On a cool but beautiful fall day, Red Hill Range in Martin, Georgia hosted a one-day Appleseed Rimfire Known Distance clinic on 21 November 2021. Four dialed-in shooters plus one instructor showed up to learn American history and rifle marksmanship at further distances.
We started the day with a target detection exercise. From there, we moved to range estimation, using nothing more than reticles and front sight posts. Each shooter was able to calibrate their sites and record the info in their data books. Trajectory, come-ups and battlesight zero were taught right along with this instruction.
After a review of steady hold factors, six steps of the shot and natural point of aim, we were able to get in a little practice and a 25m zero. From there, we backed up to 50 yards, applied come-ups and verified zeroes. Shooters learned the rifleman's practice of recording this data for future reference.
From there, the Known Distance AQT was shot with standing at 50 yards and transition to seated at 100 yards. The targets displayed impressive groups and were proof of some excellent shooters.
At lunch, we heard the stories of the Regulators, Overmountain Men and the Battle of King's Mountain. Following the history, we reviewed Inches Minutes and Clicks as it would be used throughout the day.
After applying come-ups and firing sighters, we went straight to shooting Stage 3 transition to prone at 150 yards. As the wind picked up, we were at a goo dspot to talk about how we read the wind and account for it. Lastly, we backed up to 200 yards to shot 20 rounds in prone.
All four of our shooters did very well. Instructor Jamie requalified with a solid 43/50. Huzzah to Hunter for making the score with a 40/50! Andy did remarkably well with iron sights while Virginia shot some seriously tight groups. Ryan was oh-so-close with a 38/50. These were some skilled shooters.
We ran one more Rimfire Known Distance for the day, running in reverse order from 200 yards back to 50 yards. Shooters were not given sighters on this one but had to rely on the dope in their data books - and it worked! They all went home with solid dope on their rifles.
Thanks to Chris P and Red Hill range for being a faithful host. We couldn't do it without your hospitality. Thank you all, shooters, for your teachable attitudes and enthusiasm. It was a privilege to work with you all. We hope to see you on the trail again.
Awesome! Congratulations to Hunter and Jambo! Looks like a great event! Good job everybody. O0
We had a great time and learned a ton. I was excited to qualify and we can't wait to shoot again. Thank you to all the instructors and other shooters
I just wanna begin by backing up what Brian said: We had some fantastic shooters on the line Sunday! Congrats again to Hunter for the RKD Rifleman patch! Andy, those were seriously good groups with those iron sights. And Virginia, you had some of the best groups of the day. Keep it up. Ryan, you were so very close. Keep working at it because I have zero doubts you'll get that patch soon. You are very capable of it.
Again, thank you to all of you. It was an absolute privilege to work with you all. I can't wait to see you all at future events; don't forget to bring someone with you.
Don