It was a great weekend for sharing Liberty and Lead. We had 11 great people that joined us to learn about our early history as Americans and learn about rifle marksmanship. Whil many of the shooters were either returning Appleseeders and Instructors in Training, there were a few that came to join us because they had heard great things about Project Appleseed. Hopefully we didn't disappoint. This time of year, the weather can be tricky. Although early Saturday morning was raining on our way in, the sky's quickly settled and left us with a nice day. Being prepared helped with the brisk winds. QuinnCannon brought wood and a burn barrel. Jayhawker brought tarps to protect us from the brisk winds. rusty gun did some border jumping and joined us in helping instruct the event. He is a great instructor and definitely welcome any time. All of the instructor cadre came from a good distance and ran the weekend well. Bright1 as usual did great with his part of the instruction and, as usual, brought his passion for Appleseed. Enough about the instructors.
John brought his father Matt and both soaked up the info and improved greatly throughout the weekend. John shot a few rifleman scores and although Matt didn't, he knocked on the door and would certainly be able to with another event. Daniel and Jenny were our only youths that attended and they showed that this isn't just an adult event. Daniel shot a rifleman score and Jenny would have several times but was hampered by equipment issues. Jenny was shooting groups to be jealous of. Bill attended and he showed his normal great attitude and perseverance. He shot a riflemans score. QuinnCannonas usual sets the bar high by shooting many scores in the 240's with the highest being a 249. Great job. Terry aka ArcEagle also showed his shooting skills as well by also shooting distinguished rifleman scores. I hate that he wasn't able to make it back for day 2. Nathan also showed that he is a man that knows what he is about. Sure would like to get him back involved in the program. He brought his sweet wife along as an observer. Although I attempted to get her on the line, she did promise that she would next time. Nathan also brought his friend Kyle and he was shooting great on Saturday but was unable to make it back Sunday. I'm sure that another event would see him earning a patch. Erik decided to come as an attendee, so that he could attempt to earn a patch with a center fire. Even though he was hindered a little by his optics at the 25m distance, he shot well. Hopefully I didn't miss anyone and if I did, please forgive my oldtimers. The weekend had a few new riflemen, many requalificatiins and several distinguished patches being handed out. All of the instructor cadre got an opportunity to shoot and showed that they have skills. Great job by all. Great attendees and a great cadre, is the reason that I love this program so much
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I always look forward to these events, and always feel refreshed when it's over! I'm already looking forward to another event!
The instruction was excellent, the practice was spot on, enabling the shooters to move to the firing line and put the instruction, along with their skill and put it to the test!
I saw many good scores fired to my left and to my right, I was glad to witness my son fire multiple Rifleman scores, his best of the day a 233! Pretty darn good for not shooting a rifle since last summer! My good friend, ArcEagle14 shot good scores as well, but could only be there the first day. I witnessed Jayhawker shoot a 246, an awesome score, I believe that is a personal best for him! I was shooting next to Rustygun, when he shot a 246 on Rapidfire, I think that is the best rapid fire score I have personally witnessed! It's a good feeling, being on the firing line with "men who know what they are about".
Listening to the events of 19 April 1775 is inspiring as always and I often think of those men who stood against tyranny.
My rifles and I are ready for the next event.
I brought tarps to shield us from the winds and propane heaters. It didn't go as well as planned. I probably won't try to do that again.
What did work extremely well was a 55 gal steel drum with a few perforation near the base, brought by Quinncannon along with a trailer load of perfectly seasoned red oak. The air mix was perfect and it was smokeless. It would have passed the EPA standards for a low emission wood stove.
It kept us warm without smoking us out.
Jayhawkers instructing was great and it wouldn't surprise me if he were our next 250 shooter in Arkansas. Bright1 always adds some additional stuff to history that makes me strive to learn more. They are both a true asset as instructors, very skilled shooters and glad to be part of a team with them. I look forward to any event that either of them are present at.
O0
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A really good event at Bald Knob! My first time in AR working with the AR crew and it won't be my last. A lot of really good shooting and a great group of shooters. Jenny was so close so many times. What a heartbreaker! I'm sure she will get her patch next shoot. John shot very well and seems like he will be back and was inquiring about a KD. Didn't get a pic of him getting his patch though. Matt did well as did Kyle. I appreciate all the hospitality I was shown by the AR cadre and would be glad to have any of you all come to TN. Here are a few pics I got.
Getting set up
(http://i.imgur.com/onaWo0I.jpg) (https://imgur.com/onaWo0I)
The shoot boss shares some info to get started
(http://i.imgur.com/iVOHRcK.jpg) (https://imgur.com/iVOHRcK)
Shooters getting down to business
(http://i.imgur.com/wimyJDG.jpg) (https://imgur.com/wimyJDG)
Hot lunch!
(http://i.imgur.com/rlDR0sI.jpg) (https://imgur.com/rlDR0sI)
Jayhawker shares some history under a good looking sky
(http://i.imgur.com/yon7MRz.jpg) (https://imgur.com/yon7MRz)
I get an AR patch. Very cool
(http://i.imgur.com/WCXRfNh.jpg) (https://imgur.com/WCXRfNh)
Posting some pics
Just as an FYI, I will be "border raiding" soon to get one of those neat patches. I will reciprocate if you come to TN.
Tennessee Beast, you are welcome anytime! It was indeed a fantastic weekend in Bald Knob. Great to see old friends and make some new ones! Rustygun, thanks for making it over. Really enjoyed working with you again. Sticksnstones and Jayhawker, always a pleasure! Quincannon, thanks for providing some heat and some inspirational shooting! Eric, hope to see you in Hot Springs in April. Same to John and Matt. Your perseverance was inspiring. Kyle, wish you could have made it back on Sunday. You're definitely a good shooter! Nathan, good shooting! Hope to get Heidi involved in the program, too! Bill and Terry, hope you can make it down in April, too. Great to see Daniel and Jenny again! And a big thanks to VETS Shooting Center for their support of Appleseed. Looking forward to the next event there!