I went to my first 25 meter clinic in March 2019 at Birchwood, Alaska and I used a Ruger 10/22 Sporter. I had read about Liberty Training Rifles and liked the sound of having one. So I bought a set of Tech Sights and a GI Cotton sling. I had no idea how to use a sling as an aid to marksmanship, but I really wanted to learn.
After installing the sights on the 10/22 I did some ammo testing. March in Alaska is usually cold and I settled on CCI Mini Mags, 40 gr roundnose. In that rifle they were accurate and reliable. I also really liked the sight picture presented by the Tech Sights.
At the tail end of the first day we had just enough time left in the afternoon to get in one AQT. I managed scrape through and scored a 210. The Shoot Boss, "Four Fans", poured some North Bridge water on me to commemorate that.
This is me at my first 25-meter clinic. In the picture I'm the guy with no hat and the LTR. I still have the rifle and it shoots as good as I can hold it.
In Liberty,
Gus
First cliinic.jpgFirst cliinic.jpg
Springfield Armory M1A. Federal American Eagle 150 gr FMJBT.
To my first Appleseed I brought an AR-15, the upper being from Palmetto State Armory, with some noname reman .223 that constantly jammed it. (Months later, I separated out half of it via a case length gauge.) I'd planned to bring it with a CMMG .22 conversion kit and some Norma Tac-22, but the conversion kit wouldn't feed ammunition from the CMMG gen 1 mags that came with it. (Turns out those mags are junk.)
I scored Rifleman 4 shoots later with CCI Mini-Mags in a dedicated-rimfire AR-15 I built from parts around a BoreBuddy Apogee barrel.
All of the lowers were homemade.
First rifle event was a Ruger Rimfire Precision with way to much stuff on it. Was doing ok with it, but I was unable to run the bolt and keep my NPOA. So then I picked up a 10/22, but my sons used that. I finally got rifleman with an instructor's loaned 10/22 with a Kidd trigger / mag release / bull barrel / target stock.
First Pistol event I brought my P365 - was very hot and humid that day and I found the grip got extremely slippery when my palms were full of sweat. Eventually got Pistoleer with a Taurus TX22.
At my first clinic I was shooting CCI Blazer, through a Marlin Model 60 with tech sights. I already had speed loaders made from arrow shafts. The rifle performed flawlessly.
When it came to stage four I had to admit to myself that I was just guessing. The front sight post is darn near as big as the target, and even corrected my eyesight just wasn't getting it done. The best score of the weekend was a 201.
I replaced the tech sights with a budget fixed 4x scope at my next event, and qualified. It's still my 25m platform of choice.
I had an old Marlin 99M1, with an even older Tasco 4x, shooting CCI Blazer. The rifle has a 9-round tubular magazine (not optimal for an AQT), and the scope was dim and hazy, with an unforgiving eye box.
When we did IMC, I saw the turret knobs were unlabeled. They had markings, but no tactile clicks (they turned smoothly). We'd just learned that 1/4 MOA was most common, so I tried that first. I cranked on the calculated adjustment, and on the next string my rounds disappeared from the target. I took the adjustments right back off the scope (good thing I'd written them down) and started the process of getting to know the equipment. It turned out those marks each corresponded to 4 MOA, so I'd put on 16x the planned adjustment.
I went through Saturday and halfway through Sunday morning fighting the old scope (and necessarily giving up rounds on rapid-fire strings) when an instructor convinced me to accept a loaner 10/22, and I qualified with that.
In a way, I was still "running what I bring"...or at least what I had at home. My own .22 was a 10/22 with a clear scope, but I'd given it to my 12-year old to shoot, so they could have the best possible experience, and I was using my second-best rifle, which I'd inherited from my dad.
My first Appleseed was in 2013. I had a brand new Marlin 795 Appleseed LTR with GI sling and tech sights. Aside from a rough sight-in session at my local indoor range, this Appleseed was the first time I ever fired a rifle that wasn't a BB gun. It ran flawlessly on Blazer ammo.
I shot a 206 on the only timed AQT on Day 1. At the time, TX events were often one day only, so I shot the Day 2 portion a few weeks later and earned my patch.
That same rifle is still running great over 10 years later. I do tend to use CCI SV, though Blazer is certainly reliable and accurate enough for 25m AQT purposes.
At my first Appleseed I used my 10/22 with a cheep Burris scope and Federal auto match ammo. The scope was quickly replaced with a Nikon fixed 4X.
I still use that rifle at 25M events, although the receiver, bolt and a couple trigger parts are all that are left from the original rifle.
My first AS event was in Billings, MT in May of 2010. I received no coaching on equipment, so I got a used stock Ruger 10/22 from a pawn shop. Added a $40 Tasco 3x9 scope with medium rings. Just picked some random box of cheap ammo off the shelf at the sporting goods store. I set up the scope sitting at the backyard picnic table, so of course the eye relief was not good for prone position. I have a long neck, so I struggled all day with eye relief and cheek weld issues. My high score for the day was 207. I was hooked.
