We had another AMAZING event with A Girl and A Gun at the incredible CAMEO Shooting and Education Complex in beautiful Palisade, Colorado!
This is an event we look forward to every year, and it is always an honor and privilege to work with the AG&AG members. These ladies are true patriots who know exactly what they are about, and it is inspiring to watch them embrace both the history and marksmanship instruction that Project Appleseed brings to the line.
Thursday gave us the opportunity to connect with attendees and fellow vendors—nearly 800 people total—at our exhibit table in the vendor tent. The Project Appleseed banner and flag, along with the Battle Road map and 7th Stepping poster, drew in a steady stream of curious participants eager to learn more about Project Appleseed and our mission to Reignite the Spirit of the American Revolution. We made many great new connections throughout the day and enjoyed sharing both history and our mission with so many enthusiastic attendees.
We were also pleasantly surprised to discover that "our" range had undergone major improvements since last year and, for this event, had even been named "The Old North Bridge" with special signage in place. Thank you, Robyn, for that thoughtful and meaningful touch!
Over the course of three days, we conducted two sessions per day. The weather cooperated beautifully this year, with cool mornings followed by warm and comfortable afternoons—excellent conditions for learning and shooting on the range.
Each session introduced participants to the Project Appleseed mission along with a taste of Revolutionary War history before moving into the safety briefing, proper prone position, the Six Steps to Firing the Shot, and of course, Natural Point of Aim. From there, the ladies put their new skills into practice on the firing line, progressing from squares and zero confirmation directly into the Hits Count target.
While most participants are primarily pistol shooters, they absorbed the rifle instruction quickly and applied it with impressive results. In fact, the vast majority of shooters were producing 6–8 MOA groups on their very first square! After only a few squares to confirm zeros and fundamentals, they were ready to move directly into shooting for score.
Every participant earned a Project Appleseed lapel pin for their efforts. Those who "made the score" also received a Battle of Saratoga commemorative quarter, while shooters who fired a perfect score earned a Ladyseed pin as well. Outstanding work by all involved!
This year we added an extra challenge: a steel target at 100 yards worth bonus points. Each participant was given one opportunity to engage the steel, and the results were phenomenal—over 80% of the ladies who took the shot (23 out of 28) successfully rang the steel target!
Throughout the conference, several ladies cleared the Hits Count target—an incredible accomplishment. The high score of the event belonged to Dana, who fired a PERFECT score and hit the steel target for a total score of 65!!! Congratulations, Dana, on an outstanding performance!
A special thank you goes to our outstanding instructor cadre:
Valeri "ToLiveDeliberately," Traci "Mrs. Smith," Jim "Ghostring," and Chuck "gunjunkie."
This team provided exceptional instruction, encouragement, and support throughout the conference, and the progress made by every participant reflected their dedication, patience, and hard work.
We hope to see these ladies again next year—and even more importantly, at Project Appleseed events throughout the year. Many expressed interest in attending a full two-day event to continue their Riflewoman journey, and we are excited to welcome them back to the line.
The AG&AG conference continues to be an incredible experience, and we are already looking forward to participating again next year!
PLEASE POST PICTURES!!!
The Range:
(https://i.imgur.com/laqaXwm.jpg)
Waiting their turn to shoot the steel -- we wore these ladies out!
(https://i.imgur.com/qvgHJtj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/t3qNGC4.jpg)
The Range:
(https://i.imgur.com/1erFprT.jpg?1)