Project Appleseed

Appleseed returns to Joe Foss Shooting Complex! 
http://joefossshootingrange.com/

We had another great event at JFR, this time with more shooters.  10 shooters arived Saturday morning to begin their Rifleman journey and 4 shooters were there to continue theirs. This was a very rewarding event for both the Shoot boss and the shooters.  On Sunday afternoon I asked the class. "You have all received two days of marksmanship training for less than $100. Do you all feel you got your monies worth?"  I received a resounding "YES!" from the group.

This venue is great for valley shooters.  It's relatively close.   Range fees are cheap ($6 a day).  We have TONS of room (shoots are capped at 40 participants).  Great supporting range staff.  Target frames are there ready to go. Good cover for shooters and room for gear.  Plenty of room for us to circle up around the the 'mat of knowledge' and talk through points of instruction in the shade.   

The weather?  Well, May in AZ can be quite nice, however we managed to pick one of hottest weekends this month with highs of 96.  This range usually gives some good gusts in the afternoon.  While the breeze was welcome  to cool us off, it really dries you out.  Come prepared with more water than you think you need.

On Saturday, we start with our point of instruction and after 'drinking from the fire hose' all morning shooters were getting into a grove.  This group of shooters had their rifles sighted in and were getting consistent groups.   After lunch we ran 'carding the sights' and 'ball and dummy' exercises.  After that it was time for transitions and we closed with a dirty AQT ready to run one for score first thing in the morning.  Everyone enjoyed the challenge and knew what they needed to do the next day.

Shooters returned on Sunday raring to go.  We had a great day getting in 8 AQT's and 2 drills for fun. In the morning we reconfirmed zeros and reviewed points of instruction.  We put some sighter squares on a 45 and put one round in each black square forcing NPOA acquisition. We got in 6 AQT's durring the day. 

After the lunch time history we went right into the Known Distance presentation, where we a great discussion about target ranging with a front sight, seeing the world in MOA, adapting a sight picture, and compensating for wind. Then the interested shooters were taken over to the 200 yard bay and let them find their come ups for 100 and 200 yards.  They enjoyed the opportunity to try their newly developed marksmanship skills at actual distance. The rest of the line got in an AQT and did a carnival shoot competing for 'who could shoot out the most black' of a 1" square. Learning that accuracy though volume is a false concept. The winners receiving fabulous prizes. 

By the time our event closed I had given out two Rifleman patches and an Orange Hat. Everyone was involved and engaged, making for an epic marksmanship clinic that helped me spread the word of our mission further down the alarm list. As a Shoot Boss, I could not ask for more.

I have some tips for attending an Appleseed at Joe Foss in the future.  First, this range gives us lot of breathing room. We can even do some actual known distance at 200 yards on Sunday. So, consider bringing a centerfire rifle.  If you have been to a Appleseed before and would like to keep your skills from perishing, come on out!  You can decide to attend the week of, even bring a friend! Walk-ons are very welcome here. If you only have one day, you will absolutely get something out of attending Saturday only. 

I recommend an ice chest with LOTS of water and a good lunch.  It's dry in the desert and you will need refreshments.  Eating a good lunch while we give our history is really fun on this range, we all get into it.  While there is shade, we do spend some time exposed.  Stuff I would bring... hat, long selves, lots of layers.  Sunscreen is an important layer in Arizona.  A good shooting mat and / maybe elbow pads. Four 10 round magazines and of course a genuine GI Sling already attached to your rifle. But most importantly, bring a good teachable attitude. You will make friends and learn something!

Feel free to email us with any questions before a shoot. The AZ cadre of instructors is thrilled to help you on your journey.

Please view the photos from this event at the link below.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/XRytJ2XxCdrjZ4Au6