It was hot is Fresno this past weekend, but that did not stop this Appleseed. Fresno's third appleseed had the pleasure of having both The Guy and Dinky Dao instructing and we were all very grateful. Those who have attended previous CA Appleseeds may have noticed that things were run a little differently this time.
We had 21 shooters on Sat and split them into 2 lines. Centerfires and a few bold souls on one short line, and all .22s on our main line. Luckily we had trees to shade our larger line and enough pop-ups to shade the smaller line. After working with many 4MOA squares and perfecting the prone position we broke for lunch (hot dogs and goodies were provided by FRCP's board). During lunch The Guy started the history presentation with Paul Revere's ride, then we went back to shooting. The marksmenship training continued for the rest of the afternoon, and we did one AQT before we had to stop shooting at 6:30. The First strike was presented as a close to the evening, and everyone was invited back to hear the rest of the story on Sunday.
Most of the instructors camped out at the range and we up bright and early (well maybe not early, but definitely warm) the next day to greet the shooters. Sunday morning the shooters continued working on squares to help with the different positions and improve their shooting. At lunch The Guy presented the 2nd strike while we all enjoyed the spread that was provided by FRCP's members board. The afternoon was an AQT grind with a few fun shoots mixed in. Throughout the afternoon of both days, during water/cool off breaks, the stories of Dangerous Old Men, Determined Dames and Children we told to the shooter. We closed the day with Guy's presentation of the 3rd strike, this was a great way for the shooters to walk away from the appleseed with the history of April 19, 1775 still fresh on their minds.
Many shooters stayed after the shoot to help wit cleanup and to continue chatting about Appleseed and about the history. While this shoot did not have any Rifleman scores I know that the rifleman's heart is growing in many of these shooters. I look forward to seeing you all on the trail, and hope that all of the instructors and shooters will share their experiences from the weekend.
Juliette
I place a high value on my offspring, as I believe all good parents do. I've had Eddie Eagle repeated so many times it is subconscious, which is the goal. It's another environment taking little ones away from their realm of knowledge and understanding. Quite frankly I was a bit concerned about her following instructions with live ammo and me not right, right, right there. The truth is I, the self proclaimed expert, got corrected far more than the 3rd grader. Some expert;). They even put a couple of few rifles together when shooters had problems with the ones they brought, my family included.
The staff was warm and kind. Being knowledgeable and competent is secondary but they had this in Spades as well. I think most of the instructors took some time with my daughter, 8 going on 35, correcting and helping her over the course of the two days. She was landing rounds on paper, a vast improvement from Saturday morning, and even took credit for hitting a perfect center on the star of the tank. With confidence and just some scraps of resources much can be accomplished. I was paying attention to those history stories, intently, I like the confidence I saw instilled in all the kids that were there. They all beamed and with happiness and had smiles from ear to ear. Nary a safety problem but I attribute this to the standards and strict adherence to them.
Nice core group of people. I liked how everyone, staff that is, collaborated and got problems solved. Jumping in and taking care of issues. Making progress. People, I'm in construction, if jobs don't operate like I saw you guys, initiative and good attitude, no progress is made. It was also a fine show of how positive cooperation can conquere anything. Even parching heat and center fire guys who don't realize their raining brass over on nice ladies until 30+ rounds later.
My skills improved, big time. As I believe everyone's did from what I saw. I was quite content 'dinging' 300 yards 10 of 10 open sight with my AR. Of course that target I refer to has a very large diameter. I can even get the 200 yard with my 1911 a few rounds a magazine. But this training focused on the individual rifleman. And I really learned alot. Noteworthy was the fact I do indeed shoot a rifle, regardless of what else I may have previously referred to it as. It is this sort of paradigm shift in thinking, poignantly pointed out by an instructor, that can help non-shooters come to respect and admire the qualities and traits that entail the responsibilities that come along with being an American Rifle man, or Rifle women. I believe another term could be patriots.
