There is a new FOP range in St. Augustine working on an A/S application. Wanted to see if ItsanSKS or PHenry has heard anything from the folks up here. Thanks!
BB
I am under the impression that PHenry has received the St. Augustine range application and is in the process of getting a shoot on the Calendar.
Several RLC members in Northeast Florida are looking forward to their first Appleseeds Shoot. I was fortunate enough to attend the Appleseeds Shoot last year in October down in Hernando County with several of my RLC of Northeast Florida brothers and sisters. All I can say is we have quite a few people stirred up and ready to attend!
PHenry and the rest of you Florida organizers are true Patriots!
Warm regards,
Dave
The above post is correct; PHenry has forwarded the Host Application Packet, and as soon as receipt is confirmed and verified, we will move ahead with scheduling an Appleseed at that venue.
NOW is the time to start promoting this event- the more people we get to show up to the first event, the liklier it is that we'll be able to hold a second! Spread the word about Appleseed, and make sure that those that are interested in attending are familiar with this website. *this* is the best place for current information, and is updated on a regular basis.
If you would like to assist in promoting this event by handing out promo materials to the local gun shops, sporting goods stores and other places, PM me here, or send me an email (address provided below) and I'll put you on the list for our next shipment.
Thanks in advance for all your hard work!
Eric "ItsanSKS"
Florida State Coordinator
Email:RWVA@Live.com
Phone:(813)385-3968
All set - just need a date and will get one soon.
PH
We have a local radio station in Gainesville. The morning host is a very good 2A supporter. I've been able to get on his show a couple of times and at the Tea Party rally I met several people who had heard me and in fact some attended the Hernando event because it the radio show contact I made.
IMHO, I believe he would be a good person to have on our side.
Chance we can offer him a comp to the St. A event?
Douglas
douglas34474,
U R the Man! Yes, of course we can! He's welcome at any event where I am sb and if not, I will get him in elsewhere.
Would also be great if we could get one of us on his program to give the "2 minute elevator speech"!
Please keep me apprised of your progress and kudos for 7th stepping!
Thanks,
PH
If some one can come up with an outline of just what we want to present, I'm sure I can get on the show for a 2 minute review.
I just want to be sure that 1) Appleseed is presented in the right light and 2) that all points would be covered.
This gent, Bob Rose to put a name to him, is a strong supporter of our Constitution and gun rights and has a wide following in this area.
Let me know what you can come up with.
Douglas
douglas,
Get with ItsanSKS, our fine state coordinator and he can hook you up with any info needed. He knows all the resources.
When it comes to promo - less is more. Too many words become a blur, where well chosen words spoken in a slow and purposeful cadence has the greatest impact (something I need a lot of work on myself).
Best to git a little "ditty" committed to memory to avoid the "deer in headlights" syndrome that results from being put on the spot!
Lemme know if I can be of any further assistance and I look forward to the results.
PH
PM inbound, Doug.
Great, I am glad we are close to a date!
We have some Patriots in the RLC pestering me for times! Of course I always say there will be one forthcoming!
Thank you all for the work and I look forward to the shoot. I am still estimating I will be able to bring 20 to 30 individuals of course depending on what the range will support.
Take care,
Dave
I was planning to go to Hinesville, Ga in October. I did not know there was a St. Augustine event in the works. I've got three definite friends wanting to go and a lot of maybes. Please let me know when there is a date!
I've been calling them daily, with no repsonse- all I get is voice mail. Will keep on 'em though- don't you worry. As soon as I have the dates figured out, I will be sure to post it.
Have these ranges been considered for NE FL?
http://www.attac-fl.com/ (St. Augustine)
http://friendsoftheosceola.com/ (Osceola Nat Forest)
Casey
I haven't been on the forum for a while, but for an Appleseed this close to home, I can't resist! I can probably get a few people to come out as I have gone to Hinesville a couple of times with my son and a friend of mine and his son. Let me know.
