One day down. Got two Riflemen and several are knocking on the door, and should make it Sunday.
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You've got to understand Ron getting a dousing.
Van Etten would never happen without his hard work. Imker might own the property, but he has a business to run, and this is a busy time of the year.
This was his 3rd Appleseed here, and though he shot a 225, then a 232, he deserved a good dousing. Hot as it was, it was refreshing, too.
Imker getting his red hat from kDan. He is also the range owner/host and I would place bets that him and his wife are some of THE BEST range hosts in the program.
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Another Rifleman. Kathy now joins husband Dave and son Anders as Riflemen and as an Orange Hat.
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Van gets his Patch. Van lives in south Florida but has roots in NY. Florida will reap the benefits of his great shooting and easy nature.
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Ken joins the Rifleman ranks. A high power shooter that learned a thing or two at this AS. Every AQT was better than the last. We told him we were going to stay until he made it. Guess he finally decided it was getting late in the day.
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Anyone interested in long distance? Anders (14ish years old) hits the 500 on his first shot with an iron sights Garand. Everyone else does very well and are pleased to see the 25 meter skills work the same out farther.
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The Blonde sends her skills downrange. Not every AS has a 50 on the line. How many have two. This was an end of weekend treat, just to wrap it all up.
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Once I have them downloaded, I'll post what pictures TheBlonde shot over the weekend. For the moment, just one.
Rule 1: Always keep your muzzle in a safe direction. If a safe direction is not readily available, an MI makes a great backstop! >:D
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In all seriousness though, excellent weekend with a great bunch of shooters and the BEST range hosts ever.
Looks like a fantastic range down there. :~
I was out of commision for a few days with the flu so I missed out :(
5 more riflemen and a bunch of dangerous cooks. Most impressive to me though, were a few who struggled mightily, persisted, and achieved really substantial progress. A rifleman always PERSISTS!! Nickle-Kathy was interested in some of the finer points of scoring a target and came up with 212 on hers. She's a little suspicious about that dousing she got. ;) Many than thanks to range hosts Imker and Gail. And congrats to Alan on that Red hat.
This dousing? Her target was soaked after that so the lines must have blurred a bit. You don't think Nickle would hold out some points just for a dousing would you?
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Boy was this just a year ago? Payback in action.
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I call them as I see them.
Now, some of it could be judgment call, but, I have the feeling she was going to get dunked anyways.
After all, we dunked Ron on Saturday, because it took him his 3rd AS at Van Etten to get his Rifleman score in.
I posted this AAR in my gun blog - http://zercool.blogspot.com (http://zercool.blogspot.com) - but I'll copy/paste here:
Mrs. Z [on the forum as TheBlonde] and I were doing the Appleseed thing this weekend. We made it out the door roughly on schedule and had things set up in good time when we arrived. The range was already set up and ready to go, so we simply popped up the canopy near the firing line and then set our tent up near our host's house. Other instructors were arriving at the same time along with a couple shooters, so there was chatter and some planning, and just good times.
Sleeping in a tent puts you back in touch with the world. I tend to forget how insulated we are living in a house. We fell asleep to the sound of peepers, bullfrogs, and the occasional quiet moo from the pasture across the road.
We woke up at early-dark-thirty to the distinctive screaming whine of a pack of rice rockets tearing up the highway nearby. In a valley, so the noise started early and lasted a long time. Rolled over and went back to sleep...
... and woke up around 6:30 as it really got light out. Rolled out, dressed, joined our hosts and other instructors for breakfast and coffee, then moved up the hill to the range to greet the shooters and get things rolling. A good mix of new and repeat Appleseeders, along with at least a few very new shooters. (One step past, "Wait, which end goes bang?") Nice mix of equipment as well; mostly 10/22s of various flavors, a few ARs, and one fellow (a repeat from last year) shooting a Remington 700 in .270.
