Project Appleseed

Eight Appleseeders gathered on the Noller Farm up in the far northwestern corner of Illinois and held the first ever Rimfire Know Distance event in Illinois! Conditions were perfect; for July in the Midwest, temps were moderate (80 degrees) with sunshine and sometimes even a little breeze. Shooters took the line and learned about working their rifles at ranges beyond our normal 25m events. There was a quick review of the fundamentals followed by trajectory and comeups, drop data collection and recording and correcting for winds among other topics. The group then used what they learned to shoot the Appleseed Qualification Test "at distance".

All the shooters had attended prior Appleseed events and it showed. Hannah, who was attending only her second rifle event, shot a 35 with her ruger takedown! Mark, Keith and Terry would all shoot a qualifying score with Terry turning in a 48/50 performance for the high score of the weekend. We also had Stone Fence and CheriesGeek get some rounds down range.On one trip to the "far line" we had 4 out of 5 shooters with 20 out of 20 and the other shooter at 16. Just a very safe and skilled group of shooters.

We also took some time to share some interesting history from the American Revolution in between shooting and learning about the Three Challenges of the Rifleman. It was a great day to spend with fellow Americans enjoying our marksmanship heritage and the history of our founding. Thanks to all those who were able to attend and I look forward to seeing you all again at a future event. (Full Distance Events in Indiana, Michigan and Iowa this year??)

I'll post a few pictures as I get caught up. Big thanks to Tom and his family for opening up his farm for this event and to IXOYE for setting things up and bringing out the equipment to make the event better (especially the huge covers/tarp)!

Click on the photos to view full size and click again to shrink back down.

Group Photo

Several shooters earned their Rimfire KD patch. Congratulations!

Some shooters in the prone . . .

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This was event followed a Pistol Clinic on the previous day and all of our shooters attended both events. Several of us camped out on the farm on Saturday night.

This is just after dawn on the event day. Beautiful!

I want to give a special and public Thank You to both the Noller farm and our participant Keith.  We had some vehicle issues getting to the event.  The family at the farm allowed my wife to borrow their truck to get parts.  Talk about feeling like part of a family. 

For the RFKD, I helped run the line most of the day.  Keith decided to take a break during one AQT.  He offered his rifle, ammo, and data to me.  I gladly took his offer.  Keith even loaded mags for me.  Talk about the royal treatment.  In the process of shooting the AQT, I found a gap in his data and helped get it corrected for future engagements at 75yds.  If anyone in interested, there is a difference between 2 CLICKS and 2 MOA.  That difference will put you about 1 1/4" low at 75 yards.

First off, I'd like to echo the thanks to Tom Noller and his family for hosting this weekend's events. Much effort goes into prepping the range and making everything ready for us.  Thanks

This was an especially great weekend for me.  Though I"ve been to previous Appleseeds , some things that hadn't set in finally clicked.  The RKD is a great way to see that what is taught at 25 meter events works just as well as the distance increases. Add in a little work on trajectory and you're right on target.

Another great part of an Appleseed event is the like minded people you meet at these events.  We had a small but fun group at this event. Keith, an old Appleseed friend and I always have a bit of competition at these events. He got me on the last AQT but I got the higher score for the day between us. The competition continues. Dave who I've met here in Stockton before was also throwing lead down range.  Mark collected himself another patch for the weekend. And Hannah, the rose among the thorns, is well on her way to earn the coveted patch.

Last, but far from least I want to thank the great instructors who traveled far to make this event possible.  Captain led a very
well oiled event and offered instruction that corrected some bad habits that I had. Little things make big difference.  Geek provided some stories of country's founding as well as tips down the shooting line.  Rex has to be one of the most organized
and ingenious person I've ever met. His tarp provided  shade that made the hot sun bearable.  A hearty HUZZAH to you all and hope that I meet you again along the trail.