Project Appleseed

As written by ChuckA:

Saturday started out with 15 shooters, and an ample supply of light but steady liquid sunshine. After a rousing first strike by Admiral Kirk, P51 Mustang started us off with a safety brief. Following a good showing on the first Hits Count target instruction began. After a few squares it was apparent that our shooters had a good starting grasp on the 6 steps, with most groups shrinking below 6MOA. Continued rain, and a some thunder and lightning had the group assembled under cover for additional instruction. In true adaptive fashion, we weathered the weather, covering IMC and strikes 2 and 3 over lunch, hoping that the thunder and lightning would subside long enough for some more shooting.

At long last, a break, or so we thought. Just enough time for one square, before the "real rain" rolled in. Our motto became Semper Gumby, as we pulled a hasty rearward advance to the dry and heated classroom where we made the best of our time with additional POI's. In addition to some good discussion and hands on Q/A, since the grounds keeper left the sprinklers on, we decided to remain indoors for a little while longer, and cover the KD lecture. After some good questions, the precipitation ceased, and armed with buckets of knowledge, slightly dryer socks, and anxious trigger fingers, we returned to the range for more live fire exercises. Great perseverance and grit was shown by our shooters, and the State Coordinator saw it fit to recognize their good spirits with a special patch presentation. It was estimated that by the end of the day, most shooters were near or at 4MOA group, but with a 3 MOA shiver.

Sunday greeted us with slightly cooler temps, but much drier socks. There was even a reported glimpse of a glowing yellow orb poking through the clouds.
After our shooters (now numbering 11) engaged the Hits Count, we got right into it, verifying the progress on Saturday with a few squares, and some additional practice on seated and transition to prone.
The first AQT of Sunday minted 2 new Rifleman and 3 requalifications. Lily shot a 216, and Jim shot a 220 to earn their patch. Mike and Courtney, who joined us for day two requalified with a 239 and a 235, and Adam requalified with a 228. All excitedly were presented with their gold border patches, and continued to show they know what they are about, posting numerous additional Rifleman scores throughout the day. Our third new rifleman was minted  on a tube fed/bolt action. Charles certainly demonstrated determination and with a score of 215, and his smile was as shiny as that gold bordered patch. Congratulations Rifleman.

The Parkers Revenge target was unveiled, and after some strategizing, our 3 teams blazed away, each successfully scoring a hit on Col. Smith. Team 2 (Teak, Jim, and Graham took first place with a 47. It was agreed by all that the  new target is a big hit.

Shooters were regaled with the in-depth story on General Heath, and as 3:00 approached we began to prepare for the memorial volley. M-Dawg served as our Line Boss as out shooters and instructors paid respect to the fallen.

Our last redcoat of the day showed the levels of improvement, with 3 shooters clearing the target!

Many thanks to the Arnold Rifle and Pistol Club, the shooters for spending their time with us, and the Instructors. Congrats to our new and requalified rifleman, and to P51Mustang for completing his IIT3 PC.

Not many pictures from Saturday due to rain:

Flintlocks 2nd Strike




P51Mustang Briefing an AQT


Even in the rain, those R/W/B AQTs look sharp


A much drier Sunday


Parker ges his revenge



Some great coaching durring ball and dummy





M-Dawg calling the memorial Volley

No sunshine patriots at this one! 

One learns the difference between water resistant and water proof at these events.  Instructor ponchos hold up well.