Saturday, all work was at 25m, and we ground the basics into our shooters. Six steps, NPOA, getting sights and scopes zeroed, and a good dose of history from 4/19/1775. Managed to squeeze in a couple AQTs before the end of the day, and punched out two Riflemen with them. Weather was perfect all day even though storms had been forecast - and just as we closed things down, the skies darkened, the wind picked up, and it started to sprinkle on and off. A pretty good storm moved down the valley with some impressive fireworks as the instructors enjoyed dinner courtesy of our host (an instructor) and his wife. MrsZ and I moved out to the tent around 9:30 or 10:00 and listened to the rain patter gently and watched the sky flash as the valley rumbled. Something about storms in a tent...
Woke up Sunday around 5 for natural reasons. Took care of that and noted that the entire valley was in thick fog. Went back to sleep for another hour and a half, and when I woke up, it was still a soft gray world of ghostly shapes. Our tent was perhaps 200yd from the firing line and canopies - and those were invisible. An apple tree 100yd up the field from us was a mere suggestion of shape. Not ideal shooting weather... but we went in for breakfast and coffee, and ignored the weather.
It cleared as we ate, and ended up being another beautiful sunny day. Fewer shooters, but all motivated, and cranked out three more Riflemen. Following that, we went to full-distance shooting. Stretched out the .22 shooters to 100yd, and the centerfires to 200, 275, and 500yd. The .22 shooters were turning in respectable groups on the 100m target, scaled equivalent to shooting 400m. A few were making good shots on the (scaled) 800m and 1200m targets. Impressive, to say the least.
Centerfires were playing with a 6" popper at 200yd, a full-size Army "D" target at 275, and a steel copy of an IDPA silhouette at 500yd. I watched one of our IITs, an outstanding young man at 14yo, get prone behind his father's CMP Garand and start making solid hits - consistently - on the 500yd target. Prone, unsupported, iron sights, with surplus ball ammo. The M1 Garand: The finest battle implement ever devised. (Gen. George Patton) MrsZ slung up with my AR and got it dialed in for the 275yd D-target and made some good hits; a few other shooters ran a half-mag through and did OK with it.
We made the official end of the day at that point, but there was more fun to be had... two folks had brought out .50BMG single-shots, and there was a small supply of Tannerite. The Tannerite was mixed and put out at about 100yd in three .5L water bottles. The centerfire shooters were split into three fire teams and given one minute to hit their assigned bottle. I claimed privilege on this and jumped on a fire team instead of watching. Slung up sitting so I could see over the grass, loaded a mag, and the third shot connected perfectly. Yeah, that was cool... the sound effect was *crack* pause *crack* pause *craBOOM!* "BOOOYAHHHHH!" (with fist-pump for effect)
After we finished the Tannerite, the .50s came into play. The owners did a simultaneous volley on the 500yd target (with two good hits), then let those who wanted to have a go at it. I had shot one last year so declined - they're cool but I don't want to burn someone else's money and generosity for no reason. MrsZ took a turn at one though - and the look on her face after was freaking priceless.
Took down the range, packed the truck, and headed home - sore, sunburned, dehydrated, hoarse, and happy. Yesterday morning we slept in a little bit, then after showers we got around to cleaning rifles. Her 10/22 was desperate for it, and now MrsZ knows how to strip and clean her rifle. We did this outside because it was nice out. I cleaned my AR at the same time. While cleaning the barrel and chamber, I had set the BCG on a towel on the sidewalk. In the sun. After cleaning the barrel/chamber/receiver to my minimum standard, I picked up the BCG to start cleaning that... and promptly burned my finger. Not much, just enough to turn red and hurt a little. I don't know how our men and women in the sandbox deal with that - I presume they must wear gloves.
Side note: I'm a wuss about muzzle blast. I can ride recoil without any trouble, but sitting next to a shooter with a brake, even on a .223, is just not fun. That said, listening to a line full of snapping .22s punctuated by the BOOM of .223s, 7.62s, and .30s is just ... pleasing. Puts a grin on my face every time.
