Marion Road Gun Club in Macon, Georgia hosted a two-day Appleseed clinic on 23-24 April 2022. Ten students came out on a beautiful spring weekend for rifle marksmanship and American history.
After introduction and a safety brief, students shot their first redcoat to gage their skill level. A couple skilled shooters made the tough shingle shot and 400 yard shots. 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 to follow.
Throughout the day, shooters heard the true story of April 19th, 1775 through the telling of the Three Strikes of The Match. Shooters heard the history of Paul Revere's ride, Lexington and Concord, learning that we are the inheritors and stewards of liberty and freedom that was paid for in blood.
Instruction 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.
An Appleseed Qualification Test (AQT) was shot Saturday afternoon. Appleseed veterans Daniel, Wayne and Chris E did quite well. First-time Appleseeders Chris R, John and Lisa showed great progress throughout the day. We were blessed to have four young riflemen-in training on the line. Colby, Kaelyn, Tristan and Louis were outstanding students that continually showed improvement. We finished the day with a final redcoat where one shooter hit the difficult shingle shot with an iron-sighted rifle!
On a beautiful Sunday morning, we reviewed Saturday's instruction before each stage of an AQT. Brian S joined us that morning, drank heartily from the firehose of instruction and put it to good use. Instructors were pleased to see many scores improve from Saturday. A 2nd AQT after that resulted in Daniel requalifying with a score of 211. Huzzah!
At lunch, we heard the stories of Dangerous Old men and brave women, learning that the fight for liberty belongs to everyone. After lunch, the shooters ran NPOA, magazine change and target transition drills. Full distance shooting was taught late that afternoon. Students learned how to detect targets, estimate range, 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 zeros confirmed, we shot a steel target in a little friendly competition. Chris R took high score, hitting the target 3 for 5. Great shooting, Chris!
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 a privilege to work with. We hope to see you on the trail.