As the weekend approached, the weather was not cooperating. There is a wet weather creek at this range just before the 200-yard line. We knew there had been a lot of rain, so the cadre had a contingency plan to change from a 200-yard RKD to a 100-yard RKD. Once we arrived and observed the mud at the 200-yard line, we knew we had to execute our plan B.
The morning rain left just in time as the instructors and shooters arrived, and seven eager patriots turned out for a great weekend of history and marksmanship. After registration, we got down to business with a review of IMC, trajectory, and come ups. Then we talked about multiple ways to shoot an RKD and the importance of collecting your data.
As always, safety was covered, then we brought out the rifles. We gathered our data using sighter groups and shot each stage at 25, 50, 75, and 100 yards. We also did ball and dummy just to help get everyone dialed back in, reviewed each shooting position and transitions, and talked about wind as we went along. With the first AQT complete, we had some patches to give out! Ted (40), Mike (41), and Ross (40) all earned the RKD bar. Also, Greg joined the ranks of rifleman with a 42 - Huzzah!
During lunch, Roswell told us about Timothy Murphy (you knew we would have history, right?). The shooters were engaging and we had a wonderful discussion about history and marksmanship from the revolutionary war times.
When lunch was over, we moved back to the line. Since we moved out on the first AQT, we reversed course and came back in on AQT #2. This time Matt earned the RKD bar with a 43! At this point, the heat and humidity were becoming unbearable, so we decided to end the day a little early and regroup on Sunday.
Sunday morning rolled around and we gathered for another great day at the range. We started with a Q&A and some productive discussions about Saturday. Then we talked about shooting on an angle, air density, and target detection. After covering safety, we brought out rifles and went through a block discussing range estimation followed by a practical exercise. We then checked out zeros at 25 and shot the first AQT of the day. Greg, Matt and Ross scored again, and Nephi earned his RKD bar with a 44.
During lunch, we heard about Ephraim Brank, then went back to the range. We shot two more AQTs, sprinkling some history in along the way. When we wrapped up, Greg, Ross, and Nephi scored once more.
A big shoutout to Anna, who was knocking on the door with not one, but two scores of 39. Keep trying; I know you will earn that patch soon. Dennis, thanks for coming on Saturday and enduring the heat. We missed you on Sunday. Hope to see you again soon!
If you have pictures, please post them up.
Thanks for putting on an awesome event Leadslinger!
Congratulations to all the Riflemen!
Ted
(https://i.imgur.com/4qQDEf2.png)
Mikhail
(https://i.imgur.com/9qaojTM.png)
Matthew
(https://i.imgur.com/n1B2bR4.png)
Centimeter
(https://i.imgur.com/lkPDU2m.png)
I had to grab a selfie with the Shoot Boss. I redeemed myself on Sunday with a 47. I was a bit excited. **) The humidity knocked me out on Saturday. Sunday was so much better.
(https://i.imgur.com/yMTuxw3.png)
Not Pictured: New Rifleman and RKD qualified - Greg. Congratulations sir!
It was good shooting with all of you! Hope to do it again soon.
In Liberty,
Roswell