Here in Washington, we are fortunate to spend most of our time in the company of new shooters. Project Appleseed welcomes Americans of all skill levels, and in my time with the program we've been part of many firsts: a shooter's first time shooting a rifle, or any firearm at all. We've had shooters show up with a rifle still in the box! We're thrilled to be the place so many Americans take their first step in becoming part of a long-standing American tradition as we work to build A Nation of Riflemen.
This September, we got the rare treat of being at an event where we could see our efforts starting to pay off. Of the 12 people who joined on us on Saturday morning (instructors included), 8 were already Riflemen - all of whom were working on new challenges or who had taken the all-important 7th Step of Firing the Shot and brought someone with them.
This weekend at Jefferson County Sportsmen's Association started like any other: beautiful weather (if a bit grey) and LOTS of history. Our IIT Crew took on all the history this weekend, and our shooters heard the account of April 19th, 1775 told with the passion that inspired our IITs to take their Orange Hats. In between teaching history we also covered a few fundamentals of Rifle Marksmanship.
Our shooters came ready to challenge themselves! Several folks were after their distinguished patch, and one returning Rifleman opted to shoot the entire event with his non-dominant eye and hand! Our review of Natural Point of Aim, the Steady Hold Factors, and the 6 Steps of Firing the Shot got EVERYONE on the line shooting 6 MOA groups by lunchtime on Saturday. Our highly motivated group of shooters crushed 2 AQTs on Saturday! Deb proved she still knows what she is about with a top score of 226, and Miyako scored her first every Rifleman score of 221!
On Sunday, everyone returned with determination - and questions! Our Sunday review took quite a while, but shooters were clearly making sure they understood all the tools we were teaching them and applied them throughout the day. We awarded several more Rifleman patches on Sunday: Jesse with a 210 (non-dominant-handed!), JP with a 222, and Jack with his first ever Rifleman score of 219!
Shooters, whether you walked away from our event with a Rifleman patch or not, remember that you are continuing the uniquely American tradition of Rifle Marksmanship. Persist! Dry fire! Go to your local range! You have the tools you need to improve your skills, so please spend some time practicing and come back ready to prove that this nation has always been A Nation of Riflemen.
To my instructors: Shadow Catcher, Gunsmoke Music, Manofwords, and BirdDog; Thank you for your excellent work (and even your bad puns) in helping our shooters better themselves. It is always a privilege to spend my time on the weekends with fellow Americans who know the importance of showing up in our local communities and improving our country on Rifleman at a time.
And now: Pictures!
Our small crowd:
(https://i.imgur.com/oVVdqC4.jpeg)
ManofWords teaches the Steady Hold Factors for Standing, with Shadow Catcher as demo:
(https://i.imgur.com/2TvrIjD.jpeg)
Gunsmoke Music covers the Prone Position, with Captain Rebop as demo:
(https://i.imgur.com/BnuZl9G.jpeg)
Shadow Catcher covers IMC:
(https://i.imgur.com/zJ0zxht.jpeg)
Deb and Miyako engage AQTs:
(https://i.imgur.com/kKXs4Yd.jpeg)
Miyako scores Rifleman:
(https://i.imgur.com/2UplIUd.jpeg)
Jack scores Rifleman:
(https://i.imgur.com/XevVI9x.jpeg)
Jesse scores Rifleman left handed (as a normally right-handed and right-eye dominant shooter!):
(https://i.imgur.com/IF9xpq7.jpeg)
JP scores Rifleman:
(https://i.imgur.com/IYBnA28.jpeg)
Congratulations on another fine event! Jesse needs an Orange Hat!