Happy Patriot's Day Recovery Day!
First off, I want to thank all the participants and Instructors for attending an Appleseed Rifle Marksmanship Clinic on April 19 and 20. Thank you for properly celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the quest for Liberty and the real Birthday of America.
When this event was scheduled over a year ago, our goal to hold a shoot on the anniversary day. In January, upon looking at a calendar, it was discovered this was Easter weekend. Even so, we had a relatively full line, and only one cancelation due to a badly sprained ankle the day before the shoot. We missed you Puddles, and I have a Special Edition RM patch saved for when you can hit the line again.
Much to my surprise after opening the classroom up and manning gate for a few minutes, when I got to Bay 7, the Ford Volunteers already had the Bay completely set up; barricades removed, target stands and backers set up. Plus, they also came out the evening before to set up the Flag Displays. The Bay looked awesome and ready for a celebration! Thank you for all the extra work and effort you provide.
Weather was brisk both mornings starting with temps in the upper 30's, warming to low 50s in the afternoon. Rain held off Saturday morning, but we got wet a couple of times during the afternoon. The rain did not impair the attitude of anyone on the line. Enthusiasm was abundant.
We had a highly experienced lineup and only four first time attendees. The initial Hits count Target had six shooters qualifying as Morgan's Riflemen.
After the initial set of Instruction and associated 5 shot per drill square (slings/prone, 6 steps/NPOA), Talking Targets, IMC), we broke for Lunch and Heritage Presentations in the dry and heated Classroom facility.
The First Strike was presented by IIT3 AR Gunner (Ryan), followed by the Second Strike presented by BaldSinceBirth (John K.). Having quality presenters is a huge asset and relief for a Shoot Boss!
Post Lunch, as the rain came and went and came again, we had instruction on the Standing and Stage 2 positions (sitting/kneeling), and Transitions. Several folks struggled with finding a workable Stage 2 position. Please note this is not unusual, especially if you have not shot in a while, and especially for us more lifetime experienced folks! Our bodies have a way of aging/changing that our minds do not recognize! The best way to discover which variation suits you is best figured out at your home in dry-fire mode (firearm triple checked with sight and feel that firearm is not loaded, no ammunition in the room, and a safe backstop). If you want reduced dry fire targets, send me a PM with your email.
We broke for the Third Strike after the introductory AQT. Third Strike was presented by one of our AppleCore Volunteers, Ambi (attending as a participant). Did I mention how nice it is to have quality presenters?
We got down to business after the Third Strike to honor all those brave souls, long dead, and all the other veterans who have walked the field of battle for us by demonstrating one of their fine traditions- MARKSMANSHIP. It was time for a scored AQT!
We had seven previous RM requalify on the first AQT. Jared, Ben, BSB, Tom T., Ambi, Kid RM, and Emily. Emily also joined the ranks of Distinguished Rifleman. First time attendee Lauren W. even surprised himself by earning the RM patch. HUZZAH!
The second Hits Count Target ended the day with an increase to 9 qualifying as a Morgan's RM. That is an increase from 33% to 53% of the class qualifying, that is indicative of solid improvement! More Huzzahs!
Easter Sunday opened with cool temps again and threatening skies on and off most of the day. Again, the distressing skies did not deter participant enthusiasm. There were several planned no-shows, plus 2 additional. We also had 2 Instructors with family commitments, so all human aspects of the line were pared down slightly. The morning Hits Count held steady at a 50% qualifying as Morgan's RM.
Instruction recap and associated drill targets was followed by what could be described as NPOA tune up drills where we run Ball and Dummy, Carding, and a 10 shot NPOA/Cadence sequence. Stage 2 position recap and speed transitions drills set the stage for the 2 following morning AQTs.
During Lunch Ambi presented a Dangerous Old Man starring William Heath and Shoot Boss Eert presented background of "Broadside" publications and a DOM starring Samual Whittaker. We quickly adjourned Lunch to return to the line for the Patriot's Day Memorial Volley. P7 (Shoot Boss on injured reserve) conducted the emotional memorial and Volley. I do believe there were a few damp eyes from the "wind" and definite voice cracking among the Instructor Corp. It is a remarkable moment to share with you all. Thank you again for attending.
