The dawn of a historically important weekend began with the rising slowly from the east and erasing the night's shadow with beautiful clear skies overhead. We were especially grateful to the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center operations management who opened up their busy range scheduling calendar for this event. Rallying to this gathering point in Northern California were 17 patriotic shooters traveling from far and wide eager to learn more about their nation's heritage and seeking to acquire skills and demonstrate persistence in improving their marksmanship abilities. Supporting their goals were 11 Project Appleseed volunteer instructors and staff who brought their skilled professional presentations, precise instructional methods, and continuously positive interactive approaches which have been sharpened over 90 collective years of effort in Appleseed events. Launching efforts that morning, NorCalgal22, eaglescouter, FixBayonettes, Cal Lefty, Pinbreaker, Missy, Smallbore (Timothy_D), Constitutional Carrie, vic, Pinky, and 3Huzzahs constructed the 25 meter firing line, "Tent City" with over 600 feet of sunshade canopy cover, and 15 of Revolutionary War era flags gently flying in the breeze announcing to everyone within visual range that Project Appleseed was proudly supporting our mission goals and objectives. We are especially proud to have flown the 11th Virginia Regimental Flag of Morgan's Riflemen of which "eaglescouter" is known to have had a relative of exceptional marksmanship skill having been a documented member of that unit who served with distinction as recognized by General George Washington in recorded historical texts.
Marksmanship evaluation started with the "Hits Count" target drill where establishing effective range was made by 3 at 100yds, 3 at 200yds, 2 at 300yds, 1 at 400yds, with 1 shooter clearing the entire challenge. 2 shooters had hits on the highly challenging shingle represented by a 5x7 inch target at 250yds distant. Huzzah!
On this opening day, the Appleseed Qualification Test (AQT) for the Rifleman qualification (210/250) was earned by Karl who had been to 3 other 25m rifle events with a 231 and Chris with a 226 attending his very first Appleseed event. Huzzah!
On Sunday, the 19th of April 2026 which marks the 251st anniversary of critical events at Lexington Common, Concord's North Bridge, and Merriam's Corner, the number of shooters who persevered in their quest for improved marksmanship skills grew even larger. Brian (222,216,222), Karl (213,218,226), Chris (227), KC (213), and Cole (214). When Cole, a 14yo youth shooter traveling all the way from east of Reno, Nevada was asked what were the subjects he felt were the most important in order to achieve his Rifleman patch he replied "Learning to properly use the loop sling and shooting with the rifleman's cadence to shoot all my rounds under the time limit". Huzzah!
Sunday morning also marked a special "Parker's Revenge" event where the group was divided into 3 different groups. Each group took the allotted time to divide their precious and limited 39 rounds of ammunition among the team to achieve hits on Lt Col. Francis Smith the Redcoat Commander, 2 officers, a Grenadier, and 9 Troops. When "cease fire" had been called, and the smoke had cleared, the winning team had achieved hits on 12/13 targets with only a lone Troop surviving to run away and tell other Redcoats what had happened at the "Parker's Revenge" ambush recreation simulation west of Lexington. Huzzah!
Sunday afternoon at 1300 hours (1:00pm) also marked a special "Volley Fire" event where the enrolled students and participating instructors honored those Americans who were killed on 19 April 1775 by laying down in the prone position, carefully achieving their natural point of aim, and firing on command as the names of the fallen were solemnly called out 13 times. The Volley Target hits are a testament to their skills, determination, and respect honoring the fallen Americans that day 251 years ago. Huzzah!
For many shooters it was their first but not last Appleseed that they will be attending. Laksmi and others inquired about an upcoming Pistolseed event. Chris, Karl, Brian and others sought more information about the Rimfire Known Distance event also coming up at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center. 7th Stepping, a familiar and important effort to spread the word to friends, family, and co-workers about Project Appleseed was especially embraced by Chris who volunteered to take a handful of pamphlets to share with his company and friends. Cole and his Mom also discussed how his brother would like to come to a future Appleseed. It was also gratifying to see KC's father (Larry) who at the age of 82 and a decorated Vietnam veteran of the 101st Airborne Division also attend and participate in the weekend's events. Huzzah!
Indeed, it is fitting that the 25m event at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center in Sloughhouse, California can be remembered as a fantastic and enthusiastically attended program by proud Americans of all ages. Included in this group our four youth shooters Ruby, Ollie, Cole, and Logan were awarded special "Luther Blanchard" patches to demonstrate to others that they came, participated, and persevered throughout the weekend. HUZZAH, HUZZAH, HUZZAH!!!!
It sounds like a great event! Hopefully some of those who expressed interest in the 200yd RKD will sign up. The event is very close to full, and I'd love to see it sell out! Huzzah!
When "turkey neck then drop" goes a little to far...
(1891 Argentine Mauser bolt bit my nose while I was shooting squares)
#Notevenmad
Worth it. :snipersmi
Had yet another great experience this past weekend. Appleseed and their instructors are second to none. This was my 4th event and I learn something new every time. Time to step up to the known distance rimfire and pistol clinics next. Thanks again to all those who helped with pops and I again. :snipersmi
Quote from: kcw64 on April 22, 2026, 05:54:09 PMHad yet another great experience this past weekend. Appleseed and their instructors are second to none. This was my 4th event and I learn something new every time. Time to step up to the known distance rimfire and pistol clinics next. Thanks again to all those who helped with pops and I again. :snipersmi
I'm really looking forward to the Rimfire Known Distance May 30-31. Only 4 tickets left. If you go, I will see you there!
KC,
It was great to see you guys out there again!! Look forward to seeing you guys at the fall Rimfire KD. I think that's the one you said you were going to.
This was one of my favorite pictures of the weekend. Cole and his Mom.