It was extremely cold (29 degrees with wind) when we arrived at the Shaw-Woodward Firearms Training Complex in Canton, Georgia, so we knew it was going to be a miserable day. However, by the time we got the range set up a group of eager patriots arrived to exercise their liberty. Whether you came to shoot, hear the history of April 19, 1775, or any other reason, I commend each and every one for coming out on one of the coldest days of the year.
After registration, we gathered in the classroom for opening remarks. To kick off history, AnthonyB gave us a resounding first strike. Then we covered safety and, foolishly thinking it might have warmed up some, moved to the firing line. (Did I mention it was cold?) Hot Hands hand warmers kept in everyone's pockets to use between strings of fire did the trick!
Once on the line, we did the pistol familiarization exercise to be sure shooters and instructors alike were comfortable with the pistols. Afterward, we shot the morning redcoat and discovered we had some good shooters on the line, but still had some work to do.
We covered grip, stance, steady hold factors, and eye dominance. Then we checked the shooters stances and did a bit of dry fire to reinforce these skills.
We covered draw and fire for demo purposes only, then went over low ready and close retention, again practicing the skills.
After covering the six steps, NPOA, and trigger recapture, we went live! When shooters engaged the tombstone targets, we saw some good groups out of the gate.
Next up was mag changes followed by drills, then each shooter prepared one lunch to be consumed inside. (Did I mention it was cold?) During lunch, 416_Rigby gave an excellent presentation of the second strike, then it was back to the line.
We covered tap-rack-press and rip-rack-press demos and drills, then moved to controlled pairs followed by the "big to little" dot targets to reinforce the skill of aim small, hit small, and demoed and practiced one handed and slow fire two handed shooting.
6Bones gave an awesome and thought-provoking third strike, then we moved on to PQT's.
We had one shooter earn the coveted Pistoleer™ patch. Congratulations to Tony, who shot a 230! And may I say that if we had a winterseed Pistoleer™ patch, the Shoot Boss would have awarded it right then and there (Did I mention it was cold?)
We rounded out the day discussing the Onion of Self Defense and some closing remarks.
Everyone shot well and we saw some fantastic improvement throughout the day. Keep practicing the fundamentals. I'm certain each of you will earn your Pistoleer™ patch soon!
Thanks to all the shooters who came out. You were all a pleasure to work with and we hope to see you on the line again soon! You are the reason we do what we do.
As always, thanks to the awesome instructor cadre who turned out to run this shoot.
I hope you had a great day. If you would like to thank Sheriff Reynolds and the Cherokee County Sheriff's office for the use of this awesome range, please feel free to drop a note to the range master, Corporal Josh Watkins - jlwatkins@cherokeega.com
What a great event! And I don't know if John mentioned it or not, but it was COLD! Congratulations to all for persisting through the day. And a BIG Congratulations to Tony for shooting a 230! :bow:
I must say though that everyone seemed to progress through out the day and it was great to see. 6Bones even remarked to me how satisfying it was to see the groups shrink. Often you could see it happen before we even went down range. I hope to see everyone back on the line again soon. You all have what it takes to be a Pistoleer™.
Regrettably, I was too busy and neglected to get many photos. Below is a picture of 6Bones fielding questions from John Wallace. And might I add Mr. Wallace those questions were specific, on topic and really showed you were listening. 6Bones did a great job with them, as did Anthony before him.
(https://i.imgur.com/MlgOwrn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4pIIabX.jpg)
Our Shoot Boss closed with a very touching rendition of the story of James Hayward. When he finished there weren't too many dry eyes in the house. And I know I for one, was glad I didn't have to go on after him. I'd of had a hard time anyway what with all the dust in the air all of a sudden.
(https://i.imgur.com/IftCRzf.jpg)
Thanks as always to Sheriff Reynolds and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department!
See you all on the line soon!
In Liberty,
Roswell
Sounds like a great event - now go get a cup of coffee and thaw out! :)
A few action photos and one of our newest Blue Hat, KellyMtnView with Shoot Boss! Welcome to the Cadre!
Huzzah Tony, that is some fine shooting.
Thank you KellyMtnView for stepping up for the cause of Liberty.
(https://i.imgur.com/zeo7b3m.jpg)
Our Shoot Boss welcomes us for the morning. He mercifully brought Hot Hands. No one has mentioned it yet, it was COLD.
(https://i.imgur.com/v0IxFrB.jpg)
Roswell explains the safety rules
(https://i.imgur.com/7BXGVx5.jpg)
6Bones goes over the 6 Steps of Firing the Shot
(https://i.imgur.com/hYRfZb9.jpg)
LeadSlinger goes over instruction as we all lose feeling in our fingers and toes.
(https://i.imgur.com/NqGDC3z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kkcwQAG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/U7mn1Q5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/I2tYdaX.jpg)
Practicing Ammo Malfunctions
(https://i.imgur.com/py0ka5R.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8NJLbit.jpg)
AnthonyB earns his Pistoleer™ Patch with a 230! Congrats!!!