15 patriots joined us, braving the Illinois sun, for the annual Pistol Clinic at the ISRA Range in Bonfield. Many thanks to the ISRA and their RSO's for the hospitality and great range, to Geek and JHB for adding a few more miles to the MACC 2.0 to come instruct, and to Windrunner for all the prep work at the range and his help all weekend.
We started the weekend out with a resounding first strike by JHB, solidifying for our shooters why we are here (its about more then the marksmanship). After safety briefing and some initial remarks, we launched into the Hits Count. After a good base line was established, and possible fantabulous prizes were teased for our next attempt we moved into POI. Geek, JHB, and ChuckA guided shooters through the POI and dry fire, and our first string of live fire showed impressive groups. instruction continued, and so did the great shooting.
A break for lunch, and a second strike by ChuckA gave a respite from the sun, and a very important hydration opportunity. Recharged with water, food, and liberty the afternoon progressed with continued improvement all around. A resounding third strike by Geek gave us all a recharge and hydration break allowing us to get to a PQT before we all turned into raisins. We are so glad we did, as Rick (216) and James(211) both posted a Pistoleer™ score and earned their patch with centerfires. They then proved it wasn't a fluke by clearing the Hits Count, earning an IL Appleseed wooden nickel. Congratulations Gents!
Day 2 started with 13 returning shooters and a DOM by Windrunner. Greg M cleared the AM Hits Count, and we launched into refreshers and POI's. After our shooters knocked off a few cobwebs we posted PQTs and James(223), Keith(216), and Greg M (211) all requalified. After lunch, hydration, and Sam & Sam we jumped into a "study hall" where shooters practiced skills before we started another PQT. Several shooters also took the opportunity to shoot a reproduction 1851 Navy.
Recharged and polished, Bobby posted a 213 earning his patch, before swapping his wonder gun off to Tom who would prove his skills with a 211 on the next PQT. The group opted for one more PQT over a fun shoot as the heat was taking its toll. Our final Hits count has all participating shooters ace the 44 and 60 yard tombstones, before the sweat got in their eyes.
Congratulations to all our new and requalified Pistoleer™s, and thank you to the volunteers who made this weekend possible. Already looking forward to the next pistol clinic.
:F
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I appreciate the guidance and support! By the end of the weekend I was shooting much better despite the heat.
Thank you to everyone. -Alex
p.s. next time I will do my hardest to get the PQT with the revolver...
Great class and the instructors were very patient and serious about training and training safely. I will recommend to have a FULL SIZE PISTOL to use because we had one contribute to the success of two Pistoleer™s!
Thanks, everyone, for a very enjoyable weekend of marksmanship & heritage. The heat was a bit much for Bonnie, so she spent today recovering while researching green dots after trying the one on Geek's Mark IV. We both still have a way to go to reach Pistoleer™ but will be practicing until next time. And next time I'll bring something old to shoot a PQT with just for fun.
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An incredible weekend. Lots of great folks and an awesome range. It was great seeing the return participants and make some new friends. Below are some of the award pics I got.
Here are a couple more pics
one last shot...