In 2014, a Marlin 60SB converted to take the box magazines not the tube with a Simmons 22Mag fixed 4x and CCI SV. The same rifle my daughter used October 2023 and Oct 2024 to qualify, guess it belong to her now.
I used my 10/22 carbine at my first Appleseed in 2014. As many others have, I experienced equipment issues and took a loaner from Tellico. My 10/22 has had a few upgrades over the years and has served honorably as my personal Appleseed rifle as well as a loaner for countless others through the years.
My first Appleseed was in Alamogordo NM in ~March 2014. I shot a Remington 513T with Redfield sights and a leather sling. I shot a 211.
I didn't really understand how nice the Remington was when I bought it. It's still my favorite 22LR; I used the Remington to qualify at a 200 yd RKD last year. Later, I purchased a 10/22 50th Anniversary edition rifle. Semi-autos are great, but there's something about a bolt action rifle that satisfies me.
I shoot a 513t on a local smallbore team. It's a stupid-crazy accurate rifle, albeit a boat anchor.
I'm planning on running it at my next Appleseed.
First Appleseed my wife and I ran M&P 15-22's.
I used a 10/22 in a Nordic Components AR-looking chassis that I originally built to shoot with my kid, with an old Leupold 4x rimfire scope on it, and SK Standard Plus Ammo. The rifle was up to the task, the shooter less so.
I bought a plain jane 10/22 carbine, and invested in a set of Tech sights and a USGI web sling. I zeroed it at 50m (the shortest range my local rifle range had) using CCI SV. After the instructors helped me to correct two major errors I was making (not firing at respiratory pause and dragging wood) I was able to qualify the second day. And of note, I was able to earn a rare for north Texas Winterseed patch.
Quote from: Mrs. Smith on January 20, 2025, 02:50:37 AMAt my first clinic I was shooting CCI Blazer, through a Marlin Model 60 with tech sights. I already had speed loaders made from arrow shafts. The rifle performed flawlessly.
We brought Marlin Model 60 to our first event too! We bought speed loaders though as they aren't that expensive. Our rifles had scopes.
It was such a hot mess! LOL
I think it was a stage 2 I totally missed the tube with the speed loader and just dumped all my ammo on the ground!
I think we were running Federal ammo, but don't quite remember. This was in 2022.
I'm gonna have to challenge myself and try running my Marlin again. They are extremly accurate and fun to shoot. ;)
When it came to stage four I had to admit to myself that I was just guessing. The front sight post is darn near as big as the target, and even corrected my eyesight just wasn't getting it done. The best score of the weekend was a 201.
I replaced the tech sights with a budget fixed 4x scope at my next event, and qualified. It's still my 25m platform of choice.
Quote from: LadyRimfire on January 23, 2025, 10:49:55 PMWe brought Marlin Model 60 to our first event too! We bought speed loaders though as they aren't that expensive. Our rifles had scopes.
It was such a hot mess! LOL
I think it was a stage 2 I totally missed the tube with the speed loader and just dumped all my ammo on the ground!
I think we were running Federal ammo, but don't quite remember. This was in 2022.
I'm gonna have to challenge myself and try running my Marlin again. They are extremely accurate and fun to shoot. ;)
the key to a successful AQT with a tube-feed rifle is the same as with every other AQT. Dry fire!
In this case, you're dry-firing your motions and process, so that they become smooth and fast. Practice it dry with snap caps, until you can do most of the steps without looking (just like those magazine guys.)
The process for the transition stages of the AQT with a Tube-feed rifle has been updated in the IM. Appleseed has a rule about transitioning with a loaded rifle. And what's that rule? We DON'T. So where does that leave tube-feed shooters?
The reality is that it may not be possible to get off all your shots on 2 and 3 when you have to load your rifle AFTER the transition. Practice it dry! Under time! Do it a LOT! But if you find you just can't, then take the "no transition" option, and stay on the ground, using that transition time to load your rifle. Speed loaders are essential for success in these stages. And do what? practice practice practice.
Let me know how it goes!
To piggy-back on what Mrs. Smith wrote... remember that it is possible to score Rifleman without getting all your shots off in Stages 2 & 3. I often tell people at my events that making good shots is more important than firing all 10 shots. Math in public: what is better - 10x3 or 7x5?
Stock 10/22, Leupoul 2-7 rimfire scope way to far back, the wrong sling, ammo was probably Blazer
Score has been shot with a cricket. It is about fundamentals applied to make good shots.
