Project Appleseed

After Action Reports! => After Action Reports => Topic started by: dragonfly on June 06, 2009, 06:07:34 AM

Title: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: dragonfly on June 06, 2009, 06:07:34 AM
4 am and on the way to Shiocton. Appleseed it does'nt get any better.

See you up there.

dragonfly
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: fepowered on June 06, 2009, 07:09:05 AM
I am glad that I have less than an hour to drive.   Lots of room for anyone still not registered!!! O0   
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: colycat on June 07, 2009, 11:47:57 PM
I guess there are easier ways to spend the weekend than to Appleseed in the cold rain.  The rain started about noon on Saturday, let up some and then resumed for the rest of the day.  48 degrees, windy and rain.  Sunday was the repeat weather performance,  only some pelting rain at times.  Usually this occurred as the line cardboard was being repaired, yet again.   And I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

I am so proud of the Americans who showed up.  All 58, who came and stayed all day Saturday.  And all 35 who were signed up for Sunday and also came.  These men and women are made of the same stuff as the men and women who fought and sacrificed at the founding of the Republic.  I am awestruck and inspired.  With a very low round count and not many QDAQT's,  10 shooters made rifleman score.  6 on the only AQT, shot in a steady rain on Saturday.

Thanks to JoeZ, Dragonfly, Bedford, Aftermath, Fepower,Colorado, Old Glory for there excellent instruction and dedication to the program.  And to Trisha and Ahhshoot for braving the weather to help out on Sunday.

More to follow later, with pictures

Colycat




Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: dragonfly on June 08, 2009, 12:56:48 AM
Rain Rain Rain Rain Rain Rain and more Rain and thanks to all the Appleseeder's with such a great attitude and willingness to learn. 10 new Rifleman and some more shooter's knocking on the door.


dragonfly
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: bronk on June 08, 2009, 09:23:51 AM
  This was my first Appleseed, and overall I was very satisfied with the level of instruction recieved. The weaher did not help much, but I made mention to the fact on the line, during the rain that I doubt the American conlonie's would have laid down their arms and stopped fighting because of some rain.  I was most impressed the the range itself, and will be coming back to do some more shooting. Thanks to all of the instructors for their hard work, and looking forward to getting my son back again to get his Rifleman patch as well!
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Trisha on June 08, 2009, 11:27:01 AM
bronk, first I would like to say welcome to the forum! Second I am happy to hear that the rain definitely didn't discourage you from going to another Appleseed. I hope to see you at another Appleseed and maybe I will be able to make it to both days! Keep up the shooting and dryfiring and you'll see yourself improve even more the next time you make it to one.
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Muskyjerk on June 08, 2009, 12:11:49 PM
Had fun again (still drying out) glad to see Hardware (Jay) get his patch.

loved the laser demo with NPOA  O0 and the "good child bad child" really helps with front and rear sight adjustment  **).

Glad too see everyone got some more shooting in, on Sunday afternoon......

see you in September in Hubertus (WI).......... :~

Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Fred on June 08, 2009, 01:10:28 PM


    Great pics!

    Brings back fond memories of Appleseed's first visit to Shiocton.

    And what an impressive line!

    Say, what do you think - think we can get 100 there, next time?!?

     O0
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Old Glory! on June 08, 2009, 01:35:04 PM
There is something stirring in the hearts and minds of the Wisconsin Appleseeders.  Why else would you persist through pelting rain....with a smile, and come back a second day for some more.   Foul weather and positive attitudes revealed Americans of good character.   

IMHO, All participants had the true heart of a Rifleman, even if you didn't earn the patch, YET.   Congratulations to all who did earn Rifleman.  You did that in the rain, cold and wind, with targets blowing off the backers, and interruptions in the course of fire.  Think of what you will be able to do on a nice sunny day!

Witnessing this weekend inspires HOPE for the future of America.

To the 17 young Americans who demonstrated very good safe shooting discipline (in all positions, including transitions :o), and an interest in the stories of 1775, HUZZAH!   May I call you "Posterity", because you are not kids, or youth, or youngsters.  You are polite, enthusiastic, persistent, thinking Americans who are not afraid of a little discomfort and hard work.  Posterity, tell your friends about your experience at Appleseed.

Colin (being the leader among Posterity  O0) took the seventh step, and accepted the Orange Hat.  Congratulations!  I look forward to working with you.   Thank you for letting me tag along to Mass.

