Chilly morning easing into sunny and warmer throughout the days was great but not nearly as good as the great folks that showed up for this event. We had a young teen there all the way up to a sweet lady that claimed to be the oldest person there. Attitudes and openness to learn was something that everyone shared. We did have several fairly experienced shooters, several first time shooters and everything in between. By the end of each day it was hard to tell that any of them were newbies at the beginning of the weekend. I was proud of them all. We made several new riflemen and those that didn't make it definitely knocked on the door. Especially proud of Charlie, our youngest, because he shot Centerfire all weekend and I watched him add each lesson and skill to his toolbox. He ended up just a few points short. Ken, Cortney and Shawn were all beginners, but showed off throughout the weekend and hopefully will return to break that plateau. Moon was definitely proficient (she shot on a rifle team 40 plus years ago) and showed that with a little coaching and knocking some rust off that once you have it, it comes naturally. The only one that beat her high score was Quinncannon. Hunter bounced around with different rifles and set ups and finally settled into a Riflemans score. Shannon joined us from Texas and shot well. Matt returned and proved his proficiency. Justin showed out and helped coach those around him. Erik also shot great and got lucky, as I forgot to baptize him after he shot a 210. Bill as usual shot great.Morgan came out of her shell. This was not her first event or her first patch but I believe she finally put it all together this weekend. I believe everyone had as good of a time as I did.
Bill asked for an orange hat and I gladly presented him one. He will be a great asset to our program. Justin also took an orange hat ( in all honesty he had accepted one before and we never completed the promotion. Morgan also asked for an orange hat and wants to gladly help spread her love for Appleseed when she goes back to college in Nebraska and when she's home on breaks. These 3 will all be great assets to the program. Thanks to the instructor Corp for making my job easy. KPUC came back to help us from Alabama. Thanks to all
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A very enjoyable Appleseed weekend! This group of shooters were well motivated and determined to learn the basics of rifle marksmanship and eager to hear the history of 19 April 1775! Another thing that impressed me, was the high number of young people in attendance and a fair number of, shall we say "older folks"?! All did very well, all good attitudes, enthusiasm was in the air! The lady who described herself as the oldest lady there, was very impressive. Once she shot her first Rifleman score in the 220's, she continued to shoot scores in the high 220's. She was to the left of me, Bill on the right, also shot good scores and is an asset to the program.
Congratulations to the new Riflemen and to those who took the orange hat.
Sounds like a fantastic weekend! New riflemen and THREE NEW INSTRUCTORS - that's great! I can't wait to come back to Arkansas and participate. :)
Captain,
We would love to have you come and do a pistol clinic at any of the ranges or a KD event in Hot Springs. Instructors and attendees really enjoyed you SBing the event in Hot Springs
Reply #16 is an awesome photograph.
It was a cold weekend, but I could have been worse. If that had been the case we could have gotten winterseed patches, which is why we scheduled it for that weekend.
It was a great bunch of shooters, all with great attitudes.
The instruction was top notch.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
I commented on a different feed which Quinncannon started, so this is mainly a repeat. My first Appleseed event was beyond my expectations. I am not a hunter but have always enjoyed target shooting and plinking. This event rejuvenated me. I had difficulties that first day, but the instructors were so helpful, patient and encouraging, as were so many folks around me. Morgan gave me pointers, John gave me pointers (and was so patient t when I got on his target twice), Bill was very supportive...I could go on and on. Sticks, you sure helped me keep my frustrations at bay on that first day. I can't wait for another event, and I may even do a pistol clinic in Huntsville, AL. I'd love to do a KD at some point, and I'm already researching the best calibers for 400 or 600 yds. I'd welcome any advice on that ...perhaps 6.5 creedmoor or .308.....or am I off track?
Anyway, thanks Guys! I'll see y'all again
Looks like an awesome event! Congrats to the new Riflemen.
Swiftongal, it was a pleasure to shoot with you on the firing line! I was impressed with your perserverance and great attitude! Right off the start, seeing those tight groups you fired, I knew you would qualify and earn your Rifleman Patch! Also, I thought it was great shooting with a fellow Army veteran!
As far as a rifle for 400 and 600 yards, I recommend an AR15, one can still buy these at a decent price and possibly even find ammunition for them, though the ammo is getting scarce! Plus, your Army experience will help you right along with the AR15.
My favorite for KD? The M14, but I've been shooting one for a long time.
Thx for the tip. I have a cousin here in Swifton who was in Nam and would give his eye teeth for an M14 like he carried in the jungle. I shot well with the M16 and know I'd be comfy with one. I'll be watching, but don't know if I want to get something til ammo starts becoming available.....if and when. I may have to get a new hobby....reloading!
This event was well worth the drive from El Paso, Texas. I've attended a few Appleseeds in other states, and I have to say the stories I heard this weekend just seemed a little better - no offense to the other events.
Other positives: flush toilets, a fire to warm up by, and hotdogs. Naturally I bring food at these events but usually it's a cold meal. Those warm hotdogs really hit the spot. Next time I'm out that way visiting family, I may have to plan it around an Appleseed (this time I made the trip specifically for Appleseed).
My biggest lesson learned (which is actually common sense for most folks) is not to make drastic changes to your rifle the night before an event, especially after you drive 1,000 miles. I was plagued with a falling zero the first day - almost constantly clicking up at every point. The next day I relocated my scope, zeroed enough to shoot Rifleman but the very next stage I was off the paper. At that point I decided to sit out. Not due to "quiting" but more because I was wasting ammo chasing zero. Bill and I talked a bit on it and I'm going to take some of his advice and see what I have going on.
Will due, Shue. I have a friend in Newport (retired deputy) who has reloaded for 40 years...I used to help him out many years ago, so I remember most of the steps...it's just reaccquainting myself with it and purchasing equipment, should I decide. First, I would need to buy a centerfire rifle, lol. I'm gonna take it slow, because I get real excited about things and then calm down, later, to make rational decisions. BUT, I did make reservations at the Toad Suck campground, this morning, in plans for the Menifee event. I'm getting ready to message Shawn and invite them to join me, should they decide to make the trip. I will wait on my membership card to arrive before I sign up for the event.