In 2012 I attended my first Appleseed shoot in Douglas, WY under the guidance of Sam, the area renowned shoot boss, and I brought my model 270 pump Remington .22lr with a cheap scope. The ammo I used I do not remember, but it made no difference as the competency of the shooter was the factor that lead to a non-qualifying score on the AQT's. What I remember most vividly about the shoot was the bloody elbows and the miserable second day of the shoot!!!!!! I do try to suggest to first-time shooters that they do not bring lever or pump rifles to an Appleseed shoot, and that elbow pads are a very necessary accessory. I did qualify finally on my third seed, but with a borrowed Ruger 10/22.
Pine Ridge Puma
Quote from: mmirate on January 19, 2025, 05:35:37 PMTo my first Appleseed I brought an AR-15, the upper being from Palmetto State Armory, with some noname reman .223 that constantly jammed it. (Months later, I separated out half of it via a case length gauge.) I'd planned to bring it with a CMMG .22 conversion kit and some Norma Tac-22, but the conversion kit wouldn't feed ammunition from the CMMG gen 1 mags that came with it. (Turns out those mags are junk.)
I scored Rifleman 4 shoots later with CCI Mini-Mags in a dedicated-rimfire AR-15 I built from parts around a BoreBuddy Apogee barrel.
All of the lowers were homemade.
MMirate: I too learned the value of a case length gauge after my first centerfire KD, September 2021. I was running a Bergara bolt action .308 and several of the rounds were difficult to chamber. Of course the oversized rounds always showed up in stages 2 and 3 when the shooter can least afford it!
Gus
Quote from: NJrefugee on January 20, 2025, 11:05:03 AMMy first Appleseed was in 2013. I had a brand new Marlin 795 Appleseed LTR with GI sling and tech sights. Aside from a rough sight-in session at my local indoor range, this Appleseed was the first time I ever fired a rifle that wasn't a BB gun. It ran flawlessly on Blazer ammo.
I shot a 206 on the only timed AQT on Day 1. At the time, TX events were often one day only, so I shot the Day 2 portion a few weeks later and earned my patch.
That same rifle is still running great over 10 years later. I do tend to use CCI SV, though Blazer is certainly reliable and accurate enough for 25m AQT purposes.
NJrefugee: I too like the Marlin 795. I have two, one completely stock except it's set up as a LTR and the other I restocked into a Model 60 wood stock. The wood stocked rifle has MCARBO replacement trigger springs and a 2-7x scope now. Great rifles that both shoot very accurately.
Gus
Quote from: LadyRimfire on January 23, 2025, 10:49:55 PMQuote from: Mrs. Smith on January 20, 2025, 02:50:37 AMAt my first clinic I was shooting CCI Blazer, through a Marlin Model 60 with tech sights. I already had speed loaders made from arrow shafts. The rifle performed flawlessly.
We brought Marlin Model 60 to our first event too! We bought speed loaders though as they aren't that expensive. Our rifles had scopes.
It was such a hot mess! LOL
I think it was a stage 2 I totally missed the tube with the speed loader and just dumped all my ammo on the ground!
I think we were running Federal ammo, but don't quite remember. This was in 2022.
I'm gonna have to challenge myself and try running my Marlin again. They are extremly accurate and fun to shoot. ;)
When it came to stage four I had to admit to myself that I was just guessing. The front sight post is darn near as big as the target, and even corrected my eyesight just wasn't getting it done. The best score of the weekend was a 201.
I replaced the tech sights with a budget fixed 4x scope at my next event, and qualified. It's still my 25m platform of choice.
LadyRimfire, I have fumbled quite a few loads and reloads during stages 2 and 3 myself. At my first clinic, the instructors taught us how to 'build the nest'. But I wasn't very good at it. more than once I'd have to fish around and reach for the mags, or, pick one up and try to insert it backwards. The seconds tick away and before you know it Cease Fire is being called.
I'm a lot better now about building the nest and keeping mags where they need to be!
Gus
Quote from: Prescott on January 20, 2025, 04:28:37 PMMy first AS event was in Billings, MT in May of 2010. I received no coaching on equipment, so I got a used stock Ruger 10/22 from a pawn shop. Added a $40 Tasco 3x9 scope with medium rings. Just picked some random box of cheap ammo off the shelf at the sporting goods store. I set up the scope sitting at the backyard picnic table, so of course the eye relief was not good for prone position. I have a long neck, so I struggled all day with eye relief and cheek weld issues. My high score for the day was 207. I was hooked.
Hi Griff! Nearly my entire life I had my rifle scopes mounted too far back on my rifles. I just didn't know any better. After truly getting into Appleseed riflery, learning about the turkey neck and a properly mounted scope, it was an 'aha!' moment for me. All my rifles that wear scopes got adjustments. In some cases no amount of adjusting would be enough and I'd have to install a proper scope mount that would give me the required eye relief. What a difference it makes!