For those of you who are local to this venue, please step up and talk to the folks that run the range. Ask them WHEN they would like to hold an event, as we have been attempting contact, with no success.
I hope that a local would be able to get them to communicate a little more effectively.
I'm not sure what range it is. I have some contacts in St. Johns Co. Is it the actual FOP range. Or is it the new American Tactical Training Arms range in St. Augustine on Ag center Drive?
To any LBOTG,
Always tell them what an Appleseeds event can bring to their table, not the other way around.
AS can bring in dollars in terms of range fees, food & bev sales, new public line shooters and new members.
I have seen this with my own eyes - I have handed a range's treasurer nearly $1000.00 in cash for a single event.
In my experience appealing to their sense of patriotism is rarely successful. Be polite, but persistent. Sometimes like a rock - an immovable object. Sometimes like a freight train - an unstoppable force. Always with bright smile and a winning way.
We hold the highest safety standards I have ever seen and I have seen many, from local ranges to NRA competitions - none of them are as strict as Appleseeds. Our instructor requirements are far more demanding than any other org.
PM ItsanSKS and get some literature and ideas - he's been there and done that. PM me if you need any additional info, as I also have experience and some successes in this area.
I will thank any who step up, in advance, for your efforts.
You see, nobody is going to save this country for us - we have to get up, get out, and do it ourselves. We owe nothing less to a bunch of determined shop keepers and farmers who gave everything 234 years ago to afford us the Liberty we are allowing the squandering of today.
PH
http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=8440.msg77034;topicseen#msg77034
I created a Facebook Event Page for the shoot called "St. Augustine Appleseed".
Outstanding!
Just got the news, glad to here it has come together for OCt 10-11!
Eric, working on getting those filers out, have multiple contacts interested in participating.
Question: What is range limit for # shooters and how can we check how close to full the course is?
BamBam,
You can always look up the number of pre-regs / capacity on the forum and the EIP, or event info page will tell you about the venue.
EIP link: http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=8440.0
Looks like 9 pre-regs out of a cap of 200 - word needs to git out quickly in order to make this event a success.
http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=8440.0
You can download a flier from the EIP page.
There are suggestions for promotional ideas here on the forum - word of mouth is best, but fliers at local gun shops, ranges, laundromats, bulliten boards etc. are good too.
Any help you can offer would be most appreciated.
Many thanks
Thanks, I am on it.
I've been to many of the gun shops and Army Navy Surplus stores around Jacksonville and posted flyers and left them on their counters (with permission!). I still need to get to Shooters on the southside. I went by Wild West Guns and Gold the other day and they had already passed out all the flyers I had left with them so I left them a bunch more. I've sent invitations to our local Sons of Confederate Veterans group, 8 boy scout troops, and our homeschool group. I've requested an event posting in the Jacksonville paper, St. Augustine paper, Folio Weekly, the conservative talk radio station community events page (WOKV), a country music station (100.7FM) community events page, kids4jax.com, and am going to send out more flyers to some other homeschool groups. So far I have confirmed its posted for the Jacksonville paper and 100.7FM.
Tomorrow, I am going to head down to St. Augustine and visit the gun shops and Gander Mountain. I tried Wal-Mart but they wouldn't let me leave or post anything (the manager said it was advertising and would have to go through HQs).
RLCDave told me he is planning to promote the event at an RLC meeting and I am trying hard to turn out a bunch of guys from work.
If anybody is doing flyers around Jacksonville let me know and I'll give you a detailed list of where I have already been.
Casey
Wow!
Nice work Casey, You have hit many places on my list and many more I have not thought of. I will be out of pocket for next 2 weeks on ADT however I can swing through shops the following week. Hoping to get at least 10 via word of mouth.
caseyblane,
Way to go sir! My red hat is off to you.
PH
Thanks for the encouragement. I went to the range today and gave them some more flyers, Gander Mountain let me post a flyer and put some on the counter, two gun stores in St. Augustine (one posted them and the other said they would show it to the boss for approval), DMZ Military Antiques put them on their counter, and Shooters in Jacksonville put a stack on their counter.