Thanks to all, as there was so much more worthy to mention. There is more I could add but wish to just simply say bless all of you that had part in this recent event. I'm still running over the tip that Dinky, Guy, DD, EagleScouter, Norcal, Dave, HM, RH, and forgive the few others I regretfully can not recall, gave to me and each in their own way. I worked on something a little bit different with each one. And each bit helped.
For anyone pondering about going to an Appleseed, think of the quality instruction for pennies! Pennies I tell you! But the true intent, I believe, is to inspire and cause action, to teach. And there is no price that can be placed on the free exchange of comaradere at these events.
Sincerely,
Russel
TrueGrit,
Gotta say, it really sounds like you "got it", from the get go....
It's odd, but when you add your children to the mix, things can become either very complex, or very simple quickly......I keep seeing simple things become apparent to a lot of folks, who when they stop & think about it for a few seconds realize they have always known the truth of what was explained or shown, but were not quite able to verbalize before......
Congratulations, and welcome.....the folks you met are some of our best.....and we all believe that as you learn, you can teach.....
Looking forward to seeing you with a Rifleman patch, and a hat......an orange one.... ;)
LLP
I just can't walk away without mentioning some of the actual people that attended the August Fresno shoot. I'm not certain about the appropriateness of mentioning names. So I'll stay vague, if you were there you will know.
There was a grandpa who brought his junior high grandson and his mom returned Sunday. The young man took control of the 'correct the shooter' demonstrations, with a little encouragement. Fact is the lad recalled it better and faster than I could. I really applaud the Granddad as he was cooking out there and shooting just as well as any of us.
Then there was a really neat guy shooting a .308 Scout. This guy had a really nice Air Conditioned trailer and magnanimously offered it to some over heated guests. He also came up with some sort of mister part for EagleScouter as he repaired them for everyone's comfort. A very cool style and eager to help. He pulled a comercial grade standup shelter out of his hat like a magician, then stayed half in the sun as the day went by with out complaining. Did I use the word classy yet?
There was a young lady associated with a Savage that spent a lot of time with my daughter, like her own personal instructor. My daughter will squint when she cheerfully recalls this new friend she admires and looks up to. Thanks to all of the other nice Ladies that looked after her as her attention span fell short near the end of the day. Your patience and concern was noticed and appreciated, she felt right at home and that is the true measure.
The food guys were very attentive and a joy in general to be around. Their light spirited humor and general demeanor is one of the reason's I'm a member at FRPC. Whoever provided that water and ice each day will have one shinny crown in heaven. I owe whoever you are a bag of ice and a few gallons of water at least, and missing a trip to the hospital due to dehydration at best;).
A lot of folks drove a long way to participate or contribute. Some a long, long way. This made an impression on me. It sort of challenged me, my commitments and seriousness, dedication so to speak. If these people are willing to give up so much then why?
Well I'm sharp enough, more wisely said humble enough, to not say I fully understand why. The reasoning and justifications for any individual's involvement would be as varied the number of people polled. And I'm not arrogant enough to purport my reasoning upon others.
Perhaps one of you more senior members can take it from here, even a choir of you. If good men continue to do nothing line of reasoning?
True Grit,
As you did, and many others here did, we got up off our couches, from behind our computers and did something. It is a mind opener. And at the same time, you learn how to shoot really well. The history will tell you, people like Paul Revere were doers. They did not sit around and whine and complain about being subjects of a foreign king. They did something about it. They got involved. Paul Revere is such a good example of someone who was heavily involved in coordinating all the different factions and bringing them together. A tireless individual.
There are many good people. Hopefully we can awaken them and get them involved also. And yes, we all had our reasons for getting involved. I don't know how varied those reasons would be here. Personally, for myself, I was tired of watching TV, whining on the internet, and didn't see any real way to actively participate in getting people to realize, 'Hey, it is time to wake up!! Let's get back to the founding of the country, the revolution, and take a look at the foundation set for us to continue as a great country, let's fix that foundation" bail that ship before it sinks.
