Project Appleseed

On Memorial Day Weekend Sunday, a group of seven shooters brought their pistols out to the fantastic Pikes Peak Gun Club to take a look at the new Appleseed Pistol program. It was fast-paced as we were racing to do as much as possible before the forecast severe weather rolled in; and we accomplished a lot!

All but one of our shooters were Appleseed "veterans" and this made for a very safe day on the range. After a review of safety and pistol handling, we got down to the business of pistol shooting fundamentals; grip and stance, firing the shot and natural point of aim. We worked on controlled pairs, target transition, reloads and shooting with only one hand. We delayed lunch and were able to get in a couple of the challenging Pistol Qualification Tests (PQTs).

Like I said, the pace was fast, even by the standards of a one-day shoot. Still every one made great progress. Dave had taken a fall the morning of the shoot but still persisted and got within striking distance of a patch. Two members of the Colorado Cadre did good work; Chris was within a few points of earning his Pistoleer™. Ray is a returning shooter and ran his 9mm like a pro; he was also within a couple points of making the mark. We had one newer shooter in amongst the "pros" and he never stopped improving through the entire event in both shooting and pistol handling - nice job Tim!! I hope we'll see you again. Bob was another shooter who needed an instructor to check his targets to see if he made the score.

We did have one shooter get over the mark and earn his patch. Paul got his patch on a rimfire and then changed over the center fire . . . and revolver! Get shooting Paul!

We finally decided to break for lunch when Zuke and Bravhrt told us the story of April 19th, 1775. I think it had a special meaning to all of us, making this event over Memorial Day Weekend even more special as we heard stories of sacrifice our founders made to give each of us the gift of Liberty we enjoy today.

"A country grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they shall never sit in." Greek Proverb

Is was a great honor to share a time and remember those men and women who "planted trees" of Liberty. May we honor their sacrifice by ensuring the continuation of that Liberty for our posterity.

After lunch we practiced some more PQTs, but we also took a break for a little fun competition. Even though Ray was shooting centerfire, he was able to put up a winning score and was awarded a challenge coin as his prize.


Nice work Ray!!

The severe weather did arrive with a bang, and everyone helped clean up the range just as lightning exploded all around us. We safely departed the range, but we still managed to get in eight PQTs which is a testament to the great group that was on the range (shooters and instructors).

From all your instructors, thanks for coming to spend the day with us. Please feel free to add any comments to this thread (registering for the forum is FREE). And we look forward to sharing the day with all of you again.


The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."― Edmund Burke.