Thank you to all who helped maintain the firing line.  Many of you offered to help out with things during the event. @)  Adversity forged a team spirit!  But if Appleseed is to make a difference in the future of America, we all need to CONTINUE working together.  Pick up an Appleseed bucket, and help bail!  You all know how to bail now, don't you &).    Inviting your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers is an important, relatively easy task.  If you are not a member at a range, join one and talk to the members about AS.  If you are a member, is your range willing to host an AS?   PM Colycat, Old Glory!, fepowered (WI State Coordinator) or any instructor if you are not sure what to do next.

The history book referenced this weekend was "Paul Revere's Ride" by David Hackett Fischer. 

I am TERRIBLE with names, so if someone knows the names of the Riflemen, please post them.   

I imagine your homes look similar to ours with wet stuff everywhere.  It was a good lesson in what equipment works (plastic Wal-Mart boxes for targets and gortex boots), and what doesn't (anything that isn't waterproof).


Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: fepowered on June 08, 2009, 01:43:02 PM
Quote from: Old Glory! on June 08, 2009, 01:35:04 PM
I am TERRIBLE with names, so if someone knows the names of the Riflemen, please post them.   
The last (or second to last????) Rifleman of the weekend was my Brother-in-law Jeff..  He is motivated to come again and to bring others he knows who would enjoy it also O0(http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7497.0;attach=9436)
Quote from: Old Glory! on June 08, 2009, 01:35:04 PM
I image your homes look similar to ours with wet stuff everywhere.  It was a good lesson in what equipment works (plastic Wal-Mart boxes for targets and gortex boots), and what doesn't (anything that isn't waterproof).
This should have driven home the point of how important dressing for the weather is.  We had ALOT of shooters who did not have rain gear and left early on Sunday only to miss out on the best weather of the day and some good shooting with plenty of opportunity to shoot some AQTs and make Rifleman... :(
The rain also gummed up some rifles which were not cleaned before the weekend.  Saturday should have been a clue for all to rectify the situation but continued problems with the same rifles on Sunday was evidence that not everyone did so...
My hope is that we planted the seed and that they will return to another shoot so that we can make Riflemen out of them... O0
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: bahbec on June 08, 2009, 04:58:36 PM
This was my first Appleseed... and must admit I was just a little nervous about attending, being a middle-aged guy who's pretty clueless regarding marksmanship and firearms in general. I struggle for words to express just how open and helpful people were - the instructors as well as the folks attending the Appleseed.

My kludgey attempts to acquire a set of .22 training rifles but not knowing how to even properly sight them to hit the broad side of a barn was met not with derision or arrogant superiority, but with numerous people jumping in to help out - including the use of a pair of properly set-up and sighted Rugers. A huge thanks to Coly and OG for the loan of their rifles - it really made the difference between a productive training session and rank frustration.

My 15 year old daughter Sierra had an "awesome" weekend, and we've committed to spending time using and practicing the techniques we acquired, along with my son Tanner who was unfortunately unable to attend. I have a personal motivation to practice since the way Sierra was shooting, I strongly suspect she will shoot Rifle(wo)man at the Racine Appleseed in August, and I'm supposed to be the one who's leading this effort... :P

And yes - I purposely put that in writing so I'm accountable to follow through with my verbal commitments to several folks over the course of the weekend. I figure the best way to say 'thanks' to all who helped encourage me and my daughter is to "pay it forward". With the job/possible relocation situation I'm currently in, I'm hesitant to make commitments I might not be able to follow through with... but even if it's just scattering flyers around the area or being "feet on the ground" for others coordinating the event, I can sure do - something - to help the success of the next one around.

A HUGE thanks again -

Bob
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: 1911Ron on June 08, 2009, 06:33:58 PM
Bob,  Glad you and your Daughter had a good time.  As for a possible relocation, thats the beauty of appleseed, if you move somewhere else you can help the team that is there, if no one is in the area guess what you get to start it there **) <:) All in all good luck in all that you do.  AzRon
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: bronk on June 08, 2009, 10:41:01 PM
  Another quick word of the shoot. I just wanted to point out that we had a 3rd and 5th grade boy at the shoot!!! And the younger of the 2 was shooting a 5.56mm M4 carbine!!!!! It's never to late to start them out, and I was most impressed with the boy's attitude during the drizzle and cold.  We tried our best to laugh it off, and make the best of it. My son, Jared managed to pull off a score of 105 which was pretty good considering the conditions. And the younger guy, Zach did pretty well with a full size battle rifle.
  I only hope the weather will work with us for the shoot in August, as I just signed up for the Nicolet rifle club meet as well.  If anyone is from out of town who wants to attend this shoot, and needs a place to set up camp....................let me know. I live within a 10 minute drive of the range, and have enough roomat my house for a tent/camper/etc.  I would be more than willing to open up my yard for anyone that needs it!
  Thanks again folks, and looking forward to August!(//)
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: colycat on June 08, 2009, 10:55:31 PM
Fred,

