This is a continuation from my first attempt last year: First Appleseed, Lessons Learned - Rainbow, CA October 5-6 (https://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=68670.0)
I got the e-mail about the discount for Navy personnel and took it. Thank you for the promotion for the Navy's 250th!
Event Type: Traditional 25m
Previous qualification experience: Navy Rifle Qualification Course (Circa 2012, Score: ~180, Sharpshooter), Navy PTAG VBSS Course
Rifle: Custom Built AR-22 (CMMG 17" MT barrel, Vortex Venom 3-15x44 Scope)
Ammo: CCI AR Tactical, 1000 rds
Environmentals: Day 1: 85F, 5 kts wind, gusts in the afternoon. Day 2: 84F, 5 kts wind, gusts in the afternoon. Dry. Hard packed dirt. Cattle.
Changes from my first attempt:
1. Brought a glove for my support hand
2. Properly torqued my scope rings with a torque wrench
Day 1:
I arrived early and helped the instructors setup. The area had a fire a few weeks before so the range was all burned out including the target supports.
We had 7 students including myself and 2 Instructors, Bob 210 and Adam.
We got our safety briefing and basic rifle instruction. Mix of 10/22s and AR22s.
We shot our first Redcoat target and I only missed the 300yd. I made an effort to keep my support fingers straight on the underside of the handguard instead of gripping it. From my first time, I was taught my fingers were causing POI shifts.
From here we went through the square drill targets. I was doing ok, but noticed I had one good target with horizontal stringing. It was assessed I needed to work on trigger control. I asked about where to place my hand on a pistol grip and actually worked it a bit clockwise so the pad of my index finger was better centered on the trigger blade.
We shot our first AQT and I got a 199. Not terrible, but not my best. Fatigue after shooting all day definitely needs to be taken into consideration.
Day 2:
We got all set-up again in the morning and shot our opening Redcoat target of the morning. Did ok, but didn't clean all the targets.
We did our square target drills and it was noticed I was "dragging wood" with my index finger on the receiver, so Bob suggested I choke down on the grip. Felt a bit weird and different because I am used to keeping the web of my hand into the upper part of the grip.
Next, we got to our AQTs.
AQT #1: 212
Stage 1: Standing felt great and I didn't see anything land in the 3 zone on my follow-through. I was really encouraged.
Stage 2: For whatever reason, I decided to slow things down on this one and worked on shot placement more than paying attention to time. Therefore, I did not get off 2x rounds, but I took my time for the rest, so most were in the 4 and 5 zones. I accepted the time loss.
Stage 3: Got all rounds either touching or in the black. Can't ask for more.
Stage 4: I had one round land outside the last target in Stage 4. Not sure what happened there.
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AQT #2: Skipped and sat out
AQT #3: 200
AQT #4: 189
AQT #5: Skipped and sat out.
I had been drinking water all day, but had a pretty good headache by this point.
Conclusion:
This Appleseed was special to me. I finally qualified for the Navy's 250th birthday month.
I know Appleseed likes to have larger groups, but I appreciated the small student group size and Bob 210 and Adam gave excellent instruction which really helped correct a lot of my issues. For as long as you both have done this, thank you for the professionalism, humor and memorable time! I had a grip issue that was only picked up on Sunday morning. I think that was one of the last pieces to patching out.
The lower temperature from last year was a huge factor and I wasn't as exhausted, but still fatigued after AQT #1. I know as Riflemen we can't pick our environmentals, but I'd like to see if I am as fatigued in cooler temperatures in the winter/spring.
I feel like I am most fresh and ready for AQTs #1 or #2. After that, I'm a bit wiped.
I do have one lingering issue that was picked up later on Sunday that my blood circulation in my support arm may have impacted my aim. I was wearing a pretty thin long sleeve shirt. I'd like to try this with a BDU coat and see if it helps this issue a bit.
Overall, I feel pretty accomplished. I shot the equivalent of Expert in the Navy with a rifle I assembled from parts, with bulk ammo, a sling and 4 days of training. Nothing I had was match grade.
What's next?
I feel like my consistency is still a little all over the place especially as I become fatigued. I need to keep doing practicing to get smaller group sizes. This is one of those things from the Minutemen, they practiced on a constant basis and were ready.
I have a few things to work on:
1. I'd like to qualify with my 10/22. Same scope. Has an issue with shaving rounds I need to figure out.
2. I'd like to update my sling to the more modern Magpul RLS. I have seen some members have success with it and I like the option to have the rear point attached to the stock.
3. Attend an AS in April. I'd like to earn the Red, White, and Blue patch.
4. Get Distinguished.
5. Attend at least once a year to keep my skills sharp. This is a perishable skill and needs to be maintained.
I am trying to bring a friend next time too.
Centerfire semi-auto in California is a bit off the table until we have some regulation changes.
My eyesight isn't as good anymore, so I feel like I might be continuing to use a scope instead of irons. It helps. I also don't want to remove what is mounted properly!
This journey is by no means complete.
Great write up, thanks for sharing your experiences.