Now that I'm aware of this issue, when I'm working a 25 meter clinic or a KD, I see scope mount troubles with students at every shoot.
Gus
Quote from: Mrs. Smith on January 24, 2025, 08:34:13 AMQuote from: LadyRimfire on January 23, 2025, 10:49:55 PMWe brought Marlin Model 60 to our first event too! We bought speed loaders though as they aren't that expensive. Our rifles had scopes.
It was such a hot mess! LOL
I think it was a stage 2 I totally missed the tube with the speed loader and just dumped all my ammo on the ground!
I think we were running Federal ammo, but don't quite remember. This was in 2022.
I'm gonna have to challenge myself and try running my Marlin again. They are extremely accurate and fun to shoot. ;)
the key to a successful AQT with a tube-feed rifle is the same as with every other AQT. Dry fire!
In this case, you're dry-firing your motions and process, so that they become smooth and fast. Practice it dry with snap caps, until you can do most of the steps without looking (just like those magazine guys.)
The process for the transition stages of the AQT with a Tube-feed rifle has been updated in the IM. Appleseed has a rule about transitioning with a loaded rifle. And what's that rule? We DON'T. So where does that leave tube-feed shooters?
The reality is that it may not be possible to get off all your shots on 2 and 3 when you have to load your rifle AFTER the transition. Practice it dry! Under time! Do it a LOT! But if you find you just can't, then take the "no transition" option, and stay on the ground, using that transition time to load your rifle. Speed loaders are essential for success in these stages. And do what? practice practice practice.
Let me know how it goes!
I have a tube fed Remington 572A pump action rifle that I've set up as a LTR (Ruger 10-22 front sight and Marlin rear sight). It shoots quite well, but I've never tried it on an AQT against the clock. I'm officially inspired to get a couple of tube speed loaders and work on it until I can qualify. A new challenge!
Gus
At my first event, I used a stock 10/22 carbine with a Nikon scope. This was the only rifle I owned prior to signing up for the event. I admit, my wife signed me up with two of my children and I thought I was attending a kid's program. After being signed up, I picked up two more Ruger 10/22's and a couple of Walmart scopes for my two children. The three of us shared a Remington Bucket O'Bullets. The ammo ran as well as you would expect!
On several AQT's I was close to a Rifleman score. Imagine my excitement when the Shoot Boss handed out the targets from the last AQT of the weekend, but he held on to mine. I thought I had a good target. He then called me up front of the group and together we reviewed my target with several extra holes. Instead of a patch, my target was used as an example as to why you have to make sure you are on the right target. The high scores from the individual targets with extra holes were thrown out and I finished with a 204. My two kids were on either side of me and they both were positive it wasn't them ;D Although guessing who was at fault was a running joke in our household for years, I have to admit, I looked at their targets and they both had the right number of holes. Glad I didn't get my patch, it made me come back to another event and I accepted an orange hat.
I tell this story at Appleseed events sometimes so I thought I would share in this thread.
I came to my first Appleseed because a longtime friend needed help. He was the regional coordinator and had an April 19th shoot that nobody signed up for. He needed shooters. I did not really have a rifle that fit Appleseed at that range so he loaned me one and said he would give me Ammo if I would just show up. I refused the ammo but used his rifle. It was a 10/22 with tech sights. Just your basic 10/22 with a stock trigger.
Now my plan was to come to the event and show him how good of a shot I was and go home. That said I had been a great shot in the past but had not been shooting for some time. To say the least, I left the event embarrassed. My score was not horrible but I did not make expert and to me that was unacceptable.
By the end of the next week my Ruger 10/22 was ordered. It came and had an issue from the factory so it took me another month or more to get "My" rifle. It was just a standard 10/22. I added Tech sights and upgraded to the Ruger BX trigger. Its a 22 no way I am paying more than a center fire rifle for a 22. I am cheap!
I went to the range a lot with that rifle and one year after the first event I went to my second Appleseed event. Again an April 19th event with that same friend as the shootboss. The first AQT we shot was in the pouring rain. It was raining so hard that you had trouble clearly seeing the berm at 100 yds. When we finished the AQT the shootboss said something about just leaving the targets out there so we don't get wet. I refused that crap as I knew I made score. I went out in the rain and brought back the entire backer as the target was going to disintegrate.
I made score and went home happy. That was around 10 years ago. I still have that rifle but I haven't shot it in a long time. It is still set up like it was day one. Standard 10/22. Tech sights with a BX trigger.
Ammo.....Whatever is on sale. Again its a 22.... I don't get picky with ammo until I am shooting distance. If the rifle will run it I will shoot it. :)
This is a two part answer.