No problem next year getting 100 plus at Shiocton,  I had 3 or 4 people come up to me after 7th strike and offer to help with promotions.  That is all we need in this area, as the people are very serious about shooting and their country.

Bronk,

All the instructors really noticed the very young man with the AR.  So focused, so polite, and so mature for his age.  Makes one proud.

CC
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: COLORADO on June 09, 2009, 12:04:28 AM
My first orange "hatting" it experience, I have a new found respect for the folks that keep the Appleseed project going, as if I didn't already respect these folks. I think I was more wore out after instructing than I have ever been shooting. I was so excited to share what I had learned from previous Appleseed shoots, I simply couldn't contain myself, much less sleep the night before. There is probably a few shooters who can contest to this Kevin, Bob, Mike, Sierra, Tammi, Tomas, Mr. K, Bug Basher, Jay(CGINWI), Wayne, I may have talked you ear off but the truth is I was learning as I was teaching. Thanks for the opportunity to instruct.


Turns out a little rain can't keep folks from focusing on the six steps. Congratulations to all the Rifleman patch earners. If you were close keep practicing at home. Remember the story of the Doc who spent a winter dry firing and shot 245? Bob and Mike hope to see you on the forum, you both have a lot of knowledge to share. Tammi and John keep shooting and don't forget to let your 4H group know about the Appleseed project. Tammi 186 is a respectable score, I see a patch in your future.


Our Freedom wasn't free, we earned it, and I intend to help us keep it. 
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: dragonfly on June 09, 2009, 12:38:01 PM
Another great Appleseed weekend. Hopefully everyone is dried out by now. Let's get the word out there; friends, relatives bring them with you to your next Appleseed. Look at the Appleseed schedule any friends or relatives you hav'nt seen for awhile with an Appleseed near by. It's a great reason to travel.

Some super history this weekend; bedford telling some pre first strike while we got the line ready. JoeZ with first strike and Aftermath with an emotional 2nd.  Trisha, great job on Sunday with 3rd. strike. I apologize for not taking any picture's, but I was back in time, picturing in my mind April 19 1775. I look forward to the day when there is a female instructor at every Appleseed or at least every Appleseed I am at. I'm glade we have you and OG in WI.

Thanks to our nations Founder's I hope your starting to take notice of all the bailing going on down here with out your great sacrifice we would'nt have this country.

Thanks to everyone who has sacrificed so much, in this young nations history,  so we can enjoy our freedom's and liberty.

I hope to see you all on the Appleseed trail soon.   

dragonfly
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: CGinWI on June 09, 2009, 02:44:47 PM
Hello every one,
This was my first appleseed and I had a great time. My shooting really improved over the weekend and
has weird as this sounds. With all the cold, wind and rain it made my score of 216 even sweeter !!

I working on getting some friends to come to GB in September.
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Old Glory! on June 10, 2009, 12:13:51 AM
Welcome to the forum ALL!

Bahbec, Tell Sierra hi!  Has she stopped smiling yet? ;D  Appleseed appreciates your commitment in writing to pay it forward.  It does make one accountable, doesn't it? 

Bronk,  You can be very proud of your sons. 

CGinWI, 216 in the rain!  Sweet! 

Since you are all willing to help  @)- the latest WI flyer is located at this link at the bottom of the post as an attachment.  PLEASE DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND PASS THEM OUT!   http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=5895.msg69886#msg69886

Let's fill up Suamico, Racine, Lodi, Hubertus and Bristol.  There is room for 65 Appleseeders at Bristol, so let's really hit that area.  (Was it just me, or was it really cool to be at an Appleseed with 58 shooters?!)   If you know of any local newspapers or radio stations that have community calendars you can submit an event, free.  Lot's of people read those calendars.  Our local paper runs events as far out as 3 months, so go ahead and submit the ads now.

