Looks like it's time to pop that Appleseed pie in the oven. We're in the midst of a heat wave right now... got up to 105 F today, if you can believe it... but also had some hot shooting last weekend. Up at Burro Canyon, jewel of the San Gabriel mountains, it was time for a full weekend in the crucible of instruction!
This weekend saw 11 proud patriots turn out, all looking to learn something of our ancestors of old, and also learn something new about ourselves. We had a pretty diverse group of folks, just like it's supposed to be, with skill levels from active competitors in the shooting sports to brand new beginners. But a teachable attitude goes a long way. Also, I was assisted with minty-fresh IIT "Zo" (Zoanyway), veteran of the Morgan's Company classes and itching to dive in and teach. So, let's get to work... ~~:)
Saturday had the usual assortment of little gremlins to find -- sights that weren't where they belonged, a bum magazine or two, wrestling with slings -- but we spotted 'em quickly and started grinding them down right away. Nearly all the problems did get solved, although in one case we had to try three different sets of optics... The most dramatic, I think, was Pinkie, who discovered that she was strongly cross-dominant, and got to pretend to be a left-hander! ??? It's always intimidating, but you know what, just like usual she dropped right into position, and after a couple of strings you'd never know by watching.
By lunchtime we got into the Three Strikes of the Match, and became acquainted with some dear friends of mine (Joseph, Paul, Samuel, John, and the whole gang) who had the misfortune to come nose-to-nose with the might of the British Army. But stand up to 'em, they did... and if they can do that, we can surely stand up to some Redcoat targets.
At the end of Saturday we had some good progress on our targets, but what would Sunday bring? Time to catch some sleep, clean some bores, and dream of 4 MOA groups... ^-^
On Sunday, rifles sighted in, a little sore but determined, it was time to take on the AQTs, and in between, fended off a fierce attack from some renegade sandwich cookies. But the topper came at the end of the day, when we were faced with the Zombie Pumpkin... well, sort of. Our little spooky gourd was a special target, set out at about 100 yards, not a bad stretch for a .22. We had a little talk about shooting at long range, and then went to try it, and everyone made their mark, shall we say. :snipersmi Particularly impressive was Bel -- she took it on from the standing position, and drilled it consistently... The vegetable menace was singing a different tune after being "Carved."
The AQTs too weren't putting up as much of a fight by the end of the weekend. Steven was printing in the 170's, John in the high 190's, and Glen! After his breakthrough with NPOA, he shot an amazing 230, and earned this weekend's Rifleman patch with style. :1luvu Congratulations!
Thanks again for spending your weekend with us and our heritage. I'll see you all at the next one!
A few pictures from the shoot. PM or e-mail me an address for higher resolution.
(https://i.imgur.com/jrr0Sr6.jpg)
Dawn breaks over the range, and students are helping assemble the target line
(https://i.imgur.com/pr4VHlQ.jpg)
Our intrepid IIT leads the class in Six Steps
(https://i.imgur.com/GwnsdZp.jpg)
Working with students on the line, trying to banish all the Wood Dragons and keep our focus on the front sights
(https://i.imgur.com/LVuweBO.jpg)
Checking out our targets, trying to find a few extra points hidden on those AQT's...
(https://i.imgur.com/ydjt2i7.jpg)
Glen, our new California Rifleman! Welcome to the 210 Club, and nice shooting.