Rush Creek farm hosted its second annual Rimfire KD. The event was held in in the picturesque stream valley (and sheep pasture) of the property. While the line of fourteen shooters was filled mostly with Appleseed folks of all hat colors, we did have a couple of "civilians" join in this great learning experience.
The firing line was the top ridge of the valley which allowed all four target lines to be easily engaged. Sheepdog 180 joined Morgan's riflemen by hitting the shingle with his first cold bore shot to start the weekend. Rifles were then zeroed at 50 yards, before small targets were posted and shot at 100, 150 and 200 yards. Fresh six foot cardboard backers were placed at the 150 and 200 yard lines and with the target posted near the top it allowed true bullet drop to be measured recorded, then marked with high visibility paint. Next, scope hash marks were calculated using 4, 6, 8, and 10 MOA squares, (1, 2, and 3 Mil squares were used if needed) set at 100 yards. After scopes were calibrated shooters could determine and record which scope hash marks corresponded to the drop at each distance. We then shot the three distances using hash marks only, the results proved this to be a very accurate method. Next we calculated adjustments in turret MOA come ups, and verified those numbers. Shooters could choose to use either method when engaging targets.
After lunch and some inspiring history presentations, we resumed confirming scope turret adjustments before shooting two Appleseed Qualification Tests and finishing the day just as some rain started. Congratulations to Hemi286 for re-qualifying with a 45 out of 50 hits, Doc Willi re-qualified with 42 hits, and Jeff C. earned his Rimfire KD patch with 42 hits.
Sunday began with breakfast cooked by Hail Storm before an in depth (but fun) lessons on range estimation. Work sheets were handed out along with a scope reticle transparency in MOA, the transparencies were used to determine approximate distances to the objects printed on the worksheets, (how could it not be fun to estimate the range of a pink flying pig with a 48" wingspan?)
Next shooters got behind their rifles to locate and range estimate several objects hidden at various distances out to 340 yards. Our first live fire of the day was Morgan's shingle, two more Riflemen (riflewomen) were added to the list; congratulations to Sacagawea and Hail Storm.
Sunday finished a bit early as rain moved in for the remainder of the afternoon, but not before more Rifleman patches were handed out; Longrifleman scored a 43, Hail Storm shot a 44, Sheepdog180 scored a 40, which earned him a bit of the water from the North Bridge, and Skald also re-qualified with a 43.
Thanks go to WildBillCody and his wife Rebecca, for providing lunch both days featuring beef brisket and side dishes cooked to perfection!