Twenty-three shooters, of all ages, arrived on this historic day to begin learning the marksmanship and sacrifices of our founding patriots. Everyone appreciated the very able assistance of Big Papa, Big Mama, and Twoglock. The new transition processes worked very well, even with the tube-fed rifles. And the speed-loaders which I made and loaned to the tube-fed rifles speeded up the process considerably. Two of the shooters were a mother, daughter team who had never shot anything before. We had to teach them how to shoot their borrowed rifles. I have never seen anyone who was more enthusiastic than these two.
The highlight of the day occurred during the simultaneous volleys and naming of the deceased patriots. The names of a 17 year old and an 80 year old were accentuated.
Two Rifleman patches were earned Saturday. Congratulations to Kevin and John.
Eleven shooters, with sore muscles, returned Sunday. The weather undoubtedly had something to do with the lower turnout. Heavy rains dominated Saturday night and Sunday morning. Weather reports indicated a possible lessening by mid-morning, so the history scheduled for Sunday morning, as well as that scheduled for lunch, were given early. Everyone enjoyed the history, especially Big Mama's animated presentation of the second strike. Even the First Responders, who prepared lunch for us, were impressed. A lighter rain was still falling as we began shooting. After donning my "magic" rain suit, the rain eventually stopped and the sun came out.
Another Rifleman patch was earned. Congratulations Paul. By the end of the day, other scores achieved were 209, 206, 201, 196, 193, as well as others who were not far behind. One remarkably mature 9 year old continually improved, eventually shooting above 150 with a youth, single shot, bolt action rifle. These scores seem exceptional for a group of 11 shooters. These shooters will return to Appleseed, and some are actively trying to locate a range in their hometowns which will host future Appleseeds.
A new shooter, whom we've read about before, Freedom Kat, had shot a Rifleman score at Manchester. Because of sick children, she could only attend a portion of the event at Puryear, but she is anxious to become an IIT. She was given an orange hat, and the proper personnel will be notified of this immediately. We are elated to have you join us freedomkat.
Great weekend! Great shooters! Great weather in Saturday! Maybe Dond should have slept in that rain suit on Saturday night ;D
A nine year old that shot every string all weekend. Never complained and wanted one more Sunday evening! Awesome! His older brother was a trooper too! Expect good things from these two!
So many shooters so close but so tired. An Appleseed is the best tired in the world. :)
I look foward to seeing these shooters back on the line next time.
It was so good to see everyone this weekend! I wish I could have stayed on Sunday!! Kevin and John, if you guys get on here, please message me about trying to plan an Appleseed in Clarksville or Nashville if you are still interested.
Thanks dond for the orange hat... please let me know what I need to work on and do before Manchester.
We had a great weekend. Big Papa and I had been talking about the weekend for a long time. When the shooters all participated in the volley at 3 P.M. and the names were read, I can tell you that "goose bumps" went up my spine. We had already presented our history, so some of the names had already been mentioned. When Big Papa read the name of "Isaac Davis", it really brought home the fact that 234 years ago, Isaac Davis had died on that very same day.
The range in Puryear is always so nice and the idea of being served lunch on both days was incredible. (We gals like it when someone else cooks, don't we Sarah.) Don didn't leave Sarah in the truck this weekend. (Don had a tired moment after another shoot and left Sarah in the back seat of the truck and proceeded to lock the truck with her in it.) We like to remind him of this every now and then.
Freedomkat, it was great to see you again and let us know when you hear about the range around Nashville or Clarksville. Papa and I will pack up and head your way.
To all of you shooters who were soooooo. . . close, my word of encouragement to you . . . DRY FIRE, DRY FIRE, DRY FIRE! You will add 20 or more points to your score within one week and there is another shoot scheduled for Puryear in May 2009, so sign up NOW. I'm telling you, this stuff works! :~
Big Mama
My heartfelt thanks to ALL of the instructors this weekend! My two boys had the time of their life and can't wait to do it again. Outstanding marksmanship training, better than I received in US Army Basic in 1981, at least that I remember. 206 and missing two bullets because of a jam! Next time, my 13 yr old says he will make rifleman and my 9 yr old says he will qualify, at least. (he shot a high of 115, not 150 - at least that I know of) He took a real shine to Big Mama! I'm also trying to see what has become of the old Shelby County Sheriff's range that closed a few years ago. It was a 100 yd range. I'll let you know. Also, many thanks to Gene for the .22 ammo. We thought we had 300 more rounds of 7.62 x 39 but it was 7.62 x 54R and I was done with the cannon. I never could load it fast enough. Anyway, I want to make it up to him in the future. Thanks again and we'll be back with more shooters in tow!
dart67eb, I believe I can speak for all of the instructors when I turn that "Thanks" around and thank you for taking the time to attend the Appleseed Shoot. And what a pleasure to have your boys on the line. They were courteous, attentive and safe! We would love to have a shoot in your area. I believe we would have an excellent turn out for an event in Shelby County. Keep up the good work and just let us know if you need any information about the program when you contact the range. Again, we consider it to be our good fortune to have met you and we welcome you into the program.
Big Mama