Post Volley, we shot some speed prone transition drills to practice making the transition to the first shot quickly. This was followed by a couple of AQT's, then a short break to set up for the new Parker's Revenge Target.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the Parker's Revenge Target, and the two teams were close with the left side of the line pulling ahead after a recount. For future Shoot Bosses using this target, I recommend closely scrutinizing skill levels to divide teams. I tried to balance RM per each team, but I did not consider the number of non-RM in each team. As Line Boss, I did not get to hear the individual team strategy, so I would be curious if you would share below. From scoring the targets, I would guess the winning Teams strategy was to focus on targeting the officers. That North Bridge strategy appears to have paid off!
We ran a couple more AQT's and with the final AQT of the weekend, we gave the option for those who wanted to run the Speed AQT during Stage 4.
Everyone that qualified or requalified on Saturday had additional targets qualify on Sunday, including our newest RM Lauren W. Repeatability and Persistence rule.
Requals for the weekend: Jared, Ben, BSB, Tom T., Ambi, Kid RM, Emily K., Reid
Additional Requals included Instructor Cadre: AR Gunner with Center Fire, 237! LilTom with Centerfire 218! It is awesome to see the Instructors qualifying with those Centerfires!
New Distinguished Rifleman: KidRM 246, Tom T. 242, Emily K. 240
Requal Distinguished: BSB 243
As this was a Patriot's Day event the Appleseed Store included some swag items to given out. The playing cards were the hot ticket item chosen by the participants. Swag was presented for:
High Score- Kid RM
Most Improved- by our sole youth shooter Wyatt, knocking on the door with a 186
Most Improved Adult (and best attitude) - Kathy T.
Farthest Travel- Jared 477 miles. Also, with a high of 237 so looking at the Distinguished!
Most Appleseed Events- Kid RM (~26, donated the poster to Wyatt!)
Brought Most People to an Appleseed Event- Tom T. (somewhere in the 20+ range since 2012). Idaho's original Shoot Boss, Reformed Redneck (RIP) is smiling at this recognition for 7th stepping.
Presenting these awards was a highlight for me and we even got them done before the skies opened and poured down.
It was great meeting the new folk and touching bases with the returnees. Thank you all (Instructors too) for sharing this memorable day.
I am going to try photo posting
Panorama view of shooting bay.
Ambi telling Third Strike, special editor targets in background
Lauren W. in solid keeling position
What a Geat Event!
COI was second to none.
Weather was on a 10 minute change cycle yet didn't effect the spirit on the line.
Instruction was on the money.
Orange and Red hats all over the place. Some even on the Mats.
Participants were an amazing bunch of very skilled kind folks.
It was heart warming to see a father work with his son for two days to build up a Patriot at heart.
It was really neat to see a couple Orange hats show they "Do" have what it takes.
Parkers Revenge was absolutely a BLAST!
Awesome Event!
Absolutely fantastic Shoot!
Always happy to attend and glad I could assist this patriots day.
Weather seemed to be all over the place but we had many "who knew very well what they are about", instructors volunteers and shooters alike.
Thanks to all the instructors for setting up an amazing patriots day for our 250th
Huzzah!
This event was special for more than the 250th anniversary, it was something of a reunion. There were instructors that had been away for a while for various personal reasons, who came back for this anniversary Appleseed. I enjoyed working a firing line with all of you again. Thanks for your commitment. Also, we saw the return of formerly enthusiastic Appleseeders like Tom and Kathy, whom we have not seen in years. 5-10 years ago, they came regularly to shoots bringing along an entourage of half a dozen people. They are among the best 7th steppers we have seen.
The many rifleman qualification and re-quals were very encouraging to see, not only among the students, but instructors as well. It is so good to see my fellow instructors keeping their skills sharp, persisting on that rifleman journey.
Although Wagon and Eert didn't requalify during the event on Easter Sunday, we did mange to pop a couple of RM scores before the end of the month. We are happy to add the special patch to our collection.
DOM! Congratulations