I'm waiting to hear back from Ancient City Range about the possibility of sharing a little standing space with them at the Jacksonville Gun Show September 26/27. She already said they would put out some flyers, but I asked her if some Appleseed folks could be there to hand out flyers and answer questions. Could anyone help do this?
I'm looking forward to meeting you all at St. Augustine.
Do you know the names of the instructors ?
Any help you need, drop me a line
As this will be my first event, can people give me their experience with slings.
Make/model, the best way they use it for rifle support without introducing movement due to strain or breathing.
Thanks.
There are two types of slings that are excellent for 'usability' (technical term) and stability.
These are the "1907 sling" and the "USGI Web Sling".
Either one will work superbly for both Appleseed purposes, and general field usage.
Many people find the USGI web sling to be easier to work with, though many prefer the 1907 for a myriad of reasons.
If you were to do a cost/benefit analysis, you would be hard pressed to pass up on the USGI web sling. Brand new units can be purchased directly from the Appleseed Web Store, for only ~$12.50 + shipping. Surplus slings can sometimes be found at online surplus dealers, or on Ebay and Gunbroker.
Either of the above slings will require 1-1/4" sling swivels- be sure to inspect your rifle first, as many come standard with 1" swivels. If you only have 1" swivels, I suggest you change them to accommodate the wider slings, as they help distribute the pressure, which results in less fatigue.
To familiarize yourself with the use of the sling, and the various positions taught at an Appleseed event, I highly recommend this video:
http://www.archive.org/details/Rifle_Marksmanship_with_M1_Rifle_Part_1 (http://www.archive.org/details/Rifle_Marksmanship_with_M1_Rifle_Part_1)
(it may be old, and black & white, but the information contained within is just as relevant today as it was some 65 years ago.)
The surest way to ensure that your heartbeat is not transmitted to the rifle is through the use of a glove, shooting jacket, and a "snug, but not tight" sling; you will find that breathing is part of the natural rhythm of firing the shot, and need not be minimized, if controlled. Controlling/minimizing your heartbeat may be necessary for 1 MOA hits at 1,000 yards, but is not required to make repeatable, accurate hits on a man-sized target at 500 yards- which happens to be the standard required to attain the coveted Rifleman Patch.
Itsansks is right, the WWII video is great, especially for the positions, but it only shows the 1907 sling. This link http://www.ray-vin.com/frtech.htm shows both the USGI sling as well as the 1907. The second row of pics/links shows Leather Sling Help (which I am pretty sure is the 1907 sling), and Web Sling Help. Clicking the link pulls up photos and directions. I found the easiest way to set up the sling is to have the rifle in my hands and following the written directions and pics step by step. Hope this helps.
Excellent information.
That will give me time to work up before I arrive, even if its just dry firing.
Thanks again.
Regards...Martin
OK - another dumb question.
I have the list - http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=8162.0
What do people use for ground cover that's light, waterproof, durable and gives good support.
Previous experience counts, as as I don't have appleseed experience, I thought I would pick the 'old hands' brains.
Anything else that is missing from the list linked to above ?
Thanks again.
Regards...Martin
"The List" is fairly complete as is. I would highly recommend the midway shooting mat, as it is weather resistant, and fairly comfortable. Goes on sale quite often for about $25 + shipping.
Also, the USGI ground pad (seen here (http://cgi.ebay.com/USGI-COT-%2f-SLEEPING-FOAM-MAT_W0QQitemZ110432409541QQcmdZViewItem)) works really well, and is easy to clean.
A small tarp (to put under your shooting mat) is handy for muddy days, but can collect water if it is raining..
Going to the shoot Oct 10 & 11. Anyone staying at a motel? We are looking to get a group rate if enough of us can get together.
Also, if anyone needs a ride from Dunnelln or Ocala let us know. Have room for one, maybe two.
Let me know ASAP.
Douglas
352-236-0845
What time, approximately, does it finish on Sunday.
I have to co-ordinate with picking my wife up in Titusville.