Here is a sample calendar ad:
The Revolutionary War Veteran's Association will be hosting a 2 day Appleseed American Heritage and Rifle Marksmanship course at the (Racine County Line Rifle Club) on (August 29-30, 2009).  You will learn about the historic events of April 19, 1775 and founding of our country, and you will also learn all the rifle marksmanship skills to become a Rifleman.  For more information or to register go to RWVA.org or call Old Glory at 608 356-6476. 
:~ :~ :~

Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Old Glory! on June 10, 2009, 10:50:01 AM
p.s.  The flyer for Bristol is located at the bottom of this page.  Print a few out, put them in your car.  Take them to the stores, give them to your friends and relatives.
Help us get 65 Americans to the Appleseed line. 

http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=7006.0
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Dud on June 10, 2009, 11:03:55 AM
Hi guys (sorry Old Glory...just a generic term!),

as you can see, this is my first post as I finally got approved. Also, this was my first Appleseed shoot and it was everything I had hoped and more! Outstanding instruction and safety awareness on the part of all the orange (and one green) hats. Good job everyone.  O0

I shot pretty lousy on the AQT on Saturday, mostly because of not following instructions for NPOA. Grrrrrrrrrrr! ++) Of course having several dud rounds (hence the handle) didn't help but I can only blame myself. I do plan on attending at least Sat. at Suamico in Sept. I intend on getting my Rifleman patch then. I hope to see many of you there as well. A few of my friends are now interested in attending since hearing about it.

Yeah, I too noticed that little feller with the M4ish rifle/carbine. Had to do a double take at first! Nice to see younguns getting involved in PROPER shooting instruction. Thanks to everyone who brought kids along. That can only bode well for the future of our country. Thanks too to Fred for getting this ball rolling!
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Old Glory! on June 10, 2009, 12:18:55 PM
Dud, welcome to Appleseed and the forum.  No offense taken.  Nor am I offended by the term RifleMEN.  MEN as in huMANkind, includes ALL humankind, men AND women.  IMNSHO, slang "guys" also includes gals :D

Glad to hear you are planting Appleseeds.  You learned all the skills necessary to become a Rifleman. 

Now DRY-FIRE! 
Get out your rifle.  What's safety rule #1?   ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE IN A SAFE DIRECTION.  ALWAYS!  At home too.

Make sure your rifle is SAFE.  UNLOAD AND CLEAR!  What's the song we sing?  MAGS OUT - BOLTS BACK - SAFETIES ON - FLAGS IN

NO BULLETS!!! NO BULLETS!!!!  NO BULLETS!!!!

SLING UP and get into the prone position.  Remember the steady hold factors.  A wise instructor once told me, these are not the BASICS (basics implies simple), but they are the shooting FOUNDATIONS (foundation is what everything else is built upon).

Pick a spot somewhere low on a wall; an electrical outlet makes a good target. 

Follow the SIX STEPS
1.  Sight alignment
2.  Sight picture.  Your front sight is on the target.  Take your flag out, safety off, finger on the trigger.
3.  Respiratory pause.

NPOA?  Are you on the target?  If not, shift your HIPS around your FORWARD ELBOW until your SIGHTS are on the TARGET.
Confirm your NPOA.  Close your eyes, breath in, breath out, RELAX, open your eyes.  Are your sights on the target.  Repeat until you are on the target when you open your eyes.  YES!  You are on target.

4.  Focus your EYE on the FRONT SIGHT
    Focus your MIND on keeping the FRONT SITE on the TARGET.
5.  SQUEEEEEEEEEZE the trigger.
6.  Follow through.  Call the shot.
     Hold the trigger back.
     Take a mental snapshot of where the front site was when the shot went off.

Dry-fire a couple of times a week, practice how to acquire your NPOA, and practice the six steps.  PERSIST, and by the time you attend your next Appleseed, you will be amazed at your progress.   Your muscles will remember the body positions.  You will be able to acquire your NPOA much quicker.  The six steps will become automatic. 

You can even practice mag changes.  MAKE SURE YOU HAVE NO BULLETS IN THE MAGS!!!!!!! 
And transitions.  During transition, SAFTEY ON, FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER.  LEAVE YOUR MAGS ON THE GROUND.   MUZZLE CONTROL.  NO BULLETS!!!!!! 

