Hello! My name is Harry Baldwin. I live near Staunton. My son and I are going to attend our first Appleseed in Montpelier a little later in the month. We are SO excited and have been making preparations furiously. We have read the website, read the forum, gotten slings from the website, gotten targets and information from Fred's, practised and shot and practised.
But, before the shoot, we would actually like to have an instructor type look over our "stuff" to be sure that it will pass muster. We don't want the equipment to be an issue. We really want to learn to shoot and want the focus to be on learning that, not messing with the equipment. Not ever having done this, we don't really know what to expect or how to do it so a little personal help would be appreciated.
Thanks, in advance.
Harry Baldwin
(540)885-5779
Harry,
It's good to hear from you. I think that we can offer some help.
Why don't you first let us know what equipment you will be bringing (Rifle and sights primarily) and then we can talk about things. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with all of the information that is available.
I have found that in most situations, a student's equipment works just fine (and this is from someone who is 5'4" with short arms). But let us know what you will be using and we can offer some advice to help you test things out before the event.
Mike Davis
Mike,
My son, Nick, will be bringing, "The Rattler", his M4gery (Bushmaster Patrolman)16in. barrel with iron sights. It has an adjustable stock and a folding vertical grip. This grip has helped with with his off hand position, because when it is folded against the foreguard, it is like a palm rest.
I'm bringing "Nancy Mae", my RRA A4NM w/ 20in, barrel. Has iron sights, but am having sight "issues". I have a .040 rear aperture, but am having trouble with a varying sight picture because it seems too large - issue is getting the top of the sight in the center of the aperture consistently. I have a .030 on the way...we'll see if that helps. If it doesn't, I may scope it before the shoot - would use a 3x9x50 Horus w/ LaRue Mount. I really would prefer to try to use irons for this.
We both use nose-to-charging-handle technique to try to get a consistent sight picture. We are fighting with hearing protection...the muffs seem to interfere with the stocks, so we are using only MAX earplugs although we understand that both are recommended.. We're also arguing with safety glasses. We have a bunch of different styles, but the frames interfere with the muffs and sometimes the lenses hit the hooded rear sight on mine , so I just got a different pair that we will try them.
We plan on bringing 500 rounds each of M855. We have been using XM193, but got a deal on the M855. We plan on having two 20 round magazines each, but read somewhere that 4 is recommended. Please let me know. We also have brass catchers for each rifle.
We have the USGI slings, purchased from Appleseed, and have been practicing to the best of our ability - having only read. We don't have shooting coats or gloves, but plan on having elbow pads. We also bought the Midway shooting mats.
Need to know what tools you recommend bringing. Will have A2 sight tool to adjust the front sights, but didn't plan on bringing anything else.
So, those are the rifles we plan on bringing.
Harry
That all sounds just fine. Generally the .040 aperature is a good one (and it is my choice for my service rifle). The secret to good sight alignment lies in making sure that your eye is centered behind the rear sight ie. that you keep the same head position throughout the string of fire. If you have a consistent head position, your eye will naturally try to center the front sight in the rear.
Mike
Mike,
Thanks. Now, some questions about other equipment. I looked at pictures that were taken at a previous shoot at Cavalier. It looks as if the range is covered and the floor is course gravel.
Should we bring a carpet remnant to sit and lie on? Would a folding table be useful to put "stuff" on? Annndddd, is there anything else that you can think of that would be useful, but is not on the list?
Harry
gr8horses2003,
It is awesome to see you prepare for your upcoming Appleseed. I wish others would be half as prepared. In any case, you will have a great weekend!
Out of curiosity, how did you find out about the forums? I didn't discover them until after my Appleseed experience.
- ShadowMan
Not trying to get "between" you and Mike here, just wanted to let you know that a shooting glove isn't necessary for this type of shooting.
Hearing protection? I've used nothing but ear plugs for years with no issues (this time of the year muffs are miserable anyway).
If you find your groups move as you go from standing to sitting to prone its most likely because your eye is changing position behind the front sight. It happens with a lot of people and they learn to make rear sight adjustments to compensate for the change in position.
Good luck, have fun, Mike (as well as the many other Virginia instructors) will certainly do what they can to help you and your son have a great weekend. Oh yeah, water, bring lots of liquids for drinking as this time of the year it gets hot/humid around here. If you've got portable shade, bring that, too.
Shadowman,
When I was looking around on the Appleseed website, I found it under Links. I signed up and began to read.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Harry
gr8horses2003,
As for other gear, there are benches on the firing line but few chairs-so a folding chair may be nice. As for tools I will have plenty for AR's if the need should arise. Sunblock, insect repelant and plenty of fluids are a must. Looking forward to meeting you folks.
sgtmace
Thank you. My son and I are looking forward to it!
Harry
It sounds like you have all the gear you would need.
If you get a chance, try to zero the rifles at 25 meters.
The range at Cavalier is comfortable and you should have a good weekend.
Welcome.
gr8,
The only other item i would say u must bring is the most important one - bring an open mind and a teachable attitude. Do your level best to forgit all that u may have ever learned about shooting and employ the system that your instructors offer. If u can do that - I can guarantee that your marksmanship will improve.
Good luck and welcome to Project Appleseeds sir,
PH
On the table- I would go ahead and bring it if it's small. It's ghreat for loading mags, etc. Just make sure it's not to big.
Roland
If you have a small table, sure bring it. But don't buy one. As you can see in the photo below there are a number of shooting benched and tables that we have to move out of the way for the shoot. No one has ever needed to bring their own at this location.
You do want to make sure that you have water, snacks and something for lunch. The nearest store is ~15 minutes away.
(http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23325.0;attach=53269)
A plastic storage container with lid (like you can buy at WalMar or similar stores) is great for this use (storage, travel, table and to keep thing dry if it rains).
Put your ammo/mags, etc. in it and set it behind you at the range. With the lid on it you have a small table that keeps your ready ammo and spare magazines out of the grass/dust/dirt.
Thanks, everybody! I appreciate the help and look forward to meeting you at Cavalier.
Harry and Nick Baldwin