What a great weekend for liberty and marksmanship! We could not have asked for better weather- 60s-70s and sunny while much of the rest of the country is buried in snow.
We started the weekend with a group of 15 eager shooters, including 5 youth. It's always great to see kids come out and get involved in the history. We started off strong with a creative first strike from Mrdann.
Considering we had so many first time students, our first redcoat of the weekend showed great results. We knew there was still room for improvement though, so we rolled into formal instruction. The students took right to it, with groups shrinking before our eyes. Saturday afternoon we had a little excitement- a berm on a nearby range was on fire! After evaluating the situation, we determined it was best to take a break from shooting for a while so the first responders could address the situation. A block of instruction and a strike later we were back in action, ready to practice magazine changes and roll into the first AQT. Thanks to Brevard County Fire Rescue for getting the situation under control so quickly.
At the end of day 1 no riflemen had revealed themselves, but Michael V. was knocking on the door with a 207. Instructor SweetCarolyn was also presented with her 10 event pin by TheMenace.
By the end of day 2, Michael revealed that he knew very well what he's about- a total of 5 qualifying scores. John F. also requalified several times, ending with a high score of 231 with a centerfire. Instructor JC/DC took the opportunity to requalify as well. I would be remiss to skip over David W. with the heartbreaker- 209. So close! I know you'll get it next time.
To all the shooters, well done. I saw tremendous improvement from each and every one of you throughout the weekend. If you didn't earn a patch this time, remember, a Rifleman persists. Dry fire, practice those transitions, study your guidebooks, and come back again.
As always, thank you to the Port Malabar Rifle & Pistol Club, a premier shooting sports destination in Central Florida.
Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VwA3Vt4GyYZ1xdoNA (https://photos.app.goo.gl/VwA3Vt4GyYZ1xdoNA)
You know it's going to be a great day for liberty when it starts with a pair of bald eagles circling the cloudless skies over your shoot!
Thank you Cody. It was a good time and I learned a lot. I hope to get that rifleman next course. 209 :wb: Not bad for first time out. I already started showing my kid. Our slings are coming in the mail soon.
David
All the shooters should be very proud of themselves. Thanks for all contributing to a successful and safe shoot.
Congratulations to Michael V and John F. Great job guys!
David W with a center-fire rifle, David M with iron sights, and Tim F with a bolt action - you guys should be happy about being oh so close, but I know the pain of just missing out. I'm hoping we see you all again soon to finish the job and get those Rifleman patches.
Lastly, great job Cody. I was thrilled to be part of this event.