Thanks for letting me continue the instruction.... ;D  It is an honor to be among Americans. 8)

OG








Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: JoeZ on June 10, 2009, 09:32:48 PM
Greetings all.

This AS was more challenge and less fun than most but was more rewarding than most. My son Colin shot rifleman score and accepted the orange hat.

Shooter morale was high Sat despite the rain but by 1 pm Sun morale had slid and only 9 shooters remained. I don't blame them as lying in an inch of water on a 48 degree day is too much. All the same 10 riflemen emerged for the weekend. I explained to them that we've gotten 25% riflemen here in WI so they'll be ready as we have some making up to do, right instructors?!?!?!?!

The shooters as a whole checked attitude at the door and were ready to learn. At every AS I've been too I've met shooters I was hard pressed to help as they don't listen. Even with 58 shooters not one fit that description.

The shooters in general were prepared for the weather.

All in all I was happy with this weekend and would like to thank you all for that.
Thank you Colycat, the IIT's, and all the shooters for putting forth the effort to save my country. Yes I know you were alittle selfish and were working on saving your own but thank you all the same...truly.
Thanks to all the founders of the AS program for an organization that allows me to meet such quality people.
Thank you Fred, Believer, Bob210, Guy, Ornell, TreadCarefully, Sheepdog, and now Colycat. Your teaching methods and personalities have made their impression on me for my betterment as I IIT'd under you. You will touch, for the good of our country, all those I instruct.
Finally, thank you Fred for the Sat instuctors meal. I know better than to think you were the cook  :D but the good food, drink, and like minded company all enjoyed in rural central WI is appreciated...truly.

Sincerly,
JoeZ
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: forcon on June 10, 2009, 11:11:39 PM
This was the first Appleseed I"ve attended and all I can say is WOW!. What an awesome weekend it turned out to be. To me it seemed like the rain was a very minor distraction.There were 58 people there who came to learn how to shoot properly and they were not about to let some rain interfere with that.I also saw a HIGHLY dedicated group of instructors who got right down in the mud with us to make corrections on our form and technique.When Sunday afternoon rolled around and there were only a handful of shooters left they seemed as enthused to help us as they were Saturday morning.I felt like I had a team of personal trainers all to myself.It made me especially happy to see the amount of young people who are this committed to helping preserve history and teaching people to shoot.It looks to me like the future of Appleseed is in good hands.The next AS that falls on a weekend I have off I WILL be there with at least one or two friends who are very interested in this project.Thanks again to ALL the instructors and I hope to see you soon. FORCON!
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Dud on June 10, 2009, 11:35:13 PM
OG, thanks for the welcome and continued instruction! I oughta print your posts to review until I can get a copy of Fred's "How to become a Rifleman" (I hope that's the right title!).

JoeZ, you sir did an outstanding job not only of instructing but telling the April 19th 1775 story! Congrats to your son too. O0

I was wondering too, colycat mentioned that Fred sells shooting jackets and when you purchase one from him that he throws in his guide mentioned above as well as some AQT targets. I don't see a link on the Appleseed link page though. I'll just search for it (I'm guessing under Fred's M14 stocks?) but it might be a good idea to have a link to his site in the links page.
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: MeanStreaker on June 10, 2009, 11:41:15 PM
Quote from: Dud on June 10, 2009, 11:35:13 PM

I was wondering too, colycat mentioned that Fred sells shooting jackets and when you purchase one from him that he throws in his guide mentioned above as well as some AQT targets. I don't see a link on the Appleseed link page though. I'll just search for it (I'm guessing under Fred's M14 stocks?) but it might be a good idea to have a link to his site in the links page.

Dud, Fred has a store where he sells items.  It is a completely separate venture apart from Appleseed.  Only connection is that Fred runs it.

You can find "Fred's Rifleman's Package" about halfway down the page here:

http://www.fredsm14stocks.com/catalog/acc.asp
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: AFTERMATH on June 10, 2009, 11:50:06 PM
Well, here goes....I'll start with some pics....
Perhaps, someone can teach me how to get the big ones that I can caption.
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Dud on June 10, 2009, 11:50:48 PM
Quote from: MeanStreaker on June 10, 2009, 11:41:15 PM


Dud, Fred has a store where he sells items.  It is a completely separate venture apart from Appleseed.  Only connection is that Fred runs it.

