Well, Mother Nature decided to show us that we don't have to wait until August to get the crazy high temps. Even with just a few registered shooters, 6 instructors decided to brave the heat to help instruct. Only one registered shooter showed Saturday morning. I also had invited one of the range staff to join us.
Saturday was hot but tolerable due to the wind. Sunday stepped it up a notch with the heat
Michael and Lowin both soaked up the information like sponges and improved steadily throughout the day. Michael had attended our first shoot at this range and fairly rapidly showed that he had retained the instruction. By the end of the day he had shot a 214 and just to prove it wasn't a fluke, he followed it up with another 214. He had previously shown an interest in helping us, so I offered him an orange hat, which he accepted. Welcome to our team. Lowin struggled some Saturday, mainly due to a borrowed rifle with a red dot sight but continued to improve.
Sunday, proved that these were some tough instructors and shooters, as all returned for what was certainly going to be a much hotter day. We still had a little bit of wind but it was like standing in front of a blow dryer.
We suggested that Lowin try a different rifle and he agreed. This seemed to make a big difference, because after a few AQTs, he had shot a 212 and then followed that up with a 230. Great shooting. Sunday, noonish, Jeremy joined us. He shot fairly well but struggled with unfamiliar equipment with iron sights. This never let any wind out of his sails. Hopefully we'll see him on the line again.
Now as far as the instructors. Our crew worked hard with the shooters and also showed them that the skills are repeatable. Natalie and Kyle both shot personal best. Natalie was showing off by shooting a 245. Kyle, was right on her heals by also shooting in the 240's. Shawn shot one of the most perfect Red Coats targets that I've seen and cleared it.
Despite the heat it was a great weekend. Thanks to the shooters and our cadre for putting up with the scorching heat. A special thanks to Bob, Joey and crew for being such great hosts
Sounds like a good event. I wasn't there, but it sounds like a good excuse to limit my visits winter. :) Sometimes it's good to have an instructor to student ratio like that. Great opportunity for instructors to requalify.
Way to go Arkansas - what a great event! All the shooters make rifleman and the instructors are all battling it out in the 240s!!! I can't wait to be back on the line with "ya'll".
A few photos of some hot shooting at a hot shoot
A few more…hope to add more tomorrow