12 men braved the unseasonably fierce hot weather of late September at the legendary Redbrush Rifle Range in Newburgh, Indiana to hear the history of Patriots' Day and learn how to shoot better.
We began the day by using what little tolerable weather we had, and, after opening remarks, went straight into safety and the Hits Count target. Immediately, we knew we had men that knew what they were about when Bruce cleared it. We then entered the long instruction block designed to take even new shooters to groups on paper with it and one string of fire.
After a few more strings of fire and talking targets, it was time for lunch. We adjourned to the excellent air conditioning of the clubhouse for lunch, first and second strikes, and IMC.
Armed with data and a plan, we returned to the line, made a few rounds of adjustments, and began to harass a greencoat target with newly-learned positions. Persevering, the shooters unanimously elected to challenge an AQT and stay a little longer. It was good they did, as Art punched a 215, and Bruce did a nice 218, and Joey avoided the (probably welcome) North Bridge Water with a 211. Three rifleman scores, in that heat.
We moved into hits count, the benediction and folded it for the day.
On Sunday, we resumed. The heat took its toll that day, but most stayed till the end. We shot another hits count with improvement, went into the morning refresher, and came out of it to attack the AQT. Attack we did, several re qualifications and Michael took the patch with a 221. The next AQT fell to Peter with a 216. Then, it was time for lunch and the air conditioning.
At lunch, we did all the Dangerous Old Men and Dames, taught how to score the AQT, and the KD lecture. The shooters awarded the shoot boss with a replica Continental Dollar, which, being pewter, they assured him was not worth much. After lunch, it was time for two more AQTs. The second was done rapid-fire, and Virch requalified with a 211 and Joey finally did pull the 210, but declined the bridge water. A KD exercise was done, and the final hits count target was used, and was cleared by Joey.
As the Rifleman patches and swag for hits count were awarded at the time, it was time for some recognition on the instructor inside. Long-time friend of the program and Applecore/RSO veteran Virch stepped up to the orange hat of the IIT, and Shoot N Drive promoted into IIT3. Well-earned Caliente-seed morale patches were issued to all and we concluded the event.
I was tremendously impressed with the spirit, attentiveness, and improving skill of these students, especially in that heat, which, of course, is gone the next day as I write this.
Pictures.
1. Alexandra the Great teaches the safety rules
2. Sur+Rifle teaches the Hits Count.
3. We are grateful to the NRA for providing Indiana Appleseed Cadre with several rifles, mats, and cases of ammo for the program.
4. Shooting the Hits Count.
5. Shoot N Drive teaches the 6 Steps. (He is on #3)
6. Alexandra the Great models NPOA for Shoot N Drive's NPOA Point of Instruction.
7. It's nice to see neat shooting accessories like Peter's glove.
8. Hydration is important, for shooters and line bosses.
9. Shooting some squares.
10. Talking targets at the firing line with Shoot N Drive.
11. First strike at lunch with Sur+Rifle.
12. IMC with Shoot N Drive.
13. Seated instruction with the same instructor team.
14. The line, applying what they had learned, with Peter closest.
15. Mitchell and Scott learn seated.
16. Flying brass with Scott!
17. The line, standing.
18. and the other end of the line, the same.
19. Ball and Dummy coaching.
20. Standing modelling on Sunday with Alexandra the Great.
Photos, continued.
21. Bruce clears the Hits Count.
22. Bruce patches Rifleman.
23. Joey patches Rifleman.
24. Art patches Rifleman.
25. Michael patches Rifleman.
25. Shoot boss receives a coin of appreciation.
26. Peter patches Rifleman.
27. Virch requals Rifleman.
28. Joey clears Hits Count.
29. Virch takes the Orange Hat.
30. Virch wears the (very bright) orange hat.
31. The shooters who beat the heat are recognized with the Caliente-seed.
Excellent class and instructors. Could tweak the weather a little bit though... :-[