In early '13, I received a waiver to attend a 1 day instructors and advanced students KD at my home range without being an instructor or an advanced student as I had not been to any Appleseed event. My Colt AR was not sorted out as shooting it slightly right for my part helped mask a pretty large honking mechanical windage problem to the left. For too long, I thought the sling was pulling the barrel. Shoots straight now with the correction, but only got me 17/50 then.
Second part:
My old man has survived several friends' passings, and he sometimes is offered to buy their firearms by their widows. He gave me some of his friend Tony's guns, and I took Tony's "truck" 10/22, with a broken, spray painted stock, put an old wooden stock on it, folded the front sight down, hung a 1x4 Leupold on it, slung it up, and went to my first 25m AS, running CCI Blazer. Pulled a 213 on the first AQT and sat in the low 210s the rest of the weekend. Years later, with the only addition being a drop in trigger pack, it's gotten me to 242. I loan my other rifles out first, but I'll pass this guy to someone on the cusp near the end of the shoot for the last attempt. The nice trigger often calms them down enough to shoot just a little straighter and get over the hump.
Marlin 795, bone stock as Dunham's sells them. Mounted a Simmons ".22MAG" 3-9x scope I got at Walmart in a blister pack complete with rings for the princely sum of $40. Ran with Federal Automatch.
By the second Appleseed, it had a diproducts aluminum trigger and guard. I'm still a trigger snob to this day...
For pistol, Smith and Wesson victory with hive grips and a holosun optic shooting CCI SV.
An old JM Marlin 795 with tech sights & aquila ammo. Things were going great until the front sight fell off. Apparently the screw tech sights included wasn't the same diameter as what was on the older Marlins...
Borrowed a friends Ruger 10/22. Don't remember what type of ammo.
What I do remember is I was lining up the front sight level with the top of the rear sight blade. And couldn't hit anything. Yeah way high. I didn't know you were supposed to put the front sight in the little 'notch' of the rear sight. Which is way below.
I still hate the stock Ruger sights. May the designer of the stock Ruger sights burn in hell. Thank you Tech Sights.
That applies to Ruger Mini sights too.
All,
I am loving all these stories! In many ways we've all been down some of the same roads with equipment, ammo and techniques.
Before my first shoot I thought of myself as an accomplished rifle marksman. Then I found out what real marksmanship was. Then I realized I had come to that stage in my life where it has become important for me to pass on and teach this. That's why I took an orange hat. Will be upgrading to a red one later this year.
Gus
I ran a Marlin 795 on December 18th 2024 for my first and currently only Appleseed shoot. Hoping to do another this spring. My 795 wore tech sights, GI sling and had a DIP trigger with Mcarbo spring kit. Ran flawlessly through 300 rounds, had a jam that cost me a target but shot a 216 or 217 on my last attempt for the day. I shot cci standard velocity. Great rifle overall
PSA AR15 freefloated upper and 1x4 scope
shot 62 grain ammo.
Quote from: Gus on January 29, 2025, 07:27:38 PMWill be upgrading to a red one later this year.
Gus
Looking forward to seeing that, Gus :beer:
Hahaha similar experience here. I brought my new 10/22, a take down version with I think even worse sights, the 3 dot pistol style sights. Impossible to aim precisely at 25m, impossible to adjust precisely (windage adjustment requires a hammer and punch).
Luckily it was a 1 day event an hour from my house that I had not travelled to, because all I really learned was that stock sights were utterly useless, and Appleseed technique was awesome and that I wanted to do it with a rifle that was actually usable for what you all do.
Quote from: scuzzy on January 28, 2025, 08:52:01 PMBorrowed a friends Ruger 10/22. Don't remember what type of ammo.
What I do remember is I was lining up the front sight level with the top of the rear sight blade. And couldn't hit anything. Yeah way high. I didn't know you were supposed to put the front sight in the little 'notch' of the rear sight. Which is way below.
I still hate the stock Ruger sights. May the designer of the stock Ruger sights burn in hell. Thank you Tech Sights.
I showed up to my first event with a Marlin XT 22-TR (Tube fed, buckhorn sites). It was not ideal. Shot Saturday and most of Sunday with it, had plateaued around the 160-170 on the AQT. Getting on in the afternoon on Sunday, one of the instructors says "I think you should give this a try", and opens a case with a scoped 10/22, shows me the manual of arms, next AQT BOOM, 220s for a dandy patch.
The event where I took my orange hat, I showed back up with that old tube fed (and a scope this time) and was able to get it done. It's on my to-do list to put tech sites on it and try again, although I'm not confident my eyes are up to the task anymore.
My first Appleseed, I bought a pair of marlin 795's for my son and myself. He used a scope and I used Tech Sights. Got my Rifleman patch with that rifle and sights, but at my second Appleseed. Used Federal AutoMatch. Bought copious amounts of it before quality control went bad. Still have those rifles and added another as a loaner.