While the weekend was hot (August in Fresno), the shooters listened and learned without complaint. Thanks to moving the shooters back under the trees and turning on the misters in the picnic area, we all were able to get some relief from the heat.
I think many will be back and acheive thier rifleman score to go along with the rifleman spirit they already have.
It was great to meet and work with SavageShooter, The Guy, and Dinky Dao. You guys are great. And as always wonderful to work with Romeo's Hero, P51, DoubleD, EagleScouter and everyone else who put in a great effort.
See you all on the Trail....
NorCal22Gal
Well, lets see.....
First, thanks to the CA folks who made us feel so welcome for a week on the wrong side of the border. And I thought Illinois sucked....LOL! the range folks were fantsatic all week and weekend, and I saw a few friends I hadn't in a while, so that was good.
Romeo's Hero did a fine job at the Appleseed, so fine I made her SB status permenant. Congrats!!
The Instructors did a fine job, with a split line and all. I was very pleased.
The students? Well, let me say that if all of CA was like this batch, it wouldn't be the dark hole that Liberty goes to die in that it is.
I was quite impressed. There was a smorgass board of age, and they all hung in quite well. they seemed to pay attention, and were willing to put aside old thought proccess and shooting styles to learn a new way, and as an Instructor, what more could I ask for.
I made some new friends, folks who know what they are about, and actually am contemplating another trip there again some day.
Keep the Faith,
Guy
.
Heh! Guy, when the snow's a few feet deep on the farm, feel free to cruise on out here again....we have events here year round....I'm sure we can come up with one or more that you could participate with......cross-pollination is the best way to get this done....... @@)
See ya in a bit...... <:)
LLP
YAAAAHOOOOO!!!!! Congrats Romeo's Hero!!!!
Guy,
I'm glad to hear you didn't leave Cali feeling you were fortunate to still have your life ;). As a guy who spent a year in NC, answering to 'Dude', defending his choice of Starter's Jackets and defending his mullet, sigh just appreciate my honesty. It's easy to stay cautiously away from California if you've only heard 'stories'.
My line of reasoning is that there are good people everywhere. Sure we have our share of hooligans and despots, a huge population indeed. I take this as a challenge. One I saw answered with resolve with you out-of-staters.
Thanks for taking face fulls of brass to watch my technique, I swim to my trigger and keep that left thumb lightly on my RIFLE, lightly, as instructed. If not then I know to try, which I am.
I hope your little girls are well, you made quite an impression on mine. Thanks for giving of yourself and sacrificing. I gotta tell all you folks I really had my commitment and dedication in question, as it continues to be rooted out...
Stay cool and thanks, I assure you your California pass is valid for a return, call me before your next trip West if you wish, 'it's my island' in a lot of respects. Hope to see you sooner than later.
Best Regards,
Russel
.
ASM,
there's a -lot- of "Raiders fans" in Fresno & environs......myself, I never saw the team for being much more than thugs in jerseys....and have -yet- to find even a tattooed fan to be able to defend Al Davies......but, remember........
SOMSOM &) $$-0 @) (there ya go!!) **) **)
LLP
"not a Raiders fan either".......
Ah, Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson, Howie Long, Bob Golic, Willie Gault, etc....
I was, and still sorta am, a Raider fan. Have been since 1980 or so. HATE Al Davis with a passion.
Back to Appleseed though, True Grit, good to have met you and your lil' girl. Remember, more elbow (MORE COW BELL!!) and follow-through.
When (and if) I ever come back, I hope to see that and the trigger jerk worked out of you. Say hi to your family for me!!
Guy
.
Well.....
"More elbow" eventually turns into "more cowbell" if you hang out around my campfire.... The rest of the story next time I'm in CA. Afterall, what happens in CA stays in CA, right.... >:D
LOL!!
Quote from: The Guy on September 10, 2009, 11:15:33 PM
Well.....
