This event was planned as a one-day event open only to those who had previously attended a full Appleseed 2 day clinic. We had perfect weather for this one-day event, maybe even a bit too warm in the afternoon. Sunscreen and dark glasses were in heavy use.
The day started with the first Hits Count Target, 3 shooters out of 12 qualified at the 400-yard silhouette and 6 Morgan Rifleman, with Kid RM cleaning the target. The morning focused on typical Day 2 recaps and heavy to NPOA Drills. We also worked in a couple of full instruction blocks such that AR Gunner could complete his remaining IIT 3 PC. Well done!
We completed a couple of AQTs before lunch, and had a relaxing outside lunch listening to stories of the Dangerous Dames of the Revolutionary War in honor of Mother's Day!
Post lunch instruction continued with a couple of reps of a speed drill to warm everybody up for the afternoon AQT shooting. We used an AQT target with four mags prepped with 5 rounds each, one mag per stage. We shot in relays so that an observer could verify shooter had no mag inserted and transitioned with an empty chamber, all with a time limit of 2 minutes. The Shoot Boss joined in this drill, and his left knee wishes he didn't. Multiple AQTs followed. The final Hits Count target indicated overall class improvement showing 5 qualifying at the 400, 5 Morgan Rifleman, 4 cleaning the target and everyone qualifying at least in one stage! Of special note K8 nearly cleaned the Hits Count Target in Standing Position. I expect she will be joining a very small group of folks that have accomplished this. In my 15 years of shoots in Idaho, Montana, and eastern WA, I only recall 3 others who cleaned the Hits Target in Standing: Clodhopper, Roland, and BorderRun. Frankly, I've never been good enough to bother even attempting. Takes significant courage to push yourself to a higher standard-BIG HUZZAH TO K8!!!
As we wrapped up the AQTs we ended up with 8 Rifleman patches awarded, all of which were requalification's. K8 led the pack with a 231, followed by hubby Outlaw Walt with a 228. Now that's a Dangerous Duo! Russ, Kid RM, Puddles followed with a 227, Jared at 226, Dane at 218, and Little Tom at 217. HUZZAHS and Congratulations! Honorable mention to Dane and Little Tom who ran an M1 and AR (respectively) during at least one AQT.
Remember the third step in learning skills is the maintenance phase. You can do 80% of this phase by not firing a single live shot. There are scaled dry fire targets on the Forum available for download, or contact me and I will email you some. For you local attendees, if you are available to hit the range during the week and want coaching or just AS type practice, feel free to contact me and join me at Fernan (It's too busy on the range most weekends for me!)
Additional thanks to:
- the Founders for giving us the ability to have the Freedom and Liberty to conduct a Rifle Marksmanship Clinic.
-Fernan Rod and Gun Club who has continuously supported local Appleseed since 2009.
-The Instructor Cadre who did their best to keep me from lifting anything too heavy! Nice work with the "newer" shooters and solving equipment issues.
-The Clan members who willingly helped the less experienced shooters.
Feel free to contact me via the Forum or email if you have any questions regarding AS, associated equipment, drills, targets, etc.
I hope to see many of you at the range or future Appleseed events.
One final note- I feel the need to apologize to everyone for my less than normal focus. I felt I was missing stuff all morning, and it did not get any better throughout the day. When I got home, I mentioned it to my wife, and she just looked at me like the idiot I am and reminded me that is a known side effect of the OTC med I just started taking. So, I am off that stuff, and look forward to you giving me another shot!
Thanks to all for coming to a non-typical Appleseed event, and don't forget to bring someone new the next time you come!
HAZZAH! HAZZAH! HAZZAH!
Thanks for posting those smiles!
Huzzah indeed!
Yet another awesome shoot led by eert! The sun was out, there was laughter and many a AQT completed. Cant get better than that! Thank you for putting on the 1 day event! I loved it!
Winterseed is already on the mind!
:F
Happy to see eert as the shoot boss and all the instructors. and thank you as always for teaching and showing us all that you are men who know very well what they are about. HUZZAH!!
What a fun day! Great day to get some Rifleman skills dialed in. Instructors did a great job with everyone. The new drills were a great change to the old pattern. Special Thanks to the shoot Boss and all his efforts.