The ever-famous Spring Known Distance event at the Gainesville, TX range was once again a smashing success!
First off, this was a sold out event. No wasted space on the line here ^:)^ Half the participants had been to a previous KD event, and half were first timers. The weekend started off full and fair. Springtime in Texas means we're never quite sure what we're going to get. Last month we were getting sunburned but a cold front came through just before the event, keeping us in the mid 40s to mid 60s. Could there be a better shooting weather? Me thinks not.
The morning started off much as one would expect - a preview of the weekend's coming events, as well as a review of MOA (and MILS for those that needed it), the steady hold factors, natural point of aim and the six steps of firing the shot. Then it's on to the meat and potatoes - the new and exciting lessons of trajectory and battle sight zero. Finally it's on to the pew pew part of the day. :snipersmi
Now, this range has a qualification requirement for distance shooting. Shooters must place five (5) shots in a four inch (4") target at 100 yards. Sandbags, etc. are allowed. Every one of the shooters started with great groups, although unfortunately not everyone was on at 100 yards (HOMEWORK, people - HOMEWORK). After 3 attempts, we're off to the races! Oh, and there's an UGLY RUMOR that later in the day a shooter realized that the shoot boss may or may not have confused his 4" stickers with his 3" stickers. :slap: A vile rumor, I say! But if it WERE true - not saying that it IS, but if it WERE - the shoot boss would CERTAINLY have felt quite apologetic. Still - aim small, miss small!
The rest of the morning had us working trajectory at 100 and 200 yards, and then it's time for lunch. What's Project Appleseed without History and Heritage? Well, it wouldn't be Project Appleseed. Thus we had a great discussion of the Battle of Alamance Creek, and the lessons that we can learn for today. Given the close proximity to April 19th, the 248th anniversary of the shot heard 'round the world and the special Project Appleseed swag - we also took some time to dive into Parker and the good men and women of Lexington. Finally, we were honored to thank Paul Goin - owner of the Goin Firearms and Shooting Range - with a certificate for three years (so far) of Project Appleseed support. Lunch was also a great time to start talking about the impact of wind, just before moving on to the 300 yard line. Now, this was a special, special weekend for this group. The wind at the Gainesville range is normally either non-existent, OR it's straight front-to-back - or in other words, no adjustment needed. But due to the cold front, the wind was going side to side - at 100. At 200, it was angular. At 300 . . . well, you get the idea. The participants had the opportunity to see and adjust for the real world impacts of various wind speeds and direction. What a great chance to call wind speed and recommended corrections as a group! They're so lucky! >:D
By the end of the first day participants were able to work in two AQTs, with one new known distance rifleman! :F
Day 02 started with the same temperatures, with some light drizzle / rain. One participant knew from the start that he could only do the first day, and two others weren't up to the weather (understandable). Fortunately, the weather dried out around noon. Starting the day we jumped right into target detection - how to scan, what to look (and listen) (and smell) for, and how it's different from target identification. After target detection, it's time to roll straight into a discussion on range estimation. And then . . . the much anticipated practical exercise! In all seriousness, the instructor cadre was so, SO proud of these participants. EVERYONE was within 10% or so of the correct distances. But . . . BUT . . . it just so happens that the shoot boss knows something about the person that won the coveted Appleseed Chalice (which is totally NOT a patriotic cup from Buccees by the way). The person that won the challenge had been to a KD event before, and really struggled with the concept of ranging. So when he WON the competition with an answer that was within ONE PERCENT of the correct total, he was shocked. SHOCKED I say! A rifleman persists, and works past those personal challenges!
After the ranging exercise, it's on to Captain Morgan's cold bore challenge. Take a cold bore shot from 250 yards. If you connect, there's an option to do it standing. THREE of our fearless participants got down in the rain and made it happen! The shoot boss happens to know that two of these three people had been to a previous KD and had not previously earned this coveted title. THEN, TWO of the three also connected with the shingle while standing! There's nothing quite like hearing one of these two fine people let out a little laugh of happiness - especially since it was that same brave man that won the ranging exercise.
The rest of the day saw us shooting three AQTs, with the story of the Overmountain Men and some stories of brave lone individuals that made all the difference. At the end of the day, we had ANOTHER new Known Distance rifleman. In fact, this was his first time earning the coveted rifleman patch! This brave individual also earned the Morgan's Shingle patch AND star for doing so while standing. We understand that he is moving out of the great state of Texas within a matter of weeks. We question his decision making process, but we're proud to help him leave with good memories. Multiple other participants came within a couple of elusive points of earning that title. One participant had spent a lot of time before the event working out a new scope after his last KD, and working out which ammunition would group best. Great! Unfortunately, his semi-auto started acting up. Never fear, this man has a scout bolt action rifle as a backup! Which, then had scope issues. Murphy's law is alive and well, but we strongly suspect that once these issues are resolved that patch is in the bag. We look forward to seeing all of these fine participants back at any event - but hey, next KD is in November guys! ;)
A real and true "thank you" to the instructor cadre that made this event a success. ScottInTexas was there the whole time, working his VERY FIRST event as an orange hat and having never attended a KD event before. REALLY helped the shoot boss keep things moving, thanks! ApprenticeCarpenter came in later in day one, rocking his brand new red hat. Then, the (in)famous Captain was able to join us on day 02 and whip everyone into shape. Both ApprenticeCarpenter and Captain had quite the drive, and the efforts of all three are truly appreciated. Thank you! :bow:
Pics or it didn't happen