My first Appleseed I brought a Ruger 10/22 with a 3-9 scope. My scope was way too far back causing eye relief issues and I was terrible in seated. I did a lot of adjustments and dry fire practice and qualified the next time. I think I used either CCI Minimags.
I still have the "rifle" but the barrel, receiver, scope, stock, and trigger are all now in different rifles I have built.
Russian Tula TOZ-3 semiautomatic 22lr. I think the scope was a fixed 4x Redfield.
Scored a 202, the target is still hanging in my office.
Henry
Attended my first Appleseed last year. Used this Ruger 10/22.
https://ruger.com/products/1022Carbine/specSheets/31197.html
You can find it here.
https://grabagun.com/ruger-10-22-carbine-22-lr-16-12-barrel-10-rounds-w-hogue-overmolded-stock.html
Topped it off with this optic, I practiced like hell with the irons but my eyes just can't do it anymore.
https://us.hawkeoptics.com/vantage-4x32-ao-mil-dot.html
I really like this optic, it has an Adjustable Objective for Parallax and is adjustable to 15 Feet, yep 15 Feet.
I tried several different options of ammo but it ran great on CCI Mini Mag, Target, round nose, 40 grain.
I attended a Winterseed event this winter in Rochester MN, before i went I installed a Clark custom trigger kit in the gun and i feel it tightened my group up enough to earn my second Rifleman patch.
https://clarkcustomguns.com/product/clark-1022-trigger-kit/
patch .jpg
I could not move myself to buy the Ruger BX trigger, i feel it should have come with the gun and again i am very happy with the Clark trigger.
Finally that is a tactical Operations cheek pad on it to shim the height.
https://www.tacticalworks.com/Tactical-Operations-Ammo-Cheek-Pad-NO-LOOPS-in-Coyote-TOPS5NL.html
My only complaint is the thread protector kept un-threading, I need to get an o-ring for it.
Screenshot 2025-03-13 173413.jpg
M1 Garand with surplus M2 Ball. We drove up from Virginia to Altoona, Pa. Over 50 shooters on the line and probably 75% centerfire. There were 10 M1's. Ah, the pre-Sandy Hook days. $30 spam cans of M2 Ball, 192 rounds in clips and bandoliers, from CMP. I think it was 2008.
I let every piece of brass collect on my mat and was awash in shell casings by the end of each day. I remember it like it was yesterday. I especially remember when I mistakenly left my ears off for a string of fire. Not a good thing with all those boomers.
I used a Ruger SR-22, essentially a 10/22 in an aluminum chassis. That long rail means you can mount the scope exactly where you want it.
(https://www.tacticool22.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/ruger-sr-22r.jpg)
I used a Mueller Speed Shot scope, which has a tiny do for a reticle.
https://muelleroptics.com/products/mueller-speed-shot-1-4x24/ (https://muelleroptics.com/products/mueller-speed-shot-1-4x24/)
tk
I borrowed a ruger 10/22 scoped and used cci ammo from Cadence (Don M.) and made a rifleman score my first go round. Their excellent instruction and coaching led me on the path. As I soon found out there are lots of reasons one can fail to shoot a subsequent rifleman score of which Ive experienced many ( ammo, scope fail, sling fail, loose retention screws and just bad execution of known marksmanship techniques.) Nevertheless, persistence pays and I made my known distance KD patch with my AR using 556. More importantly I became an IIT and love helping out the shoots especially the youth shoots.
Ruger 10/22 bull barrel with tech sights, I don't remember what ammo. Cleared at least 1 redcoat and scored rifleman. I still have the rifle but it seems heavier than it was in 2017.
I came to my first Appleseed with my M1A National Match rifle (iron sights), shooting nato military surplus 147g ammo.
Oh yeah, I was also in full cammo fatigues with my Michigan Militia unit patches and boonie hat. **)
:F :snipersmi :beer:
My first one I used a custom 10/22 with a horrible stock. Used .22 Federal MAtch. also outdated glasses so i couldnt see. Failed miserably Found an appropriate stock and glass bedded it, got my eye balls updated, 2nd go round scored a 212. Attending the KD at Puryear in oct, going to TRY and run my M1A but it was so bad out of the box I shipped back today under warranty so MAYBE....
My first shoot was at an inaugural event with over 50 shooters so there wasn't individual hand holding. My rifle was one I bought years before from a custom builder based on the 10/22 platform. When I initially shot it I was not impressed with its accuracy, considering what I paid for it, and it languished in the safe for years. Only after becoming an Appleseeder I realized that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the rifle; now it is one of the most accurate firearms I own. After a frustrating weekend at the first event I went home patchless. I believe that Auto Match was the ammo and the groups were good but every string of fire showed different impact points and scope adjustments didn't seem to make any difference. After the shoot I removed the cheap scope and shook it. It rattled! A month later and with a new (cheap) scope I qualified. Lesson learned? Sometimes it's not the shooter and that scopes can and do fail.
