I don't believe we could have had a more picturesque weekend at the Everett Sportsmens Club. Canada and Snow Geese are migrating through the area, and we were treated to sun, rain, and rainbows. This was all made better by a *covered* firing line, hot dogs, and a cozy wood stove to keep warm by.
We had a very full line of 17 shooters join us at ESC. They came ready to learn rifle marksmanship from the PNW's best instructors, and as a bonus they learned quite a bit about our shared American history as well.
Saturday morning started off with our Hits Count target, and only 2 of our shooters were scoring 3 intentional hits on targets beyond 200 yards. No shooters cleared the target on Saturday morning! The instructor crew got down to doing what we do best - turning Americans in Riflemen!
We started with fitting rifles to shooters, and folks this is the only time I have EVER run out of vet wrap! It was excellent to see our shooters take the first step of firing the shot (SIGHT ALIGNMENT) so seriously. Once we finished with this exercise, the groups downrange were incredibly good! I'm talking 6-8 MOA right out of the gate. We were able to cover Talking Targets and IMC after just a few squares, and shooters were clearly paying attention to what their targets were telling them.
Saturday we had a few returning Riflemen prove that they still knew what they were about. Matt M. posted a 211 with iron sights, and Chris also posted a 211.
By the end of the day on Saturday, we had 8 shooters hit Morgan's Shingle and 3 clear the Hits Count target altogether! But scores would continue to improve!
Sunday was much, much wetter than Saturday. We started out with a dry Hits Count target (where 6 shooters hit the shingle with their cold bore shot!), but by the end of the day we were peeling wet targets off the backers. This was no deterrent to our persistent group.
I am thrilled to announce that we have several NEW Riflemen in Washington! Tyler (222), Rob A. (219), and Matt N. (219) all scored Rifleman for the first time! HUZZAH!
I also had the privilege of awarding a Distinguished Rifle Score patch to Matt M, who scored a 232 with tech sights! Well done, sir!
Several of our returning Riflemen posted re-qualifying scores: HUBBLE (232), Jamison (218), Rob J. (215), and Steven (230) all showed us that they still know very well what they are about!
Shooters, thank you for a great weekend. I know you could have spent your weekend enjoying our beautiful Washington weather enjoying your liberty in any number of other ways, and I'm grateful you chose to spend it doing something that took work and determination. This weekend you learned a little history and a little marksmanship, but what I hope sticks with you is the spirit of John Hancock and the hard, behind-the-scenes work it always takes to achieve great things.
To Will: Thank you for making this event at the Everett Sportsmens Club such a success. Your work to get the event on the calendar and to prep the range (not to mention the wood stove and hot dogs) made this very soggy shoot feel cozy instead of miserable.
To Jamison, Tkdninja, HUBBLE, Doc Sportseen, Iborche, and USSSaratoga: I am continually inspired by your example and your effectiveness at turning Americans into Patriots and Riflemen. Thank you for all your hard work this weekend.
A few pictures from the event:
Daniel rings steel with an M1 Garand:
(https://i.imgur.com/LRZUgHV.jpeg)
Tyler shows off his score of 222:
(https://i.imgur.com/IcovKEq.jpeg)
Matt N. posts a score of 219:
(https://i.imgur.com/LbHJWoh.jpeg)
Will from Everett Sportsmen's Club put together a post on Reddit with some more pictures!
Link here: https://old.reddit.com/r/appleseed/comments/1o5jxit/my_version_of_7th_stepping/
Hi Captain,
Thanks so much for your instruction, storytelling, and overall amazingness. And thanks to Jamison, Tkdninja, HUBBLE, Doc Sportseen, Iborche, and USSSaratoga as well. You were all so patient, supportive, knowledgeable, and helpful. It was an amazing time.