A whole pile of pictures can be found is this flickr set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zercool/sets/72157618752424075/).
A sample of pictures from the weekend:
Prone position with loop sling demonstrated by ZerCool and narrated by B964:
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Nickle provides his "thick man and a long bayonet" demonstration:
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NorthBridgeWater and Imker (now a red hat!) explain 6-o'clock-hold:
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Our BOTG Ron (finally!) receives his Rifleman patch from kDan with baptism by Nickle:
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Shooters... your prep period has ended. With 10 rounds... LOAD!
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Regardless of how it looks, I promise I'm not about to draw down on this shooter!
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Thanks again to all the instructors and our host for a great shoot. This was my first AS, and I learned a a lot. Hope to be back at a future shoot to continue my transformation from a a cook to a rifleman!
Thanks B-9 for starting this aar and zercool for a fine Report. I think you guys pretty much covered it and I really appreciate this as a Shoot Boss MIA after the fact.
I had to make a stop on the way home and go to work on Monday, then straight to a brooklyn birthday party complete with skateboards, fire eaters, and jerk chicken. Loads of work yesterday, then kids (they grew!) and sleep and now I'm squeezing this in Wednesday morning before I go in and deal with a project the size of an airplane. These seven hour commutes are a killer. This afternoon I'll probably brush my teeth. $$-0
Thanks to all our shooters for coming out. Imker is the man, taking time off from his busy season to donate land and help out - and earn his hat. Imker and his local buddies set up and took us out to 500 yards! Ron, thanks brother for setting it all up, and for the cigar - congrats on the patch. To our instructors, zercool, the blonde, b964, Imker, and the Loebs - Dave (Red Hat), Kathy (new IIT), Anders (IIT '08), and Eric (IIT '09?, '10?) - I'm happy to say you guys did a great job. New York is in good hands. I paid witness to two Red Hats (and an Orange) that in my opinion, and with some more time on the line, could be running events later this year, if not next week. I want to once again thank and shout out to Nickle for his knowledge and his more than willingness to share it. His devotion to the program is matched only by the thoroughness and consistency of his method. If ever there was a Shoot Boss, it is you friend.
I don't think anyone mentioned the traffic along the side of the firing line. Our first visitor was on a tractor - while shooters were prone and blasting away - driving downrange. Zercool is throwing his arms around trying to get the guy to stop and he's like, "Hey, how's it going?" and waving back with a big smile... driving right up the hill. ++) A simultaneous and very well-done "Cease Fire" and we all stood there mouths agape as we watched this farmer continue unfazed. This was only the first time Imker had to hop on his quad and ride over the horizon to ask someone to please not come back and surprise us by getting shot. It really wasn't that bad, but it's kind of weird to see folks disregarding a firing line and going about like we were planting Apple trees... No one was ever in danger, but would you roll past twenty folks shooting rifles on the side of a path? I probably would not. I wouldn't do that on a golf driving range. What's that they say about country farmers and common sense? Where I come from, we hear a shot, we duck. <:) just riffing...
This was an extremely easy event for me.
Hardest thing I had to do was sit, watch and drink coffee. Sure is easy, when you have a great team.
Absolutely a great team, and especially kDan. Don't let his modesty throw you, he's the one that defines what a Shoot Boss is and should be.
Also can't say enough about Northbridgewater and family. A true Appleseed family. I told Eric he's next. After all, he's the only one left in the family that isn't an Instructor of some form or nature yet.
New York is already in good hands, and it only gets better from here.
Hopefully, I'll see most of you at New Bremen in a few weeks. Another range where we'll be shooting full distance. Might even sneak in a FD AQT, for those that are up to it.
This event was the 1st appleseed for my brother and I and let me say that it was a great time!
