A determined group of Patriots gathered at the Yankton Sharpshooter's Range this weekend to embrace our American heritage of Liberty and rifle marksmanship. This club is a tremendous supporter of the Appleseed mission. Since there are no berms between adjoining firing lines, the club makes the entire range available when there is an Appleseed scheduled. Thank you for your commitment to the Appleseed mission!
The original forecast called for rain throughout the entire weekend, but we were treated with fantastic weather the entire event (although a bit "breezy on Saturday). The group consisted largely of people who had been to a previous Appleseed, but we also had some coming out for their first event, as well as one of the Yankton Sharpshooter's Club Officers. Carol shot the weekend with irons as he wanted to work on that skill, although he eventually traded in his factory Ruger sights for a loaner outfitted with some nice Tech Sights. Somehow, he shot better when he could see the sights. Justin was making it out to his first Appleseed and got his patch after remounting his scope and getting set with a GI sling. He is also looking for the Appleseed where we give cover some more modern navy history - Navy guys living in SD! We're trying to steer him back to some fantastic navy history from the American Revolution!
Max took the line again and was as persistent as ever! He made adjustments where needed and still got his Rifleman's score. He is the king of the Appleseed motto to "Improvise, Adapt and Overcome". Well done! The "Brothers" were also making a return to the Appleseed line. They both requaled and John made the high score of the weekend and was only 2 points from making Distinguished! To top off the weekend TJ came forward and took and orange hat! Welcome to the team!
We also had a surprise visit by the wandering Montana SB, Mark Davis who brought a new Appleseeder out to the event with him! He also made a guest appearance and told the First Strike!
Everyone one was able to shake off the cobwebs of winter and by the end of the weekend, tremendous progress was made by all the shooters. The was a new Rifleman Patch earned and several requals knocked off the rust. Over 80% were able to shoot expert . . . 6 in total! This group had men amongst them who know well what they're about.
Big thanks to the range, the shooters and the Appleseed cadre for a fantastic event!
Any comments or pictures are welcome. I did manage to get a couple which I'll post as I get caught up (and into town to get some high-speed internet).
Wow! 80% Riflemen - that shows excellent instruction and participant dedication. Well done, all.
I thought it was a fur piece to Utica from Arkansas. It's a real stretch from Montana. Glad to see you are out and about, Mark. Glad TheBob could keep you guys in line. Congrats to everyone.
You'll be hearing more about TheBob as the pictures get posted but for now . . .
The firing line early in the weekend . . .
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There were some pretty good Red Coat targets shot this weekend, but these were cleared . . .
First clean Red Coat
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52064046616_cce0cdb88f_h.jpg) | Another clean target!
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We always honor the Founder's by telling the story of April 19th, 1775.
First Strike from Montana!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52064277414_18881df3dd_h.jpg) | More inspiration from April 19, 1775
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The Riflemen were out in force this weekend!
First Rifleman
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52064276794_9e9b9d0ed4_h.jpg) | Mr. Improvise, Adapt and Overcome!
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Future Appleseed Navy History teller!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52064044776_f22a76836e_h.jpg) | High score! Nicce shooting!
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The missing Riflemen were requals without pictures or more patches.
After all of the fine shooting and history, the highlight of the weekend was seeing the TheBob put on his Red Hat for the first time and welcoming TJ to the cadre!
Welcome aboard (forum name TBA)
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New Red Hat!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52063004252_afca0278f0_h.jpg) | Congrats to TheBob!!
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Congratulations on the Red Hat, Bob!! Outstanding! I wish I could have been there in person, but we'll catch up later in the year at the next Utica AS. Also, congrats and welcome aboard TJ! South Dakota Appleseed is getting a great new volunteer!
South Dakota is rocking it!
I had a great time. Working with Max was a pleasure.
Congratulations to TJ on the orange hat and especially to TheBob on the red hat. Now you can join the ladies for lunch. ;D
It was good to meet everyone and to see you again Captain.
As an aside, of anyone gets a chance to work a shoot with Rob, do so. If there is time, on Saturday evening he puts on a great, two state wild goose chase for dinner that is great fun. ;)
The subject of a "full sized" version of the D silhouettes came up on Sunday and Rob mentioned National Targets.
The company name is actually National Target Company. They are located in Frederick, Maryland.
Their web page is down right now being rebuilt, but they can be found on Facebook.
When I ordered my targets last August, they were $1.08 a piece, which I thought was incredibly inexpensive.
Also, IIRC, if your order total was over $100, shipping was free, so...
The contact there is named Terri Fischer, e-mail nationaltarget_terri@comcast.net (http://nationaltarget_terri@comcast.net).
And yes, I did ask for specific permission to share the price and contact info.
Caveat- Pricing and S&H prices may have changed.