My first Appleseed was a Sunday in Circa 2007/2008, with a SOCOM M1A with South African ball. Gun & ammo ran fine, and by the end of the day I was mostly on paper and my should was sore!!
Shot my 25 meter clinic in Charlotte NC the last weekend of May 2025. I shot that match with a CZ 455 .22LR, I think I shot the whole match with CCI MiniMags, and I was lucky enough to receive my Rifleman patch.
My first was a one-day event in 2019 with a Marlin Mod 60 I borrowed from my father. The trigger was so hard to pull, I often had to check to see if the safety was on. The rifle had an awful little scope that came with it that got replaced before the event with a cheap Hawke 2-7X scope that I took off of an air rifle.
Federal Automatch was the ammo. It had the word match in it, so it must be competition quality. I don't recall any ammo issues, so no real complaints there.
The tube feed rifle was a challenge, but was mostly overcome using smoothie straw "speed loaders" except the time I dumped them in backwards.
I scored in the 145 range that day. It was a great event and motivated me to buy my own rile(s) and keep coming back.
So, I had signed myself, my wife and my son up for that first Appleseed June, 2010. Brand new Mossberg 702 Plinkster 21 inch barrel model for the wife with a 4 power Simmons. Son got my inherited Remington 552 tube fed. Uh oh, I need a rife, too. Well you just bought a CZ 452FS in .22WMR.....There somehow or another was a bulk deal on CCI TMJ .22WMR on-line. (Been hoping to score that again for 15 years with no luck). So, I go old school, bolt action. 3-9 Simmons on it and a generic non adjustable sling. Last target on Sunday I manage a 216. Rifle has been upgraded to a much nicer scope and a GI sling. It remains the terror of the local ground hog population.
Quote from: PMark364 on August 13, 2025, 09:42:12 PMShot my 25 meter clinic in Charlotte NC the last weekend of May 2025. I shot that match with a CZ 455 .22LR, I think I shot the whole match with CCI MiniMags, and I was lucky enough to receive my Rifleman patch.
Hey I was at the match with you!! I'm coming back on September 6-7. This time I'll be bringing my CZ bolt action to test my bolt game!
Good Luck My Friend. It does test your speed with the bolt.
Hope you have a good time.
Mark
A Ruger 10/22T in stainless, bought ten years before. Old but very good 4-12 Tasco with an adjustable objective. Had a 1907 sling on it, but soon borrowed a cotton GI sling. Federal Champion 36gr non-HP in the blue bulk box.
Came close. Several times.
Appleseed #1 was shot with a Marlin Model 70HC (which, if I understand correctly, is the pre-ban version of the 795) that I borrowed from my dad. I then added tech sights, sling studs, a GI sling, and bought a couple of 10 round Marlin magazines (since they're not made by a big manufacturer any more, the price was a total rip-off).
I believe my highest score that time was 190. Looking back, I could not get a check weld at the right height to see through the aperture with any repeatability. The mag change was also far more fiddly than it is on a 10/22, which certainly didn't help.
I gave that rifle back to my dad and taught my little brother how to use it for sling-supported position shooting.
Sure have enjoyed reading everyone's stories. Also, some of you even provided information of family member's first Appleseed rifles and ammo! I thought that was particularly cool.
With that in mind, I'm goind to revisit my post. Two of my sons joined me on that day in March of 2019. One used a Marlin 795 with Norma TAC ammo and shot scores in the 170s and 180s. The other used a bolt action Anschutz Achiever (with open sights) with CCI Mini Mag 36 gr HP ammo. He scored a 216 on his first AQT. The next day he scored a 233.
My wife has also been a shooter at several Appleseed clinics. She used my Ruger 10/22 Sporter and CCI Standard at her first clinic.
In Liberty,
Gus
Here's a snapshot of what we all used. Everyone was pretty good about which rifle they used. In the case of the Ruger 10/22, there were all manner of models. In the interest of simplicity I lumped them all into one count, whether they were basic models or customized rifles. It is no surprise that Ruger 10/22s are the most popular choice.
With ammo, quite a few couldn't recall what they used and I categorize it as Blammo-Ammo. For those that did, CCI choices leads the way.
Some rifles were prime examples of bringing what you have or what a friend might have loaned them.
