Project Appleseed

The Henry County Sportsmen's Association served as host range for a Project Appleseed 25-meter rifle clinic during the last weekend of October 2024. You can never predict what sort of weather will be encountered in late October, but our event was blessed with sunny days, low humidity and temperatures in the mid-60s. Best of all, there was no wind.

Our initial 8 pre-registered students were joined by 4 walk-ons Saturday morning, and all got acquainted quickly. Our total group included 3 sets of Fathers and sons/daughters. The morning presentation of the First Strike by Headhunter hit home with those family units when they learned of the patriot sacrifice at Lexington on April 19, 1775.

All of the students were new to Appleseed. A majority of the group categorized themselves as beginner. Our youngest participant was 11 years old. Over the entire weekend the students were diligent in observing the safe rifle protocol, with only a few missed safeties and one unremoved magazine (all caught during line clearing).

The Saturday AM Redcoat versus the PM Redcoat documented the improvement experienced by the group. The hits on target doubled in the afternoon for all stages except the 300-yard silhouette. The pre-test/post-test format was valuable for confirming the value of the newly learned marksmanship skills. Because of the additional instruction provided to the new shooters, the first AQT was posted the next day.

Sunday morning was bright and sunny with a layer of frost. The frost quickly disappeared as safety, steady hold factors, six steps to firing a shot and NPOA were reviewed. Following the AM Redcoat, sighting zeros were confirmed, then on to additional instruction exercises. Students teamed-up for carding the sights and the ball and dummy run. The first AQT was posted mid-day with the second just after lunch. Congratulations to Jeff J. for becoming the event's first New Qualified Rifleman (216 score). Special mention for superior improvement goes to Josiah B., whose AQT score jumped from 75 on the first AQT to 192 on the second. No new riflemen were qualified during the third AQT, but the fourth AQT was the charm. Congratulations to Daniel F., who scored 210 and received the ritual baptismal from the Shoot Boss.

All of the students displayed the enthusiasm for learning new skills that will ultimately give them success at future Appleseed events. Keep up the good work. A Rifleman is persistent. Many thanks to Topper and Headhunter who served as IIT support. You guys made my job much easier, and your one-on-one instruction helped the students to progress. Headhunter, great job on delivering the Strikes.

I want to make a special shout out to Christopher and daughter Ariana. Thanks, Chris, for volunteering to support our medical emergency plan. Ariana, you were the youngest shooter on the line, but you kept up with everyone. Project Appleseed looks forward to your continued progress.

Again, I want to thank the Henry County Sportsmen's Association and club President Mary for giving Project Appleseed an opportunity to bring the experience of liberty to the public.

Third Degree

       

 Sounds like a great shoot, congratulations to the new Riflemen!

Wow, what a great weekend to spend with 12 new Appleseed friends.

The attention paid to the details paid big dividends at the target line. Everyone showed great improvement in rifleman skills.

Our youngest shooter Ariana. Thank you for spending the weekend with us and we'll see you soon.

Jeff was our first Rifleman of the weekend. Jeff scored a 216 on his second AQT of the weekend. His first AQT was cut short because he had dummy rounds in his magazine left over from the ball and dummy drill. Fine shooting, good job!

Our second Rifleman of the weekend was Dan. 

Dan might have chosen to squeak out one more point if he knew what happens when a 210 is the final tally.

Pond water was available, but Dan chose purified bottled water to be baptized in. 

I hope others will add their photos and comments.

Thanks to Third Degree, Headhunter, and Topper for a fun experience. We had a great time. Thanks, too, for the pictures.

Had an amazing weekend and great experience. This was my first ever Appleseed event but not my last! I'm an avid hunter and long time self taught shooter, learned so much in a short period of time. Thank you to Third Degree, Topper and Headhunter for giving your time and knowledge to help others.

The most improved AQT #1 to AQT #2 I have ever witnessed goes to JOE!