombie shoot is a fitting stamp to a wonderful season. Many new friends were made around shared stories of American Herritage and shared experiences in the quest for better marksmanship.
The Gibsonburg crew found itself confronted with one of the longest lines we have experienced in some time, including many with minimal firearms experience. But in addition to this, these shooters brought a determination to learn safe handling skills and marksmanship, as these Redcoat scores show.
Shooters 100 200 300 400 HS Cleared
Saturday AM 20 8 5 4 1 4 1
Saturday PM 19 19 11 6 3 5 1
Sunday AM 18 18 11 8 6 10 2
Sunday PM 16 15 11 9 1 9 0
Weather was temperamental, but cooperative as the …uh…bracing temperatures of late October Ohio and a cold, spitting drizzle challenged both our shooters and our crew. But, as true rifleman, we persevered. Sunday was still cool, but less damp and gusty, and our intrepid group was rewarded with better weather for the KD shooting on the Gibsonburg 500 yard line, including a bit of recreational shooting as a break, supplied by Gibsonburg Appleseed Alumni Steve Thompson and his Water cooled Browning .30 caliber. Even at this, however, the Gibsonburg crew seized on the opportunity to provide a point of instruction about parabolic arc, using tracer ammunition - the damp conditions mitigating the danger of fire.
As the grind continued and many AQT's were perforated, the day ground to a halt with the yearly Gibsonburg Haloween tradition, carving Jack-o-lanterns with rifle fire. Much fun, and pumpkin goo was had by all.
Three new rifleman were minted, Chuck ( score of 213, 215 and an impressive 232),Lori Bullis ( score of 212) and Mike (score of 218). Good job to all. Several others were closing on their own patches, and vowed to return again for the 2022 season.
As for the rest of my long line, on behalf of my crew and the bottom of my heart, thanks for a safe shoot and a great end to another fine Appleseed year. See you down the trail
Aim small, miss small
Nelson/Mike/ Blindman
Many thanks to all of the patriots who showed up for the Gibsonburg shoot. The early-on weather forecast showed rain likely through Saturday with a bit of clearing for Sunday. The poor weather did not deter participation and we all adapted our shooting points/equipment line to a recently completed shooting area, complete with roof and floor.
The shooters persisted by applying the instruction principals and returned impressive results on the Redcoat target. I think the daily AM and PM Redcoat goes a long way to build confidence with inexperienced shooters. For the experienced, clearing the Redcoat is a true challenge.
The instructor group was kept busy with sling adjustments, clearing ammo jams and answering questions. Blindman is absolutely correct. This was the longest line of shooters we have had at Gibsonburg in many years. It is truly impressive to hear that many rifles letting loose on the various Courses of Fire.
I want to thank Steve Thompson for giving us all an opportunity to experience hands-on range time with antique automatic military arms. Our fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers would be proud (maybe even a little jealous).
I also want to thank Blindman for running an efficient and professional event. Many thanks to the fellow instructors (Cadence, Meadow, Slow-but-Steady and Headhunter for keeping things safe.
Looks like another great event at Gibsonburg. Huzzah!!!
Corvette
Hoozah!!!
Sorry for being a little late posting.
Another successful event at the Sandusky County Sportsmen's Club outside of Gibsonburg, Ohio.
We had 20 patriots on the line which was the most we have had in a few years and the weather finally co-operated for at least the last half of the event!
Congrats to our new riflemen and riflewoman Chuck, Mike and Lori.
We also had two previous riflemen show they haven't lost their skills by re-qualifying. Congrats to Lorri and John.
A special treat on Sunday afternoon provided by Steve Thompson of ADCO firearms by bring out one of newest acquisitions - a Colt manufactured 1919 Browning water-cooled MG.
Many thanks the SCSC II for continuing to support Project Appleseed by allowing us to use their great facility.
Also thanks to the fellow instructors Shoot Boss Blindman, Meadow, Third Degree, Slow-but-Steady and Headhunter
A few more photos