Palm Bay FL KD May 30-31 AAR
Ten patriots arrived Saturday morning anxious for the Known Distance challenge. The place, Port Malabar Rifle & Pistol Club (PMRPC), Palm Bay, Florida. PMRPC offers an NRA/CMP approved 600-yard rifle range with ShotMarker electronic target scoring. It's not necessary to walk to the pits each string of fire to evaluate the hits. They are displayed on your personal electronic device for immediate assessment. That's a good thing because the weekend was expected to be hot and muggy which is typical for Spring in Central Florida. Less trips to the targets saves not only time but reduces fatigue.
Saturday morning we covered the essential introduction of the three challenges of Known Distance shooting. Following the Safety Briefing we moved to the firing line at 25 meters to demonstrate the rifles were zeroed. The shooters then paired up for a Ball and Dummy drill.
Once warmed up, the crew moved to the 100yd firing line to begin instruction, gathering data on personal equipment (DOPE), and shooting for score at each distance. Those tasks were competed at 100 and 200 yards before lunch. One older shooter decided the heat was too much for him so he wisely dropped out.
During lunch the story of the Battle of Alamance was shared. The afternoon was devoted to gathering DOPE with sighter shots and completing the first AQT. After a short break to discuss wind observations the second AQT of the day was completed. The final tally showed four men had scored high enough on the second AQT to earn the Known Distance patch. Even more exciting was that David Jr shot the high score of 49 with iron sights, qualifying him for the Distinguished Rifle Score patch.
Saturday evening we had a cookout at the range and enjoyed camaraderie before heading home for rest and hydration. Thank you David for cooking tasty burgers and hotdogs.
Sunday's weather was forecast for more heat and afternoon showers, so the morning instruction was kept to the essentials before attempting Morgan's Shingle. Two shooters, Jaron and Jared, proved they were up to the challenge earning the Cold Bore Patch. We completed three full AQTs before lunch. The stories of Kings Mountain and Timothy Murphy were told over lunch.
The remaining environmental factors and the final Challenge, Range Estimation, were discussed before attempting the fourth AQT of the day. After reviewing the scores it was determined that everyone had earned the KD patch. Cody with a 50 (scope) and Kevin 49 (scope) achieved the Distinguished Rifle Score patch. David repeated his distinguished performance with a 50 (irons). Grant and Jake tied for most improved with 11 points each. This is the first time this Shootboss has seen everyone score at a KD and two with perfect scores to boot!
It was a safe shoot with awesome performance by everyone. The positive attitudes and diligence displayed was remarkable. Continue to dryfire and come back to another event soon! Maybe we'll see you at the Rimfire KD at Bunnell September 12-13.
Thanks to the Instructor students who helped with RSO duties and Sieggie for assisting with scoring and ShotMarker system management.
Thanks to the Port Malabar Rifle & Pistol club for allowing us to monopolize the 600 yard range for the weekend.
Pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCVv6o
That's really impressive, can't imagine shooting like that with iron sights!
This was such a great experience! And i am beyond proud of my son, 2BearArms (Jaron) for shooting Morgan's Shingle on Sunday morning.
TheMenace once said that every Rifleman should be a KD Rifleman, and I am so glad he did. While the 25m rimfire events are enjoyable and a great way to learn marksmanship skills, the Known Distance is where those skills get tested and refined.
I know that I learned a great deal this weekend and am confident in my abilities to continue the liberty and revolutionary spirit this nation was founded on 250 years ago.
WOW!! Way to go guys!!!