This was a great 25m event at the Goin Firearms range in Muenster! I want to thank all of our shooters and instructors for a safe and excellent shoot. I especially want to thank the range owner, Paul. As a reminder, Paul offers onsite camping for shooters and for instructors the use of a classroom/bunk house with A/C. Throughout the weekend, the weather was around 70 to 80 but a little muggy. The threat of oncoming storms rolled in which curtailed the event by roughly 30 minutes but more on that later.
We had a group of shooters from different backgrounds and all ages. Forty percent of the shooters were under 18 and they all shot well. The youngest shooter also knew a lot of the history and another one is going for his Rifle merit badge in Boy Scouts. Let us know how it went! All received the William Diamond patch and I hope they come back to many more Appleseed events.
All shooters learned a lot and improved their shooting as we had an awesome jump in improvement in the first day hits count targets. During shooting the afternoon hits count target, we had about 33% of the line hit Morgan's shingle and one shooter cleared the target! AF5US presented him with an Appleseed challenge coin commemorating the event.
Some shooters and instructors could only stay the first day, but I'm glad they came. The shooters learned good fundamentals and even got to shoot an AQT. FlightTime and Helaman helped out immensely teaching shooters and calling the line. Getting ready for his eventual red hat, Helaman covered a great first strike. FlightTime came out, taught well, taught a stirring second strike, and demonstrated to ScottinTx how to call the line to standards. You're welcome on my line anytime! ScottinTx earned his IIT1 and helped out both days! I heard he stepped up for the Known Distance shoot last month and was glad he got his IIT1. I want to do a special shoutout to AF5US for shoot boss tips throughout this event. He also covered an excellent third strike. This was my SBIT3 event/Shoot Boss event and was glad for the excellent instruction and attentive shooters. I couldn't have asked for better instructors, thanks for coming out.
During the second day we shot the hits count target, checked zeroes and then launched into AQTs. Multiple exercises between AQTs helped refine some points of instruction, such as magazine changes, trigger focus, and ball-and-dummy. These techniques also showed the shooters some ways to help their dry practice. The second day was as full at the first and despite the heat and surprising humidity the couple on the far right end persisted extremely well. This was their third (Third! That's awesome!) Appleseed event and we're happy to have them back. They were the toughest shooters on the line and despite some physical challenges persisted.
During the known distance presentation one shooter knew a lot of the advanced info about target detection, range estimation, and making the shot. Knowing that much about shooting shows a dedication to the craft. Maybe they'll look good in an orange hat?
Speaking about known distance, we had a lot of great shooters who were passionate about known distance. Currently our next known distance at this range is November 25. We also have upcoming known distance events in Temple and New Braunfels. Known distances can fill up fast so make sure to check the Appleseed calendar often to see new shoots or spots open up! If you want to brush up on your fundamentals come to a 25m event! Our next 25m event is July.
The threat of oncoming storms meant a hasty retreat about 30 minutes earlier than expected. Due to the hurried packing we had less shooters on the line for the last hit counts target but they both did well and demonstrated the refined points that were made during the exercises of the second day.
For all shooters, remember a Rifleman persists. Having consistent purposeful practice where you practice the steady hold factors, acquiring your natural point of aim, and then walking through the six steps of firing the shot will make earning the Rifleman score a breeze.
I hope to see all of you, shooters and instructors, on the line at another 25m, a Known Distance event, or even a pistol event! We do them all here in Muenster. Once again, thank you all coming out.
Look, I've got to say -
Matt is downplaying his role in all of this. You sir did a fantastic job planning and executing all of this. It was a fantastic event. The organization as a whole is fortunate to have you, and I (and others in the local area) are extremely grateful to have you helping to carry the load. Thank you for stepping up to take the new green hat, and taking the task so seriously. I know for a fact that you took the advice offered by multiple SBs under consideration and came back for more, asking great clarifying questions.
As far as any "shoot boss tips" I may have offered throughout the weekend, I intentionally left those vague. A lot of "you could do this or that" and "some things to consider trying down the line" type ideas. I made sure that you knew the final decision was on you, and you chose well every time.
My ONLY regret about this entire weekend is that - due to storms rolling in and multiple shooters having to pack up their travel trailer - you didn't get the full public recognition that you deserved. Ya done good, buddy.
Way to go MATT!!!!
I told you the Gainesville crew would take care of you, and I was so very right. I have to say, I'm inordinately proud of the tiny role I played in bringing you into the program.
HUZZAH! mrakestraw, Shoot Boss, has a great ring to it. Congrats!
You took care of your students and you took care of your team, and everybody left wanting to come back and PERSIST.
Well done, sir. Well done.
Students, you've taken a first step on a pretty darn exciting journey. I hope someday to meet you all on the Appleseed Trail.
Proud of you Matt looks like a great event well done !
Shooters, don't be shy! Jump right in and share your thoughts. Which event will you be going to next time?
Thank you all! This event turned out great not only because of our shooters, but because of the passion of every instructor I've met in Appleseed. While I did work hard for this event I quite literally could not have done it without the assistance, instruction, and tips from every one of the Green/Gray hats who've helped me along the way. In alphabetical order (so I don't play favorites ;)) thanks AF5US, Captain, Ghostring, Kproctor, Mrs. Smith, Steck, and countless red hats and orange hats along the way!