You can find "Fred's Rifleman's Package" about halfway down the page here:

http://www.fredsm14stocks.com/catalog/acc.asp

Thanks for saving me the trouble! Much appreciated.
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: AFTERMATH on June 11, 2009, 01:40:49 AM
And some more....
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: AFTERMATH on June 11, 2009, 01:48:11 AM
Give me a break, guys and gals.... I'm new to this whole digi-photo thing...
I'll post my AAR, tomorrow.
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: AFTERMATH on June 12, 2009, 12:56:18 AM
Well, I departed upon my epic journey on the Fifth day of June, around 17:00 hours....(Perhaps a little later than I should have.)
I should have been there by 22:00.....Ha!
For the sake of expedience, I decided to leave the map behind, and rely soley on my "trusty" TomTom navigational device. Ha!
There must have been a glitch...Apherently, topologists for the operating program must have thought I'd be best to take the long route through all the back roads(and woods)...
Well, just after it decided to start telling me to turn down roads that didn't exist, and just before it proclaimed I was in uncharted territory;  I noticed a road-sign, stating tourist info. ahead.  I decided it best that I pull over, take a break, and hopefully they'd have a map of some sort...Ha!  (Guess what...No map!)
I now found myself at the center of Wisconsins own 'bermuda triangle,' with no map and a GPS chanting 'Turn around when possible.' Ha!
The sun was just tucking itself in for the night... Behind me, so I was still heading East! O'Ha!
Figuring I was at some sort of rest-stop, I began my search for the facilities and a map.  I found neither...
What is this place?
In the ghostly twightlight, I saw the silhouette of a man, a bronze statue.  As I approached, the figure, I could see the statue was holding something...
What was it?  I know that shape! That's a M-16.  He was a soldier.  It was monument to Vietnam War Veterans.  I then looked to my left, and there was a Korean War monument.  It was then apherent to me, the place in which I found myself, was a Veterans' Memorial Sight.  The then proceeded to investigate.  There was a memorial for WWII and WWI as well.  I did not however find a single statue of a RevWar soldier.  You can understand my disappointment.  It was a decent-size park, I may have missed it.  Well, I proceeded to my vehicle, when I noticed a bell. (I had seen it on my way in.  But not clearly.)  I've seen that bell before...  I walked up to it, and found myself standing before a replica of the Liberty Bell!  Sweet!  What's even better attatched to it was a rope.  So, you know what I had to do... That's right! The sound of Liberty, rang, breaking the silence of the night and echoing through-out the valley below!   I'm sure the people sleeping in the house nearby, were over-joyed to be awakend by the sonic incarnation of Freedom. 
I was now ready to complete my journey.  And made my way to JoeZ's cabin(read ellaborate hunting lodge) sometime after midnight.  Found my accomodations and fell into sleep; contemplating the evenings pleasent ironies.
Had nothing else happened that weekend, I'd have still been satisfied.  But there was an Appleseed to put on.

The sun was there, when we awoke, taunting us, as we made our way to the range.
Fred was right; Shiocton has a top-notch range, and the fact that it's municiple only adds to the charm.
We arrived to find Bedford giving an, excellent, preliminary overview of the history to the early-birds. 
By the time we started the shoot; the sun had retreated to its winter residence for the weekend, and the winds had picked up.  The rain however held up for a little while. 
58 shooters musterd up, forming up to fend off the Redcoats.  Looking at the line we had a lot of work ahead of us....
After a little instruction, and several squares, we were getting some nice groups.  Things were looking up, when the rain came down.
But the rain only served to wet the appetite for that coveted Patch.

10 Riflemen perservered through the ice-cold wind, rain and sleet; to earn right to be called Riflemen. 
And they are truly, 'Men who know very much, what they are about!'  Congratulations!
(Rembember, it's just the beggining.)

None, seemed too bothered that; on Sunday, we had to stop at just about every stage of the QDAQT, and run up to fix the faultering target-line.
Wind, rain and cardboard-Don't mix.

