12 Instructor-shooters turned out for the first Tennessee Instructor-Only Pistol Clinic IBC. Booney Stomper served as Instructor Cadre and Black Knight served as Applecore. Instructor-shooters assisted with clearing the line (special thanks to Old Navy Doc).
This facility has an excellent classroom with media. The range is a mixed use site and one of 3 firearm ranges at the facility. The other two (2) are dedicated rifle and pistol ranges respectively. There is also an archery range on the grounds. We are fortunate to have a very good relationship with the range staff, and special thanks should be given to managing Officer Tim Turrentine, who has been very welcoming and accommodating to us.
The cool weather was not unusual for an early March day, but since the range is on J. Percy Priest Reservoir, the wind can be unpredictable and very gusty at times. That, of course, can affect the perceived temperature. By the end of the day the temperature and dropped quite a bit and layers of clothes and coats were dawned.
Due to the structure of the shooting booths on the range, it was necessary to transport picnic tables and folding tables to the firing line. The Instructor-shooters pitched in and made it happen. That, of course, will be a consideration for the Shoot Bosses of future shoots at this range.
The Instructor-shooters were attentive and involved.
Three (3) Instructor-shooters earned their Pistoleer™ badges: JPL, Old Navy Doc (re-qualified), and Hard Bean. Huzzah, Instructors! Several are knocking on the door. Pistoleer™s are persistent!
There were consistent positive comments by the Instructor-shooters regarding this type of event being offered by Project Appleseed and for the Course of Fire.
Photo of 3 Pistoleer™s!
I originally discounted this course of fire because it's set at a distance of only 21 feet.
It's a mistake I won't make twice....challenging and engaging.
This was a wonderful course that focused on the many facets of acquiring accurate fire. The classroom facilities were outstanding. The Pistol Clinic is extremely challenging and has given me wonderful dry fire drills to do at home.
Wonderful time and thank you for the great instruction!
It's always a pleasure to spend time with a group of Appleseed Instructors. Even though the instruction was condensed to help it fit into a one day course, there was still plenty of instruction that helped improve my pistol skills. I'm very excited to finally go through the Pistol Clinic. I look forward to helping instruct someday soon!
Additionally, this is a wonderful facility. We shot on a rifle range that had a covered shoot line. However, the shooting line tables had 1/4" thick steel plate hanging over the benches which prevented a standing posture. As BluegrassColonel mentioned, the Appleseeders adapted by gathering tables and moving the shooting line closer to the existing target line.
This was a great Instructor Pistol event!! Temperatures dropped rapidly in the afternoon, but that did not dim shooter enthusiasm. We are looking forward to the next Pistol IBC!!
The Appleseed Pistol Qualification Test is demanding but three instructors out of ten qualified!! The rest are anxiously awaiting the next opportunity.