I have been following appleseed for a little while now and after missing the event in Allemans Pa which is only 45 mins away, I decided that I would travel the 4.5 hours to Van Etten; to do what i had to do, because i believe in this program, and i believe that all Americans, should have the marksmanship skills that our forefathers handed down to us to protect this great nation. And besides its fun too!
There were all types on the line that weekend, folks from the big cities, folks from out in the country; it didnt matter what you did for a living, or where we all came from when you were on the line shooting, these folks were out there learning new skills, building confidence, showing what it means to be an American.
My brother had a great time at the event too, i knew if i could just get him to an event he would take a new outlook on shooting and marksmanship. Well to my great happiness it worked, and the long ride home was spent talking about the past two days, and how much he wanted to practice the AQT before the next appleseed, and he even went as far as saying that he wanted to become an instructor someday! Wow, what a great program we have here.
The instructors were great too. All down to earth people, folks like you and me doing extraordinary things. And they love doing it, thats easy to see.
I encourage anyone that is unsure about going to an appleseed, to find a shoot and go. It will be a good time with good people and you will not regret it. Hope to see you at the next appleseed.....Denny
Quote from: 303shooter on May 29, 2009, 01:46:24 PM
he even went as far as saying that he wanted to become an instructor someday!
...
I encourage anyone that is unsure about going to an appleseed, to find a shoot and go.
How were your brothers scores on Sunday? If he was up to 170+ ... even if he wasn't ... He should get registered on the forum and get active - encourage him to send a PM to Nickle asking for that orange hat! How about one for you while we're at it? :)
As far as encouraging folks to go - please, spread the word in your area. Gun shops. Ranges. Volunteer organizations. Friends. Family. We'd love to see you show up with ten, twenty, fifty new Appleseeders!
Hey! Zercool beat me to it! Anyway...
Thanks Denny. It was good to have you and John on the line, and it's nice to hear you explain what it's about. You get it, like most of our shooters, but it's always good to hear it. Next time, after some practice with a particular rifle (get those tech- sights! - http://www.tech-sights.com), I don't doubt either or both of you will shoot a Rifleman score. You've done one event, so that's all you'll need to become an IIT, and you're right - our instructors love what they do.
Don't forget to keep up with events on the forum. We've got a few shoots lined up in PA this year and a few more in the pipeline. Pennsylvania is coming on strong thanks to the help of State Coordinator Mooney and the ubiquitous b964. July 25-26 has two PA shoots the same week-end! I'll be at Hallstead, and b964 will be at Beaver Falls. Those are just two instructors you've met. We've got a bunch of good people teaching, but can certainly use some more. I am sure I will see you guys on the line if not that week-end, then soon. Ohio and Virginia and obviously NY may not be out of your price range either. Now that you've gotten yourself out to an event, and even managed to convince your brother to come along, it's time to bring a friend!
Don't be afraid to PM me if you have any questions. Maybe you know a range or property owner that would be willing to host an event.
Hey there guys, in all honesty i sent Nickle a PM about IIT yesterday, so i am ready to step up to the line. And it feels great! lol. Four things i enjoy; shooting, teaching, history, and most of all: freedom and liberty, so thats why i am proud to join the ranks of IIT with you all.
I also have been in contact with Ed "B964" and plan on working with him in getting events lined up as well as helping with the current schedule. Theres a lot of work to do in PA and i know theres a lot of shooters here and i know we can get alot of them to the line if we do what we need to do. I know also there are past appleseeders all over the state, whom with very little work on their part, a simple but effective network could be established. If each person will step up and do a small task, the outcome will be huge. Thanks again folks and i look forward to seeing you all on the trail.....Denny
Denny,
Among some others in PA, we have Mooney, lprgcfrank, and chainsaw. Mooney has done a lot of work, but I guess he's stepping back a little bit. You should reach out to frank and chainsaw though. Good folks.
Not sure where to post so I am doing it here.
I am now an RWVA Appleseed member, and will be joining the sawgrass shooters which is the closest CMP affiliated club in Florida to me, once I return to Florida.
