I would like to thank Douglas Ridge Rifle Club for the use of their range for another great Appleseed event. This range sells out quickly after the events are posted on the AS website, but there were a few last minute cancellations. This actually worked great as the last two right side shooting positions were closed due to construction on the bay to the right side of the silhouette range. In the long run this construction project will benefit Appleseed as the new range will be perfect for a Pistolseed.
The students were all very attentive to the instruction throughout the weekend. The accuracy and precision of their groups showed a measurable increase over the weekend. If there would have been more time for a couple more AQTs, then I think there would have been a few more Rifleman patches that were earned.
Congratulation to the three new Rifleman, Patrick, Alex and Eric. Huzzah! Eric shot a 210 on his second to last AQT which earned him the patch and also the water of the North Bridge. Patrick shot multiple Rifleman scores and then volunteered to become a new IIT at the end of day. There were multiple shooters who were shooting scores above 200 points but did not get above the 210 score.
In addition to our new Rifleman, both Dave and Doug requalified multiple times to show that they are very accomplished marksman. It is always a pleasure seeing you guys at an event. Hopefully next time the M1 Carbine will stay operational through a whole AQT and you demonstrate the capability of that rifle.
I would also like to thank the AS instructors who signed up to work this event. Appleseed would not exist without the dedicated volunteers in this program and it is always a great honor to work with them at events. Congratulations to Schooner for completing his Instructor in Training Progress Check 4 (IIT PC4). He is just one step away from becoming a full Red Hat instructor and we will be working together in Coeur d'Alene in two weekend to get that accomplished. I would also like to thank Patrick for stepping up and volunteering to start his path as an IIT. I am looking forward to working with you later this year at either the Dundee event or back at DRRC in November.
I would like to also thank the fathers who brought their children to the range. In order to preserve the Heritage of our Country, we must introduce shooting sports to the next generation.
In 1785 Thomas Jefferson wrote to his fifteen-year-old nephew, Peter Carr, regarding what he considered the best form of exercise: "... I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprize, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks."
At an average Appleseed event only about 15% of the participants earn their rifleman patch. One of the characteristics of a Rifleman is persistence. If you did not earn your patch, keep perfecting your skills at home with dry practice. A laser pointer makes a great inexpensive training aid. The laser dot can help fine tune your Steady Hold Factors, trigger control and NPOA shifts. They key to make the dot become motionless while in the SHFs for each position and while squeezing the trigger.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone again on the AS trail and hopefully back at DRRC in November.
This was a fun group to work with, and I hope to see all of you back at another event! Bring that new neighbor you met!
Oh yes, and someone lost a water bottle. Email me at:
rescue_mike@comcast.net
And answer me these questions three...
1. What is your name
2. What is your favorite color
3. What is the average airspeed of an unladen swallow
Pictures from the event
Looks like you guys had a fantastic shoot! Well done! :F
One more rifleman