Project Appleseed

Fourteen eager shooters enjoyed a late summer weekend and Magnolia State hospitality at the Coast Rifle and Pistol Club in Biloxi, MS.  They ranged from a mother who had never handled a firearm to veteran shooters.  In common they had a love of Liberty and a willingness to learn. 

Our local host, BiloxiSteve, grabbed our attention with the First Strike and kept it with the Second.  DUHON came over from AL with his exciting Third Strike.  I have never seen an audience so engaged.  Well done and thank you both. 

In between, the instruction went smoothly, as everyone focused intently.  I appreciated the tenacity of Doug, who wanted to shoot his tube-fed gun from childhood.  He moved quickly and with a purpose.   I admired the two shooters who brought stock rifles and resisted switching to loaners with better sights.  They wanted to learn to shoot their rifles.  That's the spirit!  But when they borrowed rifles on Sunday afternoon and instantly started shooting dramatically smaller groups, it was a real joy to watch.  Chris soon shot a 218! 

I heard from two husbands that their wives, both new to shooting and only able to come for Saturday, were eager to come back for Round 2.  I wouldn't bet against either of them earning a purple patch. 

Five youth confirmed for us that our Nation can have a bright future.  They were a pleasure to have on the Line.  And I thank their families for bringing them out. 

My thanks also go to Kenny.  His enthusiasm for Appleseed and America are inspiring.  It will be an honor to put an Orange Hat on his head soon. 

I enjoyed traveling down to the coast to work with a fine bunch of shooters. I am so pleased that they decided to get off the couch to attend an Appleseed to learn some history about the founding of their nation and to receive some outstanding marksmanship instruction. Keep working hard to improve your marksmanship skills. Tell everyone about Appleseed and get them to sign up for a shoot. Don't forget Pensacola is 10-6.
Thank you LawDog, Biloxi Steve, and T-Dog for your dedication.

DUHON

Thank you guys so much for putting on a great event.  It was my first Appleseed and I couldn't be more pleased with the instruction, the history, and the overall experience.  My wife had never shot a rifle before the event and now feels completely comfortable with how to be sure the rifle has been made safe, operation of the rifle, and shooting.  On the way home at the end of the weekend she wanted to know when we could go out to a range and shoot again.  I appreciate how accommodating the instructors were with any participant's physical limitations and how willing they were to work around rifle limitations as well.  Safety was first and foremost at the event and the instructors did an incredible job making sure that there were no mishaps and everyone felt comfortable and safe on the line.

One thing that surprised me greatly was how physically demanding a full day of shooting was.  The instructors were not joking about taking an Advil that night.  I had lots of sore muscles that apparently don't get worked sitting in an office chair.

I enjoyed shooting my tube fed Marlin 60, but after getting much better groups and a more consistent cheek weld on the Marlin 795 I think I may swap out for another 795 or get a Ruger 10/22 to round out the family.

LawDog, Biloxi Steve, Duhon, and of course young T-Dog.  Thank you for giving up your weekend to spend with us.  We greatly appreciated it and I plan to attend future events.  Also thanks to the Coast Rifle and Pistol Club.  The range was wonderful and with the sun blazing I appreciated the covered shooting line.

I've been spreading the word around the office about how great a time I had and hope that more folks will come out and get to share the same experience.  Appleseed is definitely for everyone.

I was also thrilled to be able to watch Chris continue to refine his shooting after each AQT and finally achieving his rifleman patch on Sunday.

Doug

Doug - it was a pleasure to have you on the Firing Line.  I look forward to seeing you and your wife - and LOTS of friends - next time.  Keep practicing.  You have what it takes.
LD