Regards...Martin
Events typically wrap up around 5:00 or so, depending on instructor availability.
Well, I now can't make it.
I'm going to try for myakka/Manatee Gun and Archery Club November 28,29
I'll see you then.
All change...again.
I can now make it :)
I want to personally thank Eric 'itsansks', Rick, Paul, Brian and the other instructors for the great time on Saturday.
I haven't had any instruction for over 25-years when I was in the Air Force, and that was only limited. The appleseed instruction from the instructors was far superior.
Having only acquired my rifles last year, my recent shooting experience was limited. At 49yrs. old, one point that soon became evident was that my new safety glasses wouldn't fit over my reading glasses. Plus the focus point of the front sight of my 16" barreled rifle was at about 21/22". ie. the front sight was blurred. Not good.
So I further want to thank Brian for the loan of his Ruger-22 with scope and some .22 ammo. Note: to myself to look into prescription shooting glasses.
I didn't make marksmen as I blew part of the sitting AQT. What happened...something to tell your children, your grandchildren and cousins and family with boundless laughter and mirth.
The ruger comes with 10 round squarish magazine block that is inserted and the magazine is then hidden/flush. The instructors asked us to load 2 mags, one with 2 and one with 8 rounds, and shoot 2 targets sitting/kneeling, 5 rounds each, starting with the 2 rounds.
So we prepare...sling on (upper arm loop), sights, target NPOA. Then they make us stand so we have to start over. kneel/sit sights, target, NPOA, load and fire 2 rounds at the left target. The ruger has a release lever that you pull down and it spits the magazine out. It bounces and rolls onto the grass, bottom facing me. I insert the second magazine, fire 2 more at the left and squeeze the trigger a fifth time...click. Huh...I cock the lever back and look in. Due to the angle and having the sling I see no round in the chamber, so I let it go forward and try again. Click. Cock the lever back, no round in the chamber, I take the butt/stock off the shoulder and slide the rifle back to see the top of the inserted magazine...no rounds in the mag. Oh crap. I loaded both mags with 2 rounds. I don't believe it. I make safe. Take the sling off and reach forward to pick up the magazine that rolled onto the grass.
You've guessed it already haven't you ?
As I bring it in and turn it over I see a round in the top. I had loaded the 8-round mag first by mistake...ouch.
Sling back on, sights, target NPOA, load...then I hear 'cease fire' - crap again. Aghhhhh.
By the way, I got 185. My 4 shots kneeling were 17 points. I'll let you all work out my likely score if I maintained the same level of score with the missing 6 rounds ;-)
Unfortunately, I was hoping to make up for that faux paux on Sunday but the AQT wasn't going to be until 11:00 or later and I had to pick my wife up who was on a 'babes with bullets' women only pistol course in Titusville.
The next appleseeds locally for me are:-
Myakka, FL - Oct 24-25
Hernando County, FL - Nov 7-8
Myakka, FL - Nov 28-29
Myakka, FL - Dec 12-13
We've checked our schedules and can't make the Oct 24/25 and probably the Nov 7/8 either.
The Nov 28/29 and Dec 12/13 are open for us at the moment, and that will probably give me time to get things fixed, sort out the prescription shooting glasses situation, the knee/elbow pads and the shooting mat. In cooler states, long sleeves and long trousers take the brunt of the rubbing. In hot climates with t-shirts and shorts, the skin on the knees and elbows takes the brunt of the rubbing as you move around and during recoil. The nylon (or whatever) indoor/outdoor throw mat/rug got me good and my late wal-mart trip didn't find me any pads. I should have went on to a sports store and bought volleyball knee and elbow pads.
So, in the end, I learnt a lot. Had some issues. Found what worked and what didn't. Found what else I need to get. What training I need to do before the next event. I am also looking into a .22 rifle, semi-auto with a scope mount. A laser pointer for dry firing so I can see my movements when I'm in position might be an option.
Again, thanks to all the instructors. They are the best.
Huzar !!!