"More elbow" eventually turns into "more cowbell" if you hang out around my campfire.... The rest of the story next time I'm in CA. Afterall, what happens in CA stays in CA, right.... >:D
LOL!!
Would that be Mr. Walken coaching the line.... ++)
I mean I know you have this thing about leather pants, brother, but PLEASE take it easy on us poor golden state=ers. Could it be you were more at home than you expected.....?
Cowbells are what they seranade the opposing team with in Sacramento, as well. They do have Basketball in Sacramento. Do you guys have a team out there somewhere in Ill? Never mind.........
Late, long day, Dingy Tao ™, :o
Oh now you have gone and done it.
I can just see shoot bosses lurking along the line, and commming up behind shooters with forward elbow problems. DING DING DING DING~!
Or maybe we use it for.......... 'SPECIAL' cases.
Hummmmmm.
127.0.0.1
Whoot!
Kool Aid
Guy,
Let me first say, before I ask bout that jerky finger of mine, Al Davis has ruined a lot of good teams, Howie Long is a class act, and those starter jackets I defended back East were black and had skull and crossbones. Being a Raiders fan in such a huge hoard of idots (Cali), who gravitate towards the silver and black, makes it hard to discern the occasional sentient being. Much easier to leave that stuff in the closet. I'd rather not get lumped in with the road ragers' and lose business because people are rightfully cautious.
The family sends warm regards back at you.
So, I adjusted my point of aim, higher, to the bottom of the V circle. I still have lets say two inch groups, but all in the black by far and wide. I'd like this much smaller. I'd like to swear I did the trigger just like you showed me, over and over, but If I had and it was true I wouldn't still be shooting junk.
Now these groups are far and superior to what I began with but I wish to see a tighter consistency. Err followthrough?
TG,
Just say the word......"Follow through"......... <:)
consider a hardware issue.....for every .006' of muzzle movement, the bullet will strike 1" off @ 100 yards....or, @ 25 yds/m, about 1/4".......
How much is .006"? about the thickness of a FRN, or regular piece of paper.......
Also, are you checking / re-checking your NPOA per shot? "Guys", like us'ns, tend to get a bit "muscle-y" when it comes to an "aimed shot".....and that will also throw off the shots as well..... :-[
With cadence, as you have your sights set on the target, and are beginning your exhale, and beginning to take up slack in your trigger, close your eyes.......as you exhale, close those eyes & RELAX!!!....when you reach the stop on your trigger, and your breath is at the right point, open your eyes, and check your sight alignment on the target....if it's correct. hold everything, but the final 4-6 ozs. on the trigger, then rinse & repeat as necessary......
It's a muscle memory & mind training thing, but once you get it, it stays with you......
Let me know if that helps, fair enough?
Guy, your thoughts? @@)
TTYS!
LLP
Once you get trigger controll down, squeeze, hold back, reset, then cadence naturally follows.
Remember how well you shot with that 2-3 second cadence? When you didn't jerk the trigger, you grouped well, 4moa. When you did, well.....
When the elbow is under (remember how I showed you that funky AR hold to accomplish this?) the rifle, and you are relaxed with NPOA, you just have to squeeze, watching the front sight to see if it comes down on target. If it does, by all means, squeeze again. If it don't, shift your hips around your forward elbow, and re-verify NPOA on target, then squeeze again. At the begining, you may have to tweak your position several times in a shot string before you end up in perfect NPOA.
If you are not relaxed, you will muscle the rifle back on to target unconciously, and you will never know how far your NPOA is off. You will be forcing each shot, maybe even jerking the trigger, trying to "make" the bullets go to target. Which leads to misses. You cannot force it. Relax, don't be impatient, and let it flow.
I hope this helps, and not confuses...LOL!!
BTW, a full length sight radius (Disipator upper or full lenght upper) will make alot of this easier.
Keep on working, it took me for-ev-er to get all htis figgured out as well.....