Marion Road Gun Club in Macon, Georgia hosted a one-day Appleseed pistol clinic on 25 June 2022. Six shooters came out on a warm summer day for marksmanship and American history.
After introduction and a safety brief, students shot the Hits Count target to gage their skill levels. Three shooters were able to hit Pitcairn's button while two cleared the target! The instructors never had it so easy. We proceeded into instruction, teaching grip, draw and fire from low ready and close retention, six steps of the shot and natural point of aim. Each block of instruction was put into immediate practice with live fire drills. Magazine changes and malfunction clearance drills soon followed.
Throughout the day, shooters heard the true story of April 19th, 1775 through the telling of the Three Strikes of The Match. Shooters heard the history of Paul Revere's ride, Lexington and Concord, learning that we are the inheritors and stewards of liberty and freedom that was paid for in blood.
Further instruction was given on talking targets, controlled pairs, double-tap and one-handed shooting. Targets told the tale as shooters learned and applied the fundamentals of shooting in seated and standing positions.
Three Pistol Qualification Tests (PQT) wer shot Saturday afternoon. All shooters did well, with some exceeding 190/250. George repeatedly knocked on the door of the Expert score. Veteran Appleseed shooter Mike requalified with a 211. First-time Appleseed pistol clinic shooter Zim, who is no stranger to pistols or matches, shot an outstanding 223/250 on his first try! Huzzah!
Shooters also learned about the Onion of Self-Defense and layered security. Tales of the handgun's place in history was told through the stories of Samuel Colt and Samuel Walker.
Thanks to Marion Road Gun Club for continuing to be a great host. Thank you all, shooters, for your teachable attitudes and enthusiasm. It was an honor and a privilege to work with you. We hope to see you again - and bring more shooters with you!