At lunch on Sat. JoeZ shared, with us, an excellent rendition of the First Strike.
Later, towards the end of the day, I made my own humble attempt at telling the Second.
JoeZ presided over the awards ceremony; handing out the 6 Rifleman patches of the day.
I could see the pride in his eyes as he handed one to his own son, Colin(who quickly accepted the Orange Hat)
JoeZ, as it turned out, was also to be part of the ceremonies. 
Colycat presented him with a well-earned Red Hat.  Congratulations!  It's been a long-time coming, and you've earned it!
(btw. I think it was so I could get that picture; in between hats.   ;D )

On Sunday, Aaashoot
Trisha gave a tearful Third Strike, pointing out that while the colonists could muster 14,000 men; about half of the attendees that day presumed they could muster 14.(Perhaps, we should tell them that they can't muster eachother, several times. ;) )
A few more shooters were presented the Rifleman patch.
We then returned to shoot a few more QDAQT's.  And got a couple more Riflemen. 
Bringing Sunday's total to 4!

Colycat, as always, ran an excellent shoot.
Safe, productive, and inspiring.

We were well-staffed with an excellent crew of IIT's.  Who showed their dedication to Liberty, perservering through the adverse conditions.  I believe the only gripe was that we did not get 100 Riflemen instead of 10.
It was encouraging to be amongst such well-disciplined IIT's. 
    Old Glory
    Ahhshoot
    Trisha
    Bedford
    Dragonfly
    Colorado(His first run at IIT)
    fedpowered
    JoeZWell he started the shoot as an IIT.
    Colin(Welcome aboard!)

We had several shooters who were really knocking on that door.  And they promised me they would go to the next one.

Well I'm sure your eyes are getting as fried as mine looking at the screen.


So I'll see you on the Appleseed Trail!


Aftermath


P.S.  I case you are wondering my trip home was rather without incident...Unless, WI is one of them states that can get you for speeding using one of
       them speed-trap signs that tell you how fast you are going.... @&)
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: Old Glory! on June 12, 2009, 02:08:17 AM
Aftermath,  Thanks for the great report.

Is there ANYONE here who still believes in coincidences?  That is just CRAZY!  Guess that is what happens when you put Appleseed into the TomTom.   :D
The inscription on the bell is pretty cool too. 

CONGRATULATIONS JOEZ ON THE RED HAT!  O0  Thank you for your dedication to Appleseed, and for your hospitality. 

Something that has not been mentioned on this AAR yet is the fact that we did not have the opportunity on Sunday afternoon to shoot known distance.  We had a downpour just at noontime, had to eat in our cars or drive to town.  Unfortunately, we couldn't use that time to talk together more.   

I hope that those of you who were hoping for KD are not too disappointed.   


Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: bahbec on June 17, 2009, 03:10:02 PM
I was going to try to PM a couple of ya since you've all been so helpful... but if I have a "dumb question", I figure somebody else might be wondering also, so might as well get it in the forum (and yes, I already tried searching around, but couldn't find the answer).

So I'm looking at getting a M1 Garand through the CMP (whilst I still can), but I'm a little confused about the grading. I've been able to figure out the basic grading criteria: Rack Grade, Field Grade, Service Grade, etc. But there are "sub grades" within each category, ie

Field Grade - RM1SAF
Field Grade - RM1HRAF

Service Grade - RM1SAS
Service Grade - RM1HRAS

So if anyone explain the grading criteria, it'll be much appreciated; as well as any input on whether the Service Grade would be worth the extra $100 or so.

Much thanks!
Bob
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: fepowered on June 17, 2009, 06:02:37 PM
Springfield Armory (S) and H&R (HR) are the 2 armorys which produced them as represented by those 2 catalog numbers. :)
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: JoeZ on June 17, 2009, 09:33:38 PM
As I understand it...

Service grade has a muzzle wear of 3 or less. (out of 10, three is ok, one is great and one half is new)
Service grade has a throat erosion of less than 5.( anything under 10 works)
Wood will be decent.

Field grade has a muzzle wear of 3+ to 5+ ( 5 is iffy)
Throat will be 3 to 7.
Wood will be rough looking.

Service grade with Greek surplus(CMP) will shoot 2 moa if your lucky or 4 moa at worst. Field grade will be slightly worse or you may luck out and get a good one. Put a sticky note in with your order requesting a shooter or a looker as you prefer, sometimes they help you out. Either is not bad for a reliable full power self loading rifle with 1000 rnds for $1000.
Title: Re: Shiocton June 6th and 7th 2009
Post by: bahbec on June 18, 2009, 01:48:17 AM
Woo Hoo!!! I just love it when the light bulbs go off :D

I've learned enough to be familiar with those names... but any insights/opinions on the pros or cons of each?