From all these submissions, Here are a few common themes regarding shooter's lessons learned along the way:
-Scopes were mounted incorrectly
-Did not like the stock 10/22 sights
-Many were motivated to come back and try again
-Regrets of ammo choices
Here's a compilation of what we have all provided:
Rifle Choices:
Ruger 10/22 20
Marlin 795 7
Marlin Model 60 4
Springfield M1A 3
AR 15 2
SW MP 15-22 2
Ruger Precision .22 1
Marlin 99M1 1
Remington 513T 1
Remington M270 (.22 LR) 1
Marlin XT 22-TR 1
Russian Tula TOZ-3 1
M1 Garand 1
Ruger SR-22 1
CZ 455 .22 LR 1
Mossberg 702 .22 LR 1
Remington 552 .22 LR 1
CZ 452FS .22 WMR 1
Anschutz Achiever .22 LR 1
Marlin 70HC 1
Ammo Choices:
Unknown Blammo-Ammo .22 LR 13
CCI Mini Mags 36 gr or 40 gr .22 LR 5
CCI Blazer .22 LR 5
CCI Standard Vel .22 LR 5
Federal Automatch .22 LR 5
Remington Bulk .22 LR 3
Generic 5.56 2
Federal Match .22 LR 2
.308 Surplus 147gr ball 2
.308 Am Eagle 150 fmj 1
SK Standard .22 LR 1
Federal .22 LR 1
Aguila 1
.30-06 M2 Ball 1
CCI TMJ .22WMR 1
Norma TAC 1
Federal Champion .22 LR 1
In Liberty,
Gus
I shot my first Appleseed using a Ruger 10/22 Backpacker. I was forewarned that takedown rifles can be problematic, but I was also encouraged to attend anyway and bring what I have. Before the event, I bought a longer Magpul Hunter forend so I would be able to mount the sling, and I bought the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 scope, rings, and extended rail package from the Appleseed store. I used CCI Standard Velocity.
That rifle did not perform well! I was a complete novice, so I didn't do that great either, but the rifle was also a problem. The sling tension is just too much for the takedown mechanism. It's impossible to get consistent groups. Also, the stock is not adjustable for length of pull, and it was just too short for me.
My second Appleseed was with a new Ruger 10/22 60th Anniversary Special Edition that I transferred the scope to. It's not a takedown, it has a Magpul Hunter stock which is very adjustable for LOP and comb height, it came with an upgraded Ruger BX trigger. I scored on average about 50-60 points higher at my second Appleseed than my first. I'll take some credit for learning a few things, but the rifle definitely made a difference. I used CCI SV again.
My First Appleseed back in 2022 I brought a Ruger 10/22 Sporter, modified with Tech Sights and a Timney Trigger. I chose poorly and shot Thunderbolts most of the weekend, switching to Minimags Sunday Afternoon.
I also had my S&W 15-22 in the car as a spare, never brought it out.
I used the same Sporter with better ammunition (Minimags) at my Second, both ventures being a failure, with a high score of 209.
I finally admitted my eyes weren't up to the task and bought a second 10/22 ($0 out of pocket with store rewards points), changing out the trigger (BX), stock (Archangel), and a fixed 4x scope. Attended my 3rd Appleseed and Shot Rifleman with a 222 using CCi SV.
I brought the first firearm I had ever purchased...from several decades earlier: a Ruger 10/22. Over the years, I'd used it extensively and "tricked it out" with a bull barrel, Hogue overmolded stock, a blue-printing trigger job (back when you could get that done by shipping it off to someone found on eBay), and a Simmons "44mag" 3-9x44 scope. I brought CCI green tag because that's what the rifle groups most consistently with from what I've tried.
I'd taken many squirrels with it through the years and made plenty of shots I was proud of, but I'd never tried shooting it prone. In fact, I hadn't shot prone since I was about 11 years old at Boy Scouts summer camp—Camp Seole in Clearwater, Florida.
Nothing worked well for me that first weekend because the rifle simply didn't fit my 6'4" frame. I struggled all day Saturday and ended up using a loaner on Sunday (thank you again, @stoneknives).
The transformation came through a series of modifications: a Vortex Crossfire II scope kitted with extended Picatinny mount to get the ocular lens away from my face, a proper shooter's mat (instead of a moving pad), and a G.I. sling—all ordered from the Project Appleseed store. I also modded an M-LOK style quick-release sling mount to replace the traditional front sling stud, allowing me to easily remove the sling after a course of fire without detaching it from my support bicep. Thin volleyball-style elbow pads saved this old man from wearing scabs for weeks. An adjustable cheek riser topped with a slice of pool noodle and bound with sports wrap, plus about 3/4 inch of fitted stock extensions, made all the difference.
With a rifle that actually fit me, I could relax into the proper turkey neck position, my head resting comfortably on the foam-lined cheek rest like a pillow. At last, I could focus on my sight picture and implementing the instruction being given without feeling flustered (I was breaking my neck trying to hold my face far enough back to see through the scope).
Now, it's hard to explain to others how perfectly my rifle fits me—unless they happen to share basically the same body type. :tsk:
:boohoo: Of course, it wasn't until my THIRD Appleseed event that I actually started implementing what I'd been taught. That's when everything finally came together for me.