The Virtue of Defense Shooting Range in Old Fort, NC provided the perfect backdrop for 10 patriots to learn marksmanship and hear history.
After the welcome, instructor and shooter introductions, Bulldog14 delivered the first strike.
Formal instruction led to the first of several sighter squares. Some decent groups appeared as well as some that required "fine tuning".
After lunch and a great second strike by Fireman1974 we were interrupted by a heave downpour. Everyone and everything was damp except our spirits. After drying the rifles and shaking out the mats, we picked up where we left off. This group definitely showed what we mean when we say "a rifleman persists.
Sunday morning arrived and everyone challenged themselves with the hits count target. Ben took the challenge serious and cleared the target which resulted in him being awarded the new NC hits count token. Next, students sent rounds out to 100yards to see the effects of trajectory.
After moving back to the 25m range, it was time for lunch. Tarheel told the third strike and Fireman1974 shared the stories of Hezekiah Wyman and Samuel Whittemore.
More AQT's showed increasing scores with Isaac re-qualifying with a 210. He was promptly baptized with water from the North Bridge. His next score of 232 with iron sights earned him a distinguished patch. Isaac also showed his skills by clearing the last hits count target of the day. Perry turned in a score of 220, earning him his first rifleman patch. Both Bradley and Rodney hit scores of 211. Both decided it was time to take an orange hat. Welcome to the Appleseed cadre.
Thanks to the Virtue of Defense Range for hosting Appleseed. Thanks to the volunteers that made this event happen. Special thanks to the students for your persistence and great attitudes. We can't wait to see you all back again at another Appleseed event.
Great Job Everyone! Congrats to all the shooters!