So, I figure I am going to take Nichol's advice and go home to Fla via Camp Perry Ohio, and pick myself out a sweet garand, after all he said they have the experts who can show me how to use a throat gauge and chamber gauge and pick out a hopefully accurate rifle. (I would not know a chamber gauge if I were looking at it)
Can anyone tell me the appropriate way to go to camp perry? Do I show up with the certificate I received at the Van Etten shoot and say "here I am". I really have no idea what to do, so if anyone has experience with this stuff, has been to Camp Perry or knows anything about visiting the ODCMP I would appreciate it.
I also want to look in to becoming an RWVA instructor and hopefully bringing Appleseed to Monroe, Miami-Dade or Broward county.
If Nichol is out there I tried to call you but have not gotten through. (yet)
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Van Cronkhite
Van, you have a PM. It was a pleasure having you up here, and we hope to see you again!
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Are those cheat notes!
Great to have some more help in PA and more IITs. Once more PA shoots come online we are going to need every Instructor we can muster.
Working to promote AS and working as an IIT is probably the most rewarding mission I have been on.
Hey kDan, remember when you city slickers use big words like "ubiquitous" us county folks think you making fun of us.
Van,
You will need your thingy notarized in order to buy a cmp rifle. They can maybe do that near-by... notarizing is not a big deal.
As for directions, I think it's I-90.
To become an instructor... Well, send me a pm and i'll get it all out to you.
-d-
ps - b-9, I'm surprised you picked up on that.
...hillbilly...
Van-West on 90, north on 4, west on 2 and look for the gate towers on your right. You'll need slip from appleseed, driver's license, and cash or credit card. Notarizing may be anew thing but I didnt need it in january. Call or check odcmp on web. Oh- and have fun. Hey B964 and Zerc, Anders won't be 14 for another 4 months! Obvious proof that the program works.
The notary is only requried for mail-order - on the 4473 equivalent form attesting to your fine character and lack of felony conviction or wife beating. If you're going to camp perry I understand they will notarize there and keep it on file for 2 years (so you can mail order.)
- Proof of Citizenship (Birth Certificate/ Passport/ naturalization document)
- Proof of Age (above or Drivers license)
- Proof of membership in CMP affliliate organization - here use your Appleseed membership card (or NYSRPA)
- Proof of marksmenship
This last would come from the Appleseed - not sure what is adequate proof. They have a form that can be filled out and signed by a range officer, but I'm not sure if anyone did this for you. There are a lot of exceptions here - for LEO, FFL's, etc.
details are on the "www.thecmp.org" site.
Quote from: gunville on June 05, 2009, 12:26:48 PM
The notary is only requried for mail-order - on the 4473 equivalent form attesting to your fine character and lack of felony conviction or wife beating. If you're going to camp perry I understand they will notarize there and keep it on file for 2 years (so you can mail order.)
- Proof of Citizenship (Birth Certificate/ Passport/ naturalization document)
- Proof of Age (above or Drivers license)
- Proof of membership in CMP affliliate organization - here use your Appleseed membership card (or NYSRPA)
- Proof of marksmenship
This last would come from the Appleseed - not sure what is adequate proof. They have a form that can be filled out and signed by a range officer, but I'm not sure if anyone did this for you. There are a lot of exceptions here - for LEO, FFL's, etc.
details are on the "www.thecmp.org" site.
I called the CMP and asked a few questions about documentation. For proof of citizenship, a marriage License also works because it usually has you birth location on it. For proof of marksmanship, a concealed carry permit works because most states require some sort of training to carry. A DD214 also qualifies.
They list a bunch of stuff that qualifies as marksmenship training on the web site. Even a 03FFL qualifies.
Also, no marksmenship proof required if you are over 60.
Although "certificates of completion" are not what this program is about, something standard might be useful to hand to atendees that need something for CMP.
I'm still dying to do road-trip out there - just didn't want to make it by myself.