Project Appleseed

The Piqua (Ohio) 25-meter rifle clinic held on October 28 and 29 was a very well attended event with 19 original registrants and 2 walk-ons. The weatherman promised intermittent rain for both days, but when the instruction began the rain abated long enough to complete all the live fire exercises. The weekend was overcast and in the lower 50's, so glare was not a problem.

For the Saturday portion 2/3 of the students were proficient or above, with many having previous Appleseed experience. This allowed the instructor crew to concentrate on the beginners to ensure safety and adherence to the fundamentals of marksmanship. Our youngest shooter was 11 years old, and she participated in every call to the line (both days).

The Saturday morning Redcoat established the typical baseline but included 6 Morgan shingles. When it was time for P.M. Redcoat, hits on target increased 60% across the board and one shooter cleared (congratulations Paloma!). The shooters moved quickly. We completed 3 AQT's on Saturday afternoon. Peter was a new Rifleman with a score of 229. Requalification's were achieved by Niki, Todd and Paloma.

Our Sunday event started with a voluntary worship offered by Wild Bill Cody. Following a brief review of the Safety Rules, Steady Hold Factors and NPOA, students retrieved rifles and posted the A.M. Redcoat. By this time, the early morning rain had turned from steady, to light mist to nothing but gray sky. 

The student group stood at 16 participants during the A.M. Redcoat. Overall results improved again, with 9 Morgan shingles. Three shooters cleared Redcoat target. Congratulations to Rob, Todd and Mike.

We were blessed with many experienced instructors which made it possible to conduct the carding exercise for confirming natural point of aim and ball and dummy exercise quickly. Following a rapid reconfirm on rifle zero with rifleman's cadence we were ready for the first AQT of the day. Niki requalified with a 239. AQT #2 was completed before lunch with many students scoring north of 200.

AQT#3 yielded much success. Two new Riflemen added their names to Shep's role call: Mike with a score of 228 and Aaron with 217. Two Riflemen requalified during this round: Todd with 228 and Tyler with 217. Paloma requalified with a Rifleman score of 223 on AQT #4.

We were on the eve of Halloween; it was time to do some festive! In Piqua, pumpkin shoot is a tradition. With the addition of 2 volunteer instructors, we formed 5 teams of three shooters. Each shooter loaded 20 rounds and given 45 seconds to make effective hits on target at 50 yards. First place would go to the team with the smallest clump of remains. Team Niki took the honors, with Team Abigale in second place. Shooter Rob volunteered to take the pumpkin bites to feed his chickens. By unanimous consent, students opted for AQT #5. Niki again requalified with a score of 227. The Sunday P.M. Redcoat was posted with 13 shooters and overall results improved again.

I will wrap up by thanking Piqua Fish and Game for hosting this event and remaining a strong supporter of Appleseed. These events foster long lasting memories. A rifleman is persistent. Rob, you were on the edge of Rifleman and cleared the Redcoat. Keep up the good work, you will succeed.
William Diamond patches were awarded to Abigale, Alex and Tori for completing the 2-day instruction. You represent our future. Take these lessons and carry on. Congratulations to Mac for being promoted to Instructor and Sparky117 for completing IIT2. Well done!

Many thanks to the strong corps of instructors who supported me during this event and Shep to endured my endless questions. I also want to thank Tina Marie for outstanding Applecore work!

Third Degree

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Great job everyone!  Glad to see so many dedicated shooters! Sorry I could only stop in for awhile Saturday morning.  Hope to see you again soon.

Congratulations Mac!

Looks like another great Piqua event! Congratulations to all!

What an outstanding event. Shooters were so engaged in all the instruction and